Life as a House - By Mark Andrus
LIFE AS A HOUSE
WRITTEN BY MARK ANDRUS
FADE IN:
A clock alarm SOUNDS over TITLES on BLACK. We HEAR someone
clearing congested lungs, coughing up phlegm; a slight crash
STOPS both the cough and the alarm.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - MORNING
The cottage is a tiny, peeling paint rat-trap set dead center
on a small ocean front cul-de-sac, surrounded by four massive
post-modern mansions.
INT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK BEDROOM - MORNING
GEORGE NELSON, 42, squints and shivers as the spotty morning
light and ocean breeze enter through an open window. Bold
waves crash against the cliffs outside the room. A five-foot
wide stack of hand hewed beams are piled pyramid style,
making movement in the room next to impossible. George
stands shirtless in underwear and coughs again. He steps
over a pile of tools and stands at the window, facing the
sea. A happy sounding tune by Guster, "WHAT YOU WISH FOR,"
begins with the lyrics: 'Woke up today, to everything gray
and all that I saw just keeps going on and on...'
EXT. WEBBER'S HOUSE - MORNING
The post-modern house is three-levels of concrete and glass.
INT. SAM WEBBER'S BEDROOM - MORNING
SAM is sixteen with spiky black hair, a nose ring, two
earrings and painted black nails. The song continues with:
'...sweep all the pieces under the bed, close all the
curtains and cover my head.' Sam looks wasted as he climbs
out of bed and rummages through his dresser, retrieving an
empty bottle of prescription drugs; he tosses the bottle. He
walks to a desk where a half-built model of a house sits
unfinished and squeezes glue into a plastic bag and sniffs
it. Sam enters the closet and digs into a pile of dirty
clothes, pulling out the tie to a robe; he knots it around
the closet pole and then twists it once to form a noose. He
slips his neck through the noose and lowers his body; though
we don't see exactly what he's doing below his neck, it's
evident through his jerking arm that he's masturbating.
EXT. BECK'S OCEAN FRONT MANSION - MORNING
COLLEEN BECK, George's next-door neighbor, is a well
maintained blonde in her late thirties. She walks out of the
angular concrete mansion, grabs the paper and walks back in.
INT. BECK'S KITCHEN - MORNING
This is a minimalist kitchen, with pored concrete walls and
stainless steel cabinets.
Colleen drops the paper on the table and walks to the sink to
wash her hands. The SONG CONTINUES: '...If this serenade is
not what you want, it's just how it is...' Colleen appears
distracted for a moment. She walks outside onto the terrace
with wet hands, then bolts back in, breezing through the
kitchen with purpose.
INT. ALYSSA BECK'S BATHROOM - MORNING
ALYSSA is sixteen and perfect with strawberry blonde hair and
white teeth; her head is partially out the bathroom window.
Colleen bursts in, eases Alyssa aside and with effort, sticks
her head out of the same high open window.
COLLEEN
This is ridiculous!
We must not see exactly what they see, but out the window and
almost beyond view, a stream of urine arks out from George
Nelson's beach house bedroom, into the pacific ocean some
twenty-feet below. The piss stops. Colleen bangs her head
trying to get it back inside the house.
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - MORNING
ROBIN WEBBER is George's ex-wife, still beautiful at forty.
She herds two boys, RYAN (8) and ADAM (7), down the hall.
ROBIN
Run downstairs and give your dad a hug.
RYAN
Why?
ROBIN
He'll be gone for his birthday.
ADAM
Can we have a party for him while he's
gone?
Robin stops and KNOCKS on a bedroom door.
ROBIN
I hope you're showered and ready for
school!
A loud CRASH stops Ryan and Adam at the top of the stairs.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - MORNING
Robin rushes in and glances around the room for her son.
ROBIN
Sam?!
INT. SAM'S WEBBER'S CLOSET - MORNING
The closet pole and a long line of clothes have been felled
by Sam's dangerous whack-off technique; he's on the floor
with the robe tie still around his neck and a pile of shirts
sprawled over him. The song continues: '...come out come
out, wherever you are, would you do it all over right from
the start, and what you wish for won't come true, you aren't
surprised to love, are you?'
Robin stops at the door, trying to figure out why her son is
sitting in a pile of his own clothes. Ryan and Adam join
her, looking equally perplexed.
EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S CUL-DE-SAC - MORNING
George's dog, GUSTER, is doing his business on the lawn of a
modern day robber baron, DAVID DOKOS, who exits his house
with a briefcase. He hops into his Mercedes and proceeds to
chase Guster straight across his well-manicured grass.
Guster easily escapes death and runs off. George walks out
of his shack as David hops the curb, flips him off and drives
away. George waves goodbye.
GEORGE
Stick it up your ass! Have a nice day.
(glancing around)
Guster!
Guster runs to his side as Colleen rushes out of her house.
COLLEEN
This has got to stop!
GEORGE
He escaped. He's going back in.
COLLEEN
Does it give you some sort of perverse
pleasure to expose your...penis in plain
view of my sixteen year-old daughter?
GEORGE
There are no windows facing
my...exposure.
COLLEEN
George, this is the third time.
GEORGE
The plumber's due out on Friday.
COLLEEN
You'll have to explain that to the
police.
GEORGE
You were the only neighbor I could
tolerate.
COLLEEN
I did warn you.
GEORGE
My life is a warning. I just can't
figure out for what.
Colleen shies away from George's stare; he finally turns and
walks toward the house but stops short as he turns back.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Colleen, how hard was it for you to get
your head outside that window far enough
to see my dick?
This stops Colleen for a moment; it was difficult. George
walks back to the cottage and locks Guster in before stepping
into an old Ford truck and driving off. Colleen watches him
drive off, then turns to her house and stares.
INT. WEBBER'S DINING ROOM - MORNING
PETER WEBBER, Robin's husband, is a distinguished,
intimidating man with silver hair and an expensive suit.
LOIS, the maid, serves French toast to Ryan and Adam as Robin
sips tea.
ADAM
Sam broke his closet.
Peter glances at Robin, who shrugs.
ROBIN
I don't have a clue anymore. I wish
you'd talk to him. He needs a man.
PETER
His father is a man.
ROBIN
A man he respects.
Sam walks into the room from the hall, outfitted in all black
with kick ass boots.
SAM
Thanks for talking about me behind my
back...useful in court.
PETER
Are you wearing eye shadow?
Adam, Ryan and Robin check out the eye shadow.
SAM
No.
PETER
Take it off.
Sam flutters his eyelids in defiance of his stepfather.
PETER (CONT'D)
Do it now!
SAM
If I walk out the door, who's gonna be
here tonight for the follow through?
Peter hesitates for just a second.
SAM (CONT'D)
Have a nice flight.
Sam's out the door with his eye shadow intact.
RYAN
Queer.
ROBIN
What did you say?
RYAN
Dad said it first.
Robin focuses on Peter, who simply shrugs. Adam stands up,
walks over to his father and gives him a hug.
ADAM
I get chocolate cake for your birthday.
PETER
Are your hands clean?
Adam is quick to back away from his father and lick the
fingers of one hand.
INT. COMMUTER TRAIN - MORNING
George is resting his head against the glass window as he
stares out at the blighted landscape leading to downtown Los
Angeles. A sudden pang tightens his face; he presses his
hand against his stomach and closes his eyes.
EXT. LAGUNA BEACH HIGH SCHOOL - MORNING
Sam is alone at the back of the parking lot, sitting on the
hood of an old Saab, smoking as two boys, JOSH and MAREK,
both seventeen, park a Porsche and pull Alyssa Beck (George's
peeping neighbor) and another girl out of the backseat.
MAREK
Dude, nice look.
Sam simply nods as Marek and the other girl laugh at his all
black garb, earrings and eye shadow.
ALYSSA
I saw your dad this morning.
Sam drops his cigarette and stomps it out as he stands; his
face lightens as Alyssa waves before walking away.
JOSH
Been thinking?
SAM
No.
MAREK
Forget him!
JOSH
Two hours a week for three-hundred cash.
The whole summer. Do the math.
(as a dig)
They consider that a hatchback or a
station wagon? Oh, that isn't yours
anyway, is it?
Josh raises his eyebrows and smiles before walking away. Sam
faces the Saab and kicks the bumper as hard as he can.
Suddenly, a boy (COREY) bolts up from the back seat.
COREY
I was in total REM, man!
INT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES HIGHRISE - LATE MORNING
The architectural firm of Benson and Feinsilber occupies the
entire fortieth floor; George Nelson is their sole model
maker. Rather than offices, most of the space is open,
segmented only by portable low walls. Along the outer walls,
below the long line of windows, is a shelf filled with
amazingly intricate models. George is alone in a cubicle of
his own, cutting polystyrene with a hot wire. STEVEN GARDNER
rounds a corner with a velocity that makes George flinch.
STEVEN
Done...close to done?
GEORGE
I'm doing the grass.
STEVEN
Fuck the grass. Who said grass?
Steven exits as quickly as he entered, but as soon as George
goes back to work, Steven pops his head back in.
STEVEN (CONT'D)
Burke bided out the Berlin Plaza. Did he
tell you?
GEORGE
I was going to start Monday.
STEVEN
He likes the look of the computer models,
anyway. You take too long.
(beat)
After you mow the grass, would you mind
bringing the house to my office? I have
a presentation to make.
George simply stares as Steven nods and leaves.
EXT. HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA ATRIUM - LUNCHTIME
Sam is by himself, his eyes closed, listening to music
through headphones as Alyssa stops to stare; she visually
scans him head to foot, appearing slightly perplexed as a
friend passes.
FRIEND
I wouldn't make a habit of it.
ALYSSA
Okay.
The friend walks on; after a beat, Alyssa does too.
EXT. TOP OF THE WORLD PARK - EVENING
In the distance, the sun colors the sky a blinding orange as
it sets. A Range Rover with blackened windows is parked
behind a Porsche. 'TINTED WINDOWS,' an up-tempo tune with a
hand clapping by the Pansy Division, begins: 'A bed would be
a treat/But all we've got is this backseat/Tinted windows are
a beautiful thing.'
Through the front windshield, we can see Marek sitting in the
passenger's seat with his eyes closed.
ANOTHER VIEW
Josh, Marek's friend, is sitting on a bench in the park
behind the cars. 'A dark secluded spot/In a deserted parking
lot/Tinted windows are a wonderful thing.'
Suddenly, the passenger door on the Rover opens and Marek
climbs out, brushing his hair with his hands before casually
checking his zipper. He closes the door and the car speeds
away. Josh walks to Marek and wordlessly they climb into the
Porsche and drive off.
EXT. GEORGE NELSON'S BEACH SHACK - DAY
George is shirtless in his front yard, hand hewing a twenty
foot beam. One strong, long pull and a thin shaving flutters
to the ground; Guster nabs it and starts to chew.
GEORGE
You'll crap real logs if you keep eating
wood.
Guster appears unconcerned as he awaits a new shaving.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hi, Mr. Nelson.
George glances up, wipes the sweat from his forehead as
Alyssa walks toward him in white shorts and a tee shirt.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Sorry I got you into trouble.
GEORGE
I'll survive.
George goes back to works and Guster taste tests shavings as
Alyssa searches for something else to say.
ALYSSA
Does Sam have any friends?
George stops and looks up; he has no idea how to answer.
GEORGE
He must.
ALYSSA
He seems lonely.
GEORGE
Are you his friend?
ALYSSA
No.
GEORGE
Why?
ALYSSA
Marilyn Manson...and I guess he's into
guys. I hate nose rings. And the blue
eye shadow thing really isn't working.
George is totally confused, unsure most of the answer, but
before he can question her, a police car pulls to a stop;
OFFICER KURT WALKER steps out.
KURT
Thought I'd run over the list.
Officer Walker removes a pad from his pocket and flips
through to find his place.
ALYSSA
This is such a street of whiners.
KURT
From Tuesday to yesterday, not including
Monday or today. Okay...Mrs. Dokos is
repeatedly running over her lawn. The
Corliss' have attributed the increase in
rat population in their environs to the
state of your...structure.
ALYSSA
IPO's caused the rat population on this
street.
Officer Walker focuses on Alyssa.
KURT
And of course the Beck's, with the...
ALYSSA
It could have been a squirt gun.
KURT
(to George)
You've been good this week.
GEORGE
You forgot David Dokos and Tom and
Barbara.
Kurt stuffs his pad back into his pocket.
KURT
Mr. Dokos calls animal control for Guster
and I was out here on the other.
(pointing to the plane)
Do you mind?
George hands him the plane and Kurt begins to work the wood.
ALYSSA
Are you guys' friends?
KURT
We've known each other since grade
school.
ALYSSA
I mean, but did you both go camping on
weekends? Listen to music? Masturbate
together? Talk on the phone?
George doesn't answer and Kurt keeps working.
KURT
Hunted rabbit in the hills.
Alyssa stares at George, disappointed.
GEORGE
I aimed high.
KURT
We just weren't very much alike, I guess.
I don't know.
(casually; to George)
I liked your dad more than I liked you.
ALYSSA
I wouldn't want you as a friend.
KURT
George just never really...aimed that
high. Even with not hitting a rabbit. I
knew you were doing that, by the way.
That's why I stopped doing it with you.
You were no fun. It was always like you
were frightened. Quiet and boring.
Kurt is beginning to perspire as he shaves food off the beam
for Guster.
ALYSSA
Funny how he's the architect and you're
just a loud mouth cop.
KURT
He builds models for architects. His
dad, on the other hand, was the real
deal. Designed and built the coolest
houses I've ever seen.
GEORGE
Was bankrupt and dead before I was
twenty.
KURT
Left you this place.
GEORGE
It was in my name so he wouldn't lose it.
He stole it from everyone that deserved
it by putting me on title.
KURT
Do you know what I'd give to have this!
Forget how I got it! I can't afford dirt
in this town. I live in Riverside,
Goddammitt And you get to piss in the
ocean.
Kurt stops working and steps back.
KURT (CONT'D)
Your kid was down around Diver's Cover
again, smoking pot. I didn't write him
up...told him I wouldn't tell you...
GEORGE
Thanks for telling me.
KURT
At least your father tried, George.
Kurt walks to his car and drives off. There's a moment of
awkwardness with Alyssa. George walks into his house leaving
Alyssa with Guster.
INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Robin is sitting at the kitchen counter, cutting carrots;
through the French doors, she's able to watch Ryan and Adam,
along with a few friends, play in the pool.
GEORGE (O.S.)
I could be anyone.
Robin jerks with fright as half the carrots roll to the
floor.
ROBIN
Then why do you stay you?
George picks up the carrots and washes them in the sink.
GEORGE
You should lock your doors.
ROBIN
Ring the bell before you try the door.
George bites into a carrot as Robin starts chopping again.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Did Sam call to tell you he wouldn't be
over this weekend?
GEORGE
You let him pierce his nose?
Robin snatches the carrot from George's hand and chops it up.
ROBIN
Lock the door behind you.
GEORGE
Where is he?
ROBIN
Where he always is.
George takes Robin's hand and removes the knife.
GEORGE
Not that I don't trust you.
As George lets go, Robin holds on; he appears surprised by
her grip of his wrist. Robin's eyes well with tears.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I should have knocked.
George is clearly not comfortable with his ex-wife's hold of
him, with her tears.
ROBIN
What kind of a mother can't stand her
son?
George jerks his arm away from her grip.
GEORGE
I don't know.
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALL - AFTERNOON
George is tense and he walks to Sam's door and KNOCKS.
GEORGE
Why aren't you coming in for the weekend?
(beat)
Sam?!
Nothing. George tries the door - it's locked. Frustrated,
he walks back down the hall and down the stairs.
INT. WEBBER'S KITCHEN - AFTERNOON
Outside, the boys are engaged in a raucous version of Marco
Polo. Robin is at the sink; she holds her hair back with one
hand and splashes water on her face with the other. George
walks by outside, carrying a ladder.
EXT. WEBBER'S BACKYARD - AFTERNOON
Ryan is the first to notice George.
ADAM
Marco!
RYAN
What are you doing?
ADAM
I'm not cheating! I'm not looking!
Robin wipes her face with a hand towel as she rushes out.
ROBIN
What are you doing?
GEORGE
He doesn't answer.
The boys have stopped playing; Adam opens his eyes.
ROBIN
He never answers.
GEORGE
Why does he have a lock on his door?
ROBIN
Because he put the lock on! Do you think
I told him he could have a nose ring?!
Why do you ask me everything you should
ask him!? I don't know anything,
anymore!
The boys line up against the edge of the pool and watch
George extend the ladder against the house and climb.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
You climb up there and tell him what he
can and can't do. Take him for the
summer, okay? Whip him into shape. Cut
his hair. Make him smile. Let him hate
you for a while!
(sadly)
You're too late for heroics, George.
George lops a leg over the railing and steps onto the bedroom
balcony. He peers into the room through the sliding glass
door and tries to open it (locked) before removing the screen
to the small open window beside it. He climbs in.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Sam is asleep on his bed in his underwear, wearing
headphones. On the floor is an aerosol can of whipping
cream. George picks up the can and tosses it in the trash.
He focuses back on his son with his nose ring, earrings, blue
eyeshadow and thin, pale white body. Sam is soundly asleep.
George gently removes the headphones from his son's head;
drum heavy music surges from the small, padded speakers.
GEORGE
You need every brain cell you've got.
