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Bass, Ronald
Levangie, Gigi
Stepmom (1998)
As Anna and Ben struggle just to cope with their parents' divorce, a new woman enters their father's (Ed Harris) life. Isabel (Julia Roberts), a successful photographer, doesn't plan to give up her career to raise another woman's kids. Jackie (Susan Sarandon) is the dedicated mother who deems Isabel unfit to raise her children. But the chasm between them becomes meaningless when Jackie's diagnosed with cancer and they all have to pull together.
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This moviescript available in following formats:
Bass, Ronald. Stepmom
Stepmom Script
INT. RACHEL’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
A billowy white screen. An alarm clock BLARES. As MAIN TITLES
BEGIN, the lovely sleeping face of RACHEL KELLY rolls into frame.
Then out of it. Alarm keeps BLASTING. Back she comes, pulling the
sheets OVER her head. Motionless now, as we hear...
... the DEAFENING SILENCE of the alarm shutting off. A beat.
Rachel SITS BOLTS UPRIGHT. LEAPS out of the room. From the back
we see that she’s dressed only in a pair of men’s boxers.
She makes it halfway down the hall, does a U TURN back into the
bedroom, frantically YANKS a robe hanging from the door, taking the
wall hook WITH her. She FLINGS her robe on as she RUNS down the
hall, wall hook STICKING OUT of her back. BURSTING INTO...
INT. BEN’S ROOM - EARLY MORNING
RACHEL
Ben! You overslept again damn it!
The room looks like a 6 (but I’m almost 7) year old exploded.
Posters of MAGICIANS on all the walls. Rachel darts about the room
mismatching the clothes she forgot to arrange the night before.
RACHEL
Get Up Get Up Get Up!
The LUMP under the cover doesn’t move.
RACHEL
Ben you’re late. I’m serious. I’m
wearing a very serious face. Don’t
make me start counting ONE...
No movement. Rachel tugs the sleeve of a shirt hanging on a chair,
and out comes a magician’s bouquet of FLOWERS.
RACHEL
TWO.
She pulls a dirty handkerchief out of the pocket of the shirt --
it’s an endless MAGICIAN’S HANDKERCHIEF.
RACHEL
Don’t make me say three I’m about to
say three.
(a beat, then)
Three!
She RIPS the covers off and a blow-up DINOSAUR sleeps in Ben’s
place.
RACHEL
Ben I’m not kidding around. You make
yourself appear this instant!
A WHITE BUNNY saunters across her toes. Rachel SCREAMS -- then
gathers her wits and searches under the bed -- under the bureau --
she opens the closet doors and shoving clothes aside.
RACHEL
You might think this is funny but this
is actually NOT funny.
Unseen by Rachel, six-year-old BEN sits, perched on the highest
closet shelf, knees under his chin, holding his breath. His eyes
gleeful as Rachel frantically closes the closet door.
INT. HALLWAY - EARLY MORNING
Rachel hops over the Bunny, navigates through strewn toys and books
STUBBING her baby toe. She limps in agony past a big picture of
the kids with their daddy and heads towards a door with a KEEP OUT
EVERYONE! sign.
RACHEL
(bellowing)
ANNABELLE! WAKE UP!
ANNABELLE’S BEDROOM - EARLY MORNING
ANNABELLE, 10 years old, sits on the edge of her bed, fuming, all
of her limbs crossed. She holds up a filthy purple tee shirt.
ANNABELLE
You forgot to wash my purple shirt. I
told you a hundred times it was Purple
Day at school today.
RACHEL
I didn’t forget. I was up all night
thinking about it and I concluded you’re
too special to look like everyone else.
(she grabs an orangey
red tee shirt)
Orange Red. That’s your color. Few
can carry it off. Now please. Help
me find your brother.
ANNABELLE
You lost Ben?!
RACHEL
Of course not. Does he look lost to
you?
(big breath)
BENNNNN!!!
INT. SUBURBAN EXTREMELY WELL-STOCKED KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
Rachel, smoking a cigarette and drinking a diet coke, FLINGS open
pantry doors, closet doors -- looking for Ben -- attempting to put
stone hard butter on toast at the same time. She glances at the
clock -- 7:55. Oh dear. Annabelle sits at the table, in a grumpy
orangey red mood. Rachel hands her what was once a piece of toast.
ANNABELLE
No. I told you. I like apple butter
not butter butter.
RACHEL
(hands her an apple)
Here.
ANNABELLE
Never mind. I’ll just eat my lunch.
RACHEL
(forgot)
I’m almost done making it.
(to the non-existent Ben)
Alright Ben -- you deal with the tardy,
you write yourself a note, your daddy
told you he had an important case this
morning and he had to leave early and
we were AAAAGGGGHHHH!
She has opened a cupboard with a Lazy Susan that turns revealing
BEN sitting there. Rachel screams AGAIN!
RACHEL
Oh my God. That is so not funny. You’re
late. You’re really late. Now get out
here and have some cereal.
BEN
No.
RACHEL
Fine! Eat in the cupboard.
She hands him a bowl of sugared cereal -- puts two spoonfuls of
instant coffee in Barney cup, and sticks it under the faucet.
BEN
No! Cocoa Puffs on Top -- Fruit Loops
on the bottom.
RACHEL
Fine.
Rachel grabs the bowl, turn it UPSIDE DOWN on the table reversing
the order of the cereal. She SWEEPS it back in the bowl and
quickly hands it back to him, the phone RINGS THROUGHOUT...
BEN
You touched it.
RACHEL
Then have a donut --
BEN
No.
RACHEL
Alright starve.
ANNABELLE
I’m gonna beep daddy at work.
RACHEL
He’s badgering a witness. Eat.
BEN
But you told us to starve.
RACHEL
(picking up phone)
Hello?...Duncan...The Ad Agency’s
already there?...I’m out the door...
(Ben flings a fruit loop
at her)
Ben! Knock it off!
(into phone)
It’s gonna go beautifully...
(another fruit loop)
Damn it Ben --
Rachel runs around absentmindedly loading out leftover pizza,
Hoho’s, and Chips. She glances at the clock again -- 8:00.
ANNABELLE
You swore. You owe me a quarter. Did
you remember my egg carton? I told
you I needed my egg carton for seed
planting today.
RACHEL
Absolutely Duncan I’m on top of
everything.
Rachel takes the eggs from the fridge, and dumps them -- accidentally
missing the sink. They SHATTER onto the floor. She hands the empty
carton to Annabelle.
RACHEL
...EGGzactly. I’m putting on my coat --
(she hangs up, panicked)
We are late. We are seriously late. Which
means Mister Ben we’ve got to get you
dressed --
BEN
No!
Ben races away but Rachel LUNGES And CATCHES him. He wiggles in
her arms as she struggles to change his clothes. Just as she gets
his bottoms off she drops his clothes in the pile of gooey eggs
when we hear a loud KNOCKING at the kitchen door. Holding a half
naked Ben in her arms, Rachel looks up at...
JACKIE HARRISON. An immaculately dressed, intimidatingly intel-
ligent, utterly beautiful woman staring at her with extreme
disapproval.
ANNABELLE AND BEN
Mommy!
Annabelle and Ben RACE into their mother’s arms like little angels.
Jackie shoots a fiercely protective glare at Rachel. They LOCK
eyes. Enough wattage to light up all of Manhattan.
EXT. RACHEL’S LOFT, SOHO - MORNING
Jackie and the kids exit Rachel’s building, onto a bustling Soho
street. The kids clamber into the double-parked Volvo wagon.
Jackie, still pissed, climbs behind the wheel. Drives off.
INT. JACKIE’S VOLVO STATION WAGON - EARLY MORNING
Jackie drives the children down a tree-lined street in Englewood,
New Jersey. Ben is banging Jackie’s sunglasses case against the
window.
JACKIE
...it’s really not so bad Annabelle -- Red
and Blue make purple.
ANNABELLE
(yes she does)
I don’t care.
JACKIE
I know you don’t, but if you had, chrom-
atically you are in the purple family.
Jackie fishes through her purse. Finds a toy airplane for Ben. He
stops banging her glasses case, starts banging the plane.
BEN
Why does Rachel wear Daddy’s underpants?
Doesn’t she have underpants of her own?
JACKIE
I noticed a whopping pile of laundry
sitting on the washer -- perhaps Rachel’s
underpants are in there -- Now where are
your lunches?
As if by rote, they hold out their lunches. One is a plastic Vons
bag and the other a crumpled Macy’s bag. She collects them and
hands Ben and Annabelle two brightly colored lunch bags.
BEN
Annabelle sucked her thumb last night.
ANNABELLE
I NEVER do that, you ALWAYS lie!
And SLUGS him.
JACKIE
Never say ’never’ -- it’s not fair to
say ’always’ -- and no name calling.
Use your words.
ANNABELLE
I hate when you say that.
JACKIE
Thank you. Those were all words. I
hate the planet Uranus. Terrible name
for a planet.
Annabelle and Ben look up at her curiously.
JACKIE
I hate snails and blue cheese.
Especially together. Hate.
BEN
I have lava.
JACKIE
(reflects)
Lava’s hateable. I never thought of
that.
ANNABELLE
I hate overly ripe bananas -- they make
me want to throw up.
JACKIE
Excellent point.
BEN
I hate wax lips and red ants and
pretzels without salt...
ANNABELLE
I hate the crayon Burnt Sienna and
people who spit when they walk.
Jackie nods sagely. Pulls up next to a school playground.
JACKIE
I hate to say goodbye. Eskimo Kiss.
(they rub noses)
Russian Orthodox Wedding Kiss.
They bump foreheads and elbows. Ben runs toward the kindergarten
playground; Jackie watches concerned as Annabelle climbs the steps.
The only orangey red dot in a sea of purple.
EXT. PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO, TRIBECA - MORNING
Taxi pulls up to a converted warehouse. Rachel BOLTS out,
SPRINTING for the door.
INT. PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO - DAY
Black and white FILLS the frame. Like a checkerboard. We PULL
BACK and realize we are seeing a group of PENGUINS waddling against
a black and white backdrop. We see a WHITE WAITRE’D in a BLACK
TUXEDO holding glasses on a tray. A BLACK MODEL, IMAN, in a WHITE
DRESS glides through it all.
In the center the only dash of color is Rachel -- who has just
entered and starts expertly directing the action. She calls out to
her assistant, COOPER. Perpetually hip. Perpetually young.
RACHEL
Cooper, back the fill off I don’t have
enough shadow...
COOPER
You’ve got a fruit loop in your hair.
RACHEL
You say that like I don’t know that.
COOPER
I once threw an entire bowl of jello
on my stepmother’s head --
RACHEL
And when did that pass?
COOPER
Actually, never. They’ll always hate
you. There’s a gene for it.
DUNCAN SAMUELS -- Rachel’s boss, an elegant, edgy, Englishman
interrupts them.
DUNCAN
Congratulations. Only forty minutes
late. You’re handling this promotion
really well Rachel.
RACHEL
Duncan. My work is everything to me.
This’ll never happen again. Now stand
back -- this session’s gonna make you
remember why you hired me even though
I wouldn’t sleep with you -- Cooper
let’s get these penguins dancing --
Duncan backs off, charmed by her ballsiness. The music BLARES just
then, and a penguin JUTS forward and NIPS the model. The FLASH of
the camera. We FREEZE for a second, seeing the photo Rachel just
took. An Avedonesque portrait of a model being GOOSED by a penguin
COLLIDING with a maitre’d who SPILLS his tray and the penguins seem
to be POINTING and LAUGHING uproariously. It’s an inspired photo.
INT. SCHOOL COUNSELOR’S OFFICE - 2:30 THAT DAY
Jackie and LUKE HARRISON -- ruggedly handsome man, mid-forties,
charming, disarming, and smart as they come. They sit side by side
on a couch across from RUTH FRANKLIN, an Elementary School Counselor
MRS. FRANKLIN
Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, while change is
exhilarating for adults, it can be
quite challenging for a child.
Luke’s beeper beeps. He ignores it; focuses on Mr. Franklin.
