Dark Thunder
Dark Thunder
Kalika
Copyright 2011 Kalika
Smashwords Edition
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Preface
Hello, valued readers. Did you know that by reading my screenplay you're taking part in entertainment history? Well, you are. And you might be thinking, "Who buys screenplays when you can see them as films on the big screen? "That's like what I said when I first read "The Exorcist" back in the 20th Century. I said, "This could never be made into a film. "But, it was, and became a runaway hit. It's old news that books are often turned into screenplays, but it's cutting edge to read the screenplay before it has been produced. So, get used to it, because it's the wave of the future! Reading a screenplay can be as enjoyable as any best selling novel you might read.
Because this screenplay is meant for e-publication and not as a "shooting script, "out of necessity, the formatting had to be changed, and I've been careful to make it suitable for reading by the lay person by also eliminating camera shots, although I had to put certain things in, and I'll explain them now, so that when you run across them you won't be scratching your head wondering what's going on. For instance:
"FADE IN" signifies the beginning of the screenplay.
"EXT." indicates a scene taking place outside the location.
"INT.": indicates a scene taking place inside of a location.
"DISSOLVE TO:" simply means the ending of a scene with time passing.
"PARENTHETICALS" indicate what an actor is feeling or thinking and how and when he says his dialogue and/or who he is talking to.
"BEAT" simply shows the director or actor, and in this case, you, the reader, that there is some emphasis, some emotion which follows the dialogue.
"MONTAGE" means a short series of events taking place in quick succession, spanning either a short period of time or maybe even years. Sometimes these scenes are without sound and sometimes they are with sound.
(O.S.) means the sound or voice comes from off screen, but nearby.
(V.O.) means the sound comes from a place other than the location.
"MOS" it means "mit out sound," coined by Erich von Stroheim" around the time of the first "Talkies.."
Now, the good part about this is, you won't have to spend your life trying to get through hundreds and hundreds of pages. Also, since, mine is an unproduced screenplay, you can eagerly look forward to seeing it on the big screen and even think about who you'd like to see portraying these characters. And I'll consider your suggestions when it's time to cast the film. But, whether you have any ideas or not, I'd love to know how you felt after reading the last page. You may contact me at kalika@limitlessskyfilms.com or visit my website to read more of my screenplays at www.limitlessskyfilms.com.
Thanks so much for your taking the leap into screenplay reading, and I look forward to hearing from you.
DARK THUNDER
Written by
K A L I K A
EXT. BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA - NIGHT
ANGLE - CITY STREET
A LOUD CLAP OF THUNDER mingles with the SOUND of RAIN COMING DOWN IN SHEETS on hard pavement. A FLASH of LIGHTNING leaps across the sky, scattering dark clouds in all directions.
A RED JAGUAR maneuvers its way through the deserted, wet streets of downtown Birmingham, Alabama.
JEWEL, a young beauty in her early twenties, strains to look through the rain cascading off her windshield and sees the historic Tutweiler Hotel towering royally in the distance. JEWEL is alone in the car, a look of confusion on her face.
JEWEL
I can’t do this...What am I doing here anyway?
JEWEL’S car suddenly lurches forward and rounds the circular driveway leading up to the ENTRANCE of the hotel and comes to a dead stop.
INT. TUTWEILER HOTEL - NIGHT
A clock on a wall is striking midnight, and the HOTEL LOBBY is silent and deserted as the fierce wind pushes JEWEL through its heavy brass-trimmed doors. Jewel tries not to drench the floor as she struggles to close her umbrella.
The lone DESK CLERK behind the counter rushes to JEWEL's side, gently removing the umbrella from her damp hands and placing it into a receptacle.
JEWEL (to Desk Clerk)
Thanks.
JEWEL tries to dry her hands by rubbing them together. The DESK CLERK pulls out a nice white handkerchief from his breast pocket and snaps it high in the air to open it, and floats it down to JEWEL's grateful hands.
JEWEL
Oh good, thank you.
Before the DESK CLERK can respond…
DESK CLERK
My pleasure…
JEWEL hurries out of SHOT. The Desk Clerk stares curiously after her and sees her standing awkwardly in front of the elevator bays. JEWEL pushes the "UP" button and waits, not seeming to notice the DESK CLERK has his eyes on her. JEWEL starts talking to herself.
JEWEL
This is a bad idea.