A KNOCK on the door stirs Sam more than his father's voice.
SAM
(half-asleep)
Leave me alone!
Sam's eyes are still closed as he shifts onto his side.
George opens the door; Robin is weak and weepy.
ROBIN
I don't know what to do, anymore. Take
him. You take him.
(hostile)
You're such a good father.
George walks out of the room, around Robin and down the
stairs without a word. Sam stirs at the sound and sits up to
confront his mother.
SAM
What are you doing in my room?
ROBIN
I didn't go in your room.
SAM
I locked the door! Get out! I locked
the door! Get out!
EXT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Robin grabs the door and closes it quickly, but doesn't move.
SAM (O.S.)
Stupid bitch! Liar! I locked the door!
I don't sneak around your room! Liar!
INT. SAM'S ROOM - AFTERNOON
Sam rushes over to the window and stares down at the screen
and ladder. Ryan, Adam and their friends are still in the
pool, holding onto the coping, staring up at Sam. Sam slams
the window shut and searches for the can of whipping cream.
He gets down on his knees to search under the bed. Standing
and making one more pass of the room, he notices the can in
the trash. He instantly focuses all his rage at the closed
door.
SAM
This is my room! You have no right in
here! This is mine!
INT. WEBBER'S UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - AFTERNOON
Robin is sitting on the floor at the top of the stairs,
staring blankly down at the foyer of this modernist mansion.
SAM (O.S.)
Why can't you all just die and leave me
alone!
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - MORNING
The traffic is thick and loud and the sky is a blanket of
brown as George makes his way down a sidewalk mixed with
professionals and panhandlers. Suddenly sick, George rushes
to the side of a building and vomits.
INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES - MORNING
George wipes a clump of wet paper towel against the vomit
stain on his cuff as he walks through the pockets of cubicles
to a large enclosed office. A SECRETARY smiles as she stands
up from her desk and opens the door.
SECRETARY
Good morning.
GEORGE
Is there a...
He holds out the wad of wet paper towels, but before he can
say trashcan, BRYAN BURKE stands up from behind his desk.
BRYAN
George, have a seat! I've got juice.
INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE - MORNING
George steps in and the secretary closes the door to the
office. Bryan approaches with his arm outstretched, but
George can only raise the paper towels.
GEORGE
A bird caught me.
Bryan grabs a trashcan and holds it up; George tosses the
ball into the trash and sits down.
BRYAN
Orange juice...croissant?
Bryan motions with his hand as he sits.
GEORGE
I'm good, thanks.
BRYAN
What are you on?
GEORGE
Pardon me?
BRYAN
how much weight have you lost?
GEORGE
Oh...nothing. Thirty pounds. I just
haven't been very hungry.
BRYAN
How's your wife?
GEORGE
When we divorce a decade ago, she was
very, very angry.
(beat)
Now she's just hostile.
Bryan nods and laughs as he takes a chunk of croissant and
chews as he talks.
BRYAN
Right...she married...what was he?
GEORGE
He buys and sells the world.
BRYAN
Peter Webber! Right. Quite the
spotlight on that guy.
GEORGE
I did tell you, didn't I? That I'd be
ready to start the Berlin model today?
BRYAN
Well, that's sort of...you're sure you're
not hungry?
Bryan is anxious as he holds up the rest of the croissant.
George shakes his head "no". Bryan tosses his croissant into
the trash can and leans forward.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
This isn't me.
(beat)
We can show clients endless options,
change anything in a matter of hours on
the computer. But you won't change.
GEORGE
Typing and clicking myself to renderings
isn't why I started building models.
BRYAN
All of us are typing and clicking,
George. Whether we want to, or not.
GEORGE
I'm not.
BRYAN
Which is why we bid out a quarter of our
projects. It doesn't make a lot of sense
anymore to want what we don't have and
don't want what we do.
George glances around the office, angered by the thought he's
being fired.
GEORGE
I've been here twenty years.
BRYAN
Maybe that's too long.
GEORGE
(hopeful)
Maybe...?
BRYAN
That's too long.
George nods as he stares at Bryan.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Listen, they decided on a week a year
severance, but I got them to twenty-six.
That's six months salary, George.
Medical and everything for six months.
You can learn all you need to on the
computer long before that. Maybe find a
job closer to home.
Bryan is rattled by George's blank stare. He takes his glass
of orange juice and sits back in his chair, taking a sip, all
the while keeping an eye on George.
GEORGE
My wife left me because I wasn't...very
emotional. I kept trying to explain that
my father sucked all the emotion from me.
Drunks do that, sometimes. Make their
kids afraid. Make them unwilling to
express themselves.
Bryan knows he's supposed to say something, he just can't
seem to figure out what.
BRYAN
Oh.
GEORGE
How old are you?
BRYAN
Forty.
GEORGE
We were probably in school together. You
went to Berkley?
Bryan lights up at the sound of his Alma matter.
BRYAN
Class of eighty-six! I didn't know you
were there.
GEORGE
I was a sophomore when I got the call my
parents were dead.
This is not the direction Bryan had hoped the conversation
was headed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
My dad had a blood alcohol level of .18.
A little high. Drove right into oncoming
traffic. Killed my mother with him. A
lady in another car. Hurt her daughter.
A five-year old girl. I think about her
still.
Bryan wants this to end. He leans forward with a whisper.
BRYAN
Listen...maybe I can get you a year.
GEORGE
I hate this job.
BRYAN
What are you talking about? You love
your job.
GEORGE
From the day I started...to today. Can't
stand it.
Bryan is perplexed as George stands.
BRYAN
Then it sounds like I'm doing you a
favor.
GEORGE
It may sound that way, but I react out of
fear. My life has nothing to do with
what I like or don't like. You haven't
been listening, have you?
BRYAN
I didn't know there would be a quiz,
George.
GEORGE
For everything.
BRYAN
Well, I feel better about this now.
GEORGE
Good. I was hoping for that.
Relieved and not understanding anything about irony, Bryan
stands and extends his hand. George shakes Bryan's hand
without malice.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I've got one favor to ask.
BRYAN
What can I do for you, George?
GEORGE
I built my first model here when I was
twenty. There are hundreds of them on
shelves around the office. Twenty years
of my life. I was wondering if I might
be able to pick a few to keep, to take
home? Only the ones that really mean
something to me.
Bryan recoils slightly from the request.
BRYAN
Oh, well...those are...I mean, we don't
get to keep our work. I could maybe ask
them if you could choose one. But, you
know, frankly George, you were the best.
Computer models can't begin to match the
beauty you gave yours. They're a part of
this firm. They inspire me. I go out
there and sometimes just stare at
something I've designed. It amazes me.
I would miss that too much.
(beat)
Look, I may be going out on a limb, but
you go out there and look them over,
every single one of them and pick the one
you like the best and take it with you.
Just run it by me first, just in case,
you know...but I'm sure it'll be okay.
GEORGE
Thank you.
BRYAN
Well, it's the least I can do.
GEORGE
Yes, it is.
George nods and leaves. Bryan looks lost and guilty again.
INT. BENSON, KIDDLER, FEINSILBER AND ASSOICATES - MORNING
George walks around the maze of cubicles back to his own. He
finds an empty box and starts to pack. Against a wall, a
large rack is filled with spools of architectural plans.
George pulls one of the plans down, rolls it out and detaches
the wooden spool. Without warning and with a fury hard to
fathom, he proceeds to bat and smash a shelf of beautifully
rendered models. Heads pop up in other cubicles as George
walks out of his own and armed with a frightening rage,
methodically attacks model after model resting on shelves
just below massive plate glass windows that frame downtown
Los Angeles. Steven Gardner, who asked for his model without
grass, rushes to within feet of George as he witness his
creation deconstruct into shards of cardboard and plastic.
STEVEN
Mother of God! Not my house!
George stops for a second to focus on Steven, but Steven is
smart enough to run. George continues on with the business
of disassembling his work.
VOICE
Oh, please, please, no!
The plea is instantly followed by a pathetic low whine.
George works up a sweat as he whacks model after model;
portions of plastic walls or window splatter the office as
though bombed in war. Bryan Burke's secretary inches as
close as she dares.
SECRETARY
Uh...Mr. Burke would like a word with
you, George.
George lowers his stick as he faces her.
GEORGE
Oh...okay.
SECRETARY
In his office. When you're able.
GEORGE
Thank you.
With that, George finishes what he began only minutes prior:
the complete and utter destruction of every model displayed
on every shelf in the office, save one. Workers huddle
together, collectively moaning and moving en mass from the
mayhem. George picks up the sole surviving model in his arms
and cradles it carefully as he walks into Bryan Burke's
office.
INT. BRYAN BURKE'S OFFICE - MORNING
Bryan cowers behind his desk as George enters with his model
in one hand and the long wooden stick in the other.
GEORGE
I'll take this one, if that's okay?
It takes Bryan a few aborted attempts to answer before he
simply nods.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Thank you for going out on a limb and
allowing me one.
Bryan nods again, then quivers as George steps forward, leans
the stick against the desk and extends his hand.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You're a great architect and a miserable
human being.
Bryan winces as he extends his hand. They shake hands and
George grabs hold of the stick again.
BRYAN
Thank you.
George walks around the desk and bashes in a model hidden on
the floor, one that Bryan had obviously wanted to save.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
Oh, fuck!
George drops the wooden spool and walks out of the office as
Bryan garners the courage to stand.
BRYAN (CONT'D)
You're not even an architect and you're a
miserable human being.
George turns around only long enough to answer.
GEORGE
You're right. You win.
George closes the door behind him. Bryan stares down at the
remains of the model; he gets down on his knees and carefully
gathers up the pieces.
EXT. DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES - MORNING
George is sweating as he walks with his box of personal items
under one arm and the model under the other. Dizzy, he stops
for a moment and tires to orient himself, glancing one way,
then the other before staggering back and pressing himself
against the building for support. Sweat beads and drops from
his nose and chin as the song, 'ACROSS THE UNIVERSE' begins
by The Beatles. George sets the box down but clings tightly
to the model as he closes his eyes.
'Pools of sorrow, waves of joy are drifting through my open
mind, possessing them, caressing me...'
George drops face first to the cement, crushing the model
beneath him.
MONTAGE AS THE SONG CONTINUES
George is probed and poked by doctor after doctor. An
ultrasound test followed by a CT scan, followed by a MRI
results in more tests.
A flexible tube is slid down George's throat as dye is shot
into his body. 'Sounds of laughter, shades of life are
ringing through my open view, inciting them, inviting me...'
A long blunt needle is shoved into George's side for a biopsy
of his pancreas. X-rays are lit and highlighted as doctors
ponder the specks, the disease.
Finally, George is opened up; nearly bloodless slice through
skin, muscle and fat reveals death. 'Limitless undying love,
which shines around me like a million suns, which calls me on
and on across the universe...'
George is wheeled down a long hall to the critical care unit.
'Nothing's going to change my world, nothing's gonna change
my world...'
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - EVENING
George tries to sit up, but falls back as he closes his eyes,
opens his eyes, closes his eyes.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
That took care of the pain?
George opens his eyes again as an attractive NURSE enters
with a tray of food.
GEORGE
I could kiss you.
The nurse smiles as she lifts the cover off the dinner.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
No food. I'm painless.
She raises George's bed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
What would you do if you had three or
four months to live?
The nurse glances over at the other patient in the room,
who's sleeping, before answering in a soft voice.
NURSE
I'd eat a lot of red meat.
GEORGE
Good for you.
The nurse smiles as she sits down beside the bed. She fills
a spoon with corn and aims it for George's mouth; he accepts
the good will, chews and swallows.
NURSE
What would you do?
GEORGE
I'd build a house.
George takes another spoonful of food.
NURSE
What kind of house?
GEORGE
You know what mortise and tenon is?
The nurse shakes her head "no".
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I've got every part of it ready. It's
like a jig saw puzzle...all in pieces
now, just waiting to make sense. I've
been through design and review...the
planning commission, city council.
She feeds George another small spoonful of food.
NURSE
No one's really said four months is all
you have, have they?
GEORGE
Stage four pancreatic cancer. They
haven't even pretended to offer
treatment. You tell me, when would you
start eating red meat?
NURSE
Can you build a house in four months?
GEORGE
I can die trying.
The nurse rests her hand for a moment on George's cheek.
NURSE
Good for you.
GEORGE
I haven't been touched in years.
Suddenly alarmed by her emotion, the nurse removes her hand
and stands back away from George.
NURSE
I'm sorry, I don't know what that was.
GEORGE
A handshake, or you know, someone pats
you on your back through clothes.
Doctors, people who have to touch you.
But not by people who want to.
NURSE
No. A friend... your mother? Everybody
gets touched by someone they love.
GEORGE
Isn't that weird? I mean, I dated a
little bit after my divorce, for four or
five years. Six years. I know when my
son was younger...maybe when he was ten
or eleven even, he'd run up and wrap his
arms around me.
George suddenly stops to catch his emotion. The nurse checks
the door before walking back to George; she brushes back his
hair with both hands, then fingers the curves of his ears,
finally resting her thumbs on his lips.
NURSE
Oh God, I'm married.
Feeling guilty, she flees the room, waking the other PATIENT.
PATIENT
I'm hungry.
GEORGE
I'm touched.
EXT. SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO TRAIN STATION - AFTERNOON
George is resting, eyes closed, sitting on a bench with his
box and the remnants of the model beside him. A black Range
Rover pulls to a stop with a HONK. George stands to gather
his things as Robin steps out of the car, yelling.
ROBIN
I called everyone, everywhere! You just
vanished! You could be dead!
GEORGE
Thanks for waking me up. Picking me up.
You're loud today.
ROBIN
You're inconsiderate and absolutely
devoid of emotion!
GEORGE
You're the most beautiful woman I have
ever known in my life.
Robin is stumped for a second, confused by the words.
ROBIN
What?
GEORGE
I'm not talking just physically. Even
your anger is perfect.
Robin climbs back in the car and slams her door shut.
INT. ROBIN'S RANGE ROVER - AFTERNOON
George sets his box in back and climbs into the front seat as
Robin takes off. He closes his door as she runs a stoplight.
GEORGE
I didn't think you'd know I went missing.
ROBIN
You didn't think someone from your office
would call and tell me you wrecked the
entire building and threatened people
with a baseball bat?!
GEORGE
A blueprint spool.
ROBIN
Where have you been for a week?!
GEORGE
Four days. I left to think.
ROBIN
What did you do with your dog?
GEORGE
Kurt's been feeding him.
ROBIN
But you can't call me while you think?
GEORGE
I wasn't thinking. Look, I'm sorry I
didn't think to call you while I
thought...I think.
George raises his eyebrows, wanting just the slightest give
from Robin. She glances at him, but won't yield.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I need to talk to you.
ROBIN
Why would they tow your truck?
GEORGE
I was parked in day parking.
ROBIN
Why call me?
GEORGE
I'm going to tear down the shack and
build my house.
ROBIN
You've been saying that for twenty years.
While we were dating, you said it.
GEORGE
There's nothing anymore to stop me.
ROBIN
Money?
GEORGE
Severance pay. And I'm going to cash in
my life insurance policy.
ROBIN
How many years did I live with your beams
and boards? First in the garage, then in
the living room. We're going to do it,
Robin. Next year. Next year. Salvaged
floorboards from a house in Pasadena.
Doors from a church in New Hampshire...
GEORGE
I love those doors.
ROBIN
Where will you live?
GEORGE
The garage.
ROBIN
Look, I wasn't serious about you taking
Sam, so you don't have to get into any
actual construction to get out of it.
GEORGE
When's school over?
ROBIN
Friday...God, I hate the thought of him
home all day.
GEORGE
I'll be by Saturday to pick him up.
ROBIN
He doesn't want to spend the weekends
with you anymore.
GEORGE
Not for the weekend. For the summer.
Robin scoffs.
ROBIN
You and Sam are going to live in a garage
without plumbing for the summer?
GEORGE
The garage is plumbed. I'll put in a
toilet. We'll survive.
ROBIN
Thank you for at least sounding sincere.
GEORGE
Sounding? I need help. He's cheap
labor.
ROBIN
One of you would end up dead.
GEORGE
At least we'll have a house to show for
it.
ROBIN
Forget it, really. I'll survive.
GEORGE
I want him with me.
ROBIN
No, you don't. Trust me.
George rests a hand on the back of her neck.
GEORGE
I want Sam for the summer.
Robin furrows her brow for a moment and glances at George.
It takes a while for her to answer.
ROBIN
Okay.
George rests his hand on Robin's cheek for a moment, as the
nurse had done with him. Robin turns her head and bites his
finger.
GEORGE
Hey, hey!
ROBIN
I'm married.
George nods as he mock nurses his finger.
INT. HIGH SCHOOL HALL - AFTERNOON
Sam is walking with Corey, who's wiry and wan with a red
nose.
COREY
The whole summer, man. Party in Tahoe.
SAM
I don't know.
COREY
It'll just be my brother the dweeb on
weekends. All we gotta do is sand and
paint the cabin, dude.
(boasting)
My dad's gonna let me use the boat and my
charm is gonna let me use my rod. Income
village is the place to hook up with
hump.
SAM
I'll ask.
COREY
Hey, it beats letting town folk go down
on you for the summer.
Sam stops which stops Corey. Sam glances around to make sure
no one's listening.
SAM
I never said anything. I haven't done
anything.
COREY
I know what the deal is. Josh is a pimp.
