This is my first script. Its about the first act. Meaning that it about 30 pages or so. What do you like? Does the story grab your attention? All feedback is welcomed, i wish i could thank all you personally by buying you beer, who knows maybe one day.
FADE IN:
EXT.FOOTBALL FIELD--DAY
An intense game is being played under the blazing sun. A player who has possession of the ball shoots. GOAL!. Everyone is suddenly distracted by a convoy of speeding SUVs speeding by the football field.
CUT TO:
EXT.CEMETERY--DAY
Black SUVs parked.An air of gloom.People crying. We see two people who are not among the grieving. One is a middle aged professor(James) the other is a young boy in his early twenties(Khalial). They sit quietly as the procession goes. Facing each other. The professor leaves as soon as the procession ends. The boy follows. The professor makes his way away from the funeral. The boy keeps a considerable distance between them, we see that he is carrying a gun. The boy spots the professor a few feet ahead. The professor isn't alone, the boy quickly hides behind a tomb stone to avoid detection.Overwhelmed with emotion he starts crying.
CUT TO
ext.Suburbs night--night
We pan on a car which is waiting for the signal to turn green. The driver,Khalial. We see the tension in his eyes. Tension mixed with fear. The signal turns green.
CUT TO:
INT.HOSPITAL WARD-NIGHT
Khalial wakes up. The ward is dimly lit. Its late.His head spinning due to the drugs. He looks around to his surroundings.
khalial
Hello?
He can barely talk, his throat is dry as a bone.No one is around,just the other patients sleeping.
KHALIAL
perfect(in arabic)
His voice barely above a whisper.
Girl
Try ringing the bell
A girl on the adjacent bed answers.
KHALIAL
Where am I ?
GIRL
The hospital.
KHALIAL
Really!?
She just nods.
He looks at her for some time with a quizzical look
KHALIAL
You're not really American?
The question surprises her. She similes, exposing her beautiful white teeth.
GIRL
These days everyone's an American.
He looks at her. Blond hair,blue eyes. The florescent light does justice to her beauty.
KHALIAL
How are you(In hebrew)
GIRL
I'm much better now,a lot better than when I came in.
Khalial becomes curious.
KHALIAL
What... what was wrong with you?
GIRL
Myself.
KHALIAL
You tried to kill yourself?
She laughs, making sure she isn't too loud as others are sleeping around them.
GIRL
No, I had cancer.
KHALIAL
Are you cured now? Completely that is?
GIRL
Yes. They told me I had very little chance of surviving the procedure but here I am.
KHALIAL
Your parents must be really glad.
GIRL
I'm sure they must be.
KHALIAL
They didn't visit?
With a straight face she answers
GIRL
My parents are dead.
No one talks for sometime.
KHALIAL
What made you go through the procedure?
GIRL
What?
KHALIAL
What made you go through the procedure?
GIRL
You mean why I didn't just throw in the towel.
Its not a response Khalial was expecting but than again its not everyday you meet someone who has defied the odds.
KHALIAL
I'm sure the thought must have crossed your mind several times.
She now looks at him not as a stranger but as a friend.
GIRL
Every single day. But they would have wanted me to live. So What's your story?
KHALIAL
I was in a car accident... I tried killing my self.
Her eyes widen in surprise
GIRL
Didn't expect to hear that.
KHALIAL
Didn't expect to say it.
Confusion is the primary emotion on her face.
GIRL
Why are you telling me this?
KHALIAL
Its the drugs they have given me, makes you more likely to tell the truth.
GIRL
Are you a doctor?
KHALIAL laughs, not carring about the other patients.
KHALIAL
Do I look like a doctor?
GIRL
Guess your not the only one whose heads a little spinning.
Suddenly Khalial changes his tone.
KHALIAL
My friend died last month, I couldn't take it no more.
GIRL
You two were close?
KHALIAL
Very, but now she's dead...and here I am, fucked up.
GIRL
She would have never wanted you to do this.
KHALIAL
She didn't really love, imagine loving someone more than you can love yourself but they don't even know that you exist. It doesn't matter now, she is in a better place while I rot in this hell.
GIRL
Why is that ?
There is genuine sympathy in her voice now.
KHALIAL
Her lover is my teacher. I cant go back. Not after this.
GIRL
So why did you try to kill yourself?
KHALIAL
Weren't you listening! I cant go back. The very sight of him... God I cant bare the sight of him.
GIRL
If you hate him so much why didn't you kill him instead of yourself.
