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FADE IN:
INT. RILEY’S CAR - NIGHT
RILEY FOX, a 29 year old woman with auburn hair and
watchful, narrow eyes, speeds down the road, engine REVVING
in her small car.
Some water droplets cling to Riley’s windows, but it is not
raining.
On Riley’s left wrist, she wears a chain BRACELET with a
blue water drop charm.
EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT
It is steadily raining as a vehicle drives down the lonely
highway, traveling along side a guardrail that protects from
the sloping ground.
EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT
Riley’s car turns sharply off of the rural road and into a
small gas station, pulling up to a pump.
Riley hastily exits her car and pulls out a masculine
billfold from her back pocket. She snaps it open and
fumbles, dropping it on the ground.
CLOSE ON Riley’s billfold open on the pavement, revealing
her name on her Tennessee driver’s license.
Riley picks up her billfold, takes out her debit card, and
swipes it. As she pumps her gas, she combs her fingers
through her hair. She returns the pump and takes the
receipt.
She looks at her receipt and sighs, dropping her haste as
she re-enters her car and drives off.
INT. DEAN’S CAR - NIGHT
In the rainy highway vehicle sits DEAN BLAKELY (early 30s),
clean shaven and sporting a suit and tie under his
"Masscraft" jacket. He does not appear to feel well.
Dean exhales mostly through his mouth in sighs. He rubs his
forehead. He picks up a soda can, takes a drink, and sets it
back down before placing his wet fingers on his forehead.
2.
EXT. RILEY’S HOUSE - NIGHT
A small, one-story house, lit from inside. It has a raised,
wooden porch and an empty gravel driveway leading to the
road. Two cars are parked just off the road and into the
yard, which is mowed, but lacks any decorations.
GWEN (O.S.)
To motherhood, and all the
restrictions that go along with it.
INT. RILEY’S HOUSE - NIGHT
Three hands clank drinks together: 2 beer bottles and a
glass of sparkling cider. The beer holders wear BRACELETS
like Riley’s except with a pink water drop, and the cider
drinker sports a matching blue one.
The three women sit in a small living room. A wooden coffee
table takes up the middle, surrounded by a mismatched couch
and recliner.
AMBER BLAKELY (30) holds the cider. She has straight, dark
hair and soft, womanly features. She sits on the couch
beside ELIZABETH (late 20s). On the recliner sits GWEN (late
20s).
GWEN
Welcome to my world.
ELIZABETH
You make it sound like it’s not a
world she’d wanna be a part of.
Gwen takes a drink and laughs.
AMBER
I just hope I can be a good mother,
even though I’m starting so late.
GWEN
You’re gonna be a great mom. Age
only makes you better. Remember all
those girls who got pregnant
during, or right after high school?
Some were okay, but most of ’em...
The three make disgusted sounds.
Amber sets her glass on the table and pulls out her phone.
She looks at it, then puts it back up with a sigh.
3.
ELIZABETH
Still nothing from Dean?
AMBER
No. I hope he’s getting close
though.
GWEN
My goodness, Amber. One weekend?
Text the man.
AMBER
I can’t. He’s probably driving, and
he’ll check it anyhow. And he knows
I don’t like that. I’m just
impatient.
Riley enters through the front door.
Amber holds her arms out.
Riley walks into her hug, patting Amber’s back. She squeezes
between Amber and Elizabeth on the couch, wriggling her butt
from side to side until they open up for her, giggling.
GWEN
I’m glad you’re home. Amber’s had
like three beers already. Stop her
before the baby becomes an
alcoholic just like the mom.
AMBER
(laughing)
That’s not true!
RILEY
Oh, Gwen. She doesn’t drink anyhow.
You don’t, right?
Riley holds her arm up and jangles her BRACELET in Amber’s
face.
AMBER
You know I don’t.
Amber chuckles and swats Riley’s arm away. She holds her own
BRACELET up and grins.
ELIZABETH
So Riley, you find anything worth
getting her?
Riley shushes Elizabeth.
4.
AMBER
What? What does she mean gettin’
me? Elizabeth?
RILEY
Way to spoil it. Yeah, I was
wantin’ to go ahead and get your
shower gift, but... Well I’ve not
got it all yet.