I'm not stupid.
SAM
You don't know what the deal is. There
is no fucking deal.
Sam walks away pissed that Corey knows what the deal is.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is shirtless, the stitches still fresh on his side; he
carries/drags his mattress into the garage. Alyssa walks
from her house to the garage and peeks in.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
George is making his bed, which is not easy because Guster is
curled up on it. The one car garage is not dry-walled and
the cement floor is clean but stained.
ALYSSA
Hi, Mr. Nelson.
George steps away from the bed, slightly rattled by Alyssa.
GEORGE
Alyssa.
ALYSSA
Why have you put a toilet and a bed in
your garage?
GEORGE
I'm living here while I build another
house.
ALYSSA
Is that legal?
Alyssa sits down on the bed beside Guster and starts to
bounce up and down. George takes another step back.
GEORGE
Don't you have school?
ALYSSA
Nope.
Alyssa lies down on the bed, lifting the sheet to her nose.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Are these clean?
George is alarmed. Guster licks Alyssa's ear.
GEORGE
What's today?
ALYSSA
Monday.
George bangs his head with his hand and starts to search the
room.
GEORGE
My keys.
ALYSSA
What's that?
Alyssa reaches out and slides a finger down his scar.
GEORGE
Nothing. I cut myself.
George pats down his pockets.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I had them in my pocket.
ALYSSA
I'm not shaving my legs or pits this
summer, I've decided.
George opens the drawers of a small desk and a chest, not
paying attention to Alyssa as she raises her leg and runs her
hands down the stubby skin.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Paula Cole isn't a vertical kisser.
George dabs his keys from the floor beside the chest.
GEORGE
Make the bed for me, would you? I gotta
run.
George turns around to Alyssa's leg up and a great view of
her underwear.
COLLEEN (O.S.)
What are you, forty?
George whirls around to face Colleen as Alyssa lowers her
leg.
GEORGE
I forgot where I put my keys.
COLLEEN
And you thought they might be under her
dress?
ALYSSA
I was just showing him my hair.
Alyssa miffed as she stands.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
I think you need to rethink what you
think of me.
Alyssa walks around her mother and out of the garage.
Colleen stares at George.
GEORGE
Her leg hair.
Colleen turns and walks out.
INT. GEORGE'S TRUCK - LATE MORNING
George drives the four miles North to Robin's house listening
to Paula Cole. He turns into Emerald Bay, a guard-gated
community and a Guard waves him in.
EXT. WEBBER'S HOME - LATE MORNING
George rushes from his car and tries the front door, but it's
locked. He rings the bell and LOIS, the maid, answers.
LOIS
Mrs. Webber is in the backyard.
GEORGE
And Sam?
LOIS
In his room, packing.
GEORGE
Oh...Good.
INT. SAM'S ROOM - LATE MORNING
Sam has a CD by MARYLIN MANSON on loud as he packs a suitcase
on his bed. The KNOCK on the door is barely heard. ANOTHER
KNOCK draws his disapproval.
GEORGE (O.S.)
Sam!
Sam's face turns sour as he yanks the door open.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Ready?
Sam shrugs and returns to finish his packing.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I think you'll have fun this summer.
It's nearly impossible to hear George over the music.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Don't forget your headphones.
The music is quickly driving George crazy.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Would you mind turning it down?
This doesn't register with Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It won't all be work, you know?
George is once again, seemingly unheard. He walks to within
inches of Sam and grabs his head and yells into Sam's ear.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It won't be all work, you know!
Sam pulls away from the touch and turns the music off.
SAM
I heard you already!
George walks to the sliding glass door and stares down at the
boys and Robin in the pool.
GEORGE
Your mom and the boys can drop by
anytime.
SAM
To check up on me?
GEORGE
I'll be around to check up on you.
SAM
Why would you be there?
GEORGE
Because I live there.
SAM
You live in Cory's parents' cabin?
EXT. WEBBER'S BACKYARD - LATE MORNING
Ryan and Adam are on their backs on rafts as Robin swims laps
between them. Suddenly, like a UFO crashing to Earth, Sam's
suitcase spirals downward straight into the pool, barely
missing both Adam and Ryan.
SAM
No fucking way!!!
The boys are knocked off their rafts as Robin takes off her
goggles and focuses on Sam up on his balcony.
SAM (CONT'D)
You liar! You stupid liar! I hate you!
George bursts out of the kitchen, onto the patio.
GEORGE
Did you tell him he's spending the summer
with me?
SAM (O.S.)
No I'm not!
Sam storms off the balcony, back into his room.
ROBIN
What was I supposed to do? When you
didn't show up Saturday, I tried to call.
Your phone isn't working.
GEORGE
I don't have a phone.
ROBIN
I drove over and you were gone.
GEORGE
I can't leave the house?
ROBIN
Last time you were gone for a week!
GEORGE
Did you tell him he was spending the
summer with me?
ROBIN
No. I was going to let you do that.
GEORGE
He's not spending the summer in Tahoe.
Sam walks out of the kitchen to confront his father.
SAM
Who are you, anyway? I don't even know
you.
GEORGE
You'll know me by the time we're through.
SAM
I'm not going!
GEORGE
I'll get your bag.
George walks to the edge of the pool and scoops up the
suitcase, holding it out as it drains.
SAM
Mom, tell him I'm not going. You already
promised me!
GEORGE
You have everything?
Robin is in an uncomfortable position as she glances at Sam
before focusing on George.
ROBIN
I did say he could go.
GEORGE
Let's go.
SAM
I'm not going!
GEORGE
You don't have a choice.
SAM
Mom...please.
Sam's eyes well with tears as his voice cracks. Robin is
ready to concede.
ROBIN
George --
GEORGE
(adamant)
He's not spending the entire summer with
another kid in Tahoe. If he leaves, I
will follow him up there and I will drag
him home by his nose ring. He can hate
me. You can hate me. He can try to kill
me while I sleep. You can call the
police. You can call your husband or
your attorney, but Sam is spending the
summer with me. He's my son. He's
sixteen. That's it.
Sam is crying now -- snot's running down his nose. Robin is
shocked by George's forcefulness.
ADAM
Can we hate you?
GEORGE
You can do anything you want.
George walks to Sam and touches his arm.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Go get in the truck, Sam.
Sam jerks away from his dad as dramatically as he can manage.
SAM
Go fuck yourself!
George drops the suitcase and grabs Sam by the arms. As much
as Sam tries to resist, he's clearly no match for his father.
GEORGE
Your nose ring comes out of your nose.
If you've got them in your nipples, they
come out, too. And there's no make-up at
my house. No glue sniffing. Huffing.
No pills, no grass.
SAM
If you hit me, I'll call the police.
GEORGE
You've worn out your welcome at this
house, Sam. I won't ever hit you.
(beat)
This may well be the worst three months
of your life, but you've earned it. So,
pick up your suitcase and go get in the
truck. Now.
SAM
I'll hate you forever.
GEORGE
You can't even begins to know how much I
hate my father.
(upbeat)
Think of it as a family tradition.
Sam glares at his mother before grabbing his soggy suitcase
and stomping out of the backyard. Robin is stunned silent by
George's decisiveness.
INT. GEORGE'S TRUCK - LATE MORNING
Sam is pressed against the passenger side door. George walks
from the backyard and opens the truck door to climb in but is
stopped by Sam's suitcase. He lifts it out and sets it in
the bed, then slides into the cab, sitting on the soaked
seat. George rises up and turns to Sam, who is sullen and
silent.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - AFTERNOON
Sam is shirtless on his back on the roof of the shack,
sunning himself as George struggles to extricate a sofa from
a doorjamb. Guster is asleep on the grass, under a tree.
GEORGE
Sam? I'm...for like three minutes?
After another bout of trying, George drops the sofa and steps
back to glance up at Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
That's okay. If I break my back, daddy's
gonna buy you a naval ring.
No reaction from Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
And if that naval ring don't fit, daddy's
gonna rub you down with the sun screen.
Sam glances down at his father, puzzled by the verse.
GEORGE (O.S.) (CONT'D)
I want you wearing sun block. And I want
you down here to help me. Now.
Sam dismisses his father without a word - he simply adjusts
his face back to the sun. George walks away. A sudden spray
of water drenches Sam, forcing him to his feet in a cold
panic. George stops the hose water pelting.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
It works on Guster.
MOMENTS LATER
George is still struggling with the sofa stuck in the door.
Frustrated, he steps away from the sofa.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You're in there not helping at all,
aren't you?
INT. BEACH SHACK ENTRY - CONTINUOUS
Sam is leaning against a wall with his arms folded across his
chest.
GEORGE (O.S.)
You know what else helped Guster?
Neutering.
The slightest alarm crosses Sam's face.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
George is shirtless in shorts, boiling pasta on a portable
stove as he heats a sauce in the microwave. A dresser topped
with plyboard serves as a countertop; other than a sink being
across the garage near the toilet, this is a fairly well
equipped makeshift kitchen.
GEORGE
Do you want garlic bread?!
George waits a bit to make sure no response is no response.
Then stuffs a hunk of garlic bread into the toaster oven.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
Sam is sitting on the edge of a cliff that drops twenty feet
to the ocean; Guster is whining for attention behind Sam.
SAM
Well, get over here, then, stupid.
Guster inches forward on his belly, which makes Sam smile.
SAM (CONT'D)
Are you afraid of heights, Guster?
Sam drops to his belly and stretches out to pet Guster.
SAM (CONT'D)
The fall probably wouldn't kill me,
anyway.
Guster inches closer and licks Sam's face. George walks out
with a tray filled with spaghetti, garlic bread and a Coke.
GEORGE
Thinking of jumping?
George sets the tray on the ground beside Sam.
SAM
Pushing.
George walks to the edge of the cliff.
GEORGE
Only jump after you hear the wave crash
against the rock. The water will take
you out. Let it. Swim a little North
and you'll see the sand.
Sam sits up and faces his father with a trace of alarm.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
First time I did it, younger than you, I
thought I'd break my neck and just sort
of float to Catalina.
(beat)
You don't always get what you wish for,
Sam.
George suddenly leaps forward and disappears into the sea as
a wave crashes against the rocks below.
SAM
Oh, shit!
Sam scurries to his feet and scans the ocean for his father;
the only thing visible is darkness.
SAM (CONT'D)
Hello?
Guster is lapping up the dinner, bread and all as Sam calls
out again. In a bit of a panic, Sam runs from the cliff.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - EVENING
The traffic is heavy as Sam runs against it. Without a
sidewalk and with parked cars blocking a reasonable path,
this is a dangerous trek North.
EXT. ALISO CREEK BEACH - EVENING
Sam runs to the edge of the water and anxiously waits for his
father to emerge from the sea. A jogger startles Sam - he
steps into a wave that soaks his shoes. George floats on a
wave into view and stands in waist high water, only to be
knocked way back down. He rises and falls and rises before
making his way to the sand and Sam.
SAM
Are you totally insane?!
GEORGE
I almost saw Catalina.
George coughs and drops onto the sand exhausted. Sam storms
off, angry that he cared enough to get angry.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - EVENING
Sam is winded as he walks off the street to the middle of the
yard. He glances around for Guster.
SAM
Guster!
Guster bounces out of the garage with spaghetti sauce
covering his muzzle.
SAM (CONT'D)
You're so busted, dude.
Sam sits down on the grass and plays with Guster, who yaps
with joy as he breaks away and closes the distance with the
abandon of a puppy.
SAM (CONT'D)
Where's my dinner, huh?
Sam manages to pin Guster on his back. He looms over the dog
as he kisses him on the nose.
SAM (CONT'D)
I'm hungry! Where's my dinner? Who ate
my dinner? Huh? Who's in trouble now?
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hi.
Sam rolls over Guster and stands, nearly stumbling in the
process - way uncool.
SAM
Hey.
ALYSSA
What are you doing here?
Guster bumps against Alyssa for her attention; she kneels
down to pet him.
SAM
They're trying to make me spend the
summer here. I'm leaving in the morning.
ALYSSA
Where to?
SAM
I'm supposed to be in Tahoe.
ALYSSA
Your dad's really gonna build his house?
SAM
I don't know.
ALYSSA
Well, if you don't go, I guess I'll see
you.
Alyssa stands. Sam is clearly shy around her.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
You should stay.
SAM
I don't know.
ALYSSA
Where's your dad?
SAM
He jumped into the ocean.
ALYSSA
Tell him I said "hi".
Alyssa pets Guster again before walking away. Sam is
smitten.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
Sam's curled up in a tattered lazy-boy near the toilet,
watching television as George sits on the bed, brushing his
teeth. Suddenly, Sam turns to face his dad.
SAM
I'm not taking a dump with you in here.
George nods as he continues brushing.
SAM (CONT'D)
My brothers say it's the worst smell
they've ever smelled.
George nods again, which appears only to irritate Sam.
SAM (CONT'D)
I think you have to have a door between
where you cook and where you crap. Like
even in the bush, tribal people and like
that have a place for both. It's like a
law.
George walks around Sam to the sink and spits, rinses and
wipes his mouth with a towel. He faces Sam.
GEORGE
Which side of the bed do you want?
Sam's jaw drops as he glances at the double-bed.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Just kidding. The sofa's a pullout.
George smiles and pats Sam on the shoulder before walking to
the sofa and pulling it out to make a bed.
SAM
Probably in the bible.
GEORGE
Goodnight.
George drops his pants and climbs into bed. He pulls the
sheet up and fluffs the pillow before resting his head.
SAM
I have to take a dump.
George twists around in bed to face Sam. After a beat, he
tosses the sheet back, climbs out of bed, pulls back on his
pants, slips on his shoes and walks out of the garage.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is up on the roof, hacking through the shingles and
beams with a chain saw. A huge dumpster set on the lawn
receives only about half the throws George makes. Sam is
near the ocean in a chaise lounge, listening to music through
his portable CD player.
GEORGE
Have you got sunscreen on?
There's no chance he's been heard. TOM and BARBARA, two
older neighbors of George's nearing home from a walk, stop on
the driveway - both look pleased.
BARBARA
It's about time this shack is torn down.
Barbara appears surprised as George turns to face them - she
obviously didn't realize he was the one up on the roof doing
the demolition.
TOM
Oh, hello George.
GEORGE
Guess how many low-income apartments the
city approved for this lot?
Tom and Barbara react by trying not to react.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Come on...ballpark figure.
Tom and Barbara step back and walk away. George heads to the
ladder and climbs down.
ANOTHER VIEW
Sam is grooving to the music with his eyes closed as George's
hand, filled with a gob of sunscreen, plops onto Sam's
stomach. Sam bolts up from the chaise lounge in a rage.
SAM
What are you doing?!
GEORGE
I warned you yesterday.
SAM
Don't touch me! You can't touch me!
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Hey, you stayed.
Alyssa walks across her lawn to the feuding family. George
holds out the bottle of sun lotion to Alyssa.
GEORGE
Rub him down, please.
George walks back to the ladder and up onto the roof as
Alyssa and Sam stare at one another.
SAM
He's a freak.
ALYSSA
You look better without make-up.
SAM
I can't even take a shower here.
ALYSSA
Come over to my house whenever you want.
I'll tell my mom.
SAM
I might not stay, anyway.
ALYSSA
I'll get your back.
SAM
No. That's okay.
Sam reaches out for the lotion, but Alyssa hides the bottle.
ALYSSA
Have you ever had anyone but your mom or
dad put it on for you?
Sam thinks about it for a second before shaking his head no.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
It's weird how different it is. Lay
down.
George is back with the chain saw, hacking away at the roof.
Sam is hesitant as he lies down on his stomach. Alyssa
kneels and squeezes lotion on his back. She works it in,
starting at his neck, working her way down to his pants. She
squirts Sam's arm and as she rubs close to his pit, he
squirms.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Do you remember me from when you lived
here?
SAM
Yeah.
ALYSSA
Your dad dated my mom after her divorce.
SAM
Really?
ALYSSA
I wanted him to marry her.
SAM
Why?
ALYSSA
Turn over.
Alyssa grabs under his armpits and tickles him. Sam yelps
and rises onto his elbows as Josh roars by the shack in his
Porsche.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Josh and I are going to South Coast.
Wanna ride? Maybe see a movie?
SAM
No thanks.
Sam is disappointed as Alyssa stands to leave.
ALYSSA
Don't forget your front.
Alyssa walks to the shack and waves goodbye to George.
George waves her off. Sam curls onto his side as he watches
Alyssa run across the lawn to Josh.
GEORGE
She's pretty...for a girl.
Sam appears irritated as he stands and walks into the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Sam glances out the window to check on his father, then
quickly rummages through every drawer and cabinet looking for
what he finds: a prescription bottle. It's Vicodin. He
checks on his dad through the window again, then opens the
bottle and takes out five pills. He fills a glass with water
and swallows two, saving three for later. He sets the bottle
back where he found it before he drops on the bed with a
grin.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - AFTERNOON
Guster is in a full out run for a rubber ball. Sam is
shirted, sitting at the patio table. With the ball gladly
returned, Sam tosses it again. George walks out juggling two
plates of sandwiches and two Cokes and sits down.
GEORGE
Do you ever get like the slightest
inkling that you might want to help me
instead of doing absolutely nothing?
SAM
No.
GEORGE
Get the inkling, Sam. I'm getting tired
of your attitude.
Sam picks up the sandwich, examines it and sets it back down
on the plate.