LUKE
I won’t get that...It’s fine. Change.
we were talking about change.
MRS. FRANKLIN
The fact that you two are remarrying
obviously has Annabelle overjoyed...
(they look at her,
dumbfounded)
And she’s very excited about your move to
Switzerland.
JACKIE
She said we’re getting remarried?
Suddenly -- a long bell rings -- Jackie STANDS UP, startled.
MRS. FRANKLIN
Only a fire drill. My concern is that
Annabelle seems apathetic towards her
work knowing she’s leaving before the
end of the semester.
JACKIE
Mrs. Franklin we’re not --
LUKE
Planning on getting --
JACKIE
Remarried. There is no move.
MRS. FRANKLIN
(trying to appear unfazed)
Really? Well then my concern for --
Luke’s beeper BEEPS again. They talk right over Mrs. Franklin...
JACKIE
Are you here?
LUKE
I’m here.
JACKIE
Because you don’t really seem here.
LUKE
I’m here. I’ve got a case where they’re
this close to sequestering the jury but
have I answered the goddamn thing?!
JACKIE
Something’s up wi...
LUKE
You think I didn’t get that?
She cuts a look at Mrs. Franklin.
JACKIE
Excuse him. He never learned how
to turn the darn thing off.
And reaches. Does it for him.
MRS. FRANKLIN
I’m wondering if there’s anything going
on at home that could be intensifying
Annabelle’s need to create this fantasy?
Long pause. Then suddenly they both start speaking AT ONCE.
LUKE
I’ve been with someone for quite some
time, and didn’t feel it was appropriate
for her to move in too quickly. But
after a lot of thought and careful
discussion with her -- and the kids I
might add -- she moved in last month.
JACKIE
Since our divorce Luke has seen a
number of different women in three
short years and without a lot of
warning for the kids, he’s now living
with a woman half his age --
LUKE
Rachel’s not half my age.
JACKIE
We’re not discussing your age.
LUKE
Well, we’re not discussing Rachel’s
age either.
JACKIE
They want to be with you Luke, they go
to your house to be with their father.
LUKE
Jackie, they come to be part of my
life. Rachel is part of that life.
MRS. FRANKLIN
Mr. Harrison, I hear you talking about
your life, your needs, but are you
really in touch with what Annabelle
needs?
JACKIE
(suddenly fierce)
This man would walk thru fire for
Annabelle, gladly, any day of the week.
LUKE
Napalm.
JACKIE
Except for last Thursday when Rachel
forgot to pick them up --
LUKE
Jackie, she was five minutes late --
MRS. FRANKLIN
I’m wondering if Annabelle is responding
to the underlying hostility that exists
between Rachel and Mrs. Harrison...
LUKE
Of course she’s responding to it. You
think it’s easy for any of us? You think
it’s easy for Jackie to watch her kids
being looked after by someone who has
half the experience she does? Of course
she’s going to be hostile, irrational,
and defensive.
JACKIE
Thank you Luke.
Mrs. Franklin doesn’t quite know what to say. The bell RINGS.
LUKE
Thank you Mrs. Franklin. Jackie?
(they get up)
This has been very valuable for us. And
I’ll have a serious talk with Annabelle
tonight.
JACKIE
It’s Wednesday night. She’s at my
house. I’ll talk to her.
LUKE
I’ll call from work. We can have a
conference call.
JACKIE
You tried that last week and we were
on hold forty-five minutes...
And they’re out the door. You can hear the fight as it echoes down
the elementary school hallway.
EXT. SCHOOL, ENGLEWOOD, NEW JERSEY - MOMENTS LATER
Jackie and Luke exit the pleasant suburban school. Head for the
parking area...
LUKE
You ask me that counselor’s making
a mountain out of a molehill...
JACKIE
I’m worried.
LUKE
Me too.
JACKIE
Luke, I need to switch next Friday for
Thursday, so why don’t you take the
weekend...
(pointedly)
...that way you’ll be there, and I’ll
pick up Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
LUKE
Fine. But I wanted to take the kids
to work with me on Wednesday so I’ll
take Wednesday, and you can pick up
that Thursday, Friday after soccer,
and Saturday before riding.
JACKIE
Easy enough.
LUKE
Good...Well...Take care.
As if on automatic pilot they move in to kiss each other goodbye
then stop. Each takes a step back. 15 years of hellos and
goodbyes. A beat. A wave. They head their separate ways.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOME - NIGHT
Establishing shot of Jackie’s lovely home on its lovely street.
Old trees. Comfortable front lawns. Safe and happy. A place to
grow kids, dogs, probably walruses, even. We PUSH toward the warm
glow from within this home...
INT. JACKIE’S HOME - NIGHT
Jackie setting the table. Annabelle recording the moment with her
omnipresent VIDEO CAMERA...
ANNABELLE
I didn’t say that. Why would I say
that?
JACKIE
Well Daddy and I were thinking that
sometimes people tell a story about
what they wish would happen.
ANNABELLE
I don’t want that to happen. Why
would I want that to happen?
JACKIE
Well you’re telling your teachers and
your friends --
ANNABELLE
Mass hysteria.
JACKIE
Maybe you’re upset that Rachel moved in.
ANNABELLE
I’m not upset. Why would I be upset?
JACKIE
Look if the truth is you don’t feel like
talking about this right now that’s fine.
But don’t look me in the eye with a big
smile on your face and lie to me.
Cause there are only so many lies you’re
allowed to tell before it starts showing
on your face. You wind up looking like...
She stops. It’s just too horrible.
ANNABELLE
Like who?
JACKIE
Well, he’s not president anymore, so
why be petty.
Ben enters in white gloves and Jackie’s scarf.
BEN
Pick a card. Any card.
Jackie picks a card.
ANNABELLE
It just slipped out.
JACKIE
It happens.
ANNABELLE
(a beat)
What happens when he loves Rachel more
than us?
JACKIE
That will never happen.
ANNABELLE
Never say never you always say that.
I’ll bet daddy’s mad at me now.
BEN
Queen of diamonds.
JACKIE
Seven of clubs. Nobody’s mad we just
want to talk about it.
ANNABELLE
I’m gonna call him.
JACKIE
Annabelle, daddy and I will always be there.
That’s one time always is always. You
can call him after dinner but...
Annabelle RUNS out of the room. Jackie watches her sadly. Ben
hits Jackie hard with his magic wand.
BEN
Poof! You’re happy now.
JACKIE
Thank you Ben.
(unhappily)
Annabelle!
Ben finds himself alone in the kitchen. He hits himself on the
head, hard. Poof! He begins to serve himself dinner. Alone.
EXT. RESTAURANT, SOHO - NIGHT
Rachel and Luke exit a neighborhood bistro. Stroll down the
street...
RACHEL
(irritated)
Okay, if they’re going to have a
sauce, put something in it besides
flour and chicken broth...
LUKE
(quietly)
It was a veal stock, I thi...
RACHEL
Well, it wasn’t a reduction like
you do it! Boiling down half a
ton of bones...
Luke is thinking of something. She’s watching that.
RACHEL
The way you cook. If you could
make love, I’d marry you.
LUKE
(softly)
We have to talk.
RACHEL
(happy)
Uh-oh. I mention marriage, all
of a sudden...
(ominous Nazi Baritone)
Ve haff to ta...
LUKE
I didn’t want to spoil our supper...
RACHEL
You’d rather spoil our walk home.
LUKE
Yeh, it’s cheaper.
Okay, what?
LUKE
I just found out I have to go to
Boston to get a deposition. I might
not be back until Saturday.
RACHEL
(mock horror)
So I’ll have to order in?
LUKE
(dropping the other shoe)
We have the kids this weekend, so...
RACHEL
(softly)
Jesus.
He glances over...
RACHEL
I thought it was her weekend. Do I
ever see you alone?
He draws a breath. The concern is behind his eyes.
LUKE
Anyway, I thought...while I’m
gone...maybe I’ll hire in some help.
RACHEL
For what?
LUKE
Just a babysitter -- I mean...you’re
working...
RACHEL
I can take them to work with me -- I
can shift things around --
LUKE
You don’t need to. I don’t expect you
to handle them yourself.
RACHEL
Can’t handle them myself is what you
mean. Can’t.
Maybe she’s right. Because he doesn’t say anything.
RACHEL
You don’t trust me to be alone with
them.
LUKE
I trust you of course I do but --
RACHEL
But? But what?
LUKE
But you’re not good at this. Not yet.
I’m sorry.
RACHEL
I know how responsible, caring adults
parent children. I’m bribe ’em. But
’em a dog or something. Maybe a Doberman.
He loves her. But this problem is real.
RACHEL
Look. I know they hate me.
LUKE
They don’t hate you --
RACHEL
And what you’re telling them is keep
hating her -- keep up the good work --
LUKE
Nobody’s telling them to hate you --
RACHEL
Really? Look in your ex-wife’s eyes.
LUKE
It’s complicated for Jackie. It’s
complicated for me...You don’t have
kids -- you don’t understand --
RACHEL
(angry now)
Oh right...So it’s just complicated for
you and Jackie -- for me it’s pretty
simple cause I just don’t understand...
LUKE
No you don’t. And I’m not gonna
screw with my kids heads right now --
RACHEL
You know I don’t need another person in
this family making me feel like an
idiot...your ex-wife’s doing a bang up
job and I have to face it every Tuesday
and Thursday and every other goddamn
weekend and I just don’t know how the
hell you were married to her for so
goddamn long! Jesus what did you see in
her? I don’t get it -- I just don’t get
it.
They’ve reached their building. As they enter...
LUKE
She’s a great mother.
INT. RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S LOFT - NIGHT
The door of the freight elevator CLANGS open. As Rachel and Luke
step out into their loft, the phone is RINGING.
She looks to Luke. Then RUNS to SNATCH it up...
RACHEL
Hello?
INTERCUT: INT. ANNABELLE’S CLOSET - JACKIE’S HOUSE
Annabelle with a phone in her closet. Hearing Rachel, she hangs
up. A pink POST IT creeps under the door. CAN I JOIN YOU FOR
DESSERT IN THE CLOSET? VANILLA OR CHOCOLATE YOGURT. PLEASE CHECK
ONE.
INT. RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S LOFT - FRIDAY NIGHT
The most beautiful little puppy in the world -- sitting in a puddle
of pee on a hardwood floor.
RACHEL
Aw George...not again... who wants to
help clean up this time?
(overly zealous)
Annabelle?
She looks around -- completely exhausted. It’s late. Annabelle is
video taping the dog pee. Ben’s in the kitchen talking to himself.
He pours and sprinkles, working intently on a MAGIC POTION.
ANNABELLE
Why do you make that face when you talk
to me?
(she imitates Rachel)
And that voice you use...you think I’m
deaf or something?
Ben ZAPS the magic potion theatrically with his fingertips.
RACHEL
(reaching for her)
I’m sorry, okay? Let’s not fi...
ANNABELLE
Don’t touch me! I’m allergic to you!
She starts sneezing furiously and scratching. Ben comes out of the
kitchen carrying a steaming cup of potion.
BEN
"Those who travel far and near this
will make you DISAPPEAR!"
ANNABELLE
I have to work on my video project!
Don’t follow me! I can put myself to
bed.
She races upstairs. Rachel follows. So does Ben. And George.
BEN (O.S.)
Excuse me --
RACHEL
(following into
Annabelle’s room)
Annabelle let’s get something clear.
ANNABELLE
I don’t have to listen to you! You’re
not my mother.
RACHEL
Thank God for that!
She leaves the room SLAMMING the door behind her. Takes a breath,
turns, and walks back in.
RACHEL
What I meant and perhaps I didn’t say
it well was you have a great mom. You
don’t need another one. But when
you’re at this house --
ANNABELLE
This is my daddy’s house --
RACHEL
This is my house too!
ANNABELLE
And this is my room so get out!
BEN (O.S.)
Excuse me.
Rachel throws open the door. Ben stands there innocently.
BEN
I made you some cocoa. See?
RACHEL
Thank you Ben. That was so sweet of
you.
(pointedly to Annabelle)
Goodnight Annabelle. Sweet dreams.