The SHARP CHIME of the ELEVATOR BELL startles JEWEL. The doors open wide. Jewel stares into the empty elevator and suddenly feels cemented to the floor. Her legs won't move.
The DESK CLERK is discretely straining to look as JEWEL makes a false start to step inside the elevator, then changes her mind and backs off. The doors begin to close.
Suddenly Jewel looks back over her shoulder and sees the DESK CLERK gawking at her. He looks concerned and starts tentatively walking from behind the desk toward Jewel.
JEWEL suddenly jumps into the elevator just as the doors are closing. The DESK CLERK shakes his head as if perhaps he'd just imagined it all.
The elevator buttons begin to light up as it travels to the 8th Floor and stops. JEWEL emerges from the elevator a newly confident woman. She has removed her trench coat, and there’s a sway in her hips now as she strides down the quiet hallway, her long, wavy red hair dancing lightly down her back.
JEWEL stops for a moment, takes a compact from her purse and checks herself. Her makeup is flawless, but she puts on more lipstick and a sexy stroll as she begins to work her six inch stilettos down the hallway.
JEWEL stops in front of Room 839 and knocks on the door. The door opens and HERB stands in the doorway looking at her.
HERB
ROBIN?
JEWEL
That would be me.
JEWEL smiles seductively at HERB and brushes her body up against his as she boldly walks past him through the door.
HERB is short, with an athletic body, boyish grin, extremely masculine; in his thirties. Herb has an abundance of hair sprouting from his chest and pouring out the top of his black silk robe. JEWEL stares at him, a bit put off at first.
JEWEL
Herb, right?
HERB
You got it.
HERB stands back, looking Jewel up and down, a satisfied look on his face.
JEWEL
May I use your phone to call the agency?
HERB nods in the direction of the phone on a stand. JEWEL grabs the phone and makes her call.
CINNAMON (O.S.)
(southern drawl)
Hello. May I help you?
JEWEL
(suddenly nonchalant)
Hey, Cinnamon. It's ROBIN. I'm here.
CINNAMON (O.S.)
Okay, girl. Everything okay?
HERB has walked back into the room and is now standing in front of JEWEL, checking out her long legs. He smiles at her, expectantly; Jewel returns a teasing smile as she talks to CINNAMON.
JEWEL
(into phone)
I'm fine. Everything's cool.
CINNAMON (O.S.)
Okay, girl. I got your time. Call me when you're done.
JEWEL
Okay.
JEWEL hangs up the phone and stands facing Herb.
JEWEL
(easing into her role)
Uh, do you mind if we take care of the business end now?
HERB quickly fumbles in the pocket of his robe and pulls out crisp hundred dollar bills and hands them to JEWEL. She counts the money, then puts it into her wallet.
JEWEL
Thanks.
HERB takes JEWEL's hand and leads her into the bedroom. JEWEL strips to her bra and panties. Herb removes his robe.
JEWEL
(surprised)
Is that…you're wearing panty-hose?
HERB stands half naked in all his glory, with tufts of hair on his chest and shoulders, in glaring contrast to the smooth nylon panty-hose covering his legs, all the way up to his waist.
HERB WISEMAN
(notices her unease)
You’re new, aren’t you?
JEWEL nods her head enthusiastically in lieu of words now stuck in her throat.
HERB lies down on the bed and begins tearing a hole in the crotch of the panty-hose and waits for JEWEL to join him.
JEWEL
(shocked)
Herb, you seem like a nice guy; a bit twisted, but the only thing that matters to me is, are you married?
HERB
Aren’t most of your customers married?
JEWEL
I wouldn’t know since you’re my first.
HERB
No, ROBIN, I’m not married. Oh, I get it. That turns you on.
JEWEL
No, I just wanted to make sure you weren’t cheating on your wife.
HERB
(laughs)
And you call me twisted. Well, don’t worry. No wife and no unusual requests. A hand job is all I want.
JEWEL
A hand job?
HERB
(smiles and takes her hand)
Yes. A hand job...Please.
EXT. TUTWEILER HOTEL - LATE NIGHT
The downpour has stopped as JEWEL leaves the hotel and gets into her car.
ROBIN (O.S.)
That was great! What a rush!
JEWEL suddenly groans and covers her face with her hands.
JEWEL
No. It was horrible. It was awful.
ROBIN (O.S.)
Jewel, you’re such a stick in the mud. That was fun! And we got paid!
JEWEL
That wasn’t fun. It was disgusting! And I don’t need money.