AMBER
Aw, that’s sweet, but you’re all
jumping the gun with the
celebrations. I’m barely three
months.
GWEN
But we just found out. We can’t
help but be excited.
Riley leans over and takes Gwen’s bottle.
RILEY
Besides, we need every opportunity
we can get to celebrate.
Riley takes a sip from the bottle, sneering at the taste as
she returns it to Gwen.
AMBER
Don’t I just have the best friends?
Riley smiles.
INT. DEAN’S CAR - NIGHT
Dean continues down the highway. He rubs his eye and coughs
in the back of his throat. The coughs subside, and he rubs
his head again. He covers his mouth with his fist just as a
wet hack erupts. He wipes his mouth, groaning before looking
at his hand.
Dean’s hand is spattered with red froth.
Before he can comprehend the sight, Dean’s eyes flutter
closed and his head goes limp, falling forward.
5.
EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS
Dean’s vehicle veers to the right and scrapes against the
guardrail.
A bridge approaches.
The guardrail begins to bend out. The vehicle SMASHES
head-on into the bridge’s concrete side, bringing it to an
abrupt halt.
The rain grows heavier until its sound overpowers all else.
DISSOLVE TO:
EXT. FUNERAL HOME - DAY
A small funeral home. Trees show signs of early autumn.
Several people stand in groups in the parking lot while
others get in their cars and drive away. The funeral is
over.
INT. FUNERAL HOME - DAY
Dean’s pale body is displayed in a casket.
On one side of the casket is a collage of pictures of Dean
with the words "In Memory of Dean Blakely" at the top. The
pictures (many including Amber and some with her three
friends) reveal that Dean was a lively man: He dresses as
Santa for Christmas; He sings karaoke at a bar; He grins
with two "Masscraft" factory co-workers; He stuffs his mouth
into a piece of wedding cake that Amber holds while covering
her blushing face; etc.
Amber sits in a chair on the other side of the casket. She
is not crying now, but she has been. Her eyes are red, and
she sniffles. She grips her hands together. She is not
wearing her BRACELET.
A man approaches Amber. This is BRIAN, an adult, but
obviously younger than the women. He has dark, combed hair
and a clean-shaven face.
Brian places his hand on Amber’s shoulder.
Amber looks up and forces a smile.
Across the room, Riley, Gwen, and Elizabeth stand by the
door. Riley wears her BRACELET.
6.
A FEMALE FRIEND shakes Riley’s hand and hugs Gwen before
leaving. Gwen closes the door after her.
Brian enters the women’s circle.
BRIAN
It just kills me to see her put
through this. And over a car
accident. Fell asleep at the wheel,
right?
GWEN
The doctors think it was cyanide
poisoning. Probably from the rat
poison at the motel. Makes you
wonder, though.
BRIAN
I can see that. I’m surprised
Amber’s handling everything so
well.
GWEN
C’mon Brian. You know she puts on a
brave face. I can’t even begin to
imagine how torn up she must be.
And there’s nothing we can do.
RILEY
We can still be here for her.
GWEN
Her husband is dead, Riley. It
doesn’t matter how long we’ve been
friends, we can’t replace her
husband.
Looking determined, Riley walks away.
Riley walks up to Amber, who sits with her head hanging.
Riley kneels down and hugs Amber.
Amber returns the hug.
RILEY
Why don’t I stay with you?
Amber pulls back.
RILEY (CONT’D)
At your house. So you won’t be
alone.
7.
AMBER
Oh Riley, I couldn’t ask you to do
that.
RILEY
You’re not. I’m offering. You’re my
best friend. I’d hate myself if I
couldn’t even help.
AMBER
I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl.
Gwen and Elizabeth walk behind Riley.
Riley stands to face them, placing her hand on Amber’s
shoulder.
GWEN
I think it’s a good idea. It’ll be
like a slumber party. Remember how
recharging those could be?
AMBER
Yeah. Maybe... If it’s only for a
while. I mean, you really wouldn’t
mind?
A smile spreads on Riley’s face.
EXT. AMBER’S HOUSE - DAY
Amber’s is a two-story house surrounded by neighbors. Her
yard is small, but decorated with plants. A car sits in the
carport. Riley’s car pulls in behind it.
