Regenerade 5 - "Suspended Reality"
Scenes &
Script Excerpts
2021
Aidan meets Antonia, a special girl that captivates him, but the connection between them is sabotaged by another girl. Aidan travels around Europe. He's partying hard, but keeps thinking of Antonia who's ghosting him. Josh is fired as a consequence of breaking up with his girlfriend. Lauren's conflict with the foreman at the "Flip" property intensifies, and she convinces her contractor to hire Josh as an apprentice.
SCENES -
1. Aidan attending a dinner with relatives and their friends at the summerhouse in Sweden.
2. Lauren and Aidan (10) working in a "Flip" property, Lauren dancing with Diego, Mitch and Lauren arguing in the car. (Flashback 2011)
3. Aidan (10) is secretly observing his parents at home. (Flashback 2011)
4. Lauren celebrating her 44th birthday with Liz, admitting to her that she's seeing Josh.
5. MONTAGE - Lauren and Josh at a rock concert / Aidan celebrating Midsummer's eve with Antonia and her friends in Sweden.
6. Lauren talking to Nate and his girlfriend at a Rock Club.
7. Aidan and Antonia having an intimate conversation on Midsummer's Eve, ending with a romantic moment.
8. Lauren and Josh at home, in bed together, having a conversation about birth control and abortion.
9. Josh (17) arriving to a Planned Parenthood Clinic to see his girlfriend, but being told to leave by the girlfriend's mother. (Flashback 2016)
10. Josh (17) at home having a (violent) confrontation with his (former) stepfather. (Flashback 2016)
11. Lauren and Josh in bed together in the early morning.
12. Aidan kayaking outside the island in Sweden and meeting Antonia. Aidan realizing that Antonia believes that he's in a relationship with Lovisa.
13. Josh working at the restaurant when he's approached by the Maitre d' and told that he's being fired. Josh calling Rachel.
14. Lauren having a heated confrontation with the foreman at her "Flip" renovation property, Lauren talking to Josh on the phone.
15. MONTAGE - Mitch and Ashley outside their new home (under construction) / Aidan with his frat brothers in Amsterdam / Lauren and Josh driving up to Los Olivos.
16. Lauren and Josh arriving to the Collins' Horse Ranch and talking to Rachel at the stables.
17. Josh and Lauren riding through Los Olivos and talking to Rachel and the other participants.
18. Aidan in a Paris night club, late at night, missing Antonia and looking at her picture on his phone.
19. Lauren having an honest conversation with Rachel in her kitchen in Los Olivos.
20. MONTAGE - Match cuts between Josh and Lauren being intimate in the Ranch guest cottage and Aidan partying hard on a Greek island.
21. Mitch visiting his former house in Encino, unannounced, entering the property and reminiscing. Josh and Lauren arriving at the house to find Mitch there, Lauren signing divorce papers while being confronted by Mitch about her relationship with Josh.
22. Josh doing a work trial at a new restaurant and calling Aidan in Greece.
23. MONTAGE - Lauren leaving her Encino house / Mitch and Ashley having lunch with friends, baby spewing up on Mitch / Aidan on Greek beach, receiving a call from Antonia / Lauren and Josh moving into their new home / Aidan leaving Greece for Madrid, to meet up with Antonia.
24. Lauren having another heated confrontation with the foreman at her "Flip" renovation property, resulting in the foreman leaving the house/project.
25. Lauren having a conversation with Diego about how to save the "Flip" project.
26. Lauren and Josh having dinner at home, talking about Josh working as a building apprentice for Diego, about their relationship and Aidan.
__________
Script Excerpt E5
Scene E5:1
EXT. BJÖRKSKÄR ISLAND, THE WIBERG SUMMER RESIDENCE, SWEDEN,
OUTSIDE DECK / BOATHOUSE - EVENING
The Falkenberg family has arrived to Björkskär in their ”mini-yacht” and are seated with the Wibergs and Van Bureens at the large outside dining table on the deck. Alexander is
returning from inside the house and is holding two bottles of wine, triumphantly, one in each hand, exclaiming;
ALEXANDER
Look what I found!
Two 2017 Montrachet!
BJORN Falkenberg starts clapping, and everybody looks impressed, and quickly finishes off the wine in their
glasses. Alexander is at the center of attention as he uncorks the two bottles, carefully sniffing the cork and
contently giving them a thumbs-up. There are ”ooohhhs” and ”aaahhhs” as Alex walks around the table, pouring wine for everyone, including Simon Falkenberg, who’s only 16.
