Regenerade 4 - "Into the Flood"
Scenes &
Script Excerpts
2021
Aidan enjoys coming back to the island in Sweden, but he also feels like an outsider with his relatives, and a bit lonely. Back home, Lauren and Josh move beyond the friendship status. Lauren has problems with her "Flip" project and Mitch begins to feel overwhelmed and manipulated in his new relationship.
SCENES:
1. INTRO MONTAGE - Day after graduation - Aidan flying to Sweden with his grandparents / Janice driving home with a hungover Connor / Mitch alone at a hotel reminiscing about the past and preparing for his reverse vasectomy / Lauren looking at Aidan's empty room.
2. Garden party at Mitch and Lauren's Encino house, Lauren suffering a miscarriage (Flashback 2012).
3. Josh coming up to Lauren as she's doing yoga by the pool.
4. Josh and Lauren having brunch together and enjoying a lazy Sunday at the house.
5. Lauren coming back from the market, finding Josh sleeping on the outside sofa and waking him up. Lauren and Josh kissing.
6. Josh talking to Nate on the loading dock behind the restaurant.
7. Aidan arriving to the island in the Swedish archipelago and having a conversation with his relative "Uncle Alex".
8. Start-up meeting at Lauren's "flip" renovation property, with bad vibes.
9. Lauren meeting Mitch at a hotel room in LA, having a deep conversation.
10. Lauren and Liz talking and getting drunk at Liz' house (Flashback 2013).
11. Aidan paddling out in the kayak in Sweden, meeting Antonia for the first time.
12. Lauren and Josh unbolting the door between the main house and the annex, ending up in bed together, and then meeting the cleaner.
13. Mitch and Ashley meeting their wedding planner in SF, and having an honest conversation about finances.
14. Aidan meeting Antonia by the Island Maria Fueling Station, having a conversation about being at a threshold in life.
15. Josh breaking up with Francesca in his car, and Francesca threatening to have him fired.
Script Excerpt E4
Scene E4:2 (part of)
Lauren puts her head in the crook of her arm for awhile and then looks at her phone again. She seems to be making up her mind. Then she speed dials Liz. The call goes to voice mail.
LIZ
(O.C - Voicemail message)
Hi, you’ve reached Liz Altman
-Cardena. Please leave a message.
LAUREN
Hiii....
(Deep breaths)
It’s baby-sis here...I wasn’t gonna
call you on your honeymoon... but...I really want to...(voice breaking) talk to you... (Sobbing)
Don’t worry...nothing serious, but I’m probably miscarrying...I’m sorry...call me if you can. Please. I love you.
(Hangs up)
Lauren hugs her knees and cries softly. She leans her head back on her bed and closes her eyes, tears streaming down her face. The door opens.
MITCH
Lauren?
(Sees her behind the bed)
There you are. What are you doing?
We’re having a party, remember?
Lauren doesn’t move, or say anything. She’s just staring at the window. Mitch walks up to her and sees that she’s crying.
MITCH
What’s going on?
Lauren keeps her eyes on the window.
LAUREN
I’m losing it. The baby. I’m bleeding.
MITCH
Oh....you’re sure?
Lauren turns to him and stares at him.
LAUREN
What do you mean ”am I sure”? You
want me to show you?!
MITCH
No...(sighs and falls down on his knees beside her) Is it like...a medical emergency?
Lauren creases her brow.
LAUREN
No. Probably not.
I have an appointment for 8 tomorrow morning...
MITCH
OK. (Pulling her towards him, putting his arm around her)
You think you could come back
downstairs...?
Lauren turns her head and stares at him again.
LAUREN
You serious?! That’s all you care about right now?! Your fucki’n party?!
MITCH
Lauren, please.
Mitch just studies her, and Lauren is looking at the window again.
MITCH
I’m begging you, just put your feelings aside for now and come downstairs with me. It may very well be nothing to worry about. You don’t KNOW that yet, right? You’re jumping to conclusions. Huh?
LAUREN
This doesn’t mean anything to you.