INT. AMBER’S HOUSE - DAY
MONTAGE:
1)Amber opens her front door to Riley, who brings in a
suitcase and duffel bag.
They struggle with pulling the suitcase up the stairs.
2)UPSTAIRS GUEST BEDROOM -- Riley hangs her clothes in the
closet as Amber puts sheets on the full sized bed.
Before Amber finishes, Riley flops down on the bed. Amber
puts her hands on her hips.
Amber pulls Riley’s arm, but Riley pulls her down instead.
The two laugh.
8.
3)INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT -- The two eat pizza and
watch a movie. The room consists of a medium-sized
entertainment center, an L-shaped couch, and a glass coffee
table.
4)INT. BATHROOM - DAY -- The two stand in front of the sink.
Amber dons a long nightgown and brushes her hair.
Riley wears a ratty T-shirt and jeans, brushing her teeth.
Riley turns to Amber and puffs out her cheeks, letting
toothpaste foam out of her mouth. Amber notices and pushes
Riley’s face away. They laugh.
5)INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT -- Amber pours a can of green beans
into a pot on the stove as Riley stirs steak strips in a
pan.
6)INT. AMBER’S ROOM - NIGHT -- Amber cries on her bed while
Riley hugs and rocks with her.
MONTAGE ENDS
INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY
Riley showers, still wearing her BRACELET. She looks more
womanly now than ever.
INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS
Amber eats cereal at a table. She picks up a bottle of
prenatal vitamins, opens it, and turns it over in her hand.
The rattle indicates that few pills remain.
She places the pill in her mouth and takes a drink of water.
The phone RINGS.
Amber walks to the wall phone behind her and answers.
AMBER
Hello?
ROBERT (O.S.)
Amber? It’s Robert.
Amber frowns, crossing her free arm.
AMBER
Robert.
9.
INT. ROBERT’S KITCHEN - DAY
ROBERT, a blond man in his mid 30s with stubble lining his
jaw, sits at a bar in his expensive apartment. He holds his
cellphone to his ear and plays with a beer bottle on the
bar.
ROBERT
I, uh. I heard about Dean. How...
How’re you holding up?
Amber turns and leans her side against the wall.
INTERCUT AS NEEDED AMBER AND ROBERT’S KITCHENS - DAY
AMBER
Now you’re concerned about me? Not
so good, Robert. And not to be
rude, but you calling doesn’t help.
ROBERT
I know, and I’m sorry. I never
wanted to hurt you. I know that’s
hard to believe-
AMBER
It’s been four years. You up and
leave me out of nowhere, and... And
you call now? That does hurt. I’d
prefer if you’d just go back to not
calling. Goodbye.
Amber begins to hang up the phone.
ROBERT (O.S.)
How’s Riley?
Amber halts. She returns the phone to her ear, placing both
hands on it.
AMBER
What?
ROBERT (O.S.)
It’s just... What has Riley been
into?
AMBER
Actually, she’s been staying with
me. She’s been the biggest support
I’ve had. I wanted to tell you, she
was right about you. She’s stuck
(MORE)
10.
AMBER (cont’d)with me through everything. That’s
true companionship.
ROBERT (O.S.)
Just take care of yourself, Amber.
That’s all I wanted to say. I’m
sorry about Dean, and... Take care
of yourself. Goodbye.
INT. ROBERT’S KITCHEN - DAY
Robert hangs up and sets his phone on the bar and rubs his
eyes. He twists the cap off the beer bottle and turns his
head far back to drink.
INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - DAY
Amber hangs the phone up as Riley enters. Riley wears a
white smock and jeans, and her hair remains damp.
Amber leans back against the wall with a sigh.
Riley lifts Amber’s bowl and sets it back down before going
to the fridge.
RILEY
Who was it?
Riley pulls a slice of pizza from the fridge, sets it on a
paper towel, and sticks it in the microwave. She starts it.
AMBER
You won’t like it.
Riley turns to Amber
RILEY
Why? Who was it?
AMBER
Robert.
Riley scoffs, smacking her hand on the counter.