Rachel leads Ben to his room. With Rachel safe out of sight,
Annabelle takes the puppy into her arms and cuddles it.
INT. BEN’S ROOM - RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Rachel, dead on his feet, reads "Goodnight Moon" to Ben.
RACHEL
"In the great green room there was a
telephone and a red balloon..."
BEN
Aren’t you going to drink your cocoa?
It’s the good kind.
RACHEL
(faking a big sip)
Mmmm! Tasty. You’re a master chef Ben.
Just like your dad.
Ben points to the book -- she ’reads’ skipping pages, a hundred
miles an hour desperate to get to the end of the book.
RACHEL
"Goodnight moon, goodnight hush,
goodnight mush, goodnight goodnight
goodnight Gracie -- Goodnight Ben!
BEN
No! You’re cheating -- you have to start
from the beginning and you have to read
the whole thing I can’t sleep otherwise.
Ben’s eyes are glued to her. She lays down next to him, yawns.
RACHEL
"In the great green room there was a
telephone and a red balloon..."
BEN
"And a picture of the cow jumping over
the moon..."
RACHEL
(laying head down)
That’s nice Ben.
Ben reads until Rachel’s asleep. He looks at her in AWE.
BEN
Rachel! Rachel!
No response. Rachel’s really asleep. He lifts her head. It flops
down! In HORROR he jumps off the bed and with a quick look back,
races from the room, and...
...DARTS down the hallway, BUMPING into walls -- He LEAPS inside
Annabelle’s room, SLAMMING the door behind him.
ANNABELLE
Ben! What’s wrong?
BEN
(triumphantly)
I killed her!
Ben and Annabelle gape at one another, stunned.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOUSE - MORNING
Rachel pulls up FAST in Luke’s Grand Cherokee. As she SCREECHES to
a stop, the kids pile out with their gear.
Rachel takes an anxious look toward Jackie’s place. Here we go.
INT. JACKIE’S KITCHEN - MORNING
The clock reads 8:10. Rachel and the kids enter. Annabelle’s hair
is brushed forward, hiding her face. Ben is ebullient. Jackie’s
edgy, ready to snap.
JACKIE
How do you hold down a job? It’s 8:10.
You were supposed to be here at 7:00.
She’s missed her sunrise Groom’n Ride.
RACHEL
This is Friday, her riding lesson is
on Tuesdays.
(pulls out post it)
I got it right here...
JACKIE
Every Tuesday except the 3rd Tuesday of
the month when it’s switched to Friday
except in April when she rides on
Thursday. It’s not that hard. Didn’t
you have a mother?
RACHEL
(flinching)
Can I please have a cup of coffee?
JACKIE
We don’t have any coffee.
RACHEL
What is this? The Betty Ford Center?
JACKIE
Annabelle, how’s your video rep...
Annabelle RUSHES past her. Ben saunters off after his sister.
Jackie turns to Rachel, accusingly.
JACKIE
What happened with Annabelle? Has
nothing I said gotten through to you?
RACHEL
Maybe you could back off just a little
bit --
JACKIE
What did you do?
RACHEL
Nothing. Look, I want to talk to you
about...well...Luke said to ask you...
Jackie’s edge sharpened by Rachel’s unease.
RACHEL
See, the place where I can connect
with Annabelle is my photography.
Because she loves video and all...
And...?
RACHEL
She’s been talking about this little
editing machine, it’s only...
JACKIE
...a ridiculously expensive and
inappropriate item, which her father
and I have already told her she is far
too young to own. But you apparently
want to buy her forgiveness, with...
RACHEL
(had enough)
Forgiveness? For what, exactly?
Silence.
JACKIE
How much time have you got? Let’s
start with this morning. Why did she
run from this room?
Long beat. Then, Rachel looks dead on at Jackie.
RACHEL
Luke was in the shower this morning and
Annabelle sort of walked in without
knocking.
JACKIE
I’m sure that didn’t upset her.
Everyone in our family takes showers.
RACHEL
I was in there in him.
The air is thick with tension.
JACKIE
Did you or Luke talk to her about it
afterwards?
RACHEL
No. I thought it might be uncomfortable
for her --
JACKIE
You mean for you. A 10-year-old girl is
coping with the fact that her father is
never coming back to live with his
family. She sees her father naked with
another woman for the first time.
And you think it’s best for her if every-
one pretends it didn’t happen?
(turning away)
This isn’t going to work out.
RACHEL
You’re damn right. I’m gonna sick of
your imperious bullshit. I never said I
was Betty Fucking Crocker. If every time
life hits her in the face you want to
have a 12 hour talk every third Friday
or the month -- go ahead! I have a life!
JACKIE
Oh and I don’t because I have a children?!
The problem is you’re too self-involved
to ever be a mother.
RACHEL
Maybe the problem is your kids. Maybe
they’re spoiled, coddled brats!
JACKIE
Get out!
RACHEL
(holding up Post Its)
But it’s not on the schedule!
JACKIE
You got to hell!
Jackie turns away, storming out of the room.
RACHEL
Ah Ah Ah! You owe me a quarter --
INT. YMCA KITCHEN - DAY
Luke stands in an apron before Annabelle’s Girl Scout Troop,
rolling out a large pie dough. They imitate his every move.
LUKE
Now Ladies, the secrets to a great pie
is the crust. And the secret to a
great flaky pie crust comes from less
flour and more...what?
ANNABELLE
Ice cold water.
LUKE
(adoringly)
That’s my girl...
Rachel watches from a corner.
LUKE
Blueberry pie must be topped with vanilla
Haagan Daz and/or creme fraiche...now the
secret to a great creme fraiche is...
ALL THE GIRLS
Orange peel!
LUKE
...which also is the secret to...
ALL THE GIRLS
French toast!
LUKE
Now don’t forget to teach your fathers
that. Next week...apple brown betty!
He takes off his apron and walks toward Rachel as the girls file
out...
RACHEL
She said no.
He doesn’t even know what she’s talking about.
RACHEL
The editing machine. I mean,
Annabelle would have really loved it.
She looks down.
RACHEL
It would have been great for us,
so obviously, Jackie just...
Eyes down. Choosing her words.
RACHEL
She’s really a difficult person...
Looks up.
RACHEL
Best thing ever happened to you was
her throwing you out on your butt.
An afterthought...
RACHEL
Not that I have a personal stake
in it.
He comes and kisses her.
LUKE
Get ready. To get really mad.
RACHEL
Uh. Annabelle’s video report has been
switched again.
LUKE
Not yet.
RACHEL
Hey, I sold my body to Satan to clear
Friday at two o’clo...
LUKE
We have the kids. Next weekend.
WHAT???
LUKE
And it’s my call. I promised them
water-skiing, instead o...
RACHEL
(quiet pain)
Our weekend. At that sweet little
B & B.
He puts his arms around her.
LUKE
And the evil part is. I am so stoked
about the water-skiing. I can’t wait.
He tastes her mouth. And again. A sweet, hot moment. Her fingers
trace up his neck. To his hair.
RACHEL
No, this is good. Celibacy is
healthy. For a guy your age. You’ll
get used to it.
From the kiss that follows. He won’t have to.
INT. JACKIE’S KITCHEN - DAY
CLOSE ON an ANSWERING MACHINE. IT CLICKS, WHIRLS, and...
RACHEL (O.S.)
Hi, it’s the trophy bimbo. Annabelle’s
teacher called, and her video report
is being moved up to 8:30 tomorrow.
Sorry to deprive your step aerobics
class of their role model.
Pause. PULL BACK to see...
RACHEL (O.S.)
Anyway. I’m sorry I lost my temper
the other day. And I’m sure you are,
too, so...
...BEN, looming over the hardware. Fingers poised above the
buttons, and he...
RACHEL (O.S.)
...no, apology necessa...
...strikes! Playing all the keys at once. Like chords on a baby
grand.
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
CLOSE on a small TV MONITOR, the angelic face of 10-year-old TAMARA,
practicing for the Miss America Diplomatic Interview, circa 2009...
TAMARA
Well, I I had a million dollars...
I would use it to...feed all the
precious hungry children of the world.
And bring about total world peace.
PULL BACK to see the class and teacher watching raptly. Filmmaker
Annabelle in the seat of honor next to her proud father. Rachel in
the back of the room, anxiously looking at the back door. While on
screen...
...another face. JARED, bad as he wanna be...
JARED
A million big ones. Oh. I’d buy
about a thousand babes. Not to do
anything bad, I mean. Just to hang
with.
Near the monitor, Annabelle’s eyes are also furtively cutting to
the classroom’s back door. On screen now...
...the handsomest 10-year-old since DiCaprio. BRAD the Dreamboat.
Stares soulfully at the camera. Murmurs...
BRAD
Well, first off, Annabelle. I’d
give half of it. To you.
The class OOOOOS, WHISTLES. Annabelle flushes, but she clearly
likes it. Brad grins a Redford grin her way. And through the back
door BURSTS...
...a harried, disheveled JACKIE. Still in workout clothes. As on
screen...
ANNABELLE
There you have it. Now ask yourself
...what would YOU do?
The screen goes BLACK. The class, teacher and especially Luke
ERUPT with APPLAUSE. So does Jackie, who has locked eyes across
the room with her mortally-wounded abandoned daughter. Then
Jackie’s eyes CUT TO...
...Rachel, a deer in headlights. Death by Army ants would be too
kind.
INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY
Annabelle, Luke and Jackie GLARING at Rachel, who looks awkwardly at
her feet. KIDS stream past, unaware of the gravity of the moment.
JACKIE
Machines do not EAT message.
RACHEL
Look, I...
JACKIE
Of all the cheap excuses. To break a
child’s heart.
The jury is in. There is no appeal. Jackie takes her daughter’s
hand.
JACKIE
Don’t worry, sweetie, there’s still
the Harvest Pageant. And you are
the lead vegetable...
Said with bottomless pride.
JACKIE
And nothing. And no one. Can
keep me away.
One laser look at Luke. This bitch is your responsibility. And
she leads her baby off.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOUSE - DAY
A parked VAN, packed with SNOWBOARDS and ski gear. No people. PAN
across the suburban lawn to...
...Luke, dejected, at Jackie’s door. Rachel nearby, still peers
into the window of an unlit, empty house. A cellular phone RINGS.
Luke WHIPS it out, like the Governor’s pardon hangs in the
balance...
JACKIE (O.S., from carphone)
You paged us?
LUKE
(distraught)
Where are you?
INTERCUT throughout...Jackie on her cellular, herding the kids
toward a CIRCUS TENT...
JACKIE
Just outside the big top, we’re
almo...
LUKE
You’re WHERE?
JACKIE
At the Big Apple Circus, it’s the
only big top I know. I said I’d
get ’em back tonight...
LUKE
Jackie, we were taking them water-
skiing for the whole weekend!
JACKIE
(innocent)
...until the plan changed, when
Jessie’s mom gave us these tickets.
What, Rachel. ’forgot’ I told her?
Luke’s eyes DART to an uncomprehended Rachel. She’s never seen
him this angry.
JACKIE
Don’t tell me. Another machine ate
another message? Boy, there’s a lot
of that going around! Put her on, huh?
A beat. He hands the phone to Rachel. She brings it to her ear...
RACHEL
Yeh?
JACKIE
Think twice. Before you ever pull
that again.
CLICK. The line is dead. And so is Rachel.
EXT. CENTRAL PARK CASTLE - DAY
A glum Annabelle and Ben sitting on a bench watching Rachel at her
photo shoot, George between them.
A beautiful WOMAN appears in the turret -- she lets down her hair --
a modern day RAPUNZEL -- her golden locks fall 17 feet -- now a BURST
of yellow -- as a hundred YELLOW CANARIES fly out from her mane! A
beautiful MAN begins to CLIMB the hair. FLASH! The man DANGLING
in mid air surrounded by canaries.
Rachel works with intense concentration. It’s been hours.
Annabelle and Ben are completely bored.
RACHEL
(to Cooper)
The timing was off -- I need this light.