You’re probably even relieved, aren't you?
MITCH
Lauren don’t start...
LAUREN
The nurse I just talked to asked me
if I was alone, and I said no. But I feel pretty fucki’n lonely right now...(Bawling)
Mitch embraces her.
MITCH
I’m here. I’m always here. I never
left you.
LAUREN
But do you want to be here? Is THIS
what you want?!
MITCH
(Looking at her)
Honestly?
LAUREN
Yes. HONESTLY.
MITCH
I want to be exactly here. Where we
are today. You, me and Aidan. This,
is what I want.
LAUREN
But no baby?
Mitch does not reply, he just looks at her with sadness and empathy.
LAUREN
You kept saying ”later”, ”later”...
MITCH
Like I said. I like it the way it is. You’re telling me to be honest.
So I’m honest.
LAUREN
Well this was the only thing I really wanted. A child. Everything else I’ve worked so hard on all these years, was for you. To make YOU happy.
MITCH
Can you hear yourself now? The THING you wanted, was a baby. To me, a baby is not A THING see? To
me, a child is not a project. To me, having a child is the ultimate
commitment, the ultimate sacrifice. The ultimate responsibility. Becoming a parent is something every person should be able to actively choose, don’t you agree Lauren?
Lauren looks at Mitch with a defeated and vulnerable expression. She says nothing.
MITCH
You know what? I feel lonely too.
(Emotional, running his hand through his hair)
And stupid. I thought we’d like...”rekindled the flame” or
whatever. Turns out the reason you
wanted to have sex with me every
waking moment was not because you
actually wanted ME, you just wanted
me to impregnate you.
Mitch goes quiet and now they’re both just staring at the window.
MITCH
You’re not coming downstairs are you?
LAUREN
Just tell them I’ve got a fucki’n migraine.
Mitch caresses her arm and stands up.
MITCH
All right. I’ll check on you in awhile OK?
Lauren nods, keeping her eyes on the window. Mitch exits her bedroom, and Lauren collapses forward on the floor, crying.
______
______________
Script Excerpt E4
Scenes E4:4 & E4:5
JUMP CUT TO:
INT. THE VAN BUREEN HOUSE, ENCINO, LA - KITCHEN / GARDEN MIDDAY - SUNDAY
MONTAGE w/ Soundtrack
Lauren and Josh cook up a brunch together. He slices fruits and avocado, she makes an omelette and sourdough toast with goat cheese and honey.
They sit outside in the sofa and eat and drink coffee and share the LA Times Sunday Edition. They lie opposite each other in the sectional sofa, talking, lazily, their feet almost touching. As Josh puts the paper down and just closes his eyes, Lauren pulls her macbook onto her lap and begins to work. After awhile she becomes aware that Josh is not sleeping, he’s just quietly lying there, observing her. Lauren removes her glasses and looks at him.
JOSH
What are you working on?
LAUREN
Same as always. 10 different things
simultaneously. Switching every
other minute. But right now, mainly
the ”Verdict” script, and the building permits for my flip down in Belmont.
JOSH
Can you show me...?
Lauren nods and Josh gets up and moves so that he’s sitting next to her. Lauren opens a window on her screen.
LAUREN
(Pointing at the screen)
These are the constructional drawings that Nick has made. We’re building a kitchen extension, here...we’ll knock down this wall, and we’re creating another bedroom here...
Josh studies the screen with interest.
LAUREN
We’re pretty much following an
established concept. I’ve done these kitchen extensions on 6 of my 8 flips. They’re a sure thing.
People go nuts for these kitchens, and the extra bedroom.
LAUREN (CONT'D)
I have yet to make less than a 50%
return profit. However, this one in
Belmont may be more of a gamble...
JOSH
You’re so fucking clever.
LAUREN
I know. I am.
They just look at each other and smile.
JOSH
And the script...?
Lauren opens another window.
LAUREN
Yeah...as you already know...it’s like a mix of social realism, legal technicalities, power struggles..and..romance.....
Josh and Lauren quickly give each other a sideways glance. Lauren is suddenly aware of how close he’s sitting, his arm touching hers.