RILEY
Seriously? What does he think he’s
doing calling you now? I can’t
believe that son of a bitch. Sounds
like he’s trying to do some sort of
horrible rebound thing. How
pathetic can you get?
11.
Amber takes her seat back at the table. She stirs her
cereal, hearing Riley’s familiar rant.
RILEY (CONT’D)
If he calls again, I’m gonna drive
to Florida and punch him in the
face. As much as I ragged on Dean,
he was way better than that guy. At
least Dean wasn’t chicken shit.
The sound of the microwave ceases Riley’s rambling.
RILEY (CONT’D)
Have you taken your vitamin?
AMBER
Yes. You always know what to say.
RILEY
You ought to finish your breakfast.
Amber takes a bite of her cereal.
EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL - DAY
Riley’s car pulls into the gravel parking lot of the log
cabin styled dentist building. Stop blocks separate the
parking lot from the front of the building.
Amber steps out of the passenger side.
Riley leans toward the open door.
RILEY
Are you sure you wanna go in today?
AMBER
Three weeks is break enough.
Besides, all I do is type stuff
into a computer. I can still do
that at least.
RILEY
Well if you change your mind or
need or want anything, you call me.
AMBER
I know.
Amber closes the door.
12.
EXT. STRIP MALL - DAY
The strip mall lines the edge of a large parking lot. A sign
dubs it "Tellihollow Square." This includes a dollar store,
a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a diner.
Between the grocery store and pharmacy stands Brian smoking
a cigarette in a pharmacy uniform.
Riley approaches the grocery store.
Brian brightens up.
BRIAN
Mornin’ Riley. How’s it goin’?
RILEY
Hey Brian.
Riley throws a red apron over her smock and continues toward
the door. Before she can enter, Brian jogs over.
BRIAN
So... How’s Amber doing?
RILEY
Better. Things have been rough, but
I think she’s pulling through
strong.
Riley attempts to tie the back of her apron as she speaks.
Brian tries to help.
Riley turns her back away and manages on her own.
Brian rubs his hands together.
BRIAN
Glad to hear it. I’ve not seen her
since the funeral. You tell her
that if she needs anything, she can
talk to me.
Riley nods and smiles shortly before entering the grocery
store.
13.
INT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL LOBBY - DAY
Amber sits behind the front counter and gazes at her
computer screen.
MAN (O.S.)
Excuse me... Excuse me, Ma’am.
Amber looks up.
AMBER
I-I’m sorry. Can I help you?
MAN
I need to schedule my next
appointment.
AMBER
Oh, right, one second.
Amber types on her computer, shakes her head, and rubs her
face before looking up again.
AMBER (CONT’D)
Sorry about that. Does April
twelfth work?
MAN
Yeah. Thanks.
Amber prints out an appointment card and hands it to the
man.
He takes it and eyes Amber as he walks away.
PAULINE, a plump woman in her late 40s, walks behind the
front desk and sits at a second computer.
PAULINE
Are ya certain ya ought to be
forcin’ yourself here?
AMBER
All I do is-
PAULINE
Push yourself too much. There ain’t
no reason for you to be here with
everything you’re goin’ through.
AMBER
I don’t need to be takin’ any more
time off, Pauline.
14.
Pauline crosses her arms.
AMBER (CONT’D)
Honestly, I’m fine. Just a little
under the weather is all. I can
tough it out.
PAULINE
I don’t doubt that. But you’ve got
a life in you that might not be so
tough.
Amber looks down.
INT. GROCERY STORE BACK ROOM - DAY
A room of white and gray tiles. Several men in smocks and
red aprons work with meat.
Riley stands at the end of a counter, wrapping cuts of meat
as her male co-worker passes them down. Her hair is tied
back and held in a hairnet. She does not wear her BRACELET
at work.
MANAGER (O.S.)
Riley!
Riley looks up from her work.
The manager stands at the double doors.
MANAGER
Phone call.
INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY
Riley follows the manager into the bright and colorful store
area.
Country music plays softly over the speakers as they cross,
walking past a busy checkout aisle where a TEEN GIRL scans
items.
The manager and Riley enter a small office.
15.