ANNABELLE
(to herself)
Just where I wanna be all Saturd...
RACHEL
(to everyone)
Hold lunch!
ANNABELLE
But we’re hungry -- and I have to pick
up my costume for the pageant! It
starts at seven!
RACHEL
It’s only one o’clock...Why don’t you
get another Fudgesicle -- I’ll be done
soon -- really soon.
Annabelle and Ben. Rolling their eyes.
LATER...Annabelle asleep on the bench. Rachel stands over her, a
canary on her finger.
RACHEL
Lunch time Sleeping Beauty. Where’s
Ben? Is he in the bathroom?
ANNABELLE
I don’t know...I feel like I’m gonna
throw up.
EXT. PARK MEN’S ROOM
Annabelle stands with Rachel by a line of empty urinals.
ANNABELLE
What if he’s kidnapped?
RACHEL
He’s not kidnapped he’s -- he’s just
hiding -- he’s just -- BENNNN? GODDAMMIT!
Panicked, she grabs Annabelle’s hand.
ANNABELLE
Don’t touch me! You bring bad luck!
Rachel. Starting to believe it.
INT. CASTLE TOWER - MOMENTS LATER
Breathless, Annabelle and Rachel CLIMB the castle stairs when they
hear WHIMPERING -- Rachel follows the whimpering -- RUNNING --
RACHEL
Ben! Ben we’re here! BEN!
In the corner of the tower we see GEORGE staring up at her. But
Ben is NOWHERE to be found.
ANNABELLE
He’s gone forever and I’m gonna miss
the pageant.
Rachel once more. Her life flashing before her eyes.
EXT. POLICE STATION, CENTRAL PARK - LATER
Jackie BLASTS up in the Volvo, SLAMS to a stop in a non-spot, RACES
into...
INT. POLICE STATION - DAY
Jackie RUNS through the police station moving down corridors past
desks until she sees BEN sitting with TWO POLICEMEN on a bench.
She holds him to her chest, shaking.
JACKIE
Ben! Oh my Ben! Are you alright?
BEN
I knew where I was all the time.
INT. AUDITORIUM - THAT EVENING
Ben sits between Jackie and Luke holding each of their hands.
Rachel sits on the other side of Luke; all waiting for the Harvest
Pageant to begin. It’s horribly tense.
RACHEL
(sincerely)
Jackie? I am so sorry about today I
really fucked up royalty. When you
called Luke I was so goddamn relieved --
Luke elbows her with an "We’re in an Elementary School" elbow.
RACHEL
No I did -- I know I did -- I screwed
up. I feel like such an asshole...
Jackie lifts Ben onto her lap, holding him tightly. She turns and
faces Rachel, claws bared.
JACKIE
Shhhhhh!
The lights go down. They sit pretending the other is not there.
On stage -- The class is dressed as the harvest PRODUCE. Annabelle
is the CORN. Each FOOD DISH steps forward and introduces itself.
Annabelle rehearing her line over and over.
ANNABELLE
"Hello! I am Maze. But you can call
me Corn. Hello! I am..."
Inside her costume, her breathing is sharp. She stands very
straight, very bold. A brazen ear of corn. She steps forward.
ANNABELLE
"Hello! I am...
Rachel POPS UP next to the stage with her huge PROFESSIONAL CAMERA
and giant flash. Her camera FLASHES three times, quickly. After
each flash, we see the picture for a split second, Annabelle. A
TERRIFIED ear of corn. A LOST ear of corn.
ANNABELLE
(blinks, disoriented)
Um...I’m...I’m...Oh...
In the audience, Jackie is willing her daughter a recovery. Sees
instead, a completely DEVASTATED ear of corn.
ANNABELLE
(exploding in tears)
Oh forget it!
She runs offstage amidst laughter and applause. Luke looks over at
Jackie but she and Ben have already left their seats.
EXT. AUDITORIUM FOYER - NIGHT
Jackie comforts Annabelle. Ben watches closely, getting caught up
in his sister’s sadness. Luke and Rachel approach.
ANNABELLE
I hate her. I really hate her.
LUKE
There you are!
ANNABELLE
(covering her face)
Don’t take my picture!
She starts to cry. Ben’s lip quivers, his eyes well up.
JACKIE
Annabelle doesn’t really want to talk
to you right now.
RACHEL
I’m sorry I didn’t mean to break your
concentration. I thought it would be
a nice moment to rememb...
ANNABELLE
I don’t ever want to remember this!
A TURKEY approaches.
TURKEY
They’re taking a picture of the
Produce, we need the Corn. C’mon
Annabelle.
JACKIE
See? No one’s laughing at you. Your
friends want you to join them, Anna-
belle. Corn is a very important part
of the Harvest Produce. Now Ben, walk
your sister over to the Yams.
Ben takes Annabelle’s hand. When they are gone...
RACHEL
Jackie, if I thought for one moment...
JACKIE
(lighting into Luke)
You listen carefully because I am only
going to say this once. That woman has
nothing more to do with my children.
LUKE
Our children.
JACKIE
Do you realize what could have hap-
pened to your son today? How lucky we
are the police found him before some
lunatic did? He could have been...
LUKE
But he hasn’t. He wandered off. I
know it’s terrifying. I can imagine
how you felt when that call came -- But
it happens.
JACKIE
Not to me.
LUKE
(soft, reasonable)
Jackie, you’ve made mistakes -- We all
make mistakes --
JACKIE
I’m not gonna wait around to see the
next one. I’m not gonna watch my kids
fall through the cracks of this
arrangement. I’m seeing a lawyer.
LUKE
Jackie stop. We promised we never go
there.
JACKIE
We’ve broken a lot of promises,
haven’t we Luke?
RACHEL
Why are you taking this out on him?
LUKE
Rache, get out of th...
RACHEL
(still to Jackie)
You haven’t done one goddam thing to
make any of this easier...
JACKIE
I am not here to make it easier for
you. These are my children. They
don’t want to be with you.
RACHEL
Well, maybe they would if they thought
it was okay, with y...
JACKIE
(poking Luke’s chest)
A court order is gonna say that woman
is never alone with my children! Ever
again! Do you HEAR that?
All of New Jersey heard that. On the silence that follows, she
stalks off. The mother lion. Doing what she has to do.
EXT. NORTH VALE STABLES - DAY
Jackie and her children ride HORSES side by side through a perfect
Fall afternoon. Our riders look about alertly, as if patrolling
enemy territory.
ANNABELLE
Guinevere, Godiva, I sense enemy
sol...
BEN
I don’t want to be Lady Godiva
anymore, no matter how much I like
chocolate. I want to be a stud.
In distance, a gaggle of GROUNDSKEEPERS. Jackie points these out
to Ben, without missing a beat...
JACKIE
Lord Nelson, Napoleon’s troops. I
fear for the women and the property
values.
ANNABELLE
I’ll ride ahead. Nelson, protect the
Queen...
And she canters off, blood in her eye. Alone now with his mom, Ben
has something serious on his mind.
BEN
Mommy? It’s not Rachel’s fault I ran
away.
JACKIE
(doesn’t turn)
No, that’s your fault. It’s her fault
for not watching over my precious son,
as if it were her priority. Which
means, the most important job.
BEN
(thinks about this)
Rachel’s job is she works.
JACKIE
Ben, mommies work too. They work very
hard. Mommy works harder as a mom
than she did when she was working. I
just don’t get paid.
BEN
Does Rachel make a lot of money?
JACKIE
People like Rachel who only think about
themselves often do make a lot of money.
BEN
I think she’s pretty, Mommy.
JACKIE
Yes...if you like big hair...
BEN
Mommy?
JACKIE
What honey?
BEN
If you want me to hate her I will.
On Jackie. Stunned. Her lips part for an answer. But she hasn’t
got one.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Luke pacing around on the path through Jackie’s front lawn. Jackie
exits the house, alone. Stands on the porch. And they stare at
each other.
JACKIE
You know, you can come inside the
house.
He looks at the end of his rope. She walks down to him.
LUKE
(quietly)
Did you see the lawyer?
Oh. Well...
JACKIE
Called him. We set an ap...
LUKE
(almost a whisper)
Don’t do this.
So vulnerable. The air comes out of her. We see how much she
still cares for this man.
JACKIE
You’re saying, don’t make the kids
a football, don’t put them through a
war. But I’m doing this for their
well-being.
LUKE
Partly. But partly, you’re mad.
Staring. At each other.
LUKE
You know the kids aren’t really in
danger. This is about Rachel, and
you’re right, I’m disappointed in her
learning curve, and...
JACKIE
Slugs. Have faster learning curves.
Trees, even.
He takes a breath.
LUKE
(here it is)
I’m afraid she’s going to walk.
JACKIE
And I’m supposed to care.
He reaches out. Takes her hands.
LUKE
(softly)
About me, yeh. Like I care about you.
She looks in his eyes.
JACKIE
Like you cared about me three
years ago?
He shrugs. Looks saddened by that.
LUKE
(softly)
Hey. You kicked me out.
And just this once. With all that’s happened. Jackie needs to
say...
JACKIE
Maybe you should talk to your
daughter, about why. She seems to
have missed that part.
Now he looks ashamed. And sorry from his heart.
JACKIE
(softly)
Forget I said that.
He has to tell her...
LUKE
This thing with Rache. I need this.
I don’t want to lose her. And I will
see to it that the kids don’t suffer.
Help me, huh?
Help me.
LUKE
I’d do it for you.
Yes, he would. Despite everything, she knows that.
JACKIE
One last chance, don’t make me
regret it...
Her voice tried to be tough. But the tension showed through.
JACKIE
...or you will, too.
A last look. She walks slowly. Back toward the house.
EXT. CAR POOL LINE, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - AFTERNOON
The last cars are pulling away. No kids left, except the ones
shooting hoops. Except. On the low brick ledge by the flag
pole...
...Annabelle sits. Alone. Quietly freaking.
INT. RACHEL’S STUDIO - AFTERNOON
Rachel and Cooper sit on a bare floor SURROUNDED by countless
PROOFS of FLYING CANARIES. An assistant brings a cell phone to
Rachel, who holds it in place with her shoulder, as she frantically
sorts through the prints...
RACHEL
(into phone)
...no, no, that is not possible. You
must have the wrong little gir...
Stops.
RACHEL
(into phone)
...because Annabelle’s mother never
forgets, is never late, is never
imperfect. So that’s some other kid
sitting on the curb by the car pool li...
Listen. All the air comes out. She looks around, sadly, at all
the work surrounding her.
COOPER
May I remind you that Duncan has the
client arriving at exac...
RACHEL
(into phone)
Sure. I was just doin’ my nails.
INT. RADIOLOGY LAB - AFTERNOON
A cavernous sterile room. A horrible METALLIC HAMMERING sound.
PAN to see that it comes from...
...a white cylindrical TUBE. Bare feet protrude. An MRI is in
progress. The sound stops. The body SLIDES from the tube, a woman
in a hospital gown. She is Jackie.
She blinks at the light. Her eyes are drawn, a million miles away.
A lot on her mind. A TECHNICIAN enters the room...
TECHNICIAN
Your paper went off during the
procedure. Do you want the number?
Jackie turns, suddenly focusing...
JACKIE
Wait...what time is it?
INT. PRINCIPAL’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
Annabelle sits glumly, refusing to eat some chips from the bag in
Rachel’s hand. Rachel’s voice is low, soothing. Dare we say,
maternal...
RACHEL
Hey, sea salt and vinegar, I know
this is your fave.
Annabelle keeps her eyes down. This is more than a sulk. She
seems fairly unglued.
RACHEL
C’mon, these are the Bomb, I prom...
ANNABELLE
Now could she just...forget me!
Looks up. Eyes desperate.
ANNABELLE
I mean, that’s something you would do!
Rachel stares back. Eats a chip. Decides...
RACHEL
(softly)
Tell ya the truth? I did.
The kid blinks. A non-compute.
RACHEL
Your mom had to...help a friend with
this...emergency? And she called me.
And we switched days. Then, I got
stuck on my shoot, and...
ANNABELLE
MOMMY!