LAUREN
Like in this episode for example...the ”nature” of the relationship between a judge and a legal counsel changes during the course of case proceedings, so that they’re kinda in a ”grey zone” in terms of a possible conflict of
interest...
JOSH
They’re basically hooking up?
LAUREN
Ehh, yeah...
JOSH
(Playful smile)
What does that look like on the page...?
Lauren smiles shyly and covers her face with her hand.
LAUREN
Ahh Josh! Don’t make me show you!
JOSH
C’mon. Show me.
(Pleading)
Please.
Lauren is hesitating but scrolls down to a section of the script and turns the macbook towards him while she looks away. Josh starts reading on the screen, looking curious. After a minute he says;
JOSH
Wow. (Blows air through his lips)
Looking forward to see that when it
airs...
(Locking eyes with Lauren)
I’m gonna jump in the pool, if that’s OK with you...cool down a little...
Lauren just nods, looking amused but a bit embarrassed. Josh stands up.
JOSH
Wanna join me?
Lauren shakes her head.
LAUREN
Uh-huh, no. Thank you. I need to...continue, y’know.
JOSH
Sure. I’ll leave you to it. Just let me know if you need help with anything, OK? I’m here for you.
LAUREN
Thanks. I’m OK. Just focus on your...detox. Recharge your
batteries.
Josh just gives Lauren a warm smile and pulls his tank top over his head and drops it on the sofa. He then walks over to the pool and dives in.
Lauren continues to work on her macbook but her eyes are drawn to the pool, and to Josh floating on his back in the water.
Lauren makes a frustrated sigh and decisively closes the lid on her computer. She walks into the house and begins to busy herself with all the endless tasks of packing and organizing.
----
LATER, SAME DAY
As Lauren returns to the house carrying bags of groceries her phone rings, it’s Liz. Lauren puts in her air pods and answers her call as she’s beginning to unpack the groceries in the kitchen.
LAUREN
Hiii there...
LIZ (O.C)
Hi sweetie. Aidan gone now?
LAUREN
Uh Hmm. He should be landing in
Stockholm soon...
LIZ
You had fun at that party last
night then?
LAUREN
We blew off steam like you wouldn’t believe...
LIZ
Good for you! GOOD for you!
Liz turns quiet.
LAUREN
You’re good sis?
LIZ
Yeah, I just had some info I felt I needed to pass onto you...
LAUREN
Oh great. What now?
LIZ
Well, Mitch was apparently very open with Nick yesterday, and he told him he was staying down here today because he’s booked in for outpatient surgery at Cedars Sinai tomorrow...
LAUREN
Vasectomy reversal?
LIZ
You guessed it.
LAUREN
So he took my advice...
LIZ
You told him to do it?
LAUREN
Pretty much, yes...
Lauren looks out on the back garden and sees Josh lying on his side on the outdoor sofa.
LAUREN
It’s almost 5 o’clock right?
LIZ
Five to five, yes, why?
LAUREN
I need to wake him up...Josh...
LIZ
Eeehh....why?
LAUREN
Look, can I call you later?
LIZ
...All right...?
Lauren ends the call and walks outside. She walks up to Josh lying on the sofa but he’s fast asleep. Lauren sits down on the sofa right beside him and begins calling his name, softly, but it doesn’t wake him. Lauren sits there for a little while doing nothing, she just studies him as he sleeps. She reaches out her hand and almost touches his forehead but retracts her hand before she touches him. She places her hand on his arm instead, leaning in closer and calling his name again, slightly louder this time. His eyes flutter and he’s shifting a little bit. Lauren leans in even closer and says his name yet again. Josh opens his eyes and looks at her, dazed. He puts his hand on her hip and holds it there.
LAUREN
(Softly)
Josh, it’s five o’clock...
JOSH
Ohhh Fuck...!
(Rubbing his face with his other hand)
I don’t wanna go....
LAUREN
I bet you don’t...
JOSH
(Looking sleepy but smiling faintly)
Thanks for waking me...