SAM
I hate turkey.
GEORGE
No you don't.
George takes a bite of his sandwich before responding.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I want you to take out your nose ring and
leave it out.
SAM
Why?
GEORGE
It bugs me.
SAM
You snore at night. That bugs me. Can I
take you out?
GEORGE
Your brothers are right. It was the most
god-awful smell I've ever had my nose
around.
George tightens his face and waves his hand in front of his
nose. Sam stares at his father. A black Range Rover pulls
to a stop and Robin steps out with a pizza box in her hands.
ROBIN
Thought you guys might be hungry.
As Robin walks up the drive, Sam picks up the turkey sandwich
and starts eating. George glances at Sam as Robin sets the
box on the table and sits down.
GEORGE
We're fine. Turkey sandwiches.
ROBIN
Well, for later then.
Robin focuses on the nearly roofless shack. Guster walks to
the table and sits down by Robin, ready to beg.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
It makes me sad.
GEORGE
What?
ROBIN
I used to live here.
GEORGE
But you hated four out of the five you
did.
ROBIN
I was here six years. And I only hated
two.
GEORGE
Which?
ROBIN
The first and the last.
George sets his sandwich down.
GEORGE
I don't even like turkey sandwiches.
What kind of pizza?
ROBIN
Sam's favorite.
George opens the box and pulls out a slice. Sam appears
disinterested as George starts in on the slice of pizza.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
(to Sam)
Sure you don't want any?
Sam shrugs off his mother, looking away. Robin nods and
grabs a piece for herself.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
You're too thin, George. From what you
used to be, anyway.
George responds with a pleasant face; he's not going to
explain his weight loss right now.
GEORGE
Why the first and the last?
Robin sets her slice of pizza down as she studies George.
ROBIN
The first because I wasn't sure you
really loved me...the last because I
wasn't sure I really loved you.
George nods. Though it may appear that Sam isn't interested
in the conversation, his ears are perked.
GEORGE
I was up on the roof this morning,
tearing it down and it struck me as
strong as anything ever has. That I'm
happy today.
ROBIN
What have you been before today?
GEORGE
It was just that, maybe the way the sun
struck the ocean, the sound of the waves.
It was simple, whatever it was. Then I
started thinking about the last time I
felt this good.
(beat)
It's been a long time.
ROBIN
Do you remember?
GEORGE
The only time I can think of for sure, I
was holding onto Sam in the ocean, saving
him from the waves.
George turns to Sam, who's caught staring at his father.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You head was pressed against my chest. I
could feel your heart racing. And I
remember I kissed your hair.
ROBIN
We have it on video! Was that when? My
parents were down for his sixth birthday!
I remember that.
Robin inexplicably starts to cry. She instantly tries to
take it back, pressing her hand to her mouth, wiping her
eyes, but whatever emotion has her, has her good. Both
George and Sam are confused and concerned.
SAM
I have to go.
She stands and backs away from the table.
GEORGE
What is it?
ROBIN
I'm fine. Nothing.
(beat)
I'll drop by your lunch tomorrow.
Robin wipes her eyes again as she climbs into her car and
drives off. Sam and George face one another.
GEORGE
I don't know.
SAM
I'm gonna take a walk. I need some
money.
GEORGE
You'll have money when you work.
SAM
You're so predictable.
Sam sets his sandwich down and grabs a slice of pizza as he
stands. He walks for a few feet, stops and turns around.
SAM (CONT'D)
You haven't been happy in ten years?
He doesn't wait for an answer; as he walks away, Guster
follows. George takes Robin's slice of pizza and drops it on
the cement; that's all it takes to turn Guster around.
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Robin is sitting alone at the table, doing nothing. The TV
is on loud in another room. Adam walks into the room in his
pajamas. He sits down across from his mother at the table.
Robin smiles at him. He smiles back as he scoots his chair
closer to the table and extends his arms straight out across
the top. Robin extends her arms and they lock hands near the
middle. Without a word, they hold hands. Adam lets go and
climbs on top of the table, scoots across it with a kiss for
his mother before he's gone, sliding off the table on his
rear and running back to the TV.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
George is on the patio, bending a thin piece of copper
tubing. Sam storms out of the garage, fuming.
SAM
No one would blame me if I left!
GEORGE
I'd blame you. I want you here.
SAM
I'm not doing it!
GEORGE
It'll be fine.
SAM
Why don't you just beg some money off my
dad and move into something decent with a
real kitchen and a real bathroom?
GEORGE
I'd rather sell my nuts to a castrati.
Sam screws his face down - huh?
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I don't beg.
SAM
And I don't take a shower in the middle
of the yard.
GEORGE
I can promise you complete privacy.
SAM
You can't promise me anything! You don't
have anything to promise! You live in a
garage! You don't have cable! You're
not hooked up to the internet because you
don't even own a computer! You don't
have a job!
George finishes bending the copper into a circle. He stands
and holds the copper circle out for proof of privacy.
GEORGE
This will save you from prying eyes.
Sam dismisses his father with a shake of his head. He heads
back into the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
Sam quickly heads to where George's prescription bottle was
hidden under a pile of underwear. He steals two more pills
and swallows them before grabbing a towel and walking out.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
SAM
If you had a stupid phone or I could use
your truck, mom would give me some money.
GEORGE
You'll have money when you work for it.
Sam stomps down the driveway and across the grass to Alyssa's
house. George walks around to the back of his garage with
the rounded copper tubing.
EXT. ALYSSA'S HOUSE - EVENING
Sam is standing on the porch with his towel and clean
clothes. Colleen answers the door.
SAM
Is Alyssa home?
COLLEEN
She's out with a friend.
SAM
Oh...do you know when she'll be home?
COLLEEN
She didn't really say.
SAM
Oh...okay.
Sam nods and steps back as he prepares to leave.
COLLEEN
Sam?
SAM
Uh huh.
COLLEEN
I didn't recognize you!
SAM
I'm sorry.
COLLEEN
Alyssa said you don't even have plumbing
over there.
SAM
Not a shower.
Colleen takes Sam by the arm and nudges him into the house.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - EVENING
Sam is slowly making his way around the room, taking note of
everything: some dried flowers; a yearbook; a cabinet full of
CD's; dirty clothes stuffed in a hamper. He walks into the
bathroom before walking back out and making one more round.
INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Robin is sitting between her sons on the sofa, watching a
movie. Peter enters the room, carrying his jacket.
PETER
The goddamn traffic. Were we going out
to dinner?
Robin focuses on her husband, but the boys are riveted to the
television.
ROBIN
We've eaten.
PETER
Is Lois still here? I'm starved.
ROBIN
I'll make you something.
Robin stands as Adam and Ryan try to hold her down.
PETER
Did someone call to tell you I'd be late?
Robin walks into the kitchen without responding.
INT. ALYSSA'S BATHROOM - EVENING
Sam's in the shower, obscured by the sandblasted glass.
JOSH (O.S.)
Bro, I need you tonight.
Sam bumps an elbow against the glass as he opens the shower
door enough to look out. Josh is sitting up on the marble
countertop.
SAM
I locked the door.
Josh holds up a tiny screwdriver.
JOSH
It'll take you like twenty, thirty
minutes.
SAM
Does Alyssa know?
JOSH
Nothing.
SAM
You got any weed?
JOSH
You got the money?
Sam waits a beat before closing the shower door.
JOSH (CONT'D)
Alyssa sent me up to see if you wanted to
hang around and watch a movie with her
and her mom.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
The round copper tube is braced and nailed to the side of the
garage; on it hangs a shower curtain. George is making
noises inside the curtain as he showers.
GEORGE
Ah! Oh....
KURT (O.S.)
I know there's an explanation.
George pulls back the shower curtains just enough to see Kurt
standing by in his police uniform.
GEORGE
No hot water.
George is shivering as he closes the curtain back up.
KURT
Mr. Dokos called to complain that you and
a boy are squatting illegally in the
garage of your house.
GEORGE
Check the permits. It was built as a
guesthouse. It's a legally rentable unit
grandfathered when South Laguna was
incorporated.
Without warning, the copper tubing holding the hanging
curtain falls to the ground. George turns the water off and
grabs a towel. Unfortunately, his ass is not what the towel
covers.
KURT
Now that should be illegal.
INT. ALYSSA'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Alyssa and Colleen are curled up on the sofa as Josh and Sam
stick their heads in to say goodbye.
SAM
Thanks for the shower.
COLLEEN
I want you both to stay.
ALYSSA
And candy too.
Alyssa holds up a huge bowl of popcorn and the DVD case.
JOSH
I'm gonna give him a ride in my car.
ALYSSA
I'll see you tomorrow.
COLLEEN
Come over anytime you need to, Sam.
SAM
Thanks, I'd like that. Thank you.
The only thing keeping Sam from staying is Josh, who jerks
him out by the shirt.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
With Kurt in the only chair, George hands him a cup of coffee
and sits down on the pullout sofa, which is pulled out.
KURT
I'm surprised he hasn't left.
GEORGE
I haven't forced him to work. I only wet
him down once. Why would he leave?
Sam rushes in and grabs a sweater before starting out.
SAM
I'm leaving.
GEORGE
Hey...hey!
Sam stops at the door and waits impatiently.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Where are you going?
SAM
I don't know.
GEORGE
When are you going to be back?
SAM
I don't know.
GEORGE
Well, until you know, you can't go.
SAM
Oh, okay.
Sam is gone in a flash. Kurt studies George for a second.
GEORGE
I'm not very good at it. Parenting.
Kurt nods; agreed, he's not.
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Robin arranges an attractive plate of food, which she sticks
in the microwave. Peter walks in wearing different clothes
but the same personality.
PETER
I hope your ex-husband is equipped for
the havoc of Sam, because it seems
absolutely blissful here tonight.
He sits down at the table, opening up a newspaper as Robin
stares at him.
ROBIN
Do you think it's odd your kids don't hug
you?
PETER
Should I?
ROBIN
It would worry me.
Peter glances up from the paper, focusing on Robin.
PETER
If I let everything that should worry me,
worry me, I'd be dead from worry.
ROBIN
What would you be if you asked Adam and
Ryan to run in now and hug you?
PETER
I'd be you.
The answer bothers Robin enough that Peter can't concentrate
back on the paper.
PETER (CONT'D)
I'll do it if that's what you want.
Robin walks out of the kitchen. Peter folds the paper and
shoves it across the granite counter.
INT. JOSH'S PORSCHE - NIGHT
Sam and Josh are parked on a street that overlooks the Valley
East of Laguna Beach. They share a joint as Josh explains
the specifics of the job.
JOSH
You don't have to do a thing. Just get
in and get out. As quick as you can.
Close your eyes and think of whatever.
Sam hands the joint to Josh.
SAM
What's your deal with Alyssa?
JOSH
Don't even...I'm there.
SAM
I wasn't sure.
JOSH
She wouldn't even fucking go out with
until she was sixteen. I mean, that's
not even a rule, just her own thing. She
like figures things out on her own and
then that's it.
A black Mercedes Benz pulls to a stop a ways down the street.
Josh hands Sam a cell phone.
JOSH (CONT'D)
If this rings, run.
Sam is scared and it shows.
JOSH (CONT'D)
He already knows everything about what he
can't do. You can tell him not to even
look at you, if you want.
SAM
I'm thinking it's too weird now.
Josh pulls a baggie of grass and holds it out for Sam, who
takes it and stuffs it in his pants pocket.
JOSH
It beats working.
Josh hands Sam the joint.
JOSH (CONT'D)
Inhale and get out.
Sam is quick to inhale, but slow to get out. Josh takes the
joint and Sam steps out. He walks slowly to the Mercedes,
opens the door and climbs in. Josh turns the CD on to
Guster's "ALL THE WAY UP TO HEAVEN." Sam closes the door to
the Mercedes. 'He said to only look up, he said to never
look down, down is where we came from...' It's an odd song
sung in a happy tempo; a whistling refrain overtakes the
lyrics as Josh inhales. 'He said to hope for the best and
take a load off my chest. Soon, I could be happy, and go all
the way up to heaven and go all the way back home.'
With the music loud, Josh misses the police car as it stops
behind him without the lights. Too late for a getaway, he
fumbles for his cell phone and tosses the joint out the open
window. The OFFICER approaches the Porsche with his hand on
his gun.
OFFICER
What did you toss into the brush?
Josh furtively presses send on his cell phone as he faces the
officer with a guilty face.
JOSH
Nothing.
'He said I might need his help, no one gets high on
themselves. I just seem so lonely; he's just trying to be
nice and spread around his advice. I could be happy...'
OFFICER
Turn off the music!
As the music stops, the door to the Mercedes opens and Sam
hops out with his pants around his ankles. The officer
notices and walks towards the Mercedes. The parking lights
flash red as the car starts and flees the scene. Sam yanks
up his pants and leaps down the hillside, falling and rolling
in the brush as the officer yells for him to stop. Josh
starts his car, but the officer dissuades him from leaving by
removing his gun. Josh turns off the engine.
JOSH
Oh, it's working now.
OFFICER
What did you toss into the brush?
Before Josh can feign innocence again, the brush starts to
smolder. Busted.
EXT. HILLSIDE - NIGHT
Sam is spotted with weeds and dirt as he continues his way
down the steep hillside holding up his pants. After he's
sure he's safe, he sits down and rests his head in his hands.
He starts to shake, frightened by his actions. He drops onto
his back, buttons and zips his pants as he starts to cry.
Slowly, he stops crying, but keeps staring up at the sky,
which is loaded with stars and a full moon. Mesmerized by
the brilliant night, Sam can't stop staring.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is removing the last of the windows, carefully prying
it out of the casement as Robin pulls up in her Range Rover.
She steps out dressed in Levi's, boots and a t-shirt,
carrying a large bag.
ROBIN
Lunch.
She smiles and walks toward George, dropping the food sack on
the patio table.
GEORGE
It's not breakfast yet.
ROBIN
I dreamed about your house last night.
GEORGE
Finished or unfinished?
ROBIN
It was perfect, George. Amazing. It was
so real.
GEORGE
Didn't you once dream you could lick
people well, though?
ROBIN
That wasn't a dream. That was Sam.
GEORGE
Oh...with his ear infection!
ROBIN
My tongue around the edge of his ear is
what cured him.
George isn't quite sure how to take her comment. Finally, he
points to the Garage.
GEORGE
Go in there and lick his attitude.
ROBIN
The antibiotics weren't working.
(beat)
It's what I believe, George.
George stares at Robin for a second before he nods.
GEORGE
You were wrong about the first year, you
know?
It takes Robin a second to understand he's saying he loved
her when they married.
ROBIN
I've been wrong a lot in my life.
GEORGE
Hindsight. It's like foresight without a
future.
Robin almost smiles; George confessing love ten years dead.
ROBIN
I have three hours before I pick up Adam
and Ryan.
(beat)
Where will I be most useful?
Robin glances around, assessing the best use of her time.
GEORGE
With your hands or your tongue?
ROBIN
You're not well.
Robin picks up a pile of splintered board and tosses them in
the garbage bin. George nods...he's not.
LATER
Robin and George carry a twelve-foot beam from inside the
shack and set it down on cinder blocks. Both look exhausted
as they head back in for another beam. Sam saunters out of
the garage in shorts, sits down on the patio chair and opens
the sack his mother had packed for lunch. He pulls out a
peanut butter and jelly sandwich and starts eating as George
and Robin emerge from the shack with another beam.
GEORGE
Good morning.
Robin and George set the beam down and turn to Sam as they
both wipe sweat off their faces. Sam chews his sandwich,
ignoring them both.
ROBIN
I'm late.
Robin walks close to Sam, trying to capture his attention.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Ryan has a game later. He asked if you'd
come and watch.
Sam glances up at his mother, just long enough to let her
know he hates her, then drops the sandwich and walks back
into the garage. A city inspector's car pulls to a stop on
the street and BOB LARSON steps out with a clipboard. Robin
passes him as she walks back to her Range Rover.
BOB
Mr. Stevens?
GEORGE
I've been dreading you.
Bob and George shake hands as Robin drives off.
BOB
Bob Larson. Do you happen to have an
unenclosed toilet in close proximity to a
kitchen?
GEORGE
A violation?
BOB
Oh, yes.
GEORGE
And if I enclosed it?
BOB
An exhaust system or a window is code.
GEORGE
A sink?
BOB
Allowed outside the enclosed area.
Sam walks out of the garage in long pants and a shirt.
SAM
Where is it?
GEORGE
A friend of yours is here.
SAM
Did you got through my pants?
GEORGE
I might have a solution.
George grabs his chain saw and walks to the garage with Sam
and Bob in tow.
SAM
Where'd you put it?!
INT. GARAGE - AFTERNOON
George walks to an armoire and empties it. He grabs a hammer
and bangs, pries and pulls the back off, then dumps the
cabinet onto the floor.
SAM
I know you took it. I want it now!
George yanks the chain saw to a roar and fashions an oval cut
a few feet deep on the cabinet base. He kills the saw, lifts
the armoire and scoots it in front of the toilet.
GEORGE
Doors.
Bob grimaces as George opens the armoire, revealing the
toilet inside.
BOB
I hate to ask about a window.
GEORGE
(to Sam)
I flushed it down the toilet.
SAM
No! Oh my God!
George jerk starts the chain saw again and fashions a small
opening above the toilet, ripping through the studs, wire
mesh, tar paper and stucco - fine dust invades the space like
a storm. Bob coughs as he writes in his book. George kills
the chain saw and sets it down as he surveys his work.