Rachel WHIRLS to see JACKIE filling the doorway, Annabelle flying
to her mother’s arms. The women’s eyes meet. How much did she
hear?
INT. JACKIE’S BATHROOM - NIGHT
Jackie brushing out Annabelle’s hair. Jackie’s eyes are distant.
Annabelle watching in the mirror.
ANNABELLE
Are you worried about your friend?
With the emergency?
Jackie’s eyes come back to focus. Hmmn?
JACKIE
Oh, I’m waiting on some news, that’s
all. Say. Can I ask you why you
never asked me something you probably
asked Daddy anyway?
And she smiles. Real carefree. So Annabelle smiles back.
ANNABELLE
You can try.
More brushing. Gentler, slower strokes.
JACKIE
Daddy was washing Rachel. In the
shower. What did you think that was
about?
ANNABELLE
Sex. Of course.
Oh.
JACKIE
Well, not exactly s...
ANNABELLE
Why does Rachel scream?
Does she mean what Jackie thinks she means?
JACKIE
Scream.
ANNABELLE
During sex.
Oh. Again.
JACKIE
How would you know sh...
ANNABELLE
I live. In the same country.
Her mother laughs. Encouraged...
ANNABELLE
(imitating)
Oh God oh God Oh God oh God oh God
Oh...
JACKIE
...why do you think?
ANNABELLE
Because it feels really incredibly
good.
Jackie moves around. Leans to stare in her eyes.
JACKIE
So why are you asking me?
ANNABELLE
I like talking about it. At least,
to you.
The look holds. Almost a bittersweet smile plays on Jackie’s lips.
She leans to kiss her daughter’s head.
JACKIE
(a murmur)
Same here, huh?
INT. RACHEL’S DARKROOM - MORNING
TOTAL DARKNESS -- Slowly an IMAGE APPEARS -- Floating in a pool of
water. It’s a photo of a child’s FEET. Only the wrong shoe is on
the wrong foot. Suddenly, KNOCKING...
RACHEL
Hold on! Don’t let the light...
Jackie enters, leaving the door wide OPEN.
RACHEL
...in.
JACKIE
I’m sorry. Look, I’m not real
comfortable being here, but...
RACHEL
I don’t recall inviting you.
Silence.
JACKIE
I overhead what you told Annabelle.
The lie.
Unreadable faces. What are they feeling?
RACHEL
I have a snoop.
JACKIE
I didn’t need you to take the blame
for me, I’m quite...
RACHEL
(simply)
I didn’t do it for you. Believe me.
And Jackie. Finds that interesting.
RACHEL
(shrugs)
She already hates me. You’ve seen to
that.
JACKIE
You’re not terribly good at taking
care of h...
RACHEL
I need practice.
JACKIE
Those are my children you’re
practicing on. They deserve first-
rate care. Every minute. Of every
night. And every day.
More silence.
JACKIE
So why did y...
RACHEL
I did it for her.
Straight to her eyes.
RACHEL
Poor kid has to believe in someone.
Even if it’s you.
Nothing friendly about it. But Jackie hasn’t come seeking
friendship.
JACKIE
I have an appointment this after-
noon. I need someone to take them
to the park.
RACHEL
What? And have Federal agents jump
out of the bushes with court orders?
How many years do you get in this
state for giving second-rate care to
minors?
Hard looks. All around.
JACKIE
However many. It’s not enough.
RACHEL
I’m already on thin ice. Yesterday,
I actually thought my boss was going
to fire me.
JACKIE
Fine, forget it.
But neither of them wants her to. A Mexican Standoff. Until
Jackie empties her huge purse on the counter.
JACKIE
Bandaids for cuts. Bandaids for new
shoe blisters. Packet of Wash n Dri’s.
Kleenex. Sugar free lollipops, potty
seat covers for public restrooms...
RACHEL
Why not just bring the whole toilet?
JACKIE
Ben likes to be read to. Do you know
Dr. Seuss...?
RACHEL
Not personally.
JACKIE
Do you have a word limit you need to
hit every day or can I finish?
This silences Rachel. Jackie hands her a Post It.
JACKIE
Here’s their schedule for this after-
noon. I’ll meet you at the park at
five. All I ask is that they’re alive
when I get there.
A beat.
RACHEL
(dry)
Thank you.
And scoops up the parenting paraphernalia.
JACKIE
(drier)
Thank you.
And walks out the door.
INT. STUDIO CORRIDOR - MORNING
Jackie stands outside a door. Deciding. She knocks and enters...
...Duncan’s office. He sits behind his desk, across from a client.
Both men looking up at this stranger.
JACKIE
Mr. Samuels? Forgive the intrusion,
I’m Jacqueline Harrison, and...
The sweetest smile she’s got. Which is pretty good.
JACKIE
...well, I just wanted to thank you.
For your generosity.
DUNCAN
(a beat)
Gener...
JACKIE
...my daughter had a terrible
emergency yesterday. My husband and I
couldn’t be reached, and...your Ms.
Kelly came to Annabelle’s rescue.
Confides...
JACKIE
I’d hate to think what might have
happened.
Shakes her hand.
JACKIE
She told me that you were so suppor-
tive, even at great inconvenience to
your business, and...
An amazing smile.
JACKIE
It’s wonderful to see a successful
man. With that sense of priorities.
DUNCAN
(longer beat)
Well...under the circumstances...
JACKIE
If I can ever repay your kindness. It
would be my great pleasure.
Backing out the door...
JACKIE
...and your Ms. Kelly? A remarkable
young woman.
The client is beaming.
DUNCAN
(clearing his throat)
We think so.
INT. DOCTOR’S OFFICE - AFTERNOON
CLOSE on Jackie, looking down. She seems to be staring at
something in her lap...
JACKIE
(quiet anger)
I don’t even know what that means.
Spread. That is very unclear.
...but there is nothing there. Her lap is empty. Except for her
unnaturally still hands.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S., gently)
I means we found some cells. In your
lymph nodes. In three of them.
The hands come together. Slowly, deliberately. Stating to anyone
who would watch that there is no panic here.
JACKIE
But the other time. You said you got
it all. So you could be wrong again.
One time, you say one thing, then...
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
The other time. Was a year ago.
The air comes out of Jackie. In a thin, slow, precise stream.
Everything, her very breath. Under complete control.
FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)
That was a tiny lump in the breast.
We radiated, we thought we had it
all. We were hopeful. But there
were no guarantees.
Silence. Jackie’s eyes stay on her folded, still, hands.
JACKIE
But we can beat it.
PULL BACK to see the small, neatly kept office. DR. SWEIKERT is
50, slender, elegant, kind. The doctor you want when you’re dying.
Jackie looks up to her.
JACKIE
People beat it, don’t they? All
the time.
DR. SWEIKERT
(straight)
Every day. More and more.
Jackie swallows. The confirmation of hope has allowed some of the
fear to show.
JACKIE
So we’ll...radiate some more?
DR. SWEIKERT
At first. Then, after awhile, some
chemo.
A blow. Jackie absorbs this.
JACKIE
That’s necessary, huh?
DR. SWEIKERT
Let’s take our best shot.
Jackie nods. Staring at the woman. Then, to break the spell...
JACKIE
I guess a no-hair day beats a
bad-hair day.
The doctor smiles. Jackie looks at her watch...
JACKIE
I have to get dressed. My ex-husband
has asked me to dinner. God knows
why, he was very mysteri...
DR. SWEIKERT
Have you still never told him?
A flash of the anger flickers.
JACKIE
Why would his worry? Or my children’s
worry. Or anyone’s worry. Help the
sit...
DR. SWEIKERT
(very soft)
Sooner than later. You really need
to.
That brings a silence. A shading of defiance to Jackie’s features.
JACKIE
You don’t burden others needlessly.
That’s how I was raised, Doctor.
Hold the look.
MR. SWEIKERT
Maybe at dinner tonight. Think
about it.
INT. JACKIE’S BATHROOM - DUSK
Jackie is getting dressed in front of the mirror, her eyes distant,
in spite of her attempts at control. Annabelle is watching her
like a hawk. We see Ben in the BACKGROUND -- sawing the BABYSITTER
ALISE in half.
ANNABELLE
Why are you going to a French
restaurant?
Throughout, Annabelle is trying on Jackie’s jewelry, making a pest
of herself. Jackie fights against rising irritation.
JACKIE
Because it’s quiet. And he wants to
talk. Alise -- Once he saws you in
half, it’s bedtime...
ANNABELLE
What are you gonna talk about?
JACKIE
(applying mascara)
Probably you -- your brother -- school --
The solar system...The usual...
ANNABELLE
Then why are you putting on mascara?
JACKIE
(a beat)
I’m a little tired and it’s just a
pick-me-up.
ANNABELLE
But you only wore mascara when you and
Daddy went on romantic dates...
JACKIE
Well Daddy and I are just friends
now, and that’s no reason not to
wear mascara...
ANNABELLE
Or blush. You look pale.
EXT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
A Country French place on the West Side. Classy, but inviting.
INT. FRENCH RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Jackie and Luke sit across from each other in the lovely
restaurant. Jackie looks beautiful in the warm candlelight.
LUKE
...Maybe you don’t think three years
is enough for a person to change
but...things are different now Jackie.
I’m different.
Jackie feels her heart beginning to race. They lock eyes for a
moment. He unconsciously begins to eat off her plate. He eats
her chicken, and in the dance they’ve done a thousand times -- she
reaches for his uneaten vegetables. The WAITER approaches.
WAITER
Would you and your wife prefer
still or sparkling water?
He doesn’t correct the waiter.
LUKE
Still, please.
JACKIE
(when the waiter leaves)
Annabelle showed me the new dress.
She’s amazing in it.
LUKE
Getting so beautiful...she looks more
like you every day.
(Luke downs Jackie’s wine)
Jackie...I’ve really given this a lot
of thought. A great deal of thought...
Their eyes lock for a moment. Here it comes...
LUKE
I’m gonna marry Rachel. I know you don’t
think much of her but she’s a special
person -- she really is. And I love her.
This is a bridge we never wanted to cross
but it’s not helping her or the kids if I
don’t really commit to that.
Jackie stares at him stonefaced.
LUKE
I didn’t think a phone call was
appropriate...
JACKIE
Tell me exactly how you’re different
from three years ago? The music
sounds kind of the same from where
I’m sitting.
He shifts in his chair. Wants this to sound as authentic as he
feels it...
LUKE
I grew up, a little. I’m ready for a
life that’s built around commitm...
JACKIE
Just not to me.
The waiter returns with a bottle of red wine. It’s horribly quiet
as he pours. Waits, obtrusively.
LUKE
Thank you, it’s fine...
WAITER
Would you like to taste it?
LUKE
Can we please have less service, here?
The waiter leaves, taking his attitude with him. Luke sighs...
LUKE
It’s going to be hard for the kids
when I tell them...I’d like you to
be there.
JACKIE
To make it easier for them or you?
LUKE
It’s a huge moment in their life --
JACKIE
You can’t be an ’us’ just when you
want to. You can’t play that card
when it’s convenient.
LUKE
We...
JACKIE
WE are over.
LUKE
WE’RE still their parents for the next
hundred years.
On this, Jackie looks down at her hands.
LUKE
You’re still going to have to be
dealing with me -- with us. We should
tell them together.
JACKIE
No. You think this is going to help
the kids then you do it. You’re on
your own.
INT. RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S LIVING ROOM - THAT NIGHT
Jackie sits next to Luke on the couch -- looking lovingly towards the
children, who sit across from them. Annabelle is taping this...
JACKIE
The great thing about life is that
things keep changing.
LUKE
Remember when Mommy and Daddy got
divorced?
JACKIE
And we all went through that together?
ON Ben. OH MY GOD. He knew it!
ON ANNABELLE -- Behind the video camera -- Where’s this headed?
LUKE
Well things are going to change
again...
Ben LEAPS up from the couch and FLIES into Jackie’s arms.
BEN
I knew it! I knew it! I knew you
guys were getting back together!
Jackie looks at Luke. Annabelle ZOOMS IN on their faces.