Khailial's eyes widen with surprise.
KHALIAL
What did they dose you with?
GIRL
If you really hate him as you say you do and its obvious that your are willing to kill yourself rather than be his student. But If you die so does the world.
KHALIAL
Wow, they drugged you good.
GIRL
If you die the world dies with you. Without you there is nothing.
KHALIAL
Thousands die each day, the world is where it was. You clearly need to rest.
GIRL
I don't know who you are but I can see you are hurt. I hope you don't take my advice on killing your teacher but killing yourself, now that is down right cowardly.
KHALIAL
I am a coward.
GIRL
You asked me why I didn't hang in the towel.
KHALIAL
Throw in.
GIRL
What?
KHALIAL
It's throw in the towel, not hang in.
GIRL
You asked me why I didn't throw in the towel?
Khalial just stares at her.
GIRL
Because I believed I was destined for great things. Ever since I was a girl I wanted to be someone great. To help others. And you know what all that wasn't going to happen if I let my condition...if I let everyone around me put limits on me whether I was going live or die. I believed in myself, I believed that I would live. I had the will to survive because my story isn't over yet and neither is yours.
INT.lECTURE HALL-Day
James delivers a talk on the various cultures from around the world. The hall is full.
james
All around us we find diversity, different civilizations each with a unique culture.
Changes slide, we see the pyramids of South America.
JAMES
The Inca civilization,better know as the Inca empire. Distinct, unique...marvellous.
Changes slide again. This time we see Japanese architecture.
JAMES
Japan, a people with their own culture, stepped in tradition. With there own norms and customs that often strike us as odd, even exotic. If there is a lesson to be gleaned from all this, its always strive to be original. Thank you.
The whole hall erupts from the sound of cheering.
JAMES
Any questions?
Suddenly everyone has their hand up.
JAMES(CONT)
Now I'm sure you all have wonderful questions but I can only take a few. You are all wonderful people.
James chooses the first questioner.
JAMES(CONT)
Yes,you the girl in the turquoise sweater.
GIRL
When can we expect your new book? Will it ever see the light of day?
JAMES
Greatness cant be rushed, and yes it will see the light of day. This year no doubt. Yes Dr Micheal HOD of Social sciences.
Dr Micheal
What is next for you besides the book and your promotion to associate professor?
JAMES
Well I must say I wasn't expecting that. For the time being I don't have any future plans other than being an agent of change in this imperfect world of ours.
Looks at watch.
JAMES(cont)
Last question of the day.
Student
I have a question.
The voice comes from the back of the hall. All eyes turn to see the questioner. Its Khakial.
KHALIAL
My question is, how did you start to talk?
James is taken off guard.
JAMES
Simple, when I had to get out of trouble.
KHALIAL
I'm guessing you learned to talk while watching your parents.
JAMES
Well that's what they tell me...I thought you had a question.
KHALIAL
I thought you were original.
JAMES
Excuse me.
KHALIAL
Nothing, its just ironic that at one hand your telling us to be original while at the same time your doing the exact opposite.
James sees what Khalial is trying to do but time is against him.
JAMES
Now if only we had more like you at Congress. Now I really must be going. Good day.
INT.HOSPITAl-day
The florescent lights light the way. Doctors and nurses busy in their work. A usual sight for Professor James. Without paying much attention to his surroundings he makes his way. Carrying with him a box. His destination, room 24.
INT.HOSPITAL Room 24-DAY
James walks in quietly, his son Erik sleeps quietly. He is about five. James goes over to him, he strokes his light brown hair. Eric wakes up.
Eric
Dad.
JAMES
How are you feeling today?
Before Eric can answer Rachel comes out of the toilet. Spotting James she feigns happiness, as best as she can.
JAMES(CONT)
Hello.
Rachel
Hi.
JAMES
When did you get here?
RACHEL
Same time you should have been.
That statement irritates him like sweat on an open wound. Rachel walks up to Eric, sitting beside him on the chair.
JAMES
Well I got here as fast as I could.
Before Rachel can say more.
ERIC
Dad.
Eric motions his father to come sit beside him. James brings in view the box of chocolates he has been carrying.
JAMES
Here, your favourite.
Eric's eyes light up, his body on the other hand is a different matter altogether.
ERIC
Dad.
JAMES
Yes?
ERIC
Am I gonna die?
Blood retreats from Rachel's face, giving her a pale complexion. James is equally stunned.
RACHEL
Eric!
James sits along Eric on the bed.James grabs Eric's hand
JAMES
As long as I'm here nothings gonna harm you.