INT. MANAGER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS
The manager rounds his desk and sits down, nodding to the
phone lying off the hook on his desk.
Riley sits in a metal chair and picks the phone up.
RILEY
Hello?
EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL - DAY
Amber sits on a stop block as Riley’s car pulls in beside
her.
Amber stands and enters the passenger side.
INT. RILEY’S CAR - DAY
AMBER
I’m sorry.
RILEY
For what?
AMBER
I thought I could handle going to
work, but... My mind keeps
wandering. I feel bad for making
you take care of me.
RILEY
Don’t.
Riley begins to back her car out, wrapping her arm around
Amber’s seat as she turns herself around. Riley wears the
BRACELET.
RILEY (CONT’D)
It’s what I’m here for.
Amber props her elbow on the door and rubs her stomach. Her
face contorts with discomfort.
INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Amber lounges on her couch, half covered with a blanket
while reading a book for expectant mothers. A glass of juice
sits on the coffee table.
16.
Riley enters from the front door. She carries four plastic
bags.
RILEY
I’m home. You hungry yet?
Riley sets the bags on the coffee table. She crouches down
and digs into one.
Amber reaches for another bag.
AMBER
Did you go grocery shopping?
Amber grabs the bag with her fingers. She pulls just enough
for black cloth to show.
Riley lays her hand over the bag.
RILEY
That’s my underwear.
Amber pulls away.
AMBER
You’re embarrassed?
RILEY
They’re my period panties. And no,
I didn’t go shopping, but look what
I had at home.
Riley pulls out a box of noodles and a can of sauce.
Amber beams.
RILEY
We have meat, right?
AMBER
Yeah. And you’re gonna cook this
tonight?
RILEY
Sure am.
Riley sets the food back in the bag. She takes the other
three bags and stands up, heading for the stairs.
17.
INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - NIGHT
Amber sits at the table as Riley sets a plate of spaghetti
and bread in front of her.
AMBER
Thanks so much. It looks really
good.
Riley sets her plate across from Amber and sits down.
RILEY
I dunno about really good, but
let’s hope it’s not bad. I don’t
wanna upset your stomach more.
AMBER
How’d you know my stomach was
bothering me?
RILEY
Amber, I’m your best friend. What
do you take me for?
Amber laughs and scoops some spaghetti onto her fork. She
takes a bite, slurping the noodles with a smile.
Riley twirls the noodles around her fork, then drops her
hand.
RILEY
I’m sorry for not being here for
you more. I’ve not lived up to my
word.
AMBER
That is not true at all. Just you
being here helps so much. I’m the
one who’s sorry for being a
nuisance.
RILEY
You could never be a nuisance.
AMBER
And the food is fantastic. I know
I’m not the only one loving it.
Amber leans back and frames her belly with splayed fingers.
AMBER (CONT’D)
Keep eating like this, and I’ll be
showing in no time. It’s almost
like a part of Dean never left.
18.
Amber takes a bite of her bread and nods. She locks eyes
with Riley and giggles.
Riley gives a weak smirk. Her eyes drift as she takes a bite
of spaghetti.
INT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL LOBBY - DAY
Amber and Pauline sit at their computers.
Amber reaches into her desk and pops a piece of granola into
her mouth and grins.
Pauline writes in a notebook, but stops to watch Amber.
Amber notices.
AMBER
What?
PAULINE
Well somebody has been in a much
better mood as of late.
Amber giggles.
AMBER
I’m feeling a lot better, too.
PAULINE
Probably cause you’re eating a lot
better. Or at least a lot more.
Pauline swirls her finger at Amber’s desk.
PAULINE (CONT’D)
Don’t think I can’t see you poppin’
that stuff into your mouth like a
pill head.
Amber sets her bag of granola mix on the desk.
AMBER
It’s Riley. She’s fattening me up.
She started cooking supper every
night. I mean, this is store
bought, but she keeps me well fed.
PAULINE
Aw, that’s precious. That baby’s
gonna think it has two mommies.
19.
AMBER
Hey, as long as she keeps this up,
she’ll have to be a mommy.
EXT. STRIP MALL - NIGHT
The stores are closed, only emergency lights remaining.
Three cop cars occupy the front of the pharmacy, and Brian
chats with the cops.