ROBIN (O.S.)
Well you’re gonna. Soon as you leave Melvin, that is. He’ll probably freeze your bank account and cancel all your cards.
JEWEL
I haven’t made my mind up about that. I just wanted to hurt him and I think I have.
JEWEL suddenly sits up and pulls down the mirror on the visor. She looks shocked when she sees her reflection. JEWEL gazes at her reflection in the mirror and sees a face she doesn’t seem to recognize.
JEWEL looks closer, touches her face, touches her hair, then slowly pulls it off and throws the wig into the passenger seat, now letting her own dark, loosely curled hair fall to her shoulders in ringlets.
JEWEL
This is insane. I’ll never do this again. I’m done.
ROBIN (O.S.)
The hell you are. Get rid of the wig if you want, but you damn sure can’t get rid of me!
As JEWEL starts the car and takes off, pushing hard on the gas pedal, trying to get away from the taunting voice in her head.
ROBIN (O.S.)
You’re so stupid. How’re you gonna hurt that fool over something he doesn’t even know about? But even if he did know, turning tricks is not hardly payback for what he did. I’ll handle that part. Believe it.
JEWEL's Red Jag pulls onto the interstate and heads south. The downtown skyline can be seen between patches of clouds, a silent witness to JEWEL's torment. Her face is grim as she fights off her demons.
ROBIN (O.S.)
Oh yeah, payback’s a motha, and I can’t wait!
(laughter building)
JEWEL turns the music up LOUD to blot out ROBIN’s unsettling laughter. We hear Mystikal's song, "DANGER," as JEWEL floors the gas pedal.
INT. JEWEL AND MELVIN’S HOUSE - MORNING
JEWEL is in bed sleeping soundly. Her face is scrubbed clean of last night’s makeup. Without the long red wig she looks innocent and childlike.
MELVIN ENTERS the bedroom, immaculately dressed, looking handsome in a suit and tie. He's carrying a mug of coffee and puts it down on the night stand next to JEWEL's bedside.
MELVIN
Jewel. Jewel.
JEWEL shifts and turns away from MELVIN, hiding her head underneath the covers.
MELVIN
Jewel. You should be glad I let you sleep late. Now get up. It’s time to go.
JEWEL slowly pulls the covers off her head and turns around to look at MELVIN through sleepy, squinted eyes.
JEWEL
Go where?
MELVIN
(impatiently)
Where do we usually go on Thanksgiving Day?
JEWEL suddenly bolts up in bed and looks at him.
JEWEL
Oh no! Why didn't you wake me up? What time is it?!
JEWEL rushes toward the bathroom. MELVIN follows her and watches as she starts brushing her teeth.
MELVIN
It's after two.
JEWEL
Oh, God! You know how pissed off everybody gets when they have to wait to eat.
MELVIN
Well, I'm a little pissed myself, Jewel. Where were you last night? You weren't here when I got in, and I got here really late.
JEWEL
(accusingly)
Well, where were you then?
MELVIN
You know I was working, so where the hell were you?
JEWEL hurriedly throws her gown off and jumps into the shower, turning the water on full force, trying to drown out MELVIN's meddling questions, refusing to answer him.
MELVIN
I'm worried about you, Jewel. You've been acting really strange lately.
JEWEL
(shouting from inside shower)
Oh, I wonder why, Melvin! I wonder why!
MELVIN's look of knowing quickly turns to regret.
MELVIN
We can't go on like this, Jewel. We need to talk.
JEWEL just leaves him hanging.
MELVIN
(emphatically)
We've never not been able to talk, Jewel.
JEWEL
(shouts above the hissing water)
I'm all talked out, Melvin. But, don't worry. I'm doing what you said. Keeping my mouth shut about your dirty little secret.
EXT. UPSCALE NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
A shiny black Mercedes pulls up to a two-story house and parks behind an SUV in the driveway. MELVIN remains seated behind the wheel looking miserable. JEWEL's arms are folded across her chest as she waits for MELVIN to get out and open her door.
MELVIN finally EXITS the car.
INT. JOHNSON HOUSE - DAY
MELVIN takes JEWEL’s hand as they walk into the living room, trying to put on a good front. MARGIE'S face lights up when she sees JEWEL and MELVIN arriving. OATHER gets up from his seat and welcomes them.
OATHER
(happily)
Well it's about damn time! Come on in here.