Josh’s hand is still resting on her hip when he sits up, and he keeps looking at her, then he leans in and kisses Lauren on the lips, a soft, quick kiss. They keep looking into each other’s eyes, only inches apart, feeling each other’s breath. Then they both lean in for another, much deeper, kiss. Once again, they pull apart but just slightly, their foreheads touching, only to start again, now passionately and eagerly, feeling and fondling each other. Lauren can feel his tongue in her mouth and his hands on her skin and begins to feel intoxicated with desire but pulls away, placing her palm on his chest. They’re both panting and look at each other with both confusion and lust.
JOSH
I have to go....
LAUREN
You should go....now...
Josh rises up on his feet but bends down to quickly to caress and kiss her on her forehead and then he turns to walk away. Lauren remains sitting and follows him with her eyes as he’s walking across the garden to the annex. Before he turns the corner he gives her a small wave, and she waves back, but remains seated, like in shock, not sure if her legs will support her, should she try to stand up.
As Lauren remains sitting, almost frozen, her phone gives off an alerting sound. She reaches for it on the table and sees a message from Aidan;
”Landed in Stockholm just now”
Lauren quickly replies with a whole row of heart emojis and writes;
”Thanks for letting me know” adding, ”Missing you already” and a crying-face emoji.
___________
Script Excerpt E4
Scene E4:10
I/E. LIZ & NICK CARDENA’S HOUSE, SHERMAN OAKS, LA - NIGHT
(CIRCA 2013)
The doorbell rings at Liz’ house. She hurries to the door and opens it. Outside stands her sister Lauren with a bottle of Chardonnay in each hand, looking serious.
LAUREN
Let’s get ABSOLUTELY SHITFACED.
LIZ
COMPLETELY HAMMERED.
JUMP CUT TO:
EXT. LIZ & NICK CARDENA’S HOUSE, SHERMAN OAKS, LA - NIGHT
(CIRCA 2013) GARDEN - MOMENTS LATER
Liz and Lauren are half-lying in a double sunbed by the pool,
they each have a large glass of Chardonnay in one hand, and they’re holding hands with the other. Their faces are illuminated by the reflections of the pool lights in the otherwise dark garden.
LAUREN
What a fucked-up day huh?
LIZ
The only good thing about this is fucked-up day is that we get to share the total fucked-up-ness of this fucked-up day, with each other, baby-sis.
LAUREN
Agreed.
(Kisses her sister’s hand)
I love you.
LIZ
This shall also pass. Some-fucki’n-
how.
LAUREN
Am I gonna have to give my extra
tall swear-jar to you now?
LIZ
Sure. You do that. So I can put my
GODDAMNED shriveled up eggs in
there too.
LAUREN
And then I’ll top it up with all of
my GODDAMNED shriveled up eggs,
that my husband was so terrified of fertilizing somehow that
he went to have a secret VASECTOMY without telling me!!!!
LIZ
Uhhh It’s so fucked-up. And CRUEL.
If he was here now I’d punch him in
the face. I really would. Or in the
nuts. I’d totally kick him in his
shriveled up nuts!
The sisters laugh and then go quiet for a moment, they both look sad and contemplative. Lauren looks at her hand, and the very generous diamond ring she’s wearing.
LAUREN
I can’t stand to look at this ring
right now...I only see what I think
it represents...like some type of
compensation for his betrayal...
Liz looks at Lauren, empathically.
LAUREN
When he gave it to me, my first thought was...infidelity, y’know. I was like "who have you been fucking now?".
I thought he’d ”slipped up”
again, for sure. And now I realize this was his way of soothing his guilty conscience for denying me another child.
Lauren pauses, shakes her head in disbelief.
LAUREN
And there I was, month after month...hoping for a positive
pregnancy test...
Lauren glances at her sister and suddenly looks a bit guilty.
LAUREN
Sorry. I know I have a child, and you don’t.
LIZ
That doesn’t make this any less
painful for you, I’m sure.
LAUREN
So...the doctor said your egg
quality’s too low for another IVF?