Aidan does not like the wine at all, but pretends that he does.
BJORN
(To Aidan)
This is REAL wine Aidan! Not like that Zinfandel-shit you drink over there!
(Laughing at himself)
Aidan can feel LOVISA Falkenberg’s eyes on him, as he has felt the whole evening. He has tried to talk to her, but the conversation has been stalling. Now Aidan feels ready to give up on the one-way communication with her, but the awkwardness forces him to give it one last try;
AIDAN
So as an influencer, who’s your biggest role model would you say?
LOVISA
(Without a doubt)
Kim and Kylie. Definitely.
AIDAN
Kim...Kardashian?
Lovisa gives him a *duh, are you stupid* expression.
LOVISA
(Giggling)
Yeah. Of course.
AIDAN
Right.
(Thinking)
With that many followers, that these people have, you could really
make an impact, like politically and socially...
Aidan turns to Lovisa but she’s got a blank expression on her face. It looks like she’s thinking that he doesn’t really get it, and she makes an effort to explain to him how influencing works;
LOVISA
(Patiently, in broken English)
The more followers you have, the
more sponsorship and money you will
get, because so many people will want to buy the products you’re talking about, so if you have that many followers, you will get really rich!
(Beaming, flashing her bleached teeth)
Aidan just nods slowly like he finally gets it, but inside his head a voice is telling him; *please just shoot me now*.
Suddenly Uncle Alex steps in between them and puts a firm hand on Aidan’s shoulder;
ALEXANDER
(Smirking)
Why don’t you show Lovisa your
”apartment” Aidan?
Aidan does not quite know what to say but Lovisa smiles at him and nods, and then begins to stand up. Aidan realizes he can’t back out. He also gets up and leaves the table. Lovisa follows him on the path down to the boat house.
Ascending the ladder to the loft, she pretends to be impressed.
LOVISA
Ohhh. How cozy!
AIDAN
I like it. I stayed here when I was
younger...
Aidan slumps down on his bed and is a little surprised at how close Lovisa sits down beside him, leaving no ”personal
space”. She looks at him and strokes her long blond hair.
LOVISA
Can we take a picture?
(Pulling out her phone)
AIDAN
Sure.
Lovisa holds the phone away from them with one arm and leans in really close to Aidan, putting her arm around his lower back. On the screen, Aidan can see his own neutral face next
to Lovisa’s big smile. She puts the phone down but remains extremely close to him. She locks eyes with him and says;
LOVISA
Do you like me?
AIDAN
(Lying)
Yeah...sure.
Lovisa smiles and kisses Aidan on the lips. She looks at him alluringly and then kisses him again. Aidan kisses her back, even though he can’t feel anything for her. Her kissing is
intensifying and Aidan feels like he’s just going through the motions with her and like he’s having an out-of-body
experience. He can feel her hand moving down to his crotch
and even though he doesn’t really want to, he’s responding to her touch. Suddenly he’s overcome with a strong urge to push her away, so he turns away from her. He takes hold of her
hand and he firmly moves it away from him.
LOVISA
What...?
AIDAN
I’m sorry. I should have told you.
I have a girlfriend back home and
this doesn’t feel right...
LOVISA
(looking humiliated)
You should have told me that.
She keeps looking at him like she’s expecting something more from him but Aidan doesn’t say or do anything. Finally she just stands up and leaves the loft. Aidan exhales and runs his hands through his hair. He then quickly descends the ladder and launches the kayak into the water, straps on his life west and paddles out.
__
Aidan rounds the cape and paddles towards the tiny beach on the other side. He paddles all the way up to the shore and pulls the kayak up on the sand, then he slumps down beside
it. He retrieves his phone from his life west and speed dials Josh. The call goes to voice mail;
JOSH
(Voicemail)
Josh here. Leave a message. Peace and Love.
Aidan then speed dials his mother. Same thing, goes directly to voicemail;
LAUREN
(Voicemail)
Hi! You’ve reached Lauren Van Bureen...
(Aidan hangs up)
Aidan just taps his forehead with his phone, looking sad and lost. Then he looks at his phone once again and opens his father’s contact. He just briefly looks at Mitch’s photo on the screen with the name ”Dad”, but Aidan does not call him.