Hugs all around as MARGIE runs over and joins the embrace. MARGIE looks at the young couple with concern in her eyes.
MARGIE
(to Jewel and Melvin)
Y'all gettin' along alright?
OATHER nudges MARGIE, signaling her to be quiet. But before either JEWEL or MELVIN can answer, SARAH, JUSTICE, and ARNOLD ENTER from the den.
SARAH
(cheerfully)
I thought I heard voices in here. It's about time!
JUSTICE, A CUTE FOUR-YEAR-OLD GIRL, RUNS EXCITEDLY OVER TO JEWEL.
JUSTICE
Auntie Jewel!
JEWEL grabs JUSTICE up in her arms and kisses her cheek.
JEWEL
(to Justice)
How's my favorite girl doing?!
JUSTICE
(grinning)
Fine!
ARNOLD
(a bit tipsy; to Jewel)
Hello, sister-in-law. Glad ta see ya. Can we eat now before I drop dead?
JEWEL
(to Margie)
Mother, You didn't have to wait, you knew we were on our way.
ARNOLD
But you’ve been “on you way” for the past two hours, girl! JEWEL gives Arnold an apologetic hug.
JEWEL
Sorry, Arnold. Yes, we can eat now. We've got to hurry up and get something in you to soak up all that Hennessy I know you've been drinking.
ARNOLD
Naw now, you're wrong. I've only had one drink so far.
SARAH But you made it strong enough to kill an ox.
ARNOLD
(laughing)
You lyin’ on me now, Sarah, and you know you lyin’.
MELVIN
(eyes Arnold suspiciously)
Doesn't look like she's lying to me.
MELVIN puts an arm around JEWEL and rudely brushes past ARNOLD, pushing him out of the way as he goes. ARNOLD stumbles a bit.
ARNOLD
(sarcastically to Melvin)
And Happy Thanksgiving to you, too, “Mr. Deep Pockets.”
INT. DINING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Great satisfactions is all around as the feast begins with mouth watering, juicy, golden brown turkey with MARGIE's famous dressing, ham, candied yams, string bean casserole, macaroni and cheese, waldorf salad, cranberry sauce, and home made dinner rolls.
OATHER, busy stuffing his mouth, looks over at MELVIN and seems surprised to see him just picking at his food.
OATHER
(to Melvin)
Son, you're usually asking for seconds by now, and don’t look like you even got started.
MELVIN is about to answer him when JEWEL gives him a look of warning
MELVIN
Oh, I guess I’m just preoccupied, that’s all.
JEWEL
And nobody’s interested in what you’re preoccupied with, either. So let us enjoy our meal. Please.
OATHER
Jewel, let the man say what's on his mind.
(to Melvin)
We're family. Say what you want, son.
JEWEL tries to calm her mounting anxiety, but if looks could kill, MELVIN would be dead.
ARNOLD
(impatiently)
Could somebody please pass the dressing, please.? Please.
ARNOLD is ignored by all as MELVIN turns and looks at JEWEL.
MELVIN
I do need to speak my mind, Jewel.
JEWEL
This is not hardly the time, Melvin. What’s wrong with you?!
SARAH carefully wipes her mouth with a napkin and takes a deep breath and looks pointedly at JEWEL.
SARAH
(nervously)
Jewel. Are you still having those headaches? Those rumbling headaches you’ve been talking about?
JEWEL
(exasperated)
I can’t believe this! Everybody’s mind is on everything but this delicious meal mother fixed, and you’re about to make me lose my appetite.
MARGIE
That’s okay, baby. This food is not going anywhere, but headaches like
that can be dangerous, and you haven’t even seen anybody about it.
JEWEL suddenly pushes her plate away from her and glares at MELVIN.
JEWEL
Are you satisfied now?
SARAH
Don’t blame Melvin. We’re all concerned, Jewel. You told me those headaches are like dark thunder in your head and sometimes you can’t even hear.
MARGIE
(suddenly alarmed)
Oh, Lord. I didn’t know that. Jewel please go see Dr. Harris. I’ll go with you.
JEWEL
Look. I’m fine. Those headaches don’t even hurt. It’s more noise than pain.
OATHER
But, that’s not normal, sweetness.
SARAH
(tries to be firm)
Jewel. I'll just come out and say it. We know what’s bothering you. Melvin told us you asked for a divorce.
JEWEL
(shocked; to Melvin)
Yu…you told them?! But, we agreed! I promised. You promised. We both promised nobody would ever know!