CUT TO:
EXt.university football ground-dusk
A game of football between friends and batch mates. Everyone is mentally present and giving it a 100%. Everyone except DJ and Khalial.
DJ
All you had to do was ask him the questions I gave you.
KHALIAL
Well I made my point.
DJ
Made yourself look stupid that's what you did.
Both are in front of the half line. Khalial runs off to the approaching attacker. DJ follows.
KHALIAL
Well that's one way to put it.
Khalial intercepts the attacker. Khalial has the ball now. He shoots not far from where he is. No goal.
DJ
I have to say it was ballsy what you did, stupid but ballsy.
KHALIAL
Well at least now he knows I mean business.
DJ
Yeh and has one more excuse to make your life miserable.
KHALIAL
Not this time.
DJ is oblivious to the attempted suicide. The goalie throws the ball to a player not far from the D. Khalial wastes no time and goes after him.
CUT TO:
Int. university cafeteria-Dusk
DJ and Khalial sit amongst all the players they were playing against moments ago. There is Tim the laid back joker of the group. Then there is David, clam and composed. Lastly there is Jimmy.Jimmy always wants to party, a cool guy to hang around.
DJ
Three years and this stuff still tastes the same.
Tim
You don't go to a MacDonald's and tell them that their fries taste the same even after all these years.
DJ
Well I don't pay MacDonald's $63,000 a year.
Jimmy
You coming to the movie later tonight?
DJ
Yeh if its worth my while.
David
The attendance of miss Teresa says it will be your while.
Everyone laughs. Jimmy looks over to Khalial whose been rather quite.
JIMMY
Yo man what about you?
Jimmy throws a French fry at Khalial to get his attention.
JIMMY
You coming to the movie tonight?
KHALIAL
I'm gonna work on my game.
Khalial gets up to leave.
DJ
There are other games in life besides soccer.
KHALIAL
Yeh,and all the worlds a stage.
Khalial's eyes catch something. Khalial's P.O.V
A boy about 21 years of age and a girl make their way towards a table.
Khalial just stands there as if in a trance.
DAVID
You okay?
Khalial finally answers
KHALIAL
Did you see that ?
DJ
See what?
TIM
Its this damn cafeteria food. I tell you it messes with your head.
A look of worry comes upon David and DJ .
DJ
What?
KHALIAL
Probably nothing
DJ
(In a sympathetic tone)
Man you should leave everything and come with us tonight.
JIMMY
Yeh and see for yourself what a girl like Teressa see's in a guy like him.
DJ
Boy I've got powers even I can't comprehend.
DJ looks over to Khalial
DJ(CONT)
What you say ?
KHALIAL
I say I would ditch my own birthday for practise.
Khalial makes his way towards the exit. DJ shouts out from behind him.
DJ
You would ditch your own funeral for practise if you could.
CUT TO:
The city has bathed in the night. People have come out, its a pleasant Friday night. The buildings resemble lit up Christmas trees. We zoom in on one particular house.
Int.James' house--niGHT
We see James with a whiskey glass in his hand. He is sitting alone. He should have been out having a good time instead of this solitude. He is someone who has seen a lot of hardships. He knows how to mask them well. A teacher of his stature has to.
INT.JAMES' Sociology class--Day
Class has just stated. The students are handing in their assignments. Eugene a student in the class gives his to James.
JAMES
There should be a title page here.
Eugene
I'm an environmentalist
JAMES
A tree somewhere might wanna give you a hug.
EUGENE
Or a sociology teacher an A?
With Eugene seated James addresses the whole class.
JAMES
Surprise quiz today.
cLASS
What!?
JAMES
Its just a recap of the basics.
A few minutes after the quiz has commenced khalial barges in.
KHALIAL
Sorry I'm late.
JAMES
You will have to wait outside, there is a quiz going on.
Khalial looks at the class in disbelief. He looks back at James. He cant believe what's he hearing.
KHALIAL
There wasn't a quiz today.
JAMES
Well I felt like having one today.
There is very little Khalial can do.
KHALIAL
What's the weight-age?
With a smirk that would make even Machiavelli blush James says
JAMES
Ten percent.
Khalial has no choice. He leaves. James goes back to supervising.
ext.University fAculty parking--day
We see Khalial making his way towards the car park. His state of mind fully advertised on his face. If he wants to graduate he has to get the grades. He finds the car that he was looking for. Its James' car, a black Toyota Corolla. He takes the tooth pick he has been holding in his hand and jams it in the door lock and breaks the end of.