A car pulls into the lot near the grocery store. Gwen exits
the driver side,
Amber exits the passenger side and rounds to the front of
the car.
GWEN
Is that Brian?
AMBER
What do you think happened?
Riley exits the grocery store in her work clothes, eying the
cops as she walks.
GWEN
Riley!
Riley’s head snaps to her friends. She jogs to them.
RILEY
Hey, hey. What’re you doin’ here?
GWEN
I heard the cops were here. Always
gotta make sure my girls are okay.
RILEY
Aw, I’d hug you, but...
Riley motions to her apron.
GWEN
Oh, I don’t care.
Gwen gives Riley a quick but full hug.
GWEN (CONT’D)
I deal with little kids all day.
Feces couldn’t bother me. Besides,
I don’t really care about your
safety. We were just bored.
20.
Riley scoffs.
AMBER
Any idea why the police are here?
Brian enters the group. He holds a vitamin bottle at his
side.
BRIAN
What’s everybody standin’ around
for?
AMBER
Why were you talking to the cops?
BRIAN
Oh, my boss was talking to an
officer, and you know how cops here
are. So bored, they see one car
stopped somewhere and they all
gotta check it out. Apparently some
stuff got missing.
RILEY
Probably some stupid teenagers
trying to get high. Need to get
their asses busted, but the cops
won’t do crap.
Brian laughs.
BRIAN
You’re probably right. It’s the
perfect town for criminals. Which
is why you live here, right?
Riley deadpans.
BRIAN (CONT’D)
Uh, oh yeah. Here Amber.
Brian hands the vitamin bottle to Amber.
AMBER
Thank you so much. I didn’t even
realize I took so many already.
Amber takes the bottle and hugs Brian.
RILEY
I didn’t know you needed more. I
woulda picked ’em up for you.
21.
AMBER
I didn’t wanna burden you.
Especially with everything else
you’ve done for me.
RILEY
I wouldn’t have cared. I’d have
gotten a hug out of it.
BRIAN
How ’bout next time, I give ’em to
Riley at work. Keep taking care of
yourself. I’ll know if you don’t.
Brian points between his and Amber’s eyes as he backs away.
He gives a wave before spinning around and walks off.
GWEN
(to Riley)
You should laugh at his jokes.
Riley looks in Brian’s direction.
INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
Amber sits on her couch reading a different book for
expectant mothers.
A KNOCK comes to the door.
EXT. AMBER’S FRONT PORCH - DAY
Amber opens the door to a smiling Gwen and Elizabeth.
INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - DAY
The three take a seat on the couch.
AMBER
Sorry the house is kinda a mess. I
told myself I’d clean today, but...
GWEN
Are you kidding? Why don’t we ever
party here? Speaking of which, what
are you and Riley doing weekend
after next?
22.
AMBER
Probably nothing. Why?
GWEN
Awesome. We’re having a party.
ELIZABETH
It’s not really a party so much as
getting a bunch of people at my
house for a movie night.
GWEN
My daughter is kicking me out of
the house for her party, so dammit,
I’m gonna call it a party if I
want.
AMBER
That’s cool. We’ll definitely come
if we can. And wear our bracelets.
GWEN
Great. Well, we’d stick around, but
we gotta get. But first, Elizabeth,
don’t you have something?
ELIZABETH
Oh, I forgot.
Elizabeth pulls a CELLPHONE out of her pocket.
Amber gasps.
AMBER
Dean’s old phone?
Amber takes the CELLPHONE and grips it against her heart.
ELIZABETH
Well, I owe him an apology I guess,
cause he was right. It was at my
house.
Amber embraces Elizabeth, clutching the CELLPHONE.
AMBER
Thank you so much, Elizabeth.
GWEN
Do you still have the charger?
23.
INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - DAY
Amber opens her nightstand drawer and pulls out a phone
charger.
The three women sit on Amber’s bed as Amber cradles the
powering CELLPHONE. It lights up, and they smile.
CLOSE ON CELLPHONE screen. In the wallpaper, Dean wraps an
arm around Amber as they sit in front of a Christmas tree.
GWEN
Got any pictures on it?
Amber pushes keys.