JEWEL's anger gives way to shame and fear as she stares down at her plate. MELVIN starts to speak, but SARAH cuts him off.
SARAH
Don't blame Melvin. We all knew somethin' was wrong. You've been all depressed and withdrawn lately, and that's not like you at all.
MARGIE
It’s those doggone headaches, I bet. That’s all.
OATHER
Jewel, Melvin is the best thing that's ever happened to you girl, and you just need to re-think things. I still think you married too young, but it's time for you to know. Marriage takes work. It's not always easy.
SARAH
Yes, Jewel, just think about all the good times. I’ve never seen a more loving couple than you and Melvin. Everybody can see that, and I know you love each other.
MARGIE
And you couldn't find a better man than Melvin. He gives you everything you want. He loves you. He takes real good care of you. Why would you want to just throw it all away over a little spat?
JEWEL
(incredulously)
A spat?
MARGIE
Yes, baby, couples have 'em all the time, and they stay together. They work it out. Look at me and your father.
JEWEL
(stricken)
You call finding your husband in bed with another man, in our bed, in our home, a spat?!
(incredulously; to all)
You think that's okay?! You've sided with Melvin on this?!
MELVIN looks panic-stricken.
MELVIN
(embarrassed)
I didn't tell them all that, Jewel!
OATHER
(shocked)
You mean it's true?!
SARAH’s shock is mingled with the sting of betrayal.
SARAH
(to Melvin)
You said you didn't know what was wrong with Jewel. You said she just seemed to stop loving you and wanted a divorce. That’s all you said!
MELVIN
And that part is true, but I’m in this marriage for the long haul. I just thought you all would want to help us stay together.
OATHER
Hell, no. Not if you’re carryin' on with men! I can’t believe this!
The silence is deafening as MARGIE gets up from her seat and walks over to Melvin. She stands looking him dead in the eyes. She stands there for a moment, trying to form words, then just hauls off and slaps MELVIN.
Emboldened by MARGIE’s actions, ARNOLD suddenly pushes back his chair and jumps to his feet, a bit unsteady.
ARNOLD
Yeah, I say a beat down is in order! Stand up! (assumes a wobbly fighting stance facing Melvin) Come on. Get on up so I can knock your monkey ass back down!
OATHER, recovering from the shock of it all, finally speaks up.
OATHER
Sit down, Arnold.
ARNOLD
(shaking his head)
Naw, this fool been paradin' 'round here all this time like he's the number one child o' God, and y’all even been callin' him SON. I don’t hear nobody callin’ me “Son.” But, I guess it’s obvious who the real son-in-law is now. Yes, will the real son-in-law please stand.
(takes a fighting stance)
That would be me. I’m a real man!
SARAH
You're a drunk man, now sit down. He's not worth you skinning up your knuckles, anyway.
ARNOLD sits back down, but continues to glare menacingly at MELVIN.
OATHER
Jewel. I didn’t have a clue. I could kick myself in the ass with both feet!
JEWEL
You couldn't have known, Daddy. I didn't know, and I thought I knew Melvin better than anybody. He was my soul mate.
MELVIN
(to Jewel)
And you're still mine, Jewel. I love you. Baby, you're my precious Jewel. My whole life!
OATHER
(fuming; to Melvin)
Man, take that shit and get outa here while you're still breathin'.
From the look on OATHER's face, there is no mistaking he means business, not to mention ARNOLD shooting daggers at Melvin with his eyes. MELVIN gets up from the table.
MELVIN
(to Jewel)
Jewel, we can discuss this at home. Let’s go.
JEWEL refuses to look at him while all the others stare him down. MELVIN EXITS.
MARGIE sweeps JEWEL up in her arms as if to make the pain go away. Little Justice has no idea what's going on, but looks really sad because AUNTIE JEWEL is crying.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
SARAH's minivan makes it’s way through the quiet streets. JEWEL is seated in the back next to Justice, sleeping in her car seat. SARAH is driving. ARNOLD sits in the passenger seat.
INT. MINIVAN - NIGHT
SARAH looks at JEWEL through the rear view mirror.
SARAH
Jewel, you really need to just get your things and come home with us.
JEWEL
No, Sarah. The cat’s out of the bag now. There’s no need for me to stay with Melvin anymore and I'll be fine on my own. .Except for the shame, I almost feel relieved.