EXT.JAMES' SOCIOLOGY CLASS--DAY(continued)
Khalial see's that everyone is leaving. This day couldn't get any worse. Khalial spots Eugene.
KHALIAL
Whats going on ?
EUGENE
Class dismissed
KHALIAL(sarcastically)
Outstanding.
Khalial enters the class room.
INT.JAMES' SOCIOLOGY CLASS--DAY
James is packing up. Khalial is still outraged at the whole situation. But after that little stroll in the car park he is feeling a little better.
KHALIAL
Everything okay ?
JAMES
Perfect,such a beautiful day to be inside.
Its taking every ounce of Khalial's energy to compose himself.
KHALIAL
Good day for a drive. Don't you think?
James smiles at the suggestion. Khalial reciprocates with his own smile.
Khalial is making his way to the football grounds. He spots Richard heading towards him.
INT.KHALIAL'S HOUSE--Morning
Khalial lies in bed as the Saturday morning turns to Saturday noon. Khalial lives as a house guest with an American family having Italian heritage. The family has gone out, only the eldest daughter hasn't gone. Khalial is woken up by the loud knocking on the door.
KHALIAL
Who is it ?
He asks in a weary voice before opening the door.
DJ
Its your mom's boyfriend.
Khalial opens the door to let DJ in, Dj isn't alone the whole gang is with him. David, Tim and Jimmy are also at the door.
KHALIAL
What are you guys doing here?
DAVID
We are going grocery shopping, we thought you could use a little change.
KHALIAL
Okay lets go.
TIM
You might wanna change first?
KHALIAL
Why would I wanna do that?
TIM
Trust me?
KHALIAL
Why?
DAVID
You look marvellous in a pair of jeans and a T shirt, hasn't anyone told you that before?
EXT.PARAGLIDING Training site--day(continued)
Khalial stands at the edge with full gear.
KHALIAL
I can't believe l let you assholes trick me into this.
JIMMY
Think of it as therapy my friend,live it love it and repeat it.
KHALIAL
Well its been a while.
DAVID
Come on solider boy take the lead, you told me you used to do this quite regularly.
KHALIAL
That was a different Khalial.
DJ
Well you better get in touch with him.
JIMMY
That's it, I'm going first.
KHALIAL
Wait!
Jimmy doesn't wait and off he goes.
DJ
Last one to land drives the car!
All take off one after the other.
Int.Car--Night(continued)
The journey back home. Everyone is happy, even Tim who is driving. Khalial sits in the back seat with Dj and David.
KHALIAL
Best Grocery shopping ever.
DJ
Now we know why you got addicted to it.
KHALIAL
I know right, its intoxicating.
JIMMY
I haven't felt a rush like that ever since I got that blow job from Molly while she hid under the table and her dad was in the kitchen.
TIM
Your lucky it didn't turn into a three-way.
DJ
He's lucky alright otherwise he would have been in your seat.
KHALIAL
You and my Sociology professor have a lot in common. Maybe you two should hook up.
TIM
Why is that?
KHALIAL
Bastered didn't let me sit in for the quiz.
DAVID
Sounds like a conspiracy.
DJ
It isn't a conspiracy, its cause and effect. The cause, Khalial trying to be a smart ass. The effect, Khalial ending up looking like an ass.
KHALIAL
Well I got the sucker.
JIMMY
You make him sound like the fly that Obama killed.
KHALIAL
You mean assassinated.
DAVID
Yes the day Obama officially become a terrorist.
TIM
Wait hold on, hold on. So what did you do?
Tim anxiously looks at Khalial from the rear view mirror.
KHALIAL
Well I took two tooth picks.I stuck the end in the lock or locking mechanism. And then I just broke the end off and viola .
JIMMY
Shit, that's... that's...
TIM
Genius.
KHALIAL
Why thank you.
DJ
Do you have any idea how hard you can be fucked if he finds out it was you?
KHALIAL
You think I'm stupid? I didn't touch his car.
JIMMY
Then if you had a little bit of wood sticking out clearly he would have been able to take it out.
KHALIAL
I only had that problem on the first lock. Luckily I had my pencil with me, I imagined that lock to be his sorry ass and shoved the pencil in.
DJ
Even if not a finger print surly you must have left a hair follicle or a skin cell.
KHALIAL
Man will you relax! You have made the whole thing into a crime scene.
DAVID
What's done is done, lets not talk about it any more.