Finally he just braces himself and hides his face behind his arms, sitting perfectly still on the beach.
_________
Script Excerpt E5
Scene E5:3
INT. MITCH & LAUREN’S HOUSE IN SHERMAN VILLAGE - EVENING
(CIRCA 2011) LATER
Aidan is lying up on the landing under the ridge beam. It was built by Diego and his men the year before, the way his mother had envisioned it. From up there, you can see the open plan kitchen and the living room. You can observe what’s happening below, but remain unseen yourself, if it’s dark.
Aidan likes lying there because it reminds him of the boathouse in Sweden, where he stayed last summer with his dad. It was the best time of his 10 year old life, so far. He had his dad almost to himself, for almost two weeks. There’s not a day that goes by that Aidan doesn’t think about it, and
returns to the boathouse in his mind.
Now they will move house again, as they have been, almost every year, as long as he can remember. Aidan knows he will miss his secret hide-out.
On his iPad he’s building a house in the new computer game that he’s recently grown obsessed with. He can create
the coolest house on the screen in just half an hour, not half a year like in real life. Inside the game, there are
endless possibilities if you’re smart enough to learn the tricks and rules of the game, and Aidan knows that he is.
He’s already playing it at the highest level, impressing adult players.
Aidan can see his father Mitch entering the kitchen as his mother’s scrubbing some dish in the kitchen sink. Mitch walks straight up to Lauren and embraces her from behind. Lauren
just freezes and they stand perfectly still for a moment.
Aidan feels ambivalent. He wants to look away but doesn’t. He knows they’re unaware that he’s watching them, and even though he prefers this - them embracing rather than arguing -
he also feels uneasy when his father is touching his mom, in ”that way”. He can see Mitch caressing her, fondling her and kissing her neck. She seems so small. Aidan wants to protect
her but doesn’t know how to, but Lauren turns around and puts
her arms around Mitch’s neck and now they’re kissing intensely.
Aidan can clearly see Mitch’s hands on Lauren’s breasts and he’s starting to panic, he wants to move away but then
they’ll know that he’s been watching them. However, Lauren now pushes Mitch away from her.
MITCH
(In a think voice, aroused)
What...?
Lauren has her palm on his chest, she looks vulnerable.
LAUREN
(Pleading, emotional)
Can’t you just say that you’re sorry....that you love me?
Mitch’s body goes slack and he takes a step back. He runs his hand through his hair and gives up a long frustrated sigh, then he just turns and walks away.
LAUREN
(Sad, desperate)
Please don’t walk away...!
But Mitch is already gone. Lauren is left looking deeply hurt and disappointed. Aidan feels sorry for her. He wants to hug her, but he’s wondering why she asked his dad to tell her that he loves her? She should know that he doesn’t really say stuff like that. Aidan sees his mom return to her dishes, and he returns to his world in the game.
__________
Script Excerpt 5
Scene E5:4
EXT. THE VAN BUREEN HOUSE, ENCINO, LA - GARDEN/POOL AREA -
EVENING - THURSDAY
Lauren and Liz are sitting in the outdoor sofas by the pool.
On the table are several containers with sushi and a bottle of chardonnay. Liz pours a big glass for Lauren and for
herself and the sisters clink their glasses for a toast.
LIZ
To you. Favorite baby-sis. On your
44th birthday!
LAUREN
Thanks favorite sis.
(Smiling lovingly, sipping her wine)
LIZ
So. You’re obviously not sick, like you told Skylar.
LAUREN
Nope. Not physically at least.
(Dry laugh)
I...that dinner with the girls...
It’s just a bit too much right now...
LIZ
God, yes. We totally understand that.
LAUREN
It’s been a long and weird day....
LIZ
(Chewing her sushi)
Talk to me hon.
Lauren pauses, reflects.
LAUREN
Well. The startup at Claremont did not feel good. That foreman, Luiz...either he has a problem with ME, or, with women in general, or with clients in general. I’m not sure which. But he’s got an attitude problem, that much I know.
LIZ
Where’s Diego?
LAUREN
He’s still committed to another project...
LAUREN
Anyways...so that kinda left me with a sinking feeling y’know...and then when I get back here I get a flower delivery...
Liz just fixes Lauren with her eyes, urging her to continue.
LAUREN
This HUUUGE bouquet...they were
from Mitch!