ARNOLD
Sister-in-law, you don’t have a damned thing to feel shamed about.
SARAH
He’s right, Jewel. I'm just glad it wasn't me, 'cause Lord knows what I would've done to him.
JEWEL
I hate myself for it, though. I hate myself.
SARAH pulls into JEWEL’s driveway and stops the car. JEWEL jumps out immediately.
EXT. MINIVAN - NIGHT
SARAH rolls down her window and looks sadly at JEWEL.
JEWEL
Sarah, do me a favor.
SARAH
Of course. Anything.
JEWEL
(emphatically)
Please. Don’t tell anybody why me and Melvin are getting divorced. I’d die if anybody else knew. You too, Arnold. Please. Nobody. Nobody. Ever!
SARAH
Girl, you know, you don't have to worry about that!
ARNOLD
You know we've got your back, sister-in-law. Just call us if you need us, okay?
JEWEL nods her head; SARAH reaches her arms out of the window and grabs both of JEWEL's hands.
SARAH
I don't care if you change your mind soon as you walk through that door, or if it's three o'clock in the morning. Promise you'll call if you need us.
JEWEL
(smiles weakly)
Thanks, but I’ll be okay. Don’t worry.
JEWEL turns and walks toward the house.
INT. JEWEL AND MELVIN’S HOUSE - NIGHT
JEWEL makes her way down the long hallway. The door to MELVIN's office is open and she sees him pretending to look busy. Their eyes meet.
MELVIN
Just so you know, the next time Arnold runs his mouth off like that and tries to jump in my face, I'll beat his ass, drunk or sober!
JEWEL starts to say something, but can only manage a grunt, and walks away from him.
JEWEL goes straight to the bedroom and starts throwing clothes into a suitcase. MELVIN quietly enters the room, still trying to keep a cool front.
MELVIN
Jewel come on, we can fix this, please. You can't leave me.
JEWEL stops packing and looks up at him abruptly.
JEWEL
(quietly)
Melvin, I left you a long time ago, you were just too arrogant to notice.
MELVIN
Okay, run on back to you parents. That's all you know how to do, anyway.
JEWEL
I'm getting my own place, Melvin.
MELVIN laughs; just to piss her off at first, then realizes how absurd it is and laughs even harder.
MELVIN
(laughing)
How are you going to pay the rent?
MELVIN
I'm not going to pay it for you.
JEWEL
(calling his bluff)
Of course you will. You have heard of alimony, haven't you?
MELVIN
Oh, this is crazy! We’re a team. You and me. Unbreakable!
JEWEL remembers and stops and looks at him.
JEWEL
(smiling sadly)
That's before I knew you were so deceitful. Not to mention, gay!
MELVIN
(angrily)
How many times do I have to say it, Jewel? I'm not gay!
JEWEL
(yells)
I caught you buck naked in bed with a man. And, you're not gay? What do you call it?!
MELVIN
(desperately)
How could I be gay if I'm married to you? How can I be gay If I’m in Love with you? You, not anybody else. The way we make love...You know I’m not gay. We can get over this, Jewel. I know we.
JEWEL
(slowly; intensely)
We both swore that we would never tell a soul about all this, now it’s out in the open.
MELVIN
It’s not my fault. I didn’t tell anybody. YOU did!
MELVIN's words hit home and Jewel is at a loss for words. MELVIN suddenly grabs her close.
MELVIN
You're my wife. For better or worse. ‘Till death do us part,” Jewel.
JEWEL slowly untangles herself from MELVIN's embrace and stares at him with tears in her eyes.
JEWEL
Do you know how hard this has been for me? Keeping it in all this time? I feel so ashamed.
(beat)
I haven’t been with anybody but you, but ended up at a free clinic taking an AIDS test. I couldn’t go to Dr. Harris. I didn’t want him to know. I didn’t want anybody to know.
MELVIN
(desperately)
Jewel. For one minute forget I was with a man. What if it had been a woman? Would you still be leaving me?
JEWEL
I can’t forget it, Melvin. As long as I live I’ll never forget it. But, male or female, cheating is cheating. You’re my husband. You disrespected me and everything we ever stood for. I can never feel good about myself again, so how can I ever feel good about us again?
JEWEL drops down on the bed and puts her face in her hands. MELVIN seizes the moment.
MELVIN
Jewel, we've only been married a few years, and it’s supposed to be for life. And I’ve always respected you. Hell, I kept you on a pedestal! I treat you like a queen. Have I ever said no to you?