KHALIAL
Thank you.
DAVID
Today was a good day, no need to soil the good memories.
TIM
Yeh right.
FADE IN:
EXT.FOOTBALL FIELD--DAY
An intense game is being played under the blazing sun. A player who has possession of the ball shoots. GOAL!. Everyone is suddenly distracted by a convoy of speeding SUVs speeding by the football field.
CUT TO:
EXT.CEMETERY--DAY
Black SUVs parked.An air of gloom.People crying. We see two people who are not among the grieving. One is a middle aged professor(James) the other is a young boy in his early twenties(Khalial). They sit quietly as the procession goes. Facing each other. The professor leaves as soon as the procession ends. The boy follows. The professor makes his way away from the funeral. The boy keeps a considerable distance between them, we see that he is carrying a gun. The boy spots the professor a few feet ahead. The professor isn't alone, the boy quickly hides behind a tomb stone to avoid detection.Overwhelmed with emotion he starts crying.
CUT TO
ext.Suburbs night--night
We pan on a car which is waiting for the signal to turn green. The driver,Khalial. We see the tension in his eyes. Tension mixed with fear. The signal turns green.
CUT TO:
INT.HOSPITAL WARD-NIGHT
Khalial wakes up. The ward is dimly lit. Its late.His head spinning due to the drugs. He looks around to his surroundings.
khalial
Hello?
He can barely talk, his throat is dry as a bone.No one is around,just the other patients sleeping.
KHALIAL
perfect(in arabic)
His voice barely above a whisper.
Girl
Try ringing the bell
A girl on the adjacent bed answers.
KHALIAL
Where am I ?
GIRL
The hospital.
KHALIAL
Really!?
She just nods.
He looks at her for some time with a quizzical look
KHALIAL
You're not really American?
The question surprises her. She similes, exposing her beautiful white teeth.
GIRL
These days everyone's an American.
He looks at her. Blond hair,blue eyes. The florescent light does justice to her beauty.
KHALIAL
How are you(In hebrew)
GIRL
I'm much better now,a lot better than when I came in.
Khalial becomes curious.
KHALIAL
What... what was wrong with you?
GIRL
Myself.
KHALIAL
You tried to kill yourself?
She laughs, making sure she isn't too loud as others are sleeping around them.
GIRL
No, I had cancer.
KHALIAL
Are you cured now? Completely that is?
GIRL
Yes. They told me I had very little chance of surviving the procedure but here I am.
KHALIAL
Your parents must be really glad.
GIRL
I'm sure they must be.
KHALIAL
They didn't visit?
With a straight face she answers
GIRL
My parents are dead.
No one talks for sometime.
KHALIAL
What made you go through the procedure?
GIRL
What?
KHALIAL
What made you go through the procedure?
GIRL
You mean why I didn't just throw in the towel.
Its not a response Khalial was expecting but than again its not everyday you meet someone who has defied the odds.
KHALIAL
I'm sure the thought must have crossed your mind several times.
She now looks at him not as a stranger but as a friend.
GIRL
Every single day. But they would have wanted me to live. So What's your story?
KHALIAL
I was in a car accident... I tried killing my self.
Her eyes widen in surprise
GIRL
Didn't expect to hear that.
KHALIAL
Didn't expect to say it.
Confusion is the primary emotion on her face.
GIRL
Why are you telling me this?
KHALIAL
Its the drugs they have given me, makes you more likely to tell the truth.
GIRL
Are you a doctor?
KHALIAL laughs, not carring about the other patients.
KHALIAL
Do I look like a doctor?
GIRL
Guess your not the only one whose heads a little spinning.
Suddenly Khalial changes his tone.
KHALIAL
My friend died last month, I couldn't take it no more.
GIRL
You two were close?
KHALIAL
Very, but now she's dead...and here I am, fucked up.
GIRL
She would have never wanted you to do this.
KHALIAL
She didn't really love, imagine loving someone more than you can love yourself but they don't even know that you exist. It doesn't matter now, she is in a better place while I rot in this hell.
GIRL
Why is that ?
There is genuine sympathy in her voice now.
KHALIAL
Her lover is my teacher. I cant go back. Not after this.
GIRL
So why did you try to kill yourself?
KHALIAL
Weren't you listening! I cant go back. The very sight of him... God I cant bare the sight of him.
GIRL
If you hate him so much why didn't you kill him instead of yourself.
Khailial's eyes widen with surprise.
KHALIAL
What did they dose you with?