SAM (CONT'D)
If I had a gun, I'd kill you.
Bob seems fairly anxious to conclude his business.
BOB
I assume you'll fill the...uh, window,
with glass?
GEORGE
If that's what it takes.
SAM
What's in my pants is none of your
fucking business!
BOB
(a little rattled)
I would say you're in compliance.
GEORGE
I hope that makes the pain in the ass
that called you happy.
George is staring at Sam. Bob backs out of the garage.
BOB
You and me both.
With Bob gone, George walks to Sam and gets in his face.
GEORGE
Everything about you is my business.
What you smoke, what you swallow, what
you sniff, it's all my business.
Sam slams his fists against his own chest, maddened.
SAM
I've been using since I was twelve!
You're all so unbelievably stupid. You
didn't give a shit about anything I did
until now!
GEORGE
I'll apologize for everything but
today...Today I give a shit.
SAM
You're too fucking late.
GEORGE
The gloves on the table are for you.
SAM
You can't make me do a thing.
GEORGE
Sit down for a second.
SAM
No.
George gently guides Sam back onto the bed. Sam hops up mad.
SAM (CONT'D)
I'll call the cops if you touch me again!
George sets Sam back onto the bed, not so gently this time.
Sam is less eager to hop up in defiance.
SAM (CONT'D)
Oh, so you're in the big shit now! Child
abuse. People go to prison for what you
just did to me.
GEORGE
My dad used to play a game. I never
really understood what it was until after
he was gone.
Sam appears immensely disinterested.
SAM
I was holding for someone. That wasn't
even mine.
GEORGE
The game was to make me smaller than he
was. No matter what. He could be almost
invisible as a human being, but I had to
be smaller. So if I got good grades, I
was a pussy for not playing football. If
I cut my hair for him, it wasn't short
enough. If I shaved it, I looked like a
psycho. I never won the game. Not once.
And if he couldn't make me smaller with
words...
Tears well in George's eyes. Sam is caught up enough in what
his father has to say that he has to feign his lack of
interest.
SAM
I'll have to pay him back.
GEORGE
I won't ever hit you.
(beat)
I don't want you smaller. I want you to
be happy. You're not. Not here with me.
Not home with your mother. Not up in
Tahoe. Not alone. Not anywhere.
(beat)
You're what I was most of my life, Sam.
I see it in your eyes. In your sleep.
In your answer to everything. You're
barely alive.
SAM
I'm not even listening.
GEORGE
You know that great thing, though? Is
that change can be so constant you don't
even feel the difference until there is
one. It can be so slow that you don't
even notice that your life is better or
worse, until it is.
(beat)
Or it can just blow you away. Make you
something different in an instant. It
happened to me.
George walks to the garage door as he wipes his eyes. He
stops and turns back around to face Sam.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Build this house with me.
George walks out leaving Sam on the bed to think.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - AFTERNOON
George gathers a pile of splintered boards and tosses them
into the dumpster. He works while Guster sleeps.
LATER
The sun is fierce, low on the horizon with a heat that
distorts the distance. George is sweating and shirtless as
Sam walks out of the garage with the gloves on and stands
staring at his father. After a beat, George notices him.
SAM
I have to pay back what you flushed down
the toilet.
(beat)
I want ten dollars an hour...then I'm
done.
George nods. He points out the roofless shell of a shack.
GEORGE
It all has to come down before we can
start again.
(beat)
Knock it down.
George picks up a sledghammer and hands it to Sam. Sam
hoists the hefty hammer and with some true effort, slams it
on a sideboard. He slams again and again as George picks up
a slightly smaller sledgehammer.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
I hated this house from the second my
father cheated everyone and put it in my
name.
George takes a good hard whack at the wall, knocking a huge
hunk of it down. Sam stops to watch.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Twenty years of hating what you live
in...what you are. This is the end of
it, Sam. I'm gonna build something of me
here that I can be proud to give to you.
SAM
Don't. I don't want it.
George YELLS as he lands the hammer into the wall again. Sam
is alarmed by his father's blatant rage.
GEORGE
Do whatever you want with it. I don't
care. All I want from you is for you to
remember we built this house together.
SAM
We haven't build shit. You're just
tearing down your father.
GEORGE
Try it. It feels good.
George strikes another blow to the house joined with a MAD
WAIL. Sam starts low, a whisper of a scream, but quickly
builds, soon rivaling George in volume as he pounds away.
This soul letting, cleansing ritual is both impelling and
frightening to watch. Tom and Barbara, Colleen and her maid
step out of their houses, drawn and perplexed by the guttural
noise.
INT. RYAN AND ADAM'S ROOM - MORNING
Both boys are asleep as Robin enters and wakes them with the
drop-and-bounce-back-to-your-feet-from-the-mattress method.
ROBIN
It's morning, sleepyheads!
They both wake with a groan. Robin leaps onto Adam and
tickles him to life.
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Robin is quickly finishing a breakfast of oatmeal and fresh
fruit with Adam and Ryan, who are still dressed in pajamas.
RYAN
Why do we have to get up and eat with you
this early?
ROBIN
I just thought it would be nice.
ADAM
Are you going to see Sam again?
ROBIN
I thought I might stop by.
RYAN
All day again?
ROBIN
Not all day. I'll be home after lunch.
Robin stands and dumps her dishes in the sink.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
You can go back to bed...or Lois might
let you go swimming.
ADAM
I wanna be with you today.
ROBIN
Oh, honey. There's not much to do there.
I mean, it's all work.
ADAM
We can work.
Robin focuses on her sons, both of whom seem willing to work.
ROBIN
Ryan, would you rather swim or work?
RYAN
Can we really help build a house?
Peter walks in, surprised by everyone being up.
PETER
Why is everyone up so early?
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is knocking away the forms used to pour the
foundation. Sam walks out of the garage with a towel; he
shields his eyes from the morning sun as he watches his
father work. Without make-up or a nose ring and with the
black dye gone from his hair and the polish from his nails,
Sam is a handsome kid.
George looks happy, laying bare the foundation that will hold
his home. Sam walks to Alyssa's house, unseen by his father.
INT. ALYSSA'S ENTRY - MORNING
Colleen is walking with Sam toward the stairs.
COLLEEN
If she's not up, you can use my shower.
SAM
Thank you.
COLLEEN
You're here early today.
SAM
We're getting out of the ground today.
Sam looks fairly excited as he rushes up the stairs.
INT. ALYSSA'S HALLWAY - MORNING
Sam stops at the door and KNOCKS.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Huh?
SAM
I can use your mom's.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
I'm okay.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - MORNING
Alyssa is curled up in bed, cuddling a stuffed bear as Sam
walks in and closes the bedroom door behind him.
ALYSSA
Were you with Josh when the cops arrested
him?
Alyssa sits up in bed, holding the sheet to her chest.
SAM
(nervously)
Not really. No. Kinda. He got busted?
ALYSSA
His parents took his car. They're making
him ride a bicycle the rest of the
summer.
Sam can't help but like that.
SAM
Really?
ALYSSA
He asked me to tell you that you owe him
a hundred dollars.
SAM
He can peddle over anytime he wants to
for it.
Sam breaks into a full-on smile.
ALYSSA
This is serious! I don't have my
license. He was my ride.
SAM
I'm sorry. I'm just here to shower.
Sam walks into the bathroom; before he closes the door, he
faces Alyssa with another smile - she tosses her bear at him.
EXT. GEORGE'S SHACK - MORNING
George is prying off the last of the boards when he's hit
with a pain that takes him to his knees. He drops the
crowbar and sits down in the dirt as Guster walks over to
comfort him. George takes deep breaths and closes his eyes
as he tries to gain control over the pain.
INT. ALYSSA'S BATHROOM - MORNING
The doorknob jiggles, jiggles and turns; Alyssa opens the
door and walks in dressed in a t-shirt and panties. Once
again Sam jumps and jams his elbow to the frosted glass as he
partially opens the shower door.
SAM
Is this like a past time with people? Go
away!
Alyssa sets a tiny screwdriver on the vanity.
ALYSSA
I've seen lots of people. It's not a big
thing for me.
SAM
Hand me a towel. I'm getting out.
ALYSSA
I'm coming in.
SAM
I don't want you to!
ALYSSA
We're not gonna do anything.
SAM
Why are you so stupid?
ALYSSA
Why are you so uptight?
SAM
I don't even...what do you mean? I don't
even know what that means.
ALYSSA
It means I'm gonna shampoo my hair and
stay out of your way.
SAM
Hand me a towel. Hand me a towel.
Sam is anxious. Alyssa takes off her t-shirt and pulls down
her panties before grabbing a towel; she hands it to Sam as
she forces her way into the shower. Barely visible through
the frosted glass, Alyssa wets her hair as Sam stares in her
direction. The towel drops to the tiled floor.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
George is curled up in bed, the prescription bottle and a
glass resting on a table. He's holding onto his side, still
in some pain. A HONK gets Guster BARKING outside.
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Ryan and Adam run to Guster with glee as Robin steps out of
the Range Rover with a large covered basket and a boom box.
She sets the basket and radio on the patio table and searches
for George, ending up at the entrance to the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
George has hidden the prescription bottle and is sitting on
the bed as Robin walks in.
ROBIN
I thought you'd be up with the sun.
GEORGE
My stupid back.
Robin sits down on the bed next to George, concerned.
ROBIN
Do you need anything? I'll go to the
pharmacy. I have some Demerol at home.
GEORGE
No, I'm...thanks. I took something.
Robin runs her hand down George's spine.
ROBIN
Where's Sam?
GEORGE
He won't use my shower. I don't get it.
Outside, Adam and Ryan are each calling Guster.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
You brought your kids?
ROBIN
I kind of said that maybe they could do
something. Help. I'm sorry. They
really wanted to come. I really wanted
to come and they wanted to be with me. I
don't think they'll be too much trouble.
GEORGE
I'll find something that won't kill them.
ROBIN
Or wound. Let them keep their eyes and
fingers.
GEORGE
You're a good mother.
Robin smiles. With some effort, George stands.
ROBIN
Do you need help?
GEORGE
I think so.
Robin stands and wraps her arm around his waist and he drapes
his arms over her shoulder as they walk out of the garage.
ROBIN
I woke up this morning at three and
couldn't fall back asleep. Everyday I
think I see more of Sam than I've seen in
years.
ADAM (O.S.)
Sam!
EXT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Adam runs with abandon to Sam and Alyssa as Robin helps
George to a patio chair.
SAM
Hey.
Adam runs into Sam with a hug, then steps back.
SAM (CONT'D)
What's that for?
ADAM
Mom said I should.
SAM
Oh.
ADAM
I would have anyway.
Sam appears awkward as he rests his hand for a second on
Adam's shoulder.
ADAM (CONT'D)
Who are you?
ALYSSA
Who are you?
ADAM
I'm his brother.
ALYSSA
I'm his friend.
Adam views her suspiciously as they walk across Alyssa's
grass to the patio.
ADAM
Mom says we can build a house.
ALYSSA
Hi, Mr. Nelson.
GEORGE
Hi, Alyssa.
SAM
Hi, Mom.
ROBIN
Good morning.
It's clear that Robin is falling in love with her son again.
ALYSSA
Hello.
Alyssa extends her hand to Robin and they shake.
ROBIN
You're so nice to let Sam use your
shower.
ALYSSA
He's got a standing invitation.
Sam instantly flushes red.
SAM
Hey, Ryan.
Sam walks to Ryan, who's been standing back from the group.
RYAN
Hey.
Sam drapes his arm over Ryan's shoulder and together they
walk to the foundation.
SAM
So, you wanna build a house?
RYAN
If we do, will it stay up?
MONTAGE
A BLINK 182 SONG BLASTS from the boom box on the patio table.
Ryan and Adam slather paint remover on five old painted
doors. They work with gloves and brushes and appear
meticulous in their application. Alyssa and Sam nail and
bolt the corner posts to the rim joist as Robin and George
work on the stick framed door deck.
While George is moving a little slower than usual, it appears
that the pain is nearly gone. As the song ends, Robin rushes
toward the radio.
ROBIN
I brought a few of my own.
RYAN
Someone stop her!
Robin runs to her car and retrieves a few CD's. She slips
the CD in and we HEAR John Hiat's "DISTANCE." It's a slow,
soft song that brings a smile to George's face.
GEORGE
It's been a while.
ROBIN
This was my very first slow dance.
ADAM
Did you know him before you knew Dad?
ROBIN
Since seventh grade.
GEORGE
Tell him how you made me fall in love
with you.
ROBIN
I smiled at him.
GEORGE
Watch out for the smile, boys.
Robin's body moves slightly to the music as she smiles.
George grins. The boys aren't sure what to make of the
advice. 'You are the beautiful love (my lover), I am the
distant shore (so far away). There is so much to uncover
(love's hiding). What is this distance for? What is it for?
ROBIN
Who's up for a dance?
Robin glances around for any takers, finally focusing on
George.
ADAM (O.S.)
Just don't hug me too tight.
Adam walks to his mother and they hold hands as they dance.
Sam sits down to watch. George wears a smile that wipes the
last of the pain from his face.
ADAM (CONT'D)
That's all you get. I'm busy today.
Adam backs away and grabs his paintbrush. Robin stops
dancing as she focuses on George.
ROBIN
Let's see if you've gotten any better.
GEORGE
Oh, I'm worse. Much, much worse.
Robin waits to see how worse. George finally walks to her
and takes her in his arms. He must have been better than
this. The waltz smooths out as they dance closer, holding
tighter. "We fill the air with silent stares. But still, no
one there, we are strangers." Alyssa decides it's time to
go.
ALYSSA
I'll see you tomorrow.
Sam watches Alyssa walk away, but he's quickly drawn back to
his mother and father dancing. Ryan appears anxious, unsure
of the music and George.
RYAN
When did you fall in love with my dad?
The dance stops. George lets go of Robin as she focuses on
Ryan.
ROBIN
When I found out I was pregnant with you.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
Sam is on the pull out bed, listening to music through head
phones. We HEAR a flush, the armoire doors open and George
walks out of the cabinet, washes his hands, turns off the
light and drops into bed. A nightlight stuck in a socket
above the bed casts a dull blue light over the room. Sam
takes the headphones off. After a long silence:
SAM
I took some of your Vicodin.
GEORGE
I know.
(beat)
Why?
SAM
I like how it feels not to feel.
George turns onto his side to face his son.
GEORGE
I know the feeling.
SAM
How do you become something you're not?
GEORGE
What would you like to be?
SAM
What I'm not.
GEORGE
What are you now?
SAM
Nothing.
GEORGE
That's not true.
SAM
See, that's the thing...I am what I say I
am.
GEORGE
I know parts of who you are.
SAM
What do you know about me?
George drops back onto his back. He takes his time to
answer.
GEORGE
When you started first grade and your mom
went to work, it was so she could save
for an apartment. But then she met Peter
and skipped the idea of renting.
SAM
He's got nothing to do with me.
GEORGE
I couldn't imagine how I could compete
with him for any part of you. So, I
didn't. He wanted you to have his last
name...I let him even take that.
SAM
He was a prick when I was six, and he's a
prick today.
George turns onto his side to face Sam again.
GEORGE
I wish you had told me then.
SAM
I'm telling you now.
GEORGE
I gave up on you.
SAM
I'd be in Tahoe having fun if you had
given up.
GEORGE
What would you be doing now?
SAM
Getting high, I guess.
GEORGE
If I asked you to stop, would you?
SAM
I haven't used anything for two days.
I'm trying.
GEORGE
I'm proud of you, Sam.
SAM
Don't be. And hide whatever that new
drug is you have. I like it.
Sam turns away from his father and puts his headphones on.
The music bleeds through the headphones in a muffled rumble.
GEORGE
I put a gun to my father's head once.
George's voice is soft - there's no chance Sam can hear.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Have you ever thought like that? I've
been thinking...watching you work. How
much do you hate me?
(beat)
He was passed out.
Just screaming at my mother before.
About nothing. Under-cooked meat. I
went back to my room... put the barrel
close to his ear and chickened out again.
Not my dad. Hid in my room. Not even
me.
(beat)
Of course it was a BB gun. But it still
would have hurt like hell.
Sam notices his father's mouth moving and takes off the
headphones.
SAM
Are you talking?
GEORGE
I was just thinking about my mom. She
wouldn't leave him. I remember one time
she made us dinner wearing sunglasses. I
mean it was dark outside and in. But we
never talked about it.
SAM
Sun glasses?
GEORGE
To hide a black eye.
SAM
Why wouldn't she leave?
GEORGE
I think she was terrified of living with
him...but maybe even more terrified of
life without him.
SAM
I would have killed him.
GEORGE
Everything would have been better if you
had. You'd have liked your grandmother.
And there'd be a girl out there that'd
have her mother. I remember reading
about her in the paper. They couldn't
find her father and her mother was dead.
I still feel guilty about that.
SAM
Do you ever wish you had done it?
George thinks about that for a second.
GEORGE
I loved him too much.
SAM
After everything he did to you and your
mom?
GEORGE
After everything.
SAM
That's so weird...
Sam slips his headphones back on. George nods...it is.