JEWEL looks up at him. MELVIN feels her heart softening and moves closer. JEWEL pulls back from him, ready to protest, but he stops her with a gentle kiss on the lips. JEWEL gently pushes him away.
JEWEL
I've always seen things your way, Melvin; you taught me to. But, not this time. I'm trying to understand where you're coming from, but I know it's not the lifestyle I want. Yeah, I know about open marriages. I know about bisexuality. I know more than you think I know. But, I'm not with all that and never will be. I want a man who is gonna be mine and mine alone, and I especially don't want one who makes me compete with other men. So now, I have to say no to you.
MELVIN
You don’t have to compete with anybody! I'm yours. Let me prove it!
JEWEL abruptly turns and leaves the room.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. JEWEL AND MELVIN'S HOUSE - NEXT DAY
JEWEL is loading up her car.
JEWEL
(determined)
Yeah, we'll see who can take care of themselves or not. We'll see. We sure will.
JEWEL struggles down the driveway carrying a microwave under one arm and a large black trash bag filled to capacity.
JEWEL
Never let it be said I can't get things done on my own.
JEWEL reaches the trunk of her car and stuffs more items into it. With some difficulty, she manages to close the trunk. Slightly winded, JEWEL pauses for a moment, looking back at the house and what used to be.
The front door is wide open. A sense of deep sadness and regret comes over her. JEWEL walks back to the house and closes the door for the last time, and leaves.
EXT. STREET - DAY
JEWEL parks her car in the lot of a large luxury apartment complex and gets out.
INT. APARTMENT BUILDING
JEWEL follows BOB, the APARTMENT MANAGER, down the hallway. They stop in front of a door. Bob has a big wide salesman smile on his face.
BOB
You're gonna love this one, ghareronteed!
Bob proudly flings open the door to the apartment, waiting for JEWEL’s instant approval. JEWEL walks in and looks around.
All brand new kitchen appliances can be seen from the tiny living/dining area. The narrow living room window opens out to a brick wall. JEWEL turns and frowns at Bob
JEWEL
(disappointed)
You can't be serious.
The air has been let out of Bob's happy balloon. He slumps his shoulders as JEWEL walks past him and out the door.
EXT. RED JAGUAR - DAY
CAPTION: HOURS LATER
JEWEL has been driving all over the city trying to find a place with no luck. She's driving at a snail's pace now. JEWEL comes face to face with a "DEAD END" sign.
INT. RED JAGUAR - DAY
JEWEL looks disappointed and frustrated.
JEWEL
Maybe Melvin's Right. I can't stay by myself. Maybe I should just move in with my parents. Just for a little while.
JEWEL backs the car up, turns a corner and suddenly sees a lovely street with a winding roadway leading up a steep hill. JEWEL is momentarily intrigued by a large sign on the side of the hill which reads, "MOUNTAINSIDE APARTMENTS."
EXT. MOUNTAINSIDE APARTMENTS - DAY
JEWEL drives up the hill, passing elegant three-story units on either side of the roadway. JEWEL comes to an abrupt stop when she reaches the top of the hill.
JEWEL can feel the tranquility of the place; birds are chirping, and in the distance JEWEL sees a glistening swimming pool cradled in the mountain, overlooking a panoramic view of the city below.
MAJESTIC OAKS AND BOUNTIFULLY FLOWERING TREES GREET HER AS FAR AS THE EYES CAN SEE.
JEWEL
(amazed)
What a well kept secret!
INT. MOUNTAINSIDE APARTMENTS LEASING OFFICE - DAY
BRENDA, a middle-aged blond with big hair and wearing bifocals, sits behind a cluttered desk and talks to BRAD, a prospective tenant. Brad's back is to the door as JEWEL ENTERS. BRENDA looks up at JEWEL and they exchange smiles.
BRENDA
(O.S.)
(heavy southern drawl)
I’ll be with ya in a minute, doll.
Nodding and turning her attention to the lovely view, JEWEL takes a seat and waits.
In no time at all, Brad leaves and BRENDA walks over to JEWEL. JEWEL jumps up from her seat.
JEWEL
(excitedly)
Hi! My Name is Jewel, and I was driving by and saw this place and oh, my God! Do you have any one bedrooms?
BRENDA
(laughs)
Sounds like you've got "Mountainside Fever” already. Come on over here and let me see what I can do for you, hon.