GIRL
If you really hate him as you say you do and its obvious that your are willing to kill yourself rather than be his student. But If you die so does the world.
KHALIAL
Wow, they drugged you good.
GIRL
If you die the world dies with you. Without you there is nothing.
KHALIAL
Thousands die each day, the world is where it was. You clearly need to rest.
GIRL
I don't know who you are but I can see you are hurt. I hope you don't take my advice on killing your teacher but killing yourself, now that is down right cowardly.
KHALIAL
I am a coward.
GIRL
You asked me why I didn't hang in the towel.
KHALIAL
Throw in.
GIRL
What?
KHALIAL
It's throw in the towel, not hang in.
GIRL
You asked me why I didn't throw in the towel?
Khalial just stares at her.
GIRL
Because I believed I was destined for great things. Ever since I was a girl I wanted to be someone great. To help others. And you know what all that wasn't going to happen if I let my condition...if I let everyone around me put limits on me whether I was going live or die. I believed in myself, I believed that I would live. I had the will to survive because my story isn't over yet and neither is yours.
INT.lECTURE HALL-Day
James delivers a talk on the various cultures from around the world. The hall is full.
james
All around us we find diversity, different civilizations each with a unique culture.
Changes slide, we see the pyramids of South America.
JAMES
The Inca civilization,better know as the Inca empire. Distinct, unique...marvellous.
Changes slide again. This time we see Japanese architecture.
JAMES
Japan, a people with their own culture, stepped in tradition. With there own norms and customs that often strike us as odd, even exotic. If there is a lesson to be gleaned from all this, its always strive to be original. Thank you.
The whole hall erupts from the sound of cheering.
JAMES
Any questions?
Suddenly everyone has their hand up.
JAMES(CONT)
Now I'm sure you all have wonderful questions but I can only take a few. You are all wonderful people.
James chooses the first questioner.
JAMES(CONT)
Yes,you the girl in the turquoise sweater.
GIRL
When can we expect your new book? Will it ever see the light of day?
JAMES
Greatness cant be rushed, and yes it will see the light of day. This year no doubt. Yes Dr Micheal HOD of Social sciences.
Dr Micheal
What is next for you besides the book and your promotion to associate professor?
JAMES
Well I must say I wasn't expecting that. For the time being I don't have any future plans other than being an agent of change in this imperfect world of ours.
Looks at watch.
JAMES(cont)
Last question of the day.
Student
I have a question.
The voice comes from the back of the hall. All eyes turn to see the questioner. Its Khakial.
KHALIAL
My question is, how did you start to talk?
James is taken off guard.
JAMES
Simple, when I had to get out of trouble.
KHALIAL
I'm guessing you learned to talk while watching your parents.
JAMES
Well that's what they tell me...I thought you had a question.
KHALIAL
I thought you were original.
JAMES
Excuse me.
KHALIAL
Nothing, its just ironic that at one hand your telling us to be original while at the same time your doing the exact opposite.
James sees what Khalial is trying to do but time is against him.
JAMES
Now if only we had more like you at Congress. Now I really must be going. Good day.
INT.HOSPITAl-day
The florescent lights light the way. Doctors and nurses busy in their work. A usual sight for Professor James. Without paying much attention to his surroundings he makes his way. Carrying with him a box. His destination, room 24.
INT.HOSPITAL Room 24-DAY
James walks in quietly, his son Erik sleeps quietly. He is about five. James goes over to him, he strokes his light brown hair. Eric wakes up.
Eric
Dad.
JAMES
How are you feeling today?
Before Eric can answer Rachel comes out of the toilet. Spotting James she feigns happiness, as best as she can.
JAMES(CONT)
Hello.
Rachel
Hi.
JAMES
When did you get here?
RACHEL
Same time you should have been.
That statement irritates him like sweat on an open wound. Rachel walks up to Eric, sitting beside him on the chair.
JAMES
Well I got here as fast as I could.
Before Rachel can say more.
ERIC
Dad.
Eric motions his father to come sit beside him. James brings in view the box of chocolates he has been carrying.
JAMES
Here, your favourite.
Eric's eyes light up, his body on the other hand is a different matter altogether.
ERIC
Dad.
JAMES
Yes?
ERIC
Am I gonna die?
Blood retreats from Rachel's face, giving her a pale complexion. James is equally stunned.
RACHEL
Eric!
James sits along Eric on the bed.James grabs Eric's hand
JAMES
As long as I'm here nothings gonna harm you.