LIZ
Yep. My eggs are trash. Useless. So
it’s either donor eggs or just
proceed with the adoption route.
LAUREN
If I didn’t have trashy eggs too,
I’d give some to you sis.
LIZ
Awww. Thanks. The thought has
crossed my mind, like so many
desperate thoughts have...and you
don’t KNOW your eggs are ”trashy”.
Mitch’s little swimmers are
probably crooked, and bound to get
even more deformed, now that
they’re imprisoned in his balls...
Lauren spurts out the wine in her mouth and squeals, holding her abdomen and convulsing with laughter. Liz laughs with her but they soon go solemn and serious again.
LIZ
Are you staying with Mitch...?
LAUREN
God. It depends on what minute you’re asking me.
(Pausing, thinking)
It’s not just about me...but, if I
am...I’ll never quite look at him
the same way y’know...if the next
straw on the camel’s back is broken, that’s definitely it. Know what I mean?
Liz nods.
LIZ
He’s not the love of your life.
LAUREN
(Deep sigh)
Well...I dunno. I’m not the love of his life. Obviously.
LIZ
Mmm...I’m actually thinking you are
the love of his life sis. He just
doesn’t know how to handle it.
LAUREN
I’ve done something really fucked up.
LIZ
Huh?!
LAUREN
I tried to be unfaithful to Mitch.
CONT'D....
_____________
Script Excerpt E4
Scene E4:12 (part of)
INT. THE VAN BUREEN HOUSE, ENCINO, LA - KITCHEN -
MID-MORNING
Lauren is on a ladder in her kitchen bringing down crockery from the top cupboards when her phone, lying on the counter, alerts her to a message. She looks down at it, and decides she’s too curious to ignore it so she climbs down and checks her phone. It’s a photo sent by Aidan. It shows a kayak pulled up on a small beach, with the glittering sea in the background. The caption reads; ”Current mode of transportation”
Lauren smiles and texts back immediately; ”Looks fantastic! Can I call U?”
There’s an immediate answer from Aidan; ”Later. About to have dinner here”
Lauren types; ”OK, Love you” *red heart* and puts the phone back on the counter.
She’s about to climb the ladder again when the phone gives off another sound. She goes back to check it again. This time it’s from Josh;
”You’re home?”
Lauren replies;
”I’m here”
There’s a slight delay, then a reply;
”You think we can unbolt the door?”
Lauren puts her phone down and takes a deep breath. Then she walks up to the door leading to the annex. She can hear the bolt opening on the other side, and then she slides the bolt open on her side.
For a split second, nothing happens, but then the door opens, and Josh is standing there, smiling, with wet hair.
Lauren doesn’t move. She just looks at him. Josh takes a step forward towards her and takes her hand.
JOSH
Hi.
LAUREN
Hi.
---------
Regenerade 4
"Suspended Reality"
Summary
Aidan wants to spend his last day in Sweden with Antonia but she’s turned cold. Aidan later realizes it’s because Lovisa has posted a picture of herself and Aidan posing as a couple.
Josh gets sacked from the restaurant that’s owned by Francesca’s uncle.
Lauren’s conflict with the foreman at her ”flip” property renovation intensifies.
Aidan travels around Europe with two fraternity brothers who likes to party hard. Aidan can’t stop thinking about Antonia.
Lauren and Josh visit Josh’s older friend Rachel and her husband at their horse ranch. Josh tells Lauren that he loves her.
Mitch pays a surprise visit to his previous home and meets with Lauren and Josh. He’s not happy when he realizes they’re together.
Josh moves in with Lauren in her new home in Belmont Shore.
Lauren has a heated argument with the foreman at her ”flip”, and he quits. Lauren convinces the manager of the construction company to hire Josh at her building site.
Aidan finally manages to get in touch with Antonia. They meet up in Madrid, on Antonia’s stop-over on her way to south america, and share almost two days together. They fall in love.
Mitch’s girlfriend Ashley meets with Mitch’s mother Katarina and asks her to finance their wedding.