ANNABELLE
No they’re not.
LUKE
Annabelle put down that camera.
She ZOOMS in on his face.
LUKE
Put down that goddamn camera!
ANNABELLE
You owe me a quarter.
JACKIE
Look she’s upset --
ANNABELLE
No I’m not. I don’t care. Why should
I care? I mean nobody asked me when
you got divorced. Nobody asked me if
I wanted a new mother. Nobody even
asked me if I like her. If you guys
don’t care about our family staying
together, why sh...
JACKIE
Daddy and I tried hard. We really did.
BEN
No you didn’t! All you guys did was
name call! I heard you! You didn’t
even try and use your words!
Ben runs out of the room. Luke follows him.
INT. BEN’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Ben pulls his cape over his head and hides in a bundle in the
corner.
BEN
I’m disappearing. I’m almost
invisible...
LUKE
(holding him)
I’ll find you wherever you go...my
magic boy...I’m still your daddy...
nothing will ever change that.
INT. LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Jackie moves to Annabelle who won’t put down the camera.
JACKIE
Annabelle...Rachel’s not taking my place
as your mother -- it’s just Daddy’s chance
to be happy again. Isn’t that what we
all want for each other?
No answers. Jackie looks at this daughter she loves so much. Pats
the seat beside her...
JACKIE
Come. Sit.
Something in the softening of the tone changes the atmosphere in
the room. More real. More like equals.
JACKIE
Life is full of hard things. And we
can’t always have what we want, you
know that.
Don’t you? Annabelle nods, cautiously.
JACKIE
But we do have a choice. To make it
better. Instead of worse.
ANNABELLE
Like how?
JACKIE
Like seeing the good side of Rachel.
So she’ll see the good side of us.
Annabelle’s stare is hard and questioning. She didn’t expect this.
JACKIE
Because I’m looking ahead. And you
know what I see...?
Annabelle doesn’t. But she sure is listening.
JACKIE
Time will come. When we all need to
be there. For each other.
Strokes her baby’s hair.
JACKIE
That happens. To families.
ANNABELLE
(straight back)
I’ll be there for you.
Her mother’s eyes cloud with feeling. A murmured...
JACKIE
I’m counting on it.
INT. RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON
Barely any light in the empty kitchen. PAN to see Ben, alone, in
his cape. Carefully, he sets a cup of saucer atop a cloth napkin
that lies across the butcher block table.
He GRASPS the corners of the napkin. He looks scared. We get
what’s about to happen. As he...
...YANKS the napkin, as FAST as he can, the cup and saucer, RATTLE
and...
...stay put.
Ben. Is astounded.
And then he looks up. To a cabinet filled. With glassware and
china.
INT. RACHEL’S AND LUKE’S BEDROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
...Rachel’s HAND as a beautiful ANTIQUE RING is slipped on her
finger. She is asleep. Then, she...
...stirs, wakes. Stares at her hand in shock and delight.
RACHEL
Oh my God. Are you serious?
LUKE
(tenderly)
I think so...What do you think?
RACHEL
I think so too...
They hold each other for a long time.
LUKE
It’s forever you know.
RACHEL
(trying to read him)
Okay...Is that the good thing or the
bad thing?
LUKE
Because I can’t hurt anyone like
this ever again.
She grins.
RACHEL
How did you hurt someone? She threw
you out, remember?
He does. She hugs him tight.
RACHEL
Everything’s gonna work out. The
kids and I...we’re going to love
each other.
LUKE
Rache, it may take time.
RACHEL
What’s eight, ten years? Hell, you’ll
still be ambulatory. I think.
She’s counting on her fingers. He kisses her.
RACHEL
It’s inevitable. Look, I was
defensive, I was insecure. I was
afraid to love first.
Her incredible smile. Filling even Luke with confidence.
RACHEL
But I’m not anymore.
A sudden horrific CRASHING sound. The breakage of the breakable.
Their look holds.
RACHEL
I’ll get this.
A quick kiss. And she’s gone.
HOLD on Luke’s light smile. Maybe this will all work out.
INT. BEN’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
Ben is cuddled up in his coverlet. Almost as if he’s hiding. She
picks up some stray underpants. Actually, three of them.
BEN
Are you real mad?
RACHEL
How could I be? We learned some
magic...
She goes to his bed. Sits down.
RACHEL
I made all the pieces disappear.
Oh. She leans toward him...
RACHEL
And you learned...
She kisses his forehead. Very sweetly.
RACHEL
...to make that trick disappear,
huh?
He nods. Big time. She stands, smiles...
RACHEL
(softly)
A night. Of learning.
They share the smile. And Rachel leaves, into the darkened hall.
Down it now, only to...
...stop. Open a door, so quietly. Silently enter...
INT. ANNABELLE’S ROOM - LATE NIGHT
...the room of a sleeping child. Rachel moves soundlessly to
Annabelle’s side. Stares down. Listens to the soft breathing.
She straightens the covers slightly, in a maternal way. Then, on
impulse, reaches down...
...tenderly smooths back a strand of hair. One last look. And
she...
...leaves frame. HOLD on Annabelle, as we hear the knob turn. The
door close. Alone, now...
Annabelle opens her eyes. She is thinking.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOUSE - DAY
Rachel dropping off Annabelle at Jackie’s door. They must be late,
because Rachel is looking anxiously at her watch. Not even
noticing that Annabelle has pulled out a tube of LIP GLOSS, turning
the shaft to reveal a glittering golden-colored gloss. Then...
RACHEL
Uh. Put that away, hon, your mom w...
The door OPENS. Jackie is dressed for riding.
RACHEL
(sincere)
Sorry I’m late, I got lost dropping
Ben off at Kevin’s.
JACKIE
It’s okay, it’s twenty minutes. The
horse’ll be there.
Rachel blinks. Is she on the right planet?
ANNABELLE
Mom, look what Rache got me!
Uh-oh. The kid holds it up.
ANNABELLE
It’s not to wear around, or any-
thing, I’m way too young. It’s
just for play.
RACHEL
See, I...
JACKIE
(taking it)
That is so pretty. You usually only
see that color in people’s teeth.
Annabelle has entered the house, to see on a table by the door a
huge, brightly-wrapped PACKAGE.
ANNABELLE
Wow. Who’s that for?
JACKIE
(quietly)
Well. It’s for you.
The kid WHIRLS around. Really?
JACKIE
Just because. Just because I love
you. Go ahead...
Annabelle starts to unwrap the present with Christmas-morning-care.
Jackie looks at the glitter gloss...
RACHEL
I’m sorry, I just...
JACKIE
Hey. At least it’s not an editing
machine.
RACHEL
No way. I told her two, three years,
maybe, for such an expens...
And stops. Because the paper has come off. A giant deluxe model
beginner’s VIDEO EDITOR. Annabelle is STUNNED silent. So’s Rachel.
ANNABELLE
(tears in her eyes)
Oh, Mommy...
And JUMPS into Jackie’s arms, CRUSHING her with the hug mothers
live for.
JACKIE
I hope it’s the right kind.
ANNABELLE
Are you kidding? It is so much better
than the one Rachel showed me!
Jackie strokes her baby’s head.
JACKIE
Well, I thought. You know, why wait?
The child turns to Rachel, frozen in the doorwary.
ANNABELLE
I told you I was big enough! Is my
mom the greatest, or what?
Rachel swallows.
RACHEL
The greatest.
HOLD on the look. The women share.
EXT. NORTH VALE STABLES - DAY
Jackie and Annabelle riding. The kid is still on Cloud Nine.
Jackie’s eyes are on her.
ANNABELLE
...I mean, she knows all the music,
and pop stars, and clothes and stuff.
She’s like still a kid, herself.
JACKIE
Like a big sister.
ANNABELLE
She knows every neat junk food place.
Looks to see if her mom is okay hearing...
ANNABELLE
Actually. She’s kind of cool,
when you get to know her.
JACKIE
I bet.
Annabelle studies her mom’s profile.
ANNABELLE
And don’t tell her I told you.
JACKIE
Secret’s safe with me.
INT. LUKE AND RACHEL’S BEDROOM CLOSET - NIGHT
Rachel sits cross-legged on the floor of the walk-in closet. Next
to her, a glass and a botle of Stolie, getting toward the bottom.
An ashtray filled with butts, and...
...a card board box. Dragged out of somewhere. Photo albums, loose
snapshots. Vintage stuff. From her face, this is not a carefree
romp down Memory Lane. She takes another hit on the Stolie. More
than slightly intoxicated, weaving, squinting at...
...the next photo. Luke, young, straddling a Kawasaki. Jackie,
just as young, holding him from behind. She wears a halter and
shorts, and looks simply terrific.
Rachel looks drunk and jealous. With an overlay of self-pity.
Brings the photo closer. Squints harder.
RACHEL
What the fuck is that?
Her worst fears confirmed...
RACHEL
...a tattoo?
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NEW YORK - DUSK
The lights are coming on in The City. Jackie sits staring out the
window, as an IV drips into her arm. She is alone, and down. And
fighting the fear of what may come to pass. Her pager goes OFF.
Jesus. She pulls a cell phone from her purse. Works it with one
hand. Brings up...the smile. Showtime.
JACKIE
(softly)
Hey, good-lookin’, I was just
thinking about calling y...
INTERCUT throughout: Ben on the phone in Rachel’s and Luke’s
kitchen. He is alone. Staring through the glass window of the
oven...
BEN
Rache says I have to eat lamb. I
told her you’re making me spaghetti!
JACKIE
Honey, this is Thursday. I pick you
up tomorrow, and we do big spaghetti.
BEN
And many meatballs.
A nurse enters, and Jackie shoots her with a wave of her fingers.
JACKIE
You’ll be up to your armpits in
meatballs, I’m flying them in
from Sweden.
BEN
Is that like Luigi’s?
She loves this kid so much.
JACKIE
Not a lot, sweetie. It’s a country.
Like Canada. Only smaller.
BEN
Where are you, anyway?
And the feeling comes straight to her eyes. She can’t fight it.
JACKIE
I’m somewhere, thinking of you. And
meatballs. And you know what?
BEN
Yes.
JACKIE
Of course, you do. Being magic.
Then you know I’ve got a flu bug,
and I turn green and barf profusely
when I even think about food. So,
all the more meatballs for you. But
you know what.
BEN
I did. Do I have to eat lamb?
Daddy didn’t cook it, she did.
JACKIE
Do me a favor? Eat it, and then
give me a secret report, okay? Pay
particular attention to whether it’s
chewy and if it tastes more like
chocolate or soup.
He laughs. And she can hear that. And her eyes fill. And she
murmurs...
JACKIE
Hey, that’s a world-class laugh
you got there. Can I all you
sometime? If I fell blue.
A silence. And for a heartbeat, the fear. Did he hear it in my
voice? But no...
BEN
Sure. You got my number.
And now she’s crying. But she can’t. She can’t. Gains control
for a whispered...
JACKIE
That I do. Always will.
BEN
Mom...?
She sniffles...
JACKIE
I’m fine, ba...
BEN
Tomorrow? Can I have one
butterscotch pudding for dessert?
See her relief. Secret still safe.
JACKIE
Nope.
He’s crestfallen.
JACKIE
We can only have two.
INT. SUPERMARKET - DAY
Jackie is pushing her cart. Ben sits in it, pulling things off the
shelves. On automatic she’s putting them back.
BEN
Mommy, if your real name’s Jackie and
I call you mommy; and Rachel’s real
name’s Rachel...Then when I see her do
I say hi Stepmommy? And if my name’s
Ben, how come you don’t call me son?
JACKIE
(lost in thought)
Thursday’s fine...
Frustrated, Ben CLIMBS OUT of the cart and trails behind Jackie.
He reaches for an apple off the BOTTOM of a huge display of Red
Delicious, and the whole thing comes TUMBLING DOWN. Shaken, she
looks around for Ben. He’s gone.
INT. SUPERMARKET MANAGER’S STATION - DAY
Jackie with a Store Manager and a Policeman stand at the front of
the store near the Bakery. Jackie is totally distraught.