CUT TO:
EXt.university football ground-dusk
A game of football between friends and batch mates. Everyone is mentally present and giving it a 100%. Everyone except DJ and Khalial.
DJ
All you had to do was ask him the questions I gave you.
KHALIAL
Well I made my point.
DJ
Made yourself look stupid that's what you did.
Both are in front of the half line. Khalial runs off to the approaching attacker. DJ follows.
KHALIAL
Well that's one way to put it.
Khalial intercepts the attacker. Khalial has the ball now. He shoots not far from where he is. No goal.
DJ
I have to say it was ballsy what you did, stupid but ballsy.
KHALIAL
Well at least now he knows I mean business.
DJ
Yeh and has one more excuse to make your life miserable.
KHALIAL
Not this time.
DJ is oblivious to the attempted suicide. The goalie throws the ball to a player not far from the D. Khalial wastes no time and goes after him.
CUT TO:
Int. university cafeteria-Dusk
DJ and Khalial sit amongst all the players they were playing against moments ago. There is Tim the laid back joker of the group. Then there is David, clam and composed. Lastly there is Jimmy.Jimmy always wants to party, a cool guy to hang around.
DJ
Three years and this stuff still tastes the same.
Tim
You don't go to a MacDonald's and tell them that their fries taste the same even after all these years.
DJ
Well I don't pay MacDonald's $63,000 a year.
Jimmy
You coming to the movie later tonight?
DJ
Yeh if its worth my while.
David
The attendance of miss Teresa says it will be your while.
Everyone laughs. Jimmy looks over to Khalial whose been rather quite.
JIMMY
Yo man what about you?
Jimmy throws a French fry at Khalial to get his attention.
JIMMY
You coming to the movie tonight?
KHALIAL
I'm gonna work on my game.
Khalial gets up to leave.
DJ
There are other games in life besides soccer.
KHALIAL
Yeh,and all the worlds a stage.
Khalial's eyes catch something. Khalial's P.O.V
A boy about 21 years of age and a girl make their way towards a table.
Khalial just stands there as if in a trance.
DAVID
You okay?
Khalial finally answers
KHALIAL
Did you see that ?
DJ
See what?
TIM
Its this damn cafeteria food. I tell you it messes with your head.
A look of worry comes upon David and DJ .
DJ
What?
KHALIAL
Probably nothing
DJ
(In a sympathetic tone)
Man you should leave everything and come with us tonight.
JIMMY
Yeh and see for yourself what a girl like Teressa see's in a guy like him.
DJ
Boy I've got powers even I can't comprehend.
DJ looks over to Khalial
DJ(CONT)
What you say ?
KHALIAL
I say I would ditch my own birthday for practise.
Khalial makes his way towards the exit. DJ shouts out from behind him.
DJ
You would ditch your own funeral for practise if you could.
CUT TO:
The city has bathed in the night. People have come out, its a pleasant Friday night. The buildings resemble lit up Christmas trees. We zoom in on one particular house.
Int.James' house--niGHT
We see James with a whiskey glass in his hand. He is sitting alone. He should have been out having a good time instead of this solitude. He is someone who has seen a lot of hardships. He knows how to mask them well. A teacher of his stature has to.
INT.JAMES' Sociology class--Day
Class has just stated. The students are handing in their assignments. Eugene a student in the class gives his to James.
JAMES
There should be a title page here.
Eugene
I'm an environmentalist
JAMES
A tree somewhere might wanna give you a hug.
EUGENE
Or a sociology teacher an A?
With Eugene seated James addresses the whole class.
JAMES
Surprise quiz today.
cLASS
What!?
JAMES
Its just a recap of the basics.
A few minutes after the quiz has commenced khalial barges in.
KHALIAL
Sorry I'm late.
JAMES
You will have to wait outside, there is a quiz going on.
Khalial looks at the class in disbelief. He looks back at James. He cant believe what's he hearing.
KHALIAL
There wasn't a quiz today.
JAMES
Well I felt like having one today.
There is very little Khalial can do.
KHALIAL
What's the weight-age?
With a smirk that would make even Machiavelli blush James says
JAMES
Ten percent.
Khalial has no choice. He leaves. James goes back to supervising.
ext.University fAculty parking--day
We see Khalial making his way towards the car park. His state of mind fully advertised on his face. If he wants to graduate he has to get the grades. He finds the car that he was looking for. Its James' car, a black Toyota Corolla. He takes the tooth pick he has been holding in his hand and jams it in the door lock and breaks the end of.