(Looking nonplussed)
LIZ
Ahhhhh. Here we go.
(Shaking her head in disbelief)
LAUREN
Yeah...? I never got bouquets that big from him when we were together, and now...?
LIZ
He’s changing his mind...again...
LAUREN
I’m not sure.... I don’t think so...but, then again...I was never really sure about anything with him...
LIZ
Hmmm hmm.
(affirmative)
LAUREN
(Looking sad)
Like...there were times...when Aidan was little...
(Pausing, hesitating)
I felt like Mitch was attracted to you...
LIZ
(Surprised, slightly pained expression)
Ahhhhh. OK. You picked up on that
too...
(Putting her head in her hands)
Shit. We’ve never really talked about this, have we?
Lauren shakes her head slowly.
LIZ
Yeah....that was really awkward. I
got really mad at him when he was
like that with me. But he quit doing it, and I forgot about it...
Liz and Lauren go quiet for awhile and eat their sushi.
LIZ
Heard anything from Aidan?
LAUREN
I saw a missed call from him just
now. I’ll call him back later...or...maybe not, damn...it’s the time difference...
Lauren looks really preoccupied, lost in deep thought.
LIZ
(Studying her sister)
There’s something going on. There’s
something you’re not telling me. I can feel it. What is it Lauren?
LAUREN
(Looking a bit helpless)
Yeaaah.
(Deep breath)
I’m actually going out tonight. I’m
heading downtown at like nine.
LIZ
(Slightly perplexed)
Right....with whom....?
Lauren does not answer her, she just gives her a long look.
LIZ
Don’t tell me you’re seeing Josh?
Still no answer from Lauren, just a helpless expression.
Liz puts her fingers to her temples and shakes her head slowly, looking deeply concerned.
LIZ
Lauren. Lauren. Lauren. WHAT are
you doing?!
(Pausing, looking straight at Lauren)
You’re sleeping with him right?
Lauren shrugs, looks a bit guilty.
LAUREN
Just once....
LIZ
Arrgghh, I KNEW it. I didn’t believe it. But I KNEW it. You were lying to me...?!
LAUREN
No. I wasn’t. I never thought it would happen. I guess I didn’t see it coming as clearly as you did...?
Liz just stares at the pool with a very rigid expression on her face, after a moment’s contemplation she starts up;
LIZ
I’ve ALWAYS had your back Lauren.
I’ve always supported you. But now...
(Pause)
The Van Bureens never treated you
fairly...but...now it seems like you’re becoming the person Katarina always accused you of being - impulsive.
Irresponsible.
Selfish.....Childish! Now you’re proving her right! You’ve basically handed her the dagger to finish you off!
Lauren looks shaken and emotional but says nothing. Liz continues;
LIZ
Mitch can request a reconsideration
of the court order, the decree is
not yet finalized, don’t ever underestimate the power of someone
who feels scorned...and, my God,
Aidan...!
LAUREN
Obviously...no one can know about
this...
LIZ
Obviously not. But it’s even more naïve of you to think you’ll be able to keep this under wraps...
Lauren pinches the bridge of her nose and begins to tear up.
Liz leans in towards her and takes her hand.
LIZ
(More softly)
OK honey, let me ask you this - who
is he to you? Josh. A replacement
for Aidan? A lover? A comfort? A
rebound? A midlife crisis? Some type of substitute for your own arrested youth?
Lauren looks at her sister with desperation and confusion.
LAUREN
I don’t KNOW. Yet. All of the above? All I know is....when I’m with him. I feel like....me.
Liz looks at Lauren with doubt, sadness and compassion.
LIZ
I want you to be happy Lauren, I
want that more than ANYTHING.
But...It pains me so much to say this - this relationship is doomed.
For so many reasons, you must know
that?
LAUREN
(A tear rolling down her cheek)
I know. I know.
LIZ
Josh is lost right now, just like you. Like, he doesn’t even have a place to stay...
LAUREN
Please don’t imply what you’re implying....
LIZ
(Sounding very sad)
Remember when you said that perhaps
you can’t have it all? Well actually, I don’t think you can.
Not this. I’m so sorry...
Lauren looks at Liz with pleading eyes.
LAUREN
(teary eyed)
Please....? Just for a little while?
Liz looks at her solemnly, with regret. She shakes her head and puts her arm around her sister who leans on her, crying silently.