CLOSE ON CELLPHONE screen. Amber flips through three
pictures: Amber asleep on their couch. Amber awake and
covering her face in embarrassment. Dean crouching beside
Amber and kissing her head.
Gwen and Elizabeth coo.
Amber presses keys.
ON PHONE SCREEN: INT. ELIZABETH’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
The room is large with two white couches and a connecting
room with a bar beyond.
Gwen sits on a couch beside her HUSBAND.
Amber sits on the floor between Gewn’s knees, letting braid
her hair.
DEAN (O.S.)
Aw, look how cute she is.
AMBER
Don’t take a picture of this.
DEAN (O.S.)
I’m not. I’m recording.
Amber turns her head away.
ELIZABETH (O.S.)
We got soda.
The screen turns to the front door. Elizabeth and Riley
enter, each carrying a twelve-pack of Pepsi.
24.
RILEY
You recording?
Riley looks to Amber. Then back to Dean.
RILEY (CONT’D)
What other videos ya got on there?
Anything kinky?
Riley sticks her tongue out and waggles her eyebrows. The
other women LAUGH, and the video ends.
INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - DAY
Amber rests the CELLPHONE on her lap and exhales.
AMBER
All I’d forget.
Amber buries her face in Gwen’s shoulder.
Elizabeth places a hand on Amber’s shoulder, which starts to
heave.
Amber cries.
Elizabeth and Gwen embrace her.
INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Riley’s keys JINGLE as she unlocks the front door and enters
the house. She looks around the dark room.
INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Riley enters, the light from the hall falling across the
floor. She tiptoes beside Amber’s bed.
Amber sleeps on the farther side of the bed, her back to
Riley.
Riley places her knee on the bed and lifts herself onto it.
She smiles and places a hand on Amber’s shoulder.
RILEY
Hey. I made it home.
Amber rolls over and smiles.
25.
RILEY (CONT’D)
You’re in bed early. Is everything
okay?
AMBER
Just sleepy.
RILEY
Well go on back to sleep.
Amber rolls back over.
Riley lies down beside Amber and wraps her arm around
Amber’s upper body.
Amber pats Riley arm.
Riley pulls her hand to Amber’s upper arm and squeezes.
Riley’s hand slides down Amber’s arm, then crosses over,
landing upon Amber’s belly.
Riley jerks her arm back. She backs off the bed and
stumbles. She catches herself on the nightstand, but her
hand lands on the CELLPHONE, which slides under her.
Riley lifts the CELLPHONE. It is plugged in and lit.
Amber sits up.
AMBER
Elizabeth found it. Isn’t that
great? There’s so much stuff on it
that I don’t even remember if I
knew existed.
RILEY
Cool. I’m happy for you.
AMBER
Remind me tomorrow, and I’ll show
you some. I’d just let you now
but...
(short laugh)
I don’t think I want you to see
everything.
Riley sets the CELLPHONE down with a single THUNK.
RILEY
Cool. But for now, get some sleep.
26.
AMBER
Okay. Night.
Amber lies down.
Riley walks to the doorway. She faces Amber as she begins to
close the door.
RILEY
Sleep tight.
Riley closes the door. All is dark aside from the CELLPHONE.
INT. AMBER’S SHOWER - NIGHT
Riley stands with her back under running water. She is nude
aside from her BRACELET.
She rolls the charm between her fingers. Then squeezes it.
She soaks and slicks her hair behind her back so that it is
not seen from the front, then clasps her hands together in
front of her heart.
She pushes her arms against her chest, forcing her breasts
to flatten against herself. Her arms begin to tremble at the
force. She stops to examine herself.
Her eyes shut, and she squeezes again.
INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - DAY
Amber enters in pajamas, rubbing her eyes. She hears
SIZZLING.
AMBER
You went to bed later and got up
earlier than me? I feel lazy.
Riley cooks bacon and scrambled eggs at the stove.
RILEY
Yeah, what’s the deal with that?
Amber blows a raspberry as she sits at the table.
Riley laughs. She sets a plate in front of Amber.
AMBER
You don’t always have to fix my
plates for me.
27.
Riley sits down with her own plate.
RILEY
I was already up anyhow.