Josh and Lauren are enjoying a ”relaxing moment” on the sofa in their courtyard.
Mitch has a serious conversation with Ashley about their future.
Lauren gets a surprise visitor at her new home. It’s Aidan who’s come back early from Europe. Before Lauren can stop it, Josh comes home and Aidan realizes that they’re living together. He does not take it well.
Script Excerpt E4
Scene E4:6
I/E. L’ANGOLO RESTAURANT, LOADING DOCK / VAN BUREEN HOUSE, LAUREN'S BEDROOM -
LATE NIGHT
Josh pushes open the door leading to the loading dock behind L’Angolo. Standing right outside is Nate, having a cigarette. Nate pulls out another cigarette and offers it to Josh.
JOSH
Nah thanks...
Nate puts it back in his packet, and studies Josh intensely.
NATE
Fuck it’s been busy!
JOSH
Yeah, fucki’n madhouse...
NATE
And what the fuck happened last
night huh?
JOSH
Francesca...?
NATE
I’ve never seen anyone trippi’n
like that, EVER. She fucki’n BLEW UP!
Josh shakes his head a little and looks down at his shoes.
NATE
I was still here after you left,
sweeping up. There were little pieces of glass EVERYWHERE. What the fuck was that all about? You’ve been playi’n her or what?
JOSH
Not really....
NATE
Alright you have. Who?
Josh can’t bring himself to formulate an answer, he simply looks at Nate, with a slightly helpless expression.
JOSH
I’ll have that smoke now.
Nate gives him the cigarette and lights it for him, Josh takes a long drag while Nate fixes him with his gaze.
NATE
(With a wry smile)
You go ahead and tell Uncle Nate what’s goi’n down son.
Josh begins to stroke his head and stares at the parking lot in the background.
JOSH
It’s..... Complicated.
NATE (Matter-of-factly)
Of course it is. I’m waiting....
JOSH (Hesitant)
You know Lauren?
Nate looks blank.
JOSH
Aidan’s mom...?
NATE
Noooooo!!!!
(Surprised and amused)
Nate looks entertained but also a bit concerned.
NATE
What was that old movie....”Mrs
Robinson”?
JOSH
”The Graduate”.
Nate bursts out laughing and slaps his knee.
NATE
That’s it!!! ”The Graduate”!!!
(Turns serious)
Hell. That IS complicated bro. You’re livi’n in her house now?
JOSH
Nate, you need to keep this shit to
yourself, y’understand?
Nate puts a hand on Josh’s shoulder and locks eyes with him.
NATE
You know you can trust me bro.
Always. Gotta get back.
Nate stubs out his cigarette and goes back inside, but as he’s halfway through the door he stops and looks at Josh again, shaking his head, smiling.
Josh pulls up his phone from his pocket and begins to write a text message.
INTERCUT
Lauren is in her bed, propped up with pillows, wearing reading glasses and writing on her laptop as her phone buzzes . She immediately stops writing and checks her phone, it’s a message from Josh;
”Hi, it’s been crazy busy...I can’t stop thinking about you” *red heart emoji*
Lauren exhales slowly, her eyes slightly widened, she hesitates, but types a reply;
”You’re on my mind too” she adds a red heart emoji, but erases it, only to add it back in again, then sends.
The dots appear instantly, and then a reply from Josh;
”Can I see you when I get back?”
Lauren exhales deeply. She removes her glasses and pinches the bridge of her nose, then resumes her texting;
”I need to sleep now, early meeting tomorrow” send. More dots on the screen, then;
”When?”
Lauren mutters to herself; ”oh my God”, then replies; ”Tuesday morning?” There is an instant reply;
”Can’t wait” *red heart emoji*
Lauren repeats to herself ”Oh my God” as she sends a red heart emoji as a reply. She puts her phone down and covers her face with her hands, and repeats again; ”Oh my God”.
INTERCUT
Josh is looking down at his phone, smiling to himself and blowing out smoke. He stubs his cigarette. He opens the back door and goes back inside, the door shuts behind him.
___________________