_____________
Script Excerpt E5
Scenes E5:9
INT. PLANNED PARENTHOOD CLINIC, SAN DIEGO, CA - DAY
(CIRCA 2016)
Josh (17) is walking towards a Planned Parenthood Clinic while looking at his phone and texting. He pulls the door
open and walks inside. There’s a big airy waiting room right inside and he scans it. The moment he sees his girlfriend DANIELA she gets up from her chair and and they rush towards
each other and embrace. Josh keeps holding her in his arms but Daniela’s MOTHER puts a firm hand on his shoulder and kind of pulls them apart.
D’S MOTHER
(Irritated, hissing)
What are you doing here!?
(To her daughter)
Did you tell him to come here?!
DANIELA
(Crying, pleading)
Please mom...
D’S MOTHER
(Interrupting)
Daniela! You go sit down again.
DANIELA
But mom...
D’S MOTHER
(Stern)
Now.
(Turning to Josh and taking him by the arm)
And you follow me outside.
A security guard comes up to them.
SECURITY GUARD
Is there a problem here ma'am?
D’S MOTHER
No. We’re going outside.
(Firmly leading Josh towards the entrance)
The security guard simply nods.
Daniela’s mother opens the door and urges Josh outside. When outside she turns to Josh.
She’s fuming but tries to act controlled.
D’S MOTHER
What the hell are you doing here, huh?!
Josh opens his mouth to speak but is interrupted by a protester outside the clinic;
PROTESTER
Please join us in a prayer for the
unborn children in this clinic...
D’S MOTHER
(To the protester)
NO! LEAVE US ALONE!!!
The protester recoils and walks away.
JOSH
I just don’t want her to be alone here...
D’S MOTHER
I’M HERE JOSH. She does NOT need
you here, understood?! As a matter-
of-fact, Daniela does not need you in her life AT ALL. Y’hear me?!
JOSH
(Pleading, anxious)
I want to be there for her...
D’S MOTHER
(Interrupting)
You’ve done more than enough.
What you need to do now, is to STAY
AWAY from Daniela. There is
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING you can do at
this point to make this situation any less traumatic than it already is. For the love of God, just GO HOME BOY!!!
Daniela’s mother turns on her heel and walks back into the clinic. Josh is left outside, kind of frozen, looking helpless. The protester approaches him again.
PROTESTER
Join in with me...
(Raising his hands to the sky)
Heavenly Father, your love is eternal...
Josh just walks away, head bent down.
__________
Script Excerpt E5
Scene E5:10
INT. JANICE MC GINNIS’ APARTMENT, LA JOLLA, CA - EARLY
AFTERNOON - LATER, SAME DAY (CIRCA 2016)
Soundtrack Music:
Josh is lying on his bed in his room. He’s listening to sad, depressing ”grunge-type” songs and he’s just staring into the wall, eyes puffy and red. He’s suddenly aware of someone’s
unlocking the front door and he grabs his phone and pauses the music. He listens, and quickly gets up from his bed. As he enters the kitchen he sees his former stepfather Jeff standing there, and they’re both startled.
JOSH
What the fuck are you doing here?!
JEFF
Well hello to you too. Why aren’t you in school?
JOSH
Does mom know you’re here?
JEFF
(Dangling a set of keys)
She gave me these. I’m picking up
Connor’s soccer gear.
Josh simply turns around and heads back towards his bedroom.
JEFF
Heard you managed to knock up your
girlfriend...
Josh swerves around, looking furious.
JEFF
Connor told me. You’re not exactly a role model for him.
JOSH
(Pointing at Jeff, enraged)
Stay the fuck outta my business, you twisted mothafucker!!!
JEFF
Oh I will Josh! I’m glad I don’t have to deal with you anymore.
Because kids like you are always a
lost cause. You’re fucked from the
start. Abandoned by the father.
Overprotected by the mother. And it’s like a genetic defect that can’t be stopped, you will inevitably repeat your father’s failures. That girl’s lucky she
could have an abortion. If she’s got half a brain she’ll stay away from guys like you...
BAM. Jeff is hit by a straight jab. He’s wobbling backwards, almost falling down but steadying himself against the wall behind him. His eyes are wide, his mouth open and his hand flings up to his bleeding nose.
Josh’s also looks shocked. His fist is still raised and his whole posture lets Jeff know that he’s ready for battle.