EXT. DAVID DOKOS' HOUSE - MORNING
Guster is squatting on the lush lawn of the mansion taking a
dump. David bursts out from his house, rushes to his black
Mercedes and tries once again to run over Guster. No such
luck. Guster moves on to another lawn as Mr. Dokos drops
over the curb and drives off down the street.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - AFTERNOON
In the late June afternoon, with a clotted cloud sky, Robin,
Adam, Ryan, Sam, Alyssa and George work at building a house.
Adam and Ryan are staining the interior doors they stripped
days earlier. George and Sam carry large wood beam to the
foundation and slip it into the pocket mortise of the
laminated beam that spans from pier post to pier post. Robin
grabs a drill and screws the cast-in tie down to the wood
beam. Alyssa is sawing a rafter in half as her mother walks
across the grass with a huge basket of food.
COLLEEN
Is anyone hungry?
LATER
With MUSIC playing in the background, everyone is packed
around the patio table eating pasta and drinking lemonade.
ADAM
I like the color I'm making the doors.
GEORGE
The absolute best color I've ever seen in
my life.
Adam lights up, pleased to be praised.
RYAN
How many bedrooms will your house have?
GEORGE
Three.
ADAM
Will Sam live with you or us?
GEORGE
With you.
It's a quick response that draws Robin's attention. Sam
lightly bops Adam on the head.
SAM
So put your plans of my room in the
trash.
ADAM
I don't think Dad wants you home.
ROBIN
Adam, that's not true!
RYAN
Yes, it is.
ROBIN
Would you stop being ridiculous? Your
father wants Sam home as much as I do.
Sam starts laughing. George smiles. Sam can't stop
laughing.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
It wasn't meant to be...
Sam and George stand at exactly the same time and walk back
to the house. Without a word, they work together as they
continue to frame the house. Suddenly George turns back to
the pack of people at the table and loudly proclaims:
GEORGE
I love you!
That's it. He goes back to work as Sam glances at him,
amused. Adam and Ryan are surprised and it shows on their
faces. Robin smiles.
INT. ROBIN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Robin's in bed reading as Peter emerges from the bathroom in
pajama bottoms.
PETER
You know what I've decided?
Robin glances up from her book to Peter's hairy chest.
ROBIN
To shave your chest?
PETER
We should take a vacation.
Peter grabs his pajama top and slips it on as he climbs into
bed. Robin sets her book down.
ROBIN
The biggest waste of time since
television.
PETER
Do you remember anything I've said that
wasn't negative?
Robin takes long enough to think that Peter forges on.
PETER (CONT'D)
Just the two of us.
It takes Robin a few seconds to answer.
ROBIN
I'd love to drive through New England in
the Fall.
PETER
Sooner than the Fall.
He closes in on her, kisses her cheek.
ROBIN
After the kids are back in school.
PETER
Lois will stay with them. Or we can pawn
them off on your parents.
Out of reasonable excuses, Robin opts for the truth.
ROBIN
I'm helping George build his house.
PETER
What?
ROBIN
I've been helping for the last few days.
Weeks. Sam's working. I told you Sam
was working. I mean, he really is.
PETER
Good. That was the plan. We couldn't
stand him and George needed help.
As true as it is, this still irritates Robin.
ROBIN
I can't go right now.
PETER
You can't go because of Sam?
ROBIN
We haven't been away together for three
years. What difference does a few months
make?
PETER
You can't go with me because of Sam?
ROBIN
Sam is working at something for the first
time in his life. Once in a while he
even talks to me. I want to be around
for that.
PETER
So am I, Robin. I'm working at
something, too. I'm even talking. Do
you want to be around for it?
Peter is intense, close up, not giving her breathing room.
ROBIN
I don't know.
Robin whispers her answer. Peter pulls away and settles down
on his back. Robin doesn't move for the longest time.
Finally, she eases onto her back and turns out the light.
PETER
I was talking about our marriage.
ROBIN
I know.
Silence finishes the conversation.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
With an extended plate and overhung rafters, the frame takes
its form; rooms are roughed in; windows are framed; two gable
dormers distinguish the common-rafter roof in the front and a
frame for a balcony juts out over the ocean in back. Robin
and Adam are locking in and hoisting the sheets of plywood on
a pulley system up to Ryan and George, who are stripped down
to shorts - George is thinner than ever.
INT. ALYSSA'S BATHROOM - MORNING
Sam is showering as Alyssa walks in from the bedroom and
joins him; no protest is voiced this time around.
INT. SHOWER - CONTINUOUS
Alyssa smiles at Sam as she grabs a wash cloth and slathers
it with liquid soap.
SAM
What's the point of this?
ALYSSA
Does everything have to have a point?
SAM
It's freakish. I don't get it. I'm not
really supposed to touch you, but I can
look.
Alyssa faces Sam as she washes her body with the cloth.
ALYSSA
Are you sure you're totally into guys?
SAM
What are you talking about?
ALYSSA
Josh said...
SAM
I'm not gay.
Sam glances down at himself; Alyssa looks too.
SAM (CONT'D)
I mean, hello!
They both look up.
ALYSSA
I was wondering.
SAM
You're driving me crazy! Do you know
what it's like trying to jack-off in an
armoire?
ALYSSA
Not really.
SAM
You're off, you know? You're way, way
off.
ALYSSA
I thought I was helping you.
SAM
It would help me if I could kiss you.
ALYSSA
No, I don't...NO. I thought we were just
friends.
SAM
What you think, you know, doesn't have
much to do with reality. I mean, I hope
I'm not the first to say that about you.
ALYSSA
Okay, but then we'll just be friends.
Okay?
SAM
Okay. I guess.
Sam stands still, unsure of his next move.
ALYSSA
Have you ever even kissed a girl?
Sam appears shocked she would even ask; he hasn't, but she's
not supposed to know that. Alyssa makes the move, closes the
distance and kisses him. Apart, it appears to be something
they enjoyed. Sam wraps his arms around her, presses himself
against her and kisses her again.
After a few seconds of making out, Sam jerks once, then again
as he backs away. Alyssa grimaces as she glances down.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Oh, yuck!
Alyssa steps into a corner of the shower as Sam turns around
and rests his forehead on the tile.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
You're scrubbing the shower down.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - AFTERNOON
George and Sam are on ladders, reinforcing a window opening
on the second floor with a 2x4 spline. Ryan and Adam are
flat on their backs on the grass with Guster between them,
dog-tired. Robin is at the grill with hamburgers as Alyssa
prepares the table for dinner.
ALYSSA
You must have a really great husband.
Robin glances up at Alyssa.
ROBIN
Why is that?
ALYSSA
Just, I mean, well, you're here every
single day.
ROBIN
He's at work while I'm here.
ALYSSA
I guess I'd just be jealous if I were
him.
ROBIN
Well, he doesn't need to worry.
ALYSSA
If my kids and my wife were always at an
ex-husband's house, I'd worry.
ROBIN
He's not the type to worry.
Robin is slightly pissed at Alyssa grilling her; she flips
the hamburgers and calls out:
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Let's eat!
INT. WEBBER'S LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Music is playing softly in the background. Peter is sitting
alone in a chair with a drink in hand. After a bit, Lois
walks in holding a can of Pledge and a rag.
LOIS
I'd be glad to fix you something.
PETER
No, I'm fine.
Lois nods and walks away. For all the presence of the room,
Peter looks small and frayed in it - lost in his own house.
EXT. GEORGE'S BEACH SHACK - AFTERNOON
Lunch is over. Adam is wrestling with Guster on the lawn.
Robin is taking money from her purse as George hands Sam the
keys to his truck.
ROBIN
Nothing R, okay?
RYAN
Enough for drinks, popcorn and candy!
ADAM
And video games after!
ROBIN
Home after.
(to Sam)
Will you come in and say "hi"?
Sam shrugs, takes the money and keys as Ryan and Adam rush
close to him.
ADAM
Do we have to take her?
The three boys turn to watch as Alyssa, now dressed in a
dress, walks across the lawn to join them.
SAM
Definitely.
It's literally frightening how beautiful Alyssa can look;
with her tan and white dress, Sam shutters.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - LATE AFTERNOON
Josh is peddling down the highway on his bike, sweating in
the full afternoon sun.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
George is hewing a beam as Robin watches from a chair.
ROBIN
I should go.
George stops and wipes the sweat from his forehead.
GEORGE
Maybe you shouldn't come everyday.
ROBIN
No. Why? I like to be with Sam.
GEORGE
It's just that there's less that Adam and
Ryan can do anymore.
(beat)
I'd hate to have them bored.
Robin stands and walks to George.
ROBIN
I know they're not much help, but they
love coming here, George.
GEORGE
How much time do they get to spend with
their dad?
ROBIN
What is it with this? They wouldn't
spend less time with Peter if they lived
here! He has no time!
Robin walks away, then back - she's frustrated.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Do you know Alyssa thinks something is up
with us? She's giving me crap about
being away from Peter and now you're
trying to do the same thing! What no one
seems to realize is that Peter isn't
there! He's not there! And when he is,
he isn't!
(beat)
So, if you don't want me here, or you
don't want my kids here, just tell me,
George. I'll stop coming. But it won't
be because of Peter. It'll be because
you asked me to stop. Say what you need
to say, because I'm not leaving until I
hear it.
GEORGE
I'd rather you not be here.
In the distance, on the street, Josh peddles past on his
bike.
ROBIN
I thought we were helping.
GEORGE
I can hire workers to help me.
Robin nods, gathers her things, walks to her car, climbs in
and drives off.
EXT. COLLEEN'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Colleen is standing in the entry, talking to Josh.
COLLEEN
You can come in and wait if you'd like.
JOSH
What friends did she go with?
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Robin pulls right back to where she was parked and parks
again. She steps out of the car talking.
ROBIN
Nothing is going on with us, is it?
GEORGE
Going on?
ROBIN
When I picked you up from the train
station...what you said.
GEORGE
What did I say?
ROBIN
That thing about I was the most, you
know, beautiful person you had ever
known. What was that?
GEORGE
That was the truth.
ROBIN
You've never said that before.
GEORGE
I'll say a lot of things I've never said
before. It's habit.
ROBIN
It sounded like a pick-up line.
GEORGE
I can't pick you up.
Robin sits down, weighted by the reason.
ROBIN
I'm married.
GEORGE
You bit my finger.
ROBIN
If I weren't married?
George wants to answer quickly, dismiss the impossible and
move on, but emotion catches him off-guard. He forces a
smile.
GEORGE
Let's not do this, okay?
ROBIN
I need to know.
GEORGE
You need to know what? Do I still love
you?
Robin is surprised by the question. She nods her head.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
Absolutely. There's not a doubt in my
mind that through all my anger...my ego,
I was faithful in my love for you. From
seventh grade on.
Robin raises her eyebrows - what a revelation.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
That I made you doubt it, that I withheld
it...that's the greatest mistake of a
life full of mistakes.
(beat)
But the truth doesn't set us free, Robin.
I can say it as many times as you can
stand to hear it. And all that does, the
only thing, is remind us that love isn't
enough. Not even close.
Tears well in Robin's eyes as she stands.
ROBIN
I should go.
George nods - she should. Robin walks to her car, opens the
door; she faces George before climbing in. George walks into
the garage.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - LATE AFTERNOON
George rummages through his sock drawer. Pulls out a folded
sock and opens it - the prescription bottle drops to the
floor. He fills a glass and swallows three pills.
INT. ROBIN'S ENTRY - LATE AFTERNOON
Robin opens the door and heads straight for the kitchen.
PETER (O.S.)
All I am is what I have.
Robin jumps and searches for the voice. Peter's sitting
alone in the living room.
PETER (CONT'D)
That sounds pathetic, doesn't it?
ROBIN
What are you doing home?
PETER
I always felt I could never marry you
without first showing you what a fabulous
life you cloud live despite me.
Robin takes a few steps into the room.
ROBIN
You never really trusted me.
PETER
You live a fabulous life, Robin.
ROBIN
Despite you.
PETER
I never asked for more.
ROBIN
That's the problem.
PETER
Please don't leave me.
Peter stands and walks to her. Robin doesn't respond.
PETER (CONT'D)
Where are the kids?
ROBIN
Sam took them to a movie.
PETER
I'll be in the bedroom.
Peter takes her hand and kisses her cheek before walking down
the hall. Robin stands still, trying to assess the exchange.
INT. BEDROOM - EVENING
In a bedroom we don't quite recognize, two people are in the
throes of making love under a silk white sheet.
WOMAN (O.S.)
Oh God!
It's hard to tell whose voice that is - Robin's?
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
George is in bed, awakened by a KNOCK.
GEORGE
I fell asleep!
Alyssa walks in, closing the door behind her.
ALYSSA
Sam's dropping Adam and Ryan off.
George is slightly out of it with oral morphine; he tires to
sit up, but settles for propping up his head.
GEORGE
Can you keep Sam straight?
ALYSSA
He's not gay. I found out purely by
accident, believe me.
GEORGE
I mean drugs.
(catching up)
I thought you said he was?
ALYSSA
He wouldn't use around me. I don't like
any of it.
GEORGE
You're a good girl.
ALYSSA
I need to ask you something, Mr. Nelson.
Alyssa walks over and lies on the bed beside George.
GEORGE
You have to ask like that?
ALYSSA
I want you to try something with me,
okay?
GEORGE
I've taken a lot of morphine. Oral
morphine...for my back. Can I wait till
I can say no and sound convincing?
Alyssa leans forward and kisses him; it's a real kiss that
lasts a lot longer than it should. And when it's over:
ALYSSA
Did you feel anything?
GEORGE
Maybe your tongue...I don't know, my
mouth is numb. Why did you do that?
They both stare up at the ceiling.
ALYSSA
When you dated my mom, I saw you kiss her
once. You looked like such a good
kisser.
INT. BEDROOM - EVENING
It's the couple making love again; this time we're close
enough to make out Colleen's face underneath Josh, who is
working with speed, if not exact precision.
ALYSSA (V.O.)
My mother would die.
GEORGE (V.O.)
Let's shut up and not kill her.
COLLEEN
Oh my God!
INT. ROBIN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Peter has changed and is on the bed; his head propped up by
pillows; he stairs blankly at the door.
INT. ROBIN'S LIVING ROOM - EVENING
Robin is sitting alone in the living room, in the same spot
Peter had been sitting earlier.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EVENING
Alyssa and George are still beside each other in bed.
ALYSSA
It's not what I was expecting.
GEORGE
What did you think it would be?
ALYSSA
I don't know...
(realizing)
More like when I kissed Sam.
Alyssa sits up in bed.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
More like that.
She stands and grabs his big toe.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Thanks for your time.
Alyssa waves goodbye and leaves. George is confused by it
all.
INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Josh looks as though he's been struck by a hammer as he lay
on his back with his mouth slack. Under the sheet, low down,
Colleen is swallowing her pride and showing off her
technique. A sudden blaring noise, AN ALARM, pierces Josh's
throaty groan. Colleen jumps off the bed, the sheet still
haunting her head.
COLLEEN
Oh my God! Get dressed! Get dressed!
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Alyssa closes the French door she entered through and rushes
to the alarm panel as the siren blares.
INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Colleen and Josh are frantically pulling on clothes as the
noise throws them off balance.
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
With the ALARM OFF, Alyssa walks to the entry.
ALYSSA
Mom!?
INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Josh has pulled on his underwear backwards; only speed
counts.
INT. COLLEEN'S ENTRY - EVENING
Alyssa glances around before heading up the stairs.
ALYSSA
Hello?
INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Without a knock, Alyssa opens the door. The room is empty,
but the bed is messed.
ALYSSA
Mom?
COLLEEN (O.S.)
Here, honey!
Alyssa walks to the master bath, following the voice.
INT. COLLEEN'S BATHROOM - EVENING
Colleen is standing above Josh, who is bent over on his
knees, with a plunger in the bath.
ALYSSA
I completely forgot. I'm so sorry, Josh.
(beat)
What are you doing?
Josh's face is flushed red and beaded with sweat.
COLLEEN
I put him to work.
ALYSSA
What's wrong?
It takes a second for Colleen to realize that Alyssa is
talking about the plumbing.
COLLEEN
I couldn't get it to go down.
ALYSSA
And why was the alarm on?
COLLEEN
Oh...I set it to see if it would work.
ALYSSA
You'd better call and cancel.
COLLEEN
Oh God, we don't want the police!
Colleen is anxious as she rushes out. Josh stands and wipes
the sweat from his forehead.
ALYSSA
What's going on?
Josh fumbles and fidgets, finally finding a way out.
JOSH
What's the deal with you and Sam?
INT. ROBIN'S KITCHEN - EVENING
Robin is fixing dinner as we hear the front door open. Adam
is talking as he rushes into the kitchen.
ADAM
I got to play one video game for three
hours straight!
Ryan enters right behind him.
RYAN
Wouldn't you move to another one if the
one you were playing made you look
stupid?
Robin checks the entry to the kitchen - no Sam.
ADAM
That's how you get things right is to
always try and never give up. Huh, Mom?
ROBIN
I guess it depends on what you give up
on.
Robin's face lights up as Sam walks into the kitchen.
SAM
There were no PG's. So I just gave them
money to play games.
ROBIN
Can you stay for dinner?
SAM
Depends on what I'd give up on.
Robin opens the oven and shows Sam a platter of lasagna.
SAM (CONT'D)
It looks like a trap.
Robin turns to Adam, excited at having Sam stay for dinner.
ROBIN
Go tell your father we're eating.
RYAN
Dad's home, already?