EXT.JAMES' SOCIOLOGY CLASS--DAY(continued)
Khalial see's that everyone is leaving. This day couldn't get any worse. Khalial spots Eugene.
KHALIAL
Whats going on ?
EUGENE
Class dismissed
KHALIAL(sarcastically)
Outstanding.
Khalial enters the class room.
INT.JAMES' SOCIOLOGY CLASS--DAY
James is packing up. Khalial is still outraged at the whole situation. But after that little stroll in the car park he is feeling a little better.
KHALIAL
Everything okay ?
JAMES
Perfect,such a beautiful day to be inside.
Its taking every ounce of Khalial's energy to compose himself.
KHALIAL
Good day for a drive. Don't you think?
James smiles at the suggestion. Khalial reciprocates with his own smile.
Khalial is making his way to the football grounds. He spots Richard heading towards him.
INT.KHALIAL'S HOUSE--Morning
Khalial lies in bed as the Saturday morning turns to Saturday noon. Khalial lives as a house guest with an American family having Italian heritage. The family has gone out, only the eldest daughter hasn't gone. Khalial is woken up by the loud knocking on the door.
KHALIAL
Who is it ?
He asks in a weary voice before opening the door.
DJ
Its your mom's boyfriend.
Khalial opens the door to let DJ in, Dj isn't alone the whole gang is with him. David, Tim and Jimmy are also at the door.
KHALIAL
What are you guys doing here?
DAVID
We are going grocery shopping, we thought you could use a little change.
KHALIAL
Okay lets go.
TIM
You might wanna change first?
KHALIAL
Why would I wanna do that?
TIM
Trust me?
KHALIAL
Why?
DAVID
You look marvellous in a pair of jeans and a T shirt, hasn't anyone told you that before?
EXT.PARAGLIDING Training site--day(continued)
Khalial stands at the edge with full gear.
KHALIAL
I can't believe l let you assholes trick me into this.
JIMMY
Think of it as therapy my friend,live it love it and repeat it.
KHALIAL
Well its been a while.
DAVID
Come on solider boy take the lead, you told me you used to do this quite regularly.
KHALIAL
That was a different Khalial.
DJ
Well you better get in touch with him.
JIMMY
That's it, I'm going first.
KHALIAL
Wait!
Jimmy doesn't wait and off he goes.
DJ
Last one to land drives the car!
All take off one after the other.
Int.Car--Night(continued)
The journey back home. Everyone is happy, even Tim who is driving. Khalial sits in the back seat with Dj and David.
KHALIAL
Best Grocery shopping ever.
DJ
Now we know why you got addicted to it.
KHALIAL
I know right, its intoxicating.
JIMMY
I haven't felt a rush like that ever since I got that blow job from Molly while she hid under the table and her dad was in the kitchen.
TIM
Your lucky it didn't turn into a three-way.
DJ
He's lucky alright otherwise he would have been in your seat.
KHALIAL
You and my Sociology professor have a lot in common. Maybe you two should hook up.
TIM
Why is that?
KHALIAL
Bastered didn't let me sit in for the quiz.
DAVID
Sounds like a conspiracy.
DJ
It isn't a conspiracy, its cause and effect. The cause, Khalial trying to be a smart ass. The effect, Khalial ending up looking like an ass.
KHALIAL
Well I got the sucker.
JIMMY
You make him sound like the fly that Obama killed.
KHALIAL
You mean assassinated.
DAVID
Yes the day Obama officially become a terrorist.
TIM
Wait hold on, hold on. So what did you do?
Tim anxiously looks at Khalial from the rear view mirror.
KHALIAL
Well I took two tooth picks.I stuck the end in the lock or locking mechanism. And then I just broke the end off and viola .
JIMMY
Shit, that's... that's...
TIM
Genius.
KHALIAL
Why thank you.
DJ
Do you have any idea how hard you can be fucked if he finds out it was you?
KHALIAL
You think I'm stupid? I didn't touch his car.
JIMMY
Then if you had a little bit of wood sticking out clearly he would have been able to take it out.
KHALIAL
I only had that problem on the first lock. Luckily I had my pencil with me, I imagined that lock to be his sorry ass and shoved the pencil in.
DJ
Even if not a finger print surly you must have left a hair follicle or a skin cell.
KHALIAL
Man will you relax! You have made the whole thing into a crime scene.
DAVID
What's done is done, lets not talk about it any more.
KHALIAL
Thank you.
DAVID
Today was a good day, no need to soil the good memories.
TIM
Yeh right.
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