JEFF
(Shocked, loathing)
You...little SHIT!
Jeff and Josh just keep staring at each other, sizing each other up, anticipating their next move. Jeff seems to be
considering his options, if he should strike back, or retreat. He chooses the latter as he knows that Josh is
both taller, stronger, and a better fighter than he is. Jeff is backing away in direction of the front door, not loosing sight of Josh, who still has his fist raised.
JEFF
(As he’s opening the front door)
You just proved my point. I’m gonna get you for this....
Jeff gives Josh the dirtiest of looks before he exits and slams the front door shut. Josh’s fist gradually drops but his shocked expression remains. He’s breathing heavily. After a few seconds he darts towards the window overlooking the street. He can see Jeff coming out of the building and
swiftly walking up to his car. Josh’s knees buckles and he sinks down on the floor with a look of fear and devastation in his eyes. He draws one deep breath and then hides his face
in the crook of his arm, and sobs.
______________
Script Excerpt E5
Scene E5:21
INT. LAUREN’S CAR. MIDDAY, LATER
Josh is driving Lauren’s car south on 101. Lauren is in the passenger seat and they’re talking when she’s interrupted by a phone call. It’s Mitch. She quickly mutes the call but Mitch immediately calls back. Lauren quickly shuts her phone off.
MATCH CUT TO:
I/E. THE VAN BUREEN HOUSE, ENCINO, LA - MIDDAY
Mitch is standing outside the gate of his former home in Encino. He’s calling Lauren but his third call goes directly
to voicemail.
LAUREN
(O.C Voicemail)
Hi! You’ve reached Lauren Van Bureen...
Mitch hangs up. He’s annoyed. He stares at his phone, then peers through the gate. He can’t see Lauren’s car at the driveway, just Josh’s old Prius. He hesitates slightly but then punches the code for the gate. It opens and he walks in. Same thing with the front door, the code has not been changed. He walks in.
Mitch stops right inside the house. Looks. Listens. He can’t hear anything or anyone. He’s staring at the stacks of
moving boxes that are lining pretty much all walls, there are hundreds of them. He notices how they’re all marked with destinations; ”San Francisco” and ”Pomona”. Mitch randomly opens a few boxes and then closes them back up. Lauren is
sending more stuff his way than he expected. He makes a mental note to notify the storage in SF.
Mitch suddenly wonders where their framed family photos are.
Who’s getting them? Who wants them? He doesn’t know. He climbs the stairs and notices that the photos that used to hang in the stairway have been removed. He’s thinking about the black and white portraits of Aidan as a boy that Lauren has in her bedroom, only to also find them removed when he walks in. There are moving boxes in her room too, and her bed is unmade. He sits down on her bed. He’s lost in thought, his palm is absentmindedly stroking the sheets. There’s a crumpled up t-shirt lying there, and he suddenly gets the
urge to smell it, to remember Lauren’s smell. He puts it up to his nose and inhales, but immediately jerks back a little.
It’s not Lauren’s smell. It smells masculine. Mitch holds it up and sees that it’s a Soundgarden band t-shirt. He realizes it must be Aidan’s. He’s a little touched. Lauren misses her son so much, she’s taken an unwashed t-shirt of his to bed with her. Mitch smiles. He’s overcome with emotions he hasn’t
felt in a long time.
As Mitch starts to descend the stairs he can faintly hear the gate opening and a car on the driveway. It dawns on him that he will scare the hell out of Lauren as there is no car outside to alert her of his presence, so he hurries to the front door and opens it. It surprises him to see Josh exiting the car on the driver’s side, and all three parties just kind of freeze and stare at each other. Then Lauren moves towards Mitch as Josh opens the back of the car to get a backpack and Lauren’s overnight bag.
LAUREN
(To Mitch)
What are you doing here...?
MITCH
I’ve called you...you didn’t pick up...
Lauren realizes what his call was about. Josh comes up to Mitch, takes off his sunglasses and extends his hand to shake Mitch’s.
MITCH
(To Josh, evenly, cooly)
Good to see you Josh. Heard you’ve
been staying here?
JOSH
Yes. Yeah. For a while...I’m gonna
head up to the annex now... so..
(Looking at Lauren, handing her the bag and her car key)
See you later?
Josh disappears around the corner of the house, and Mitch turns back to Lauren and just studies her, his mouth firmly shut.
LAUREN
What’s this about?