ROBIN
In the bedroom.
Adam takes off in a run as Sam walks to the sink and washes
his hands before grabbing a stack of plates for dinner. He
arranges the five on the table and then heads back for
utensils as Adam runs back in.
ADAM
He's not there.
ROBIN
He's here. Check the bathroom.
ADAM
I checked everywhere. He's not there.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Guster's at the door, whining. George and Sam are asleep.
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - MORNING
Colleen is sitting alone at the kitchen table, drinking
coffee as Alyssa walks in.
ALYSSA
What are you doing up so early?
COLLEEN
I couldn't sleep last night.
ALYSSA
I'm supposed to be mad at you, but I'm
not.
Colleen is trembling as Alyssa pours herself a big bowl of
Lucky Charms.
COLLEEN
Why? What do you mean?
ALYSSA
Uh...using Josh like that.
Alyssa eats her cereal as Colleen bursts into a confession.
COLLEEN
I will never forgive myself. Never,
Alyssa. I know I took advantage. It's
inexcusable. Oh, God. I should have my
head examined.
Alyssa looks confused as she swallows her Lucky Charms.
ALYSSA
He said you asked him to tighten your
toilet seat, too. That's so uncool.
Colleen quickly nods.
COLLEEN
I won't do it again. I swear.
Alyssa keeps an eye on her mother as she continues on with
her cereal.
EXT. DOKOS HOUSE - MORNING
Guster is taking a dump on the immaculate lawn. David Dokos
rushes from the house dressed in a suit and picks up the shit
with a gloved hand and heaves it at Guster as the dog trots
back to safety. Tom and Barbara, the old early walkers of
the street, stop and watch as David picks up more crap and
tosses it onto George's driveway. He notices Tom and
Barbara.
DAVID
Mind your own fucking business!
Tom and Barbara stay silent as David Dokos walks back into
his house and slams the front door shut.
EXT. PACIFIC COAST HIGHWAY - LATE MORNING
Josh is in eleventh gear on his ten speed peddling like a
demon for the Beck's house.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE MORNING
Robin pulls to a stop and Ryan and Adam run from the Range
Rover to Sam and Alyssa, who are helping an ELECTRICIAN
(DALE) install the outside boxes and sockets.
ADAM
Dad's disappeared!
RYAN
He was there and then he wasn't!
Sam faces his mother as she walks toward the house.
SAM
He hasn't called?
ADAM
Who are you?
Robin shakes her head "no" to Sam. Dale turns to face Adam.
DALE
I'm the electrician.
ADAM
I'm the builder!
Sam turns back to finish what he was working on as Alyssa
grabs Adam with a hug.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
George is swallowing two pills as Robin knocks on the half
open door, opening it all the way in the process.
ROBIN
Is your back still killing you?
GEORGE
I didn't think you'd come today.
ROBIN
I kept thinking about it, what you
said... I hope you were trying to keep me
away fro the sake of me.
GEORGE
No. Mostly me.
ROBIN
Peter left me yesterday.
GEORGE
Left you?
ROBIN
No goodbye. No fuck you. No 'Are you in
love with George?'
GEORGE
What did he say?
ROBIN
'I'll be in the bedroom.'
Robin walks to George and holds on to his shirt.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
I couldn't walk in there.
(beat)
So he left.
She rests the side of her head against his chest. He kisses
her hair. Outside, a hammer beats a reminder that they're
not alone. The ocean drowns the sound long enough for Robin
to kiss George's chin;
and in that instant, the instant where everything but the
touch washes away, George kisses Robin with such punch that
it knocks them onto the bed. They continue to forget
everything as they roll with the punch.
SAM (O.S.)
Dad, Dale needs to know..
Sam stops at the jamb of the open door as his mother and
father scramble to their feet from the bed.
GEORGE
I had a kink in my...
As George falters, Robin feels compelled to complete the lie.
ROBIN
Back. Neck. Back.
GEORGE
What?
SAM
The door was open.
ROBIN
(a quick confession)
I don't know what I'm doing.
SAM
I wouldn't let Adam or Ryan see you doing
it.
GEORGE
It won't happen again.
George and Robin are flustered, embarrassed by being caught,
something Sam clearly relishes.
SAM
Dale wants to know if we should run an
outside outlet for Christmas lights with
a switch inside?
GEORGE
Absolutely.
(beat)
Have him put it on a separate line. At
Christmas, we'll pact it so full of
lights, we'll make God wear sunglasses.
Sam laughs, grabs the door and closes it on his parents.
Robin slumps, truly embarrassed.
ROBIN
I could die.
GEORGE
So could I.
George touches Robin's chin, draws her head up. He stares at
her, afraid to say what he needs to say.
ROBIN
Are you going to kiss me?
GEORGE
It's not my back that's killing me.
Robin furrows her brow, not understanding. George surrounds
her head with his hands and kisses her forehead.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Adam and Ryan are helping Dale run the electrical lines;
Alyssa and Sam drill screws into the second story
floorboards. MUSIC is playing loud on the radio.
ANOTHER VIEW
Josh stops peddling quite a distance from George's house and
gets off to search for Alyssa. Only seeing Adam, Ryan and
Dale, Josh pulls out his cell and dials.
INT. COLLEEN'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Frustrated and anxious, Colleen slips off the dress she's
wearing and tries another one as the phone RINGS.
EXT. GEORGE'S STREET - MORNING
Josh is standing behind a tree, talking on his cell phone as
he stares at George's house.
JOSH
I don't see her.
(beat)
Please just open the door when I knock.
He slips the phone back in his pocket, hops back on the bike
and makes a beeline toward Colleen's house.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Josh?
Busted, Josh has no choice but to join Alyssa.
JOSH
I was hoping...you could..you know. Go
for a ride?
Alyssa and Sam are leaning out the framed second story
window.
SAM
On the handlebars or your shoulders?
ALYSSA
Are you afraid of heights?
Sam walks away from the window and goes back to work.
JOSH
Not really.
ALYSSA
Can you help us out?
JOSH
My parents cut my allowance off. Without
a car, I'm totally screwed.
ALYSSA
George is paying Sam ten dollars an hour.
Sam sticks his head back out the window.
SAM
Hey, I can get you three hundred cash for
two hours.
ALYSSA
What?
Josh is fuming as he stares at Sam.
SAM
It's just a joke. A stupid joke.
JOSH
I could use the money.
Sam turns away from Josh. George walks out the garage as he
wipes his eyes.
ALYSSA
Hey, George! I recruited some help for
the roof!
George walks to Josh and extends his hand.
GEORGE
George Nelson.
JOSH
Josh.
Adam races to George with a hug - something unexpected. Adam
rushes back to work as George breaks into a smile. Alyssa
rushes down the stairs and straight into George's arms.
ALYSSA
Me too!
George is still smiling as he tucks a strand of Alyssa's hair
behind her ear. Ryan sort of saunters over to George with
his hands sunk deep in his pockets. Without asking, George
wraps his arms around Ryan with a hug. Afterward:
RYAN
I just wanted to know where Mom was?
GEORGE
Oh. Sorry.
RYAN
It's okay.
GEORGE
She needs to be alone, I think.
RYAN
Because Dad left?
GEORGE
She's a little sad, is all.
RYAN
I don't even care if he ever comes back.
Ryan walks back to Adam, who's been standing still,
listening.
GEORGE
Josh, you look like you could use a hug.
JOSH
No...I'm okay. I'm okay.
George is too quick with his hug. Josh is stiff as a board.
Sam looks pissed as he walks away from the second story
window and resumes screwing the floorboards. George sets his
eyes on Dale as he opens his arms wide.
DALE
Don't even think about it.
George walks toward Dale with his arms still extended.
GEORGE
Well, they got me started.
DALE
I swear to God, I'll use these wires and
shock you so bad your tongue will turn
black.
Adam and Ryan are excited as George closes the distance.
Finally, Dale drops the harmless wire and takes off in a run.
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - LATE MORNING
Colleen is pacing the kitchen in a silky dress we haven't
seen before. Finally, she grabs the phone.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE MORNING
George is propped up on the chaise lounge next to the patio
table where everyone has dropped their crap. Sam and Josh
are sheeting the roof with tarpaper. Robin is still in the
garage. One of two cell phones on the table begins to RING.
DALE
Would you get it for me?
Dale is in the middle of wiring a box.
JOSH (O.S.)
Just let mine ring!
GEORGE
I guess... I don't know.
George picks up the offender, unsure whose phone it is.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
(into phone)
Hello?
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
COLLEEN
(into phone)
Where are you? You're driving me crazy,
waiting like this. I want you in me now!
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
George nearly drops the phone; he sits up straight.
GEORGE
(into phone)
Colleen?!
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Colleen sits down, panicked.
COLLEEN
(into phone)
I..I..I.. George?!
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - CONTINUOUS
George holds the phone out and examines it for a second.
JOSH (O.S.)
Is it mine?!
GEORGE
God, I hope not.
DALE (O.S.)
That's not mine.
JOSH (O.S.)
Oh, shit!
Josh trips, slips and slides off the roof to the ground below
as Alyssa lets out a loud SCREAM.
INT. COLLEEN'S KITCHEN - LATE MORNING
Colleen tosses the receiver as though it were a ball on fire.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MINUTES LATER
Everyone, including Robin, is circled around Josh, who is
sprawled on the ground.
JOSH
I'm okay. I'm fine. Maybe I'll go home.
ADAM
Is that bone sticking out?
ROBIN
Don't move!
GEORGE
I'm an idiot to have you up there.
JOSH
No. It's my fault.
An ambulance is HEARD approaching. Colleen runs from her
house - she's now dressed more appropriately in Levi's and a
blouse.
COLLEEN
I heard a scream!
JOSH
If I could just stand up.
ALYSSA
Josh fell.
Colleen stops a few feet short and covers her mouth with a
trembling hand.
GEORGE
I think he might have broken a leg.
The ambulance silences the siren as it turns onto the cul-de
sac and stops in front of George's house.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - EARLY AFTERNOON
Robin, George and Sam are sitting at the patio table as Ryan
and Adam play catch with Guster.
GEORGE
Two ribs, a finger, a leg, a bruised
kidney and a mild concussion aren't bad
considering he landed on brick.
Neither Robin nor Sam attempts a response. Finally:
ROBIN
I better get the kids home.
GEORGE
Not a perfect day.
Robin stands. George stands because Robin's standing.
Without warning, Robin begins to cry again. Ryan and Adam
stop playing ball. Sam studies her before finally lowering
his eyes. With her kids looking on, George stands still,
hesitant to comfort her. There's a moment where all that
there is, where the only thing seen or heard is Robin's pain.
After an awkward amount of time, she wipes her eyes, wipes
her nose, crosses around the table to Sam and kisses the top
of his head, then his cheek. Without a word, she walks to
her car and climbs in; Ryan and Adam quickly join her in the
car.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
George is brushing his teeth, dribbling and foaming over the
only sink in the garage. Sam is propped up in bed with
Guster, dressed on top of the sheets, fingering through a
stack of CD's. He glances over at his father twice before
speaking.
SAM
You look like shit, lately.
George spits and rinses, facing Sam as he wipes his mouth.
GEORGE
You look better than ever.
SAM
I don't think Mom cares that much that
my...that Peter left.
GEORGE
She seemed upset.
SAM
What's wrong with your back?
Sam tries to look slightly less interested than he is by
continuing to flip through the CD's. George sits down.
SAM (CONT'D)
I mean, do you need to have surgery on it
or what? Because those pills you're
taking are for a lot of pain. And you're
going through them quick.
GEORGE
Are you taking them still?
SAM
No, but I count them. In a sock isn't
new, you know?
This is not easy for George; he fumbles a bit before
answering.
GEORGE
I'm having a problem with cancer.
Sam stops flipping though the CD's.
SAM
I don't know what that means. What kind
of problem?
GEORGE
The kind where there isn't really an
answer.
SAM
I still don't know what that means.
GEORGE
I wanted you here so we could have a few
months together. Maybe everything
happens for a reason. Something bad to
force something good.
Sam looks somewhat panicked.
SAM
What? Are you dying?
This is not easy for George; he fumbles a bit before
answering.
GEORGE
I'm having a problem with cancer.
Sam stops flipping through the CD's.
SAM
I don't know what that means. What kind
of problem?
GEORGE
The kind where there isn't really an
answer.
SAM
I still don't know what that means.
GEORGE
I wanted you here so we could have a few
months together. Maybe everything
happens for a reason. Something bad to
force something good.
Sam looks somewhat panicked.
SAM
What? Are you dying?
George nods his head.
SAM (CONT'D)
And you told Mom today?
GEORGE
Yes.
Sam whacks the CD's off his stomach; they scatter across the
floor. Guster scoots off the bed in a panic.
SAM
Fuck you! You knew you were dying from
the start!
Sam bounds out of bed in a rage.
GEORGE
We're all dying from the start.
(beat)
I just got picked for Advanced Placement.
SAM
You lied to me!
GEORGE
I would have lied to me if I thought I'd
believe it.
SAM
This was all for your sake, wasn't it?
Having me here? Trying to get me to like
you.
GEORGE
I never tried to get you to like me.
(beat)
I tried to get you to love me.
SAM
Well, congratulations! You fucking
pulled it off!
Sam storms out of the garage.
INT. COLLEEN'S ENTRY - NIGHT
Colleen pulls a robe around her nightgown as the doorbell
RINGS again and again. She flips on a light and opens the
door. Sam backs away from the door as he talks.
SAM
Is Alyssa here?
COLLEEN
It's midnight. What's the matter, Sam?
SAM
Nothing. My dad's dying. I really need
to talk to Alyssa.
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Sam?
Alyssa is leaning over the upstairs railing. Sam walks up
the stairs as Colleen closes the door.
EXT. BEACH - EARLY MORNING
Sea lions romp on a rock offshore as gulls circle above. The
sun sheets the morning on the water that's blinding.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - EARLY MORNING
Alyssa is under the covers holding onto Sam, who is still
dressed. Both are asleep.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - EARLY MORNING
George is in bed in pain. A prescription bottle is open
beside him and pills are scattered on the sheet. A KNOCK on
the door forces George to gather the pills and hide the
bottle.
GEORGE
It's open.
Kurt the cop opens the door dressed in civilian clothes.
KURT
It's my day off. I thought I'd help with
the plumbing.
GEORGE
I need you to do me a favor.
KURT
(concerned)
God, you look like crap, George.
GEORGE
I want you to find someone for me.
EXT. COLLEEN'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Colleen walks out her front door straight to her neighbor's
house. After a bit of RINGING and a bit of waiting, Tom (of
the walking Tom and Barbara) answers the door in a bathrobe.
COLLEEN
Does your son still own a company that
builds houses?
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE MORNING
Dale is wiring with Adam and Ryan helping. Kurt, Robin and
Colleen are setting up and sealing the plastic plumbing
pipes. Two new men (GREG and MIGUEL) are on the roof,
finishing up where Josh fell down. MUSIC is playing on the
radio. George is asleep on the chaise lounge. Alyssa walks
across the grass and stops to stare at George. Tears well in
her eyes. Alyssa continues on to the house and walks up the
stairs.
COLLEEN
He's been asleep for hours.
ROBIN
Is Sam okay?
ALYSSA
He won't leave my room.
ROBIN
Will he talk to me?
ALYSSA
No.
Robin accepts the answer. Slowly, they all return to work.
MONTAGE
The day is productive as we see the black drainpipes and the
copper water runs coming together like a maze. The roof is
shingled and the wiring is nearly complete. Whether awake or
asleep, George spends the day in the chaise lounge.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATER
A city inspector's truck pulls to a stop and Bob Larsen steps
out with a clipboard and a concerned look on his face.
George is dozing on drugs.
BOB
You're not a plumber, Kurt.
Kurt finishes hooking in a plugged tee at a turn and stands.
KURT
I worked every summer with my dad. Check
out what I've done.
BOB
It's not whether it's good or bad. You
know that. It's whether your licensed.
Frustrated, Kurt glances around at all his good work before
answering.
KURT
Are you still renting that illegal non
conforming studio under your house for a
thousand a month?
Bob opens his clipboard and checks a number of items off.
BOB
Okay. Looks good to me.
KURT
Oh, that's embarrassing. That was too
easy. At least look around. I really
did do it right.
BOB
That isn't why I'm here, anyway.
George wakes up and quickly hones in on Bob.
GEORGE
I've been dreading you.
Bob walks toward George as he talks.
BOB
Mr. Stevens. One of your neighbors is
adamant your home has exceeded its
approved height. He's filed to have
construction stopped immediately.
GEORGE
It's thirty feet.
BOB
Well, if it is, we have a problem.
George stands, he appears slightly shaky.
GEORGE
I have the permit.
BOB
After your last extension request and
with Design Review and the Board of
Adjustment and the appeals to the city
council, was there an amended permit?
GEORGE
To the patio and one north-facing
window...
(suddenly realizing)
And six inches to the height.
George sits back down. Everyone emerges from the house to
join George and Bob.
GEORGE (CONT'D)
David Dokos?
Bob nods.
KURT
Why do you let your dog crap on his lawn,
day after day?
GEORGE
I don't let him. He just loves to.
COLLEEN
He'll make you tear the entire roof off
rather than give you any satisfaction.
BOB
I'm afraid you won't be able to continue
until this is settled. You can always go
back and file an appeal.
GEORGE
That would take weeks.
BOB
Months.