Amber eats some eggs.
AMBER
Oh yeah, Elizabeth’s having a movie
night soon.
RILEY
Cool. What’re we watching?
AMBER
Dunno. But I think there’s gonna be
a lot of us. It’s been a while
since we’ve all hung out.
Amber takes another bite, then reaches for the vitamin
bottle.
AMBER
And I bet Brian’ll come.
RILEY
Pfft. You excited to have him up
all over you?
AMBER
Me? It’s you he’s all up over on.
Amber opens the vitamin bottle and begins to turn it over
her palm, but she jerks to a halt.
AMBER
Ah... Ow!
She drops the bottle. Pills spill on the table and floor.
Amber rubs her belly as she sets the bottle up. She scoops
the pills into her hand.
AMBER
I don’t know what happened. I just
got a sudden pang in my-- Ah!
Amber drops the pills back on the table and scoots back to
double over.
Riley moves behind Amber and rubs her back.
28.
RILEY
Are you okay? Can I do anything?
What’s wrong?
AMBER
It’s my stomach. I... I don’t know
what’s wrong. Why? Why is this
happening?
RILEY
I don’t know. But I’m here. I’m
here for you.
Amber trembles as she tries to stand. She falls to her knees
and groans as she lowers her head to the floor.
Riley lowers herself and returns her hand to Amber’s back.
Amber gasps. She stands and SMACKS the table with her hand.
AMBER
I... I have to go to the bathroom.
Bent forward, Amber hurries out of the kitchen.
Riley scoops the pills from the table into her hand and
carries them to the trashcan. She drops them in and returns
to sit in Amber’s chair, a pained expression on her face.
INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY
Amber sits hunched over on the toilet, face buried in her
arm. Her hands and inner thighs are bloodied, and her pants
and underwear have been kicked to the side.
A KNOCK comes to the door.
RILEY (O.S.)
Amber? Are you okay? You’ve been in
there for a while... Amber? I’m
coming in.
Riley enters. She exhales, understanding. She pulls a towel
from its rack.
Amber starts to cry as she accepts the towel, wrapping it
around her waist as Riley helps her up. Amber kneels in
front of the toilet, looking into it.
Riley follows suit.
Amber YELLS.
29.
AMBER
Noo! This can’t happen! I didn’t do
anything wrong! Dean...
Amber SLAMS her hands on the toilet seat.
AMBER
This wasn’t supposed to happen!
Dean! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!
Riley embraces Amber.
RILEY
Shh.
Amber rocks with Riley, sobbing.
AMBER
I messed it all up.
RILEY
You didn’t... Look at me.
Riley turns Amber to face her.
RILEY (CONT’D)
You didn’t mess anything up. You
did everything right. I’m so sorry
this had to happen, but it wasn’t
your fault.
Amber turns back to the toilet.
Riley moves her hand toward the handle.
Amber grabs Riley’s arm.
AMBER
No!
Riley lowers her arm.
AMBER (CONT’D)
We can’t! We can’t just leave him!
He’s my baby!
RILEY
Amber. I know this hurts. I can’t
even begin to imagine... But look
at it. It isn’t a "him." It isn’t
anything.
Amber stares into the toilet, hiccuping as tears stream. She
looks exhausted.
30.
AMBER
But I can see. Don’t you? A face.
Riley looks between Amber and the toilet. She shakes her
head.
RILEY
No. There isn’t one.
Riley brushes Amber’s bangs with her finger.
Amber squints her eyes.
Riley takes Amber’s hand into her own, lifting it to the
handle and placing it on top.
RILEY
It’s better to move on.
With Amber’s hand limp under Riley’s, the handle begins to
move down.
CUT TO:
BLACK SCREEN
FLUSH.
INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY
Amber sits alone in front of the toilet.
Riley enters with a washcloth. She wets it in the sink and
begins to wipe Amber’s hands off.
INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY
Amber sits alone in front of the toilet with clean hands.
Her pants have been removed from the floor.
Riley enters carrying folded pants. She sets them on the
back of the toilet and lowers to Amber, holding her hands
out.
Without looking, Amber places her hands in Riley’s.
Riley pulls her up.