JACKIE
I looked away for one second...
Just one second...he’s...he’s...
POLICEMAN
How would you describe him?
JACKIE
He’s my son! He looks like his
father! His name is Ben -- he
answers to Harry --
MANAGER
Is he wearing a red shirt?
The manager POINTS to the frozen food bin. There, lying on his
back atop dwindling stores of Breyer’s ice cream...is Ben. Hands
and beaming face PRESSED to the underside of the glass. Jackie
does the only reasonable thing...
JACKIE
YYYAAAAAAAHHH!
...and FLINGS OPEN Snow White’s glass coffin.
JACKIE
ARE YOU CRAZY, YOU COULD SUFFOCATE
IN THERE!!!
BEN
Nope. I got my warm t-shirt.
Enough of a non-sequitur to make everybody blink, before Jackie
YANKS him, roughly and tenderly, from the bin. She CRUSHES him in
a violent, desperate hug...
BEN
You found me cause I’m your
priority, huh?
She kisses him fiercely. At the edge of tears. Whispers...
JACKIE
You got that right.
EXT. SOCCER FIELD - 3 O’CLOCK PRACTICE
Luke coaching the girls team. Annabelle one of many who surround
him for that final word of wisdom...
LUKE
Alright my Little Warriors, remain
calm; trust that the ball will find
you; remember they’re your opponent
not your enemies -- Not kick MAJOR
butt!
In the bleachers, Jackie sits alone with Rachel. They are having a
coaching session of their own. Rachel points down to the field,
where...
...Annabelle pushes her hair over her eyes.
RACHEL
She’s gonna trip over her own feet,
if she doesn’t get her hair out of
her eyes.
Jackie casts a sidelong glance at Rachel. Decides to tell her...
JACKIE
Pushing her hair over her eyes.
Means she’s avoiding a confrontation.
Rachel looks over. Really? Jackie decides to share more. Reading
Rachel’s reaction to...
JACKIE
If she’s twirling it, she’s playing
something out in her mind. If she’s
stopped combing it, she might be
depressed...
As Rachel listens she’s unconsciously twisting her hair.
RACHEL
What about obsessively picking her
split ends?
JACKIE
Anxiety.
RACHEL
Last week when she chopped her
Barbie’s bangs all to hell --
JACKIE
She was angry at herself.
RACHEL
Jackie?
JACKIE
Yes?
RACHEL
When I twisted hair like this it
means I’m intimidated by you...
Jackie gives her the trace of a smile.
JACKIE
I’ll keep it in mind, and use it
against you.
She looks back down at the game. Rachel watching her profile.
Finally...
RACHEL
You feeling all right?
JACKIE
(doesn’t turn)
Not great. Plus, I’ve got things on
my mind. You know.
Things. Rachel doesn’t know. Blurts...
RACHEL
Are you...seeing someone?
Jackie snorts a laugh. In spite of herself.
JACKIE
Yeh, that does tend to make me sick
to my stomach. Actually, I’m, uh...
Thinking. Deciding if this is the time to say...
JACKIE
...thinking of going back to Random
House. On a part-time basis.
RACHEL
Wowie. How wonderful!
But Jackie still hasn’t turned. Eyes glued to Annabelle, racing
around with determination.
JACKIE
Well, I could do most of it from
home. But, while I’m working it out
with the head editor, I’d need to...
Sighs. Boy, this is tough. Tries for matter-of-fact...
JACKIE
...make some trips into the city.
Sometimes, overnight.
RACHEL
Hey, any help you need, we’ll cover.
Jackie nods. Appreciates that. But she still hasn’t turned to
look Rachel in the eye.
RACHEL
Uh. Have you told Luke and the ki...
JACKIE
Let’s...hold up for a bit. It may
not happen. Our secret, okay?
A little strange. Particularly the hardness of Jackie’s eyes.
Rachel watching her. Something’s up.
RACHEL
(softly)
Sure, if you like.
Jackie looks away now. To the playground just beyond the
bleachers. Kids rise swings, clamber over a jungle gym. But her
eyes are routinely, automatically, zeroing in on one single kid...
...who is climbing his way UP a tall SLIDE. Crouched over as he
inches up the shiny metal surface, using the side rails. Rachel
follows Jackie’s eyes, just as...
...Ben reaches the top and STANDS UP, hands OVER his head, Jackie’s
breath catching, Ben totters once and...
...FALLS fast, hitting the grass with a thump we can hear, lying
crumpled, motionless, as our two women...
...SPRING up as one, SCRAMBLING down the bleachers, RUNNING toward
the playground, Jackie initially in the lead, but Rachel out-
sprints her, CLOSING on the child, as he rolls over grasping his
leg, and reaching him first...
...some instinct makes her hold back, let Jackie RUSH past her, to
kneel at Ben’s side. She lifts her baby in her arms. His pants
are torn, his leg is bleeding. His own concern...
BEN
I can still go to Tucker’s party,
right?
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM - DAY
A full house of walk-ins with assorted needs, none of which appear
to require George Clooney on an urgent basis. Across the room, an
irritated Jackie finishes the last of the paperwork at the nurses
station. Exchanges a less-than-pleasantry with the less-than-
helpful duty nurse, and...
...heads off through the crowd, DOWN a hallway, TURNS a corner, to
see...
LUKE stands by a doorway. Smiling, as he gazes into a hospital
room. Jackie comes to his side, looks in...
Ben doesn’t see them. His back is turned, as he talks to Rachel,
who sits on the side of his bed, feeding him the pudding she got
from a vending machine.
BEN
...for Christmas, okay? Every
magician needs a white dove, a
real one, they do!
RACHEL
Well, that’s a long way off, sweetie.
We’ll talk to Mom and Dad...
BEN
Dad! You can talk him into anything!
Unseen by the two, Luke grins. Then, Ben snuggles into Rachel’s
arms and kisses her. Jackie stares.
RACHEL
(singing softly)
’In the still...still of the
ni-ight...I held you... held you
so ti-ight’...take it, man...
BEN
(singing softly)
Doo-wop-doo-doo, doo-wop-doo-doo...
Jackie stands there. Her eyes are difficult to read. But she sure
is watching.
LUKE
(softly)
Nice, huh?
She steps back. Looks him in the eye.
JACKIE
It is. It’s about time.
He give her a goofy give-me-a-break FACE. She twists the corner
of a smile.
LUKE
She’s a charmer, you’ll see. In
fifty years, the kids’ll love her
ten percent as much as they love you.
JACKIE
Stop. You’re making me insecure.
Now they’re smiling at each other. In the old way. A nice moment
for them.
LUKE
You changed your hair.
And we notice. It does look different.
JACKIE
It’s temporary.
LUKE
(grins)
It’s good. You’re not pulling a
mid-life crisis on us, are you?
Her look holds. An odd extra beat.
JACKIE
Not the term I’d use.
He glances back through the doorway...
LUKE
You want us to take him tonight?
Give you some private time with
Annab....
JACKIE
Never stand between that kid and
a meatball.
LUKE
Yet another spaghetti night.
JACKIE
Yeh, better I should forcefeed
him burnt lamb and...couscous,
was it she made him? Boy, kids
go wild for that.
She pats him on the shoulder...
JACKIE
I’ll drop him at Tucker’s party
Saturday, if one of you guys can
pick him up. I have to go into
the City.
And breezes by him into the room. Ben wheels to see her...
JACKIE
You know what happens to spaghetti
when it waits around for you too
long?
He really thinks. Actually...
BEN
No.
JACKIE
Pray. We never find out.
EXT. A PERFECTLY MANICURED TWO STORY HOME - DAY
A door with balloons OPENS -- STACY, the birthday boy’s mom, stands
there -- children running behind her in party hats, all with their
conservatively dressed SUBURBAN MOMS. Rachel’s attire a sharp
contrast.
RACHEL
Hi, I’m here to pick up Ben.
STACY
Does Jackie know this?
RACHEL
No. I’m doing it behind her back.
STACY
In seven years Jackie’s never
missed one of Tucker’s parties.
Where is she?
RACHEL
Something came up. C’mon Ben!
I’ve got a shoot at three...
STACY
Tucker hasn’t penned Ben’s present
yet -- it won’t be too much longer.
Rachel eyes the MOUND OF PRESENTS yet to be opened. DISSOLVE TO...
FORTY-FIVE MINUTES LATER...Rachel, in a pointed party hat, sits
schmushed on the couch in between all the other MOTHERS. A black
jeans stranger in a strange peach land. She eyes that mound of
presents. Not even a dent. She pulls out her cell phone, moves
towards the hallway.
RACHEL
Hey Cooper...pull a number 64 steel
blue gel on the back light...yeah
I’m on my way but...
A piece of CAKE FLIES through the air and LANDS on Rachel.
STACY
Now Ben, let Tucker play with his
Batcave...
Ben won’t let go of Tucker’s presents. Tucker tries to take it.
Ben is adamant. Rachel reaches for him, tousling his hair.
RACHEL
Hey Benjy boy -- chill.
(he shimmies away from her)
He’s there already? No I don’t want to
talk to him -- Duncan? How are you...
The mothers are all too aware of Rachel on the phone. Two kids
shoot water guns -- Rachel gets drenched. Ben pulls at the toys...
BEN
I want it!
STACY
Ben I know you’re angry and confused
but it’s Tucker’s birthday party.
Ben and Tucker fight for it -- the mothers all LOOK TO RACHEL.
RACHEL
Ben --
(into phone)
Duncan I’m aware of that - Goddamn it
Ben! Let go of it. NOW!
He stares at her. It looks like he’s gonna let go --
On the mothers -- impressed, not to mention surprised. When Ben
suddenly HURLS the toy onto the floor SHATTERING IT! A horrible
SILENCE falls over the room. Broken only by the sound of Duncan
SCREAMING from inside the phone.
DUNCAN IN PHONE
Rachel...This is a big bloody account --
If you don’t show up in five minutes...
Rachel takes Ben and leads him into another room.
RACHEL
Ben I’m sorry. It’s been a hard day.
Now would you do us both a favor and
take this phone and...
She SLAMS the phone SHUT. Hands it to Ben.
RACHEL
...make it disappear.
Okay. He SHOVES it down the front of his pants. The peach moms
are taken aback. Rachel nods, you got it. Delighted, Ben turns,
scampers off, as...
...his pants start RINGING. He stops dead. Looks down at them.
Still RINGING. He turns around and waddles delicately back to
Rachel, as if he’s carrying nitro in his shorts. She holds out her
hand...
RACHEL
Breaks out the geiger counter, the
man is radio-active!
He pulls the ringing phone from his pants. She grasps it without
hesitation, while peach moms wince in disgust. SNAPS it open...
RACHEL
Get over it, Dunc...
(stops)
...whoa, whoa, Annab...
Listens. While everybody watches.
RACHEL
Could it be, maybe...anywhere else?
Like...another galaxy would be more
convenient.
Listening, listening. Everybody really watching. Even Ben.
Rachel oblivious...
RACHEL
(gently)
Okay, don’t cry. Flunking science
is not happening. On my watch.
EXT. STACY’S YARD - LATER
All the kids are running around crazily in a hypersugared frenzy.
Peach moms drink diet sodas and chat. Rachel making a call by the
phony little carp pond...
RACHEL
...just that her daughter left a
science book somewhere at her house,
and I need t...
INTERCUT throughout: a starchy, powerful, crisply intellectual
SENIOR EDITOR, in her early fifties and her Jil Sander outfit. The
East Side below her window.
SENIOR EDITOR
I’m sorry, Ms. Harrison is not here.
I think I mentioned that. Twice.
Rachel nodding.
RACHEL
Well, she’s been meeting with the
head editor for the last few w...
SENIOR EDITOR
Miss, I am Senior Editor. Ms.
Harrison left Random House eleven
years ago. We have not had the pleas-
ure of a visit from her in that time.
Rachel blinks.
RACHEL
Actually, she’s going back to
work with your company on a part-
time basis.
SENIOR EDITOR
Excuse me. If Jackie Harrison were
coming back to the editorial staff,
I would be frankly delighted. And I.