ROBIN
Just so you know, we'll be here working
tomorrow and every day after until this
house is finished.
BOB
He'll call us again and then he'll call
the police. He has an attorney on
retainer.
ROBIN
Just so you know.
Robin turns and walks back into the house. Colleen, Alyssa,
Adam and Ryan soon follow.
BOB
If he hears a hammer, he'll have you
arrested.
Robin picks up the hammer and pounds a nail into a piece of
wallboard. Dale, Miguel, Greg and Kurt walk back to the
house and go back to work. Bob glances at George who shrugs.
INT. COLLEEN'S FAMILY ROOM - NIGHT
Colleen is watching the news as Alyssa walks in to say
goodnight.
ALYSSA
I'm going to bed.
COLLEEN
Has he eaten anything at all?
Alyssa shakes her head "no" as Colleen flips on the TV.
COLLEEN (CONT'D)
I'd be more comfortable if he slept in
the guestroom.
ALYSSA
I'd be more comfortable if you hadn't
slept with Josh. And George would be
more comfortable if he weren't dying.
Colleen is embarrassed Alyssa knows the truth.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Comfort doesn't mean that much when just
getting through the night is the goal,
Mom.
Alyssa walks out. Colleen curls up and hides clutching
pillows on the couch.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - NIGHT
George is shaking and sweating as he tries to crawl off the
bed to his sock drawer. Guster wakes up and hops off Sam's
bed to lick George on the face.
GEORGE
Please...I can't.
George is in real pain as he drops to the floor on his back.
He winces and cries out as he pushes himself forward with his
legs toward the dresser. George suddenly stops pushing; his
legs slump flat on the concrete floor. His eyes flutter shut
as Guster continues to lick his face.
INT. ALYSSA'S BATHROOM - MORNING
Alyssa is dressed, combing through wet hair when the sound of
construction distracts her. She opens her window and sticks
her head out. Suddenly excited, she pulls her head back in.
INT. ALYSSA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Sam is in bed as Alyssa speeds out of the bathroom.
ALYSSA
There are like twenty people working on
your dad's house!
Alyssa bolts for the door, but stops short as she faces Sam.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
If it were my father, I'd wanna spend
every second with him I had left.
Sam doesn't face her, doesn't even attempt to look up.
SAM
You hate your father.
ALYSSA
If he tricked me into loving him, is what
I meant.
SAM
You'd hate him for the trick.
ALYSSA
Not if what he left me was real.
Alyssa leaves, closing the door behind her. Sam stays put.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Colleen is talking to Tom and Barbara as they stand to the
side of the house where a throng of men assemble the house.
TOM
He pulled this crew off a tract in
Newport. They're the best.
Robin pulls to a stop on the street and Adam and Ryan run out
to gawk at all the workers.
ROBIN
What's going on?
COLLEEN
I hired some help.
ROBIN
Why?
ALYSSA (O.S.)
Mom?!
Colleen glances back as Alyssa runs to join the group.
COLLEEN
Atonement.
ALYSSA
Who are all these people?
ROBIN
Where's George?
COLLEEN
I think he's still sleeping.
ANOTHER VIEW
Robin walks to the garage door and KNOCKS. Guster barks.
Robin KNOCKS again before opening the door.
INT. GEORGE'S GARAGE - MORNING
Guster is beside George on the floor. Robin rushes in and
kneels down.
ROBIN
George!?
She presses her hand against George's cheek.
ROBIN (CONT'D)
Wake up...You're still warm.
George's eyes flutter open. Robin leans down and kisses him
on the cheek. George focuses on Robin; he tries to speak,
stops, and tries again. Finally, in a weak voice, we hear:
GEORGE
Stop licking me.
INT. COLLEEN'S ENTRY - MORNING
Alyssa bursts into the house and rushes up the stairs.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - MORNING
Sam is sitting on the edge of the bed as Alyssa enters.
ALYSSA
Your dad's going to the hospital!
Sam doesn't respond.
ALYSSA (CONT'D)
Come on!
Alyssa holds out her hand as we HEAR the ambulance approach.
SAM
I don't wanna go.
ALYSSA
He asked where you were! He wants you
with him.
SAM
I don't wanna go.
Sam is nearly pleading, frightened to move. Alyssa walks
out. The siren stops. The front door closes. Sam sits
still.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - AFTERNOON
The house is coming together incredibly fast with all the
workers. Tom and Barbara are supervising the crew. David
Dokos whips around the corner in his black Mercedes and parks
in his driveway, rushing over as he yells.
DAVID
Nothing is built until the Board of
Adjustment hears the appeal!
David is searching for George, finally settling for Tom.
DAVID (CONT'D)
Where is he?
TOM
I should have reported you for tossing
that piece of dog doo.
Tom's face is flushed; Barbara calms him by grabbing his arm.
BARBARA
Tom, let's not overreact now.
David Dokos stomps his feet and thrusts his fist into the
air, as a child might if he were overreacting.
DAVID
I want this fucking piece of shit
construction stopped now and I want that
goddamn roof ripped off and lowered and I
don't care if I have to spend a shit load
of money to get it done!! I will do
it!!!
Tom and Barbara simply stare at him in disbelief. David
walks back to his house. Tom turns to his wife.
TOM
I want this house finished before he can
stop it.
Tom rolls up his sleeves and walks toward the house to help.
INT. COLLEEN'S ENTRY - EVENING
Colleen and Alyssa walk into the house listless - both look
tired and sad.
INT. ALYSSA'S BEDROOM - EVENING
Alyssa enters the room, walks into the bathroom. Sam is
gone.
ALYSSA
Sam?
INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Adam and Ryan are sitting next to each other on the floor
subdued, tossing a ball to Guster. The kitchen door opens
and Peter walks into the family room. Adam is the first to
notice but the last to react. Ryan stands as Guster barks.
RYAN
Guster, be quiet.
Peter has a growth of beard and is dressed in Levi's and a
knit shirt - he doesn't look like himself.
PETER
Hey.
RYAN
Hey.
PETER
You got a dog?
RYAN
It's not ours. It's George's.
Peter nods.
PETER
I've missed you guys.
RYAN
Why?
Ryan is tough - not giving an inch. Peter stares at his
sons, ashamed that the question could be asked. Adam stands
and walks to this father, takes his hand.
RYAN (CONT'D)
I'll tell Mom you're here.
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - EVENING
George is asleep, looking dead with tubes in his arms. We
HEAR a bit of the song by Warren Zevon, "MY SHIT'S FUCKED
UP." 'Well, I went to the doctor/I said 'I'm feeling kind of
rough'/He said, 'I'll break it to you, son, your shit's
fucked up.'
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - EVENING
Sam is alone on the roof in the fading light, stringing party
lights over the shingles and under the eves.
INT. ROBIN'S FAMILY ROOM - EVENING
Robin couldn't look worse as she walks down the hall to the
family room with Ryan. Peter is standing alone. Ryan joins
Adam on the floor with Guster. Robin stops and stands ten
feet from Peter.
PETER
I thought maybe... I know it's late...but
if you're hungry...
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - EVENING
The sun has set as Sam stands at the edge of the cliff trying
to garner the courage to jump. After the sound of a wave
crashing against the cliff, Sam closes his eyes and leaps off
the edge of the earth.
INT. ALYSSA'S ROOM - EVENING
Alyssa is sitting on the edge of her bed as Colleen stops
beside the open door.
COLLEEN
Are you doing okay?
Alyssa shakes her head "no". Colleen walks into the room and
sits down beside her daughter. Alyssa rests her head on her
mother's shoulder.
INT. RESTAURANT - EVENING
Robin, Peter, Ryan and Adam are in the middle of dinner as
Adam excitedly tries to explain all that he and his brother
have accomplished.
ADAM
And we got to take all the old paint off
all the doors and then George taught us
how to stain everything and he even let
me choose the color I liked best! And he
said he loved me!
RYAN
We did a lot of the wiring too.
ADAM
With Dale. Oh, and I got to drill a hole
into a board to put the wire through!
PETER
I've never heard you so excited about
anything.
ADAM
Maybe you can come help us too?!
PETER
I'd like that.
Peter glances at Robin.
INT. HOSPITAL CORRIDOR - NIGHT
Sam is still wet as he walks down the hall. We HEAR more of
the Warren Zevon song. 'I had a dream/Ah, shucks, oh,
well/Now it's all fucked up/It's shot to hell.'
INT. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Sam enters the room as a NURSE scurries to catch up.
NUR
I'm afraid no one's allowed in here now.
SAM
He's my dad.
Sam is staring at George, who is either asleep or
unconscious. The nurse finally relents and walks out. Sam
sits in a chair beside the bed and begins to cry. Slowly,
George's arm slides out beyond the railing of the bed, his
hand open. Sam does his best to stop crying.
SAM (CONT'D)
I brought you something.
Sam pulls out a pair of sunglasses from his shirt pocket.
George shakes death and drugs away as he manages to open his
eyes.
GEORGE
(weakly)
I don't wanna go, Sam.
SAM
Here.
Sam gently slides the sunglasses over his father's eyes; he
rushes to the window and pulls the curtains back.
SAM (CONT'D)
Can you see?
Sam walks back to the bed and pulls it toward the window,
stretching the cords and tubes to their limit. He grabs the
remote and raises George's head. Off in the distance,
against the backdrop of an endless black ocean, George's
house is seemingly on fire with lights. Pain can't stop a
smile.
SAM (CONT'D)
It's almost done.
George takes hold of Sam's hand with his own. They continue
to stare at the lit house holding hands.
INT. ROBIN'S ENTRY - NIGHT
The door opens and Robin, Adam, Ryan and Peter are greeted by
Guster, who bounces around like a wired rabbit.
ROBIN
Go brush your teeth and get right into
bed. It's late.
Adam runs to Robin for a kiss, then grabs Peter with a hug.
ADAM
Goodnight.
PETER
Goodnight.
Adam runs up the stairs, Guster right on his heels. Ryan is
staring at his father.
RYAN
Do you know anything about building a
house?
PETER
No.
RYAN
I guess I could teach you some things.
PETER
Okay.
Robin sneaks a quick kiss on Ryan's cheek as he heads for the
stairs. After he's gone, Robin turns back to Peter.
ROBIN
I hardly recognize you with a beard.
PETER
That was my plan...to be hardly
recognizable to you as me.
ROBIN
I feel in love with George again.
Peter nods, something he already knows.
PETER
I'll see you tomorrow.
Robin nods. There's a moment where it's clear that Peter
doesn't want to leave and Robin doesn't want him to leave,
but after the moment passes, Peter walks out and Robin sits
down at the base of the stairs.
INT. ALYSSA'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Colleen and Alyssa are asleep together on the bed.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - EARLY MORNING
Sam is up on a ladder, pounding copper nails into cedar
shingles that face the house. Alyssa runs across the grass.
ALYSSA
Where are you?!
SAM
Floating to Catalina.
ALYSSA
What?
Sam steps off the ladder. Alyssa wraps her arms around him.
Sam removes sleepy bugs from Alyssa's eyes before he kisses
her. A police car stops in front of the house and Kurt steps
out. Alyssa and Sam turn to face him.
KURT
He said he heard hammering.
SAM
Who?
Before Kurt can answer, David Dokos storms out of his house
and trudges toward them talking.
DAVID
My attorney is driving down from Newport
Beach. If I hear one more nail being
hammered, I swear to God before this is
all over I'll end up owing this house!
As Sam is staring at David Dokos, a hint of recognition
crosses his face.
KURT
Mr. Dokos says that your father missed
his height envelope by six inches.
ALYSSA
He wants the entire roof taken off and
lowered.
SAM
Wait a minute.
A wave of fear rushes through David Dokos that's instantly
visible.
SAM (CONT'D)
Do you drive a black Mercedes?
DAVID
No.
Sam figures out why we knows David Dokos - from the aborted
blowjob in the black Mercedes.
DAVID (CONT'D)
I'm going back to my house to wait for my
lawyer.
David starts to leave, but Sam stops him with:
SAM
Are you sure we need lawyers?
David's face is sheet white as he forces himself back around.
SAM (CONT'D)
Because all we're really talking about is
six inches, right?
DAVID
Are you threatening me?
KURT
What are you talking about?
SAM
I'm sixteen years old. I'm underage.
How could I possibly threaten you?
David Dokos stares at Sam for a long time before glancing at
Kurt and his police uniform for just a second.
SAM (CONT'D)
Would you like to help us finish the
house, Mr. Dokos?
DAVID
Yes, I would.
KURT
What the fuck?
SAM
Everything happens for a reason. That's
what my dad said.
KURT
Then you tell me, what just happened?
SAM
The payoff.
Sam walks back to the ladder and hammer, leaving Kurt and
Alyssa confounded. David takes a step back.
DAVID
I'll just...change clothes.
Sam pounds in another shingle as David walks quickly back to
his house.
INT. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - MORNING
George is unconscious as Robin enters and sits down beside
him with a video camera.
ROBIN
I found the last time you were happy.
Robin adjusts the viewfinder and presses play on the camera.
George doesn't wake up. On the tiny screen, we see a younger
George in the ocean, his arms wrapped around six-year old
Sam; he shields Sam from the waves and kisses his son's hair.
Robin rests the camera on the bed as the video continues to
play. She takes hold of George's hand and begins to weep as
she presses her head on his chest. An envelope with Robin
and Sam's name on it rests on the nightstand beside the bed.
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Twenty men along with Tom and Barbara, Alyssa and Colleen,
Sam and David Dokos are painting; installing windows, floors
or cabinets as the house begins to take its final shape.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
Peter stops and steps out of his car as Adam and Ryan race
for the house.
ADAM
It's almost done!
Sam walks out the front door.
SAM
Do you guys feel like painting?
ADAM
What color?
SAM
Red.
ADAM
I love red! That's my favorite color!
Adam and Ryan walk into the house as Sam focuses on Peter,
who keeps his distance.
PETER
You don't look like you.
SAM
Either do you.
Peter glances down at his work clothes.
PETER
I thought I might be able to help, but it
looks like you have all you can handle.
SAM
Do you like red?
Peter nods, hesitates for a moment before walking up the
driveway to Sam.
INT. GEORGE'S HOSPITAL ROOM - AFTERNOON
George's bed is empty, stripped of everything. Robin is
still sitting in a chair beside the bed, a letter resting on
her lap. A NURSE stops at the door.
NURSE
Are you sure we can't call anyone?
Robin shakes her head "no". The nurse moves on.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
From the outside, the house is finished: windows in, doors
on, roof shingled. The sun drops behind the house, causing a
halo of bright light to envelop it.
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Most of the workers have gone home, because most of the work
is done. All the floor are hand-scrapped cherry; huge beams
and wood planks lend a strength to the ceiling. The kitchen
cabinets are in; the bathrooms are complete. Sam, Ryan,
Alyssa, Adam and Peter are the only ones left. Outside, we
hear a car pull to a stop.
ADAM
Mom!
Adam and Ryan run down the stairs. Peter stops cleaning a
brush and walks to the window as Sam stands still.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Adam runs to Robin and meets her mid-yard with a hug.
ADAM
When does George get to come see his
house?
ROBIN
It's so beautiful.
Adam and Robin are staring at the house. Ryan can see the
strain on his mother's face.
RYAN
Is George okay?
All Robin can do is shake her head "no".
INT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Sam backs away from the window. Peter turns to face him.
Standing straight as he can, being as brave as he can, tears
well in Sam's eyes as he softly shakes. Peter walks to Sam
and wraps his arms around him.
GEORGE (V.O.)
I always thought of myself as a house. I
was always what I lived in. It didn't
need to be big. It didn't even need to
be beautiful. I just needed to be mine.
I became what I was meant to be. I built
myself a life. I built myself a house.
Sam clings to Peter, completely lost in sorrow.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - LATE AFTERNOON
Adam and Ryan have their arms wrapped around their mother as
we pull back and watch the sun set the sky off in dazzling
hues of orange and red.
INT. RANGE ROVER - ONE WEEK LATER
Robin is driving with Sam beside her in a low-middle income
neighborhood in Santa Ana. Sam is holding the letter.
ROBIN
You're sure about this?
SAM
Yeah.
ROBIN
You could keep it and rent it out?
SAM
This is what he wants.
ROBIN
I read the letter. You read the will.
He wants you to keep it. To live in it
some day.
SAM
Then maybe this isn't what he wants, but
this what he was hoping for.
(beat)
Maybe it's what I want.
It's clear to see that Robin's proud of Sam's decision. She
checks an address on a piece of paper and pulls to a stop.
Sam steps out of the car, holding the letter.
EXT. SANTA ANA APARTMENT BUILDING - MORNING
Sam is shaking slightly as he walks up the cracked concrete
walk to the door. He RINGS the bell.
GEORGE (V.O.)
Twenty-one years ago, my father crossed a
double-line. He changed my life and the
life of a little girl forever with that
mistake. I just can't stop thinking
about her.
A WOMAN in her mid-twenties opens the door in her wheelchair.
WOMAN
Hello.
Sam is very nervous as he reaches in his pocket and pulls out
a set of keys.
SAM
My father built you a house...
The woman is confused as Sam holds out the keys.
EXT. GEORGE'S HOUSE - MORNING
The house is majestic in its setting among the trees and
grass, on the jagged just of rock that accepts the constant
crash of ocean against it with a solid permanence. This is
where, if you were a house, you would want to be built.
THE END.