MITCH
I was about to ask you that...
LAUREN
I asked you first.
Moment of silence.
MITCH
I’m serving you with the
Notice of Entry of Order. You need
to sign it cause I want to get it
filed today, I’m just here for the
day, for a closing...
LAUREN
Wow. But we still have to wait for
the final decree right?
MITCH
I’m afraid so.
There’s a brief pause, then Lauren moves through the front door.
LAUREN
OK. Let’s get that done.
MOMENTS LATER - IN THE KITCHEN
Lauren is seated at the kitchen table, turning the pages of the documents Mitch has handed her, skimming through them and signing them. She notices her hands are trembling. Mitch is standing, leaning against the kitchen counter, arms crossed, a familiar pose. His gaze, however, is ice cold. Ice, with a hint of fire. He’s acting composed, but Lauren can sense that he’s raging inside.
Lauren signs the last page and puts the pen down. She looks at Mitch. He remains completely frozen, his face immobile, eyes fixed on Lauren, without real eye contact.
MITCH
What the hell are you playing at
here Lauren?
Lauren just raises her brow, making an expression as to say;
*what are you talking about?*
MITCH
I know you’re naïve, but I never
thought you could be this stupid...
LAUREN
Mitch, really...
MITCH
Our son’s best friend?!
Lauren shakes her head in disbelief as to say; *you’ve got it all wrong*
MITCH
(Laughs dryly)
I had a feeling that guy was
shrewd, but man...
(Shaking his head with a bitter smile)
From what I understand he was
practically homeless a few weeks ago. Now he’s in your bed, driving around in your Mercedes, that I gave to you.
Lauren just keeps shaking her head slowly as if to say; *you’re delusional*
MITCH
As a matter of fact, that vehicle is still registered in my name though, I was gonna have it transferred...
LAUREN
Or why not take it with you?
MITCH
Stop being so childish. You and your little boyfriend can have it...
LAUREN
Mitch, you have no idea...
MITCH
(Interrupting)
Remember when you asked me to stop
lying?
Lauren stops shaking her head and simply stares at some fixed point behind Mitch. She can feel Mitch’s eyes trying to meet hers.
MITCH
You’ve been a great advocator of
truth Lauren. So here’s an idea.
Let’s try to be truthful for awhile.
Lauren’s expression changes to desperate, pleading...
MITCH
Oh I’m not gonna blow your cover,
I’ll let you come clean to Aidan about what you’re up to...
(Smiling dryly, looking superior)
I would expect you to do this as soon as he gets back here, at the very latest.
Lauren remains quiet. She can’t look Mitch in the eyes. She sits motionless, resting her head in one hand.
Mitch bends forward and gathers up the documents on the table. He begins to leave the room but stops, half-turns to Lauren and asks;
MITCH
The photos of Aidan...when he was a
kid, that were hanging in your bedroom...?
LAUREN
(Realizing Mitch has been in her room)
I’ve divided them between us. Two or
three are in your boxes...
Mitch gives her a small, sad nod and walks out.
Lauren remains completely still. Her eyes are welling up.
_____________
Regenerade 6
"Block it Out"
Summary
Aidan is depressed and shocked. He’s hiding at his Aunt Liz’s house, and drinks too much.
Josh is working at Lauren’s ”flip” house and enjoying his new job.
Lauren is sad and worried about Aidan and asks Mitch to step in.
Mitch leaves Ashley and finds Aidan in Santa Cruz. They have a very serious conversation and begin to reconnect.
Josh realizes that the sacked former foreman is a threat to security at the ”flip” property site.
Aidan meets with Nate who’s trying to give him a perspective on his situation.
Lauren and Josh invite Josh’s mother Janice for dinner. Janice and Lauren have a very direct and honest conversation in which Janice expresses her misgivings about the relationship.
Josh and Lauren attend Diego’s 50:th birthday party. Lauren makes new business plans with Diego, and she tells Josh that she loves him.
Mitch breaks up with his fiancee Ashley.
Lauren drives up to Aidan’s grandparents' house in Woodside to see Aidan, who’s not returning her calls. She waits outside the property for a long time, when Aidan shows up, she collapses and he takes her to the ER.
At the ER, they receive the news that she’s pregnant. Lauren is shocked.
Josh knows nothing of Lauren’s hospital visit. He’s at home having her name tattooed on his arm.