Would be the first. To know.
Silence. In the midst of hysterical children.
RACHEL
Thank you for your time.
SENIOR EDITOR
Don’t mention it.
And Rachel’s line. Is dead.
EXT. JACKIE’S HOUSE - DAY
Rachel alone at Jackie’s front door. Staring at the key in her
hand. One last chance to back out.
RACHEL
(mutters)
What the hell.
OPENS the door. Enters the empty home. Walks slowly, self-
consciously, down the hallway. Kitchen, kids’ rooms...
RACHEL
Now, if I were a science book,
where would I...
And stops. At the doorway of the master bedroom.
RACHEL
Who am I kidding.
And goes straight to Jackie’s desk. Starts rummaging through the
incredibly neat stack of papers...
RACHEL
Great, I’m leaving prints.
The open appointment book. Today’s date. Just says, NEW YORK.
Nothing more. Opens a drawer. Stapler, clips, neatly-stacked
stationery. Opens the bottom drawer, and...
...stops. She pulls out...AIRLINE TICKETS. Opens the folder.
Continental Airlines. Newark to San Francisco. And tucked
inside...
...a fax, neatly folded. Rachel opens it. The letterhead says,
NORTH POINT PRESS, 134 Sutter Street, San Francisco, California.
CHARLENE DRUMMOND, Editor.
RACHEL
(reads)
Jackie. Can’t wait to see you here.
I know you’re anxious. But it’s going
to work out wonderfully, I promise.
Til then. Charlie.
HOLD on Rachel. Trying to put this together.
INT. JACKIE’S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Jackie takes a kettle from the stove. Pours the water into a tea
cup. Then, fills a second cup. Drops a tea bag into each.
Carries both cups to...
...the kitchen table. Where Rachel is waiting. She looks more
than tense. Actually, scared. Jackie taking this in, as she sets
down the tea.
JACKIE
Okay, what is this? If you want to
dump Luke on me, no sale. You’re
stuck with him.
And before she can sit...
RACHEL
I know your secret.
Jackie FREEZES. To stone. No one says anything. Two hearts
beating at red-line.
JACKIE
I don’t know wh...
RACHEL
I was looking for Annabelle’s book,
and I found your tickets. And the
note. From your new boss.
My what? Jackie leans forward. Her hands resting on the back of
the chair she never sat in.
JACKIE
My boss.
RACHEL
You’re not working at Random House,
I talked to them.
JACKIE
You WHAT?
RACHEL
You’re taking the kids. And moving
to San Francisco.
And Jackie has to laugh. Cold. Bitter.
RACHEL
Look, you’ve never liked me...
JACKIE
Don’t flatter yourself.
RACHEL
And I know checking into your life
was inexcusable...
JACKIE
Nobody likes a snoop.
RACHEL
But I came here to...
All the air comes out of this young woman. so vulnerable, so real.
RACHEL
...to beg you. Not to do it.
And at this. A look of intense interest crosses Jackie’s face.
Really?
JACKIE
I’d have thought this was the
answer to your prayers. Lose the
witch, and her two brats, in one
swoop. Problems solved.
Rachel is clearly distraught. This is no act.
RACHEL
You can’t take Luke’s children
away from him.
Jackie thinking. Reading this girl’s face.
JACKIE
Bi-coastal parenting. Happens every
day. Luke gets the kids every other
summer, every other holiday, it’s not
ideal, but people make it work, and...
RACHEL
(blurts)
We can’t live like that.
And Jackie straightens. Cocks her head.
JACKIE
Did I hear the word...
RACHEL
Luke. Can’t live like that.
Ah.
JACKIE
Then let him talks to me. We don’t
need you to solve our prob...
RACHEL
(quietly)
...it’s my problem, too.
And Rachel’s eyes. Fill with tears. She hates that. Jackie won’t
take her off the hook. Stands waiting, until...
RACHEL
I got used to...thinking of them.
As...my kids too.
JACKIE
Really. By what right? Six months
of part-time screw-ups?
Rachel lifts her chin. Defiant and tender at once.
RACHEL
No right at all. I just love them.
Now it’s Jackie’s eyes. That begin to fill. And she hates that
even more.
RACHEL
(pleading)
There’s so many publishing houses
in New York. Surely, you could find
a good one?
Jackie takes a step back. Shakes her head. Goddammit, life is
full of surprises. She walks around in a little circle. Turns
back...
JACKIE
Sure, I could. If I was looking
for one.
Rachel’s turn to be surprised. Confused.
JACKIE
You’re a moron, kid. You guessed
the wrong secret.
An odd, almost defiant look. Jackie reaches up to her own head,
and...
...slowly, holding eye contact all the way, she slips the wig from
her head. Her scalp covered by the partial regrowth that chemo-
therapy has left her. You can hear Rachel’s GASP clear to Kansas.
JACKIE
(calmly)
Charlie Drummond used to be a
colleague at Random House. I’m
crashing at her place, while I take
some new protein injections my
oncologist recommended. I can only
get them in San Francisco.
Rachel’s lips part. But no sound comes.
JACKIE
Life’s a trade-off. You get cancer,
your hair falls out, but you do get
to smoke dope.
RACHEL
(please)
You’re not dying.
The kid so painfully sincere.
JACKIE
No such luck. I’m beating the shit
out of this. Pardon my French.
Rachel can’t find her breath. She is clearly the worse off of the
two, in this moment. Then she starts to nod...
RACHEL
You bet you are.
JACKIE
How the hell would you know?
RACHEL
I don’t, but...
JACKIE
How would you know anything?
That was sharp. Rachel startles slightly.
JACKIE
I exercise, I eat the healthiest
foods, you live on pork rinds and
Ho-Ho’s, and I’ve got cancer!
That leaves a silence.
RACHEL
And cigarettes. I smoke, too.
JACKIE
You are marrying the greatest guy
who walks this earth. Who I have
loved from my heart for twelveyears!
Listening?
JACKIE
And you walk in. You smile that
smile. You move that boy. And
he’s yours for free.
She sags back against the counter.
JACKIE
And you. Love my kids. How fucking
touching.
Comes forward. Stalks her.
JACKIE
They came out of my body!
RACHEL
See, I know that.
JACKIE
I have given them morelove and
more care every fifteen minutes of
their lives, than you could manage
in the next fifty years!
Leans over the table. Rachel looks scared to death.
RACHEL
Okay, I’m undeserving.
JACKIE
Ironic, huh?
And staring in Rachel’s eyes, Jackie’s fierceness fades.
JACKIE
Ironic, that I’m gonna need you.
All the air comes out. Her heart as naked as her skull.
JACKIE
To be a little less. Undeserving.
The look holds. And holds.
JACKIE
(quietly)
Drink your tea while I go vomit.
And turns, goes to the door. Turns back.
JACKIE
You love my kids, that’s a start.
(nods)
We’ll work on it.
And gone. Hear her footsteps. Climbing stairs. Rachel lifts her
cup. Looks at it.
RACHEL
(calling out)
This is very good tea!
Then tastes it. Makes a face.
EXT. BAR - EVENING
A graceful stone building with arched windows. Gas lanterns on the
exterior wall and burning dimly inside. Stone gargoyles smile down
on those who enter the heavy, bright red wooden door.
INT. BAR - EVENING
Drinks hour. Upscale crowd. Dim lights, clink of glasses, the hum
of private conversations side-by-side. Civilized as hell. And at
the deuce by the window...
...the man’s head is down. We can’t see Luke’s expression, as he
stares at his clenched hands. We don’t need to.
JACKIE
I thought a phone call was
inappropriate.
No one smiles at the irony. Not much to smile about.
JACKIE
I could have taken you to that
restaurant, but it would have
been a waste of money.
He loos up. She studies the pain.
JACKIE
(softly)
I know. I wouldn’t know what to
say. If it were you.
LUKE
We’re going to win this.
JACKIE
(straight back)
Walk in the park. And thanks for
the ’we’.
Tears fill his eyes. None in hers.
LUKE
You’re not alone in this. You’re
not alone. Jesus, you’re not alone,
okay?
Jackie swallows. Tries a smile that doesn’t get halfway there.
Looks down.
LUKE
What happens next?
JACKIE
I live or I die.
Looks straight in his eyes. We don’t need the bullshit. Not us.
LUKE
Tell the kids together?
She thinks. A barely perceptible nod.
LUKE
Want Rache someplace else?
On that one. She has to smile.
JACKIE
My compliments. On your learning
curve.
INT. JACKIE’S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Jackie carrying two steaming MUGS from her stove. These have
marshmallows floating in them. She sets them down in front of her
children. Ben starts plucking the marshmallows out of Annabelle’s
mug. Annabelle doesn’t care, too busy video taping...
...her father. Who sits with this tender, compassionate, and
therefore rather ominous smile. Doesn’t take a smart kid like his
daughter to guess...
ANNABELLE
So what’s up? Who’s marrying who
this time?
BEN
Mommy’s marrying Rache!
He’s happy. Jackie reaches and shuts OFF Annabelle’s camera. And
the directness in her gaze keeps the child from complaining.
JACKIE
(simply)
Mommy’s sick, guys.
BEN
You have the WORST flu since...
JACKIE
I have cancer. Do you know what
that is?
He doesn’t. Someone else does.
ANNABELLE
(real quiet)
It’s what Grammy Lil died from.
Ben’s eyes WHIP OVER to his sister. He sees the cold fear in her
face. BACK to Mom. She seems fine, calm, smiling even.
JACKIE
Grammy had a different kind.
There are lots of kinds. Hers
was very bad.
BEN
Is your bad?
ANNABELLE
Shut up. She’s going to die.
But the anger in her eyes isn’t for Ben. She is glaring. At her
mom.
JACKIE
Actually, I’m getting better already.
Straight. As if to an equal, an adult.
JACKIE
I had a lot of treatments, and
they weren’t any fun, but the
tests show the cancer got smaller.
LUKE
A lot smaller.
Annabelle cuts him an angry look. He’s on her shit list, too.
BEN
So you’re okay.
JACKIE
I’m still sick, but I’m better.
ANNABELLE
You lied to us when you nevertold us!
Ben hadn’t thought of that. Nods now, yeh.
JACKIE
That’s right. And you’re mad.
Annabelle just glares with all the hatred she can turn her fear
into.
JACKIE
I know how scared I get when
you’re sick. So I waited to tell
you. Until it was getting smaller.
I thought that was best, maybe I
was wr...
ANNABELLE
You lied. If you lied thennow. I can
never belive you again!
LUKE
Annabelle, never say ’nev...’
But Jackie’s raised her hand. Jump back, Jack. The eye contact
with her daughter never breaks.
JACKIE
We make mistakes. And we forgive
each other. Because we love each
other, very m...
ANNABELLE
Where’s Rache? It’s Thursday,
we get to be with Rache!
BEN
(the diplomat)
I’d rather be with Mommy.
ANNABELLE
She’s dying and Rache is your
mother now!
She jumps up from the table. HISSES at her brother...
ANNABELLE
You are so STUPID!
And she RUNS, halfway to the door...
LUKE
ANNABELLE!
She turns, STARTLED at the anger in that.
LUKE
You do NOT run out on your moth...
ANNABELLE
YOU’RE WORSE THAN SHE IS! WHY
DON’T YOU JUST DIE, TOO?
And BOLTS from the room. In the silence she’s left behind.
BEN
Annabelle’s worse than everybody.
INT. LUKE AND RACHEL’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Rachel and Luke cuddled in bed, watching a video in the darkness.
At least, she is. Just now, he’s watching her.
LUKE
Well, I think you should tell him
you changed your mi...
RACHEL
(softly)
It’s no biggie.
She’s still watching. It’s a French-language comedy. She can feel
his eyes on her. Never turns...
RACHEL
It’s just an assignment.
LUKE
It’s Anna Sui, you should be
doing it.
RACHEL
Are you hungry? You could make
us something?
She’s still never looked at him. He can see she’s getting irritat-
ed. He says nothing.
RACHEL
It’s two solid months, around the
clock, Jackie needs some cover-
age, you’re in a trial |
