Regenerade 6 - "Block it Out"
Scenes &
Script Excerpts
Aidan convinces Antonia to meet him in Madrid. Mitch's new relationship with Ashley is increasingly strained. Aidan surprises Lauren by coming home early, and he realizes that his mother is living with his best friend. Aidan is shock and decides to sever all contact with his parents, and with Josh. He retreats to his aunt's house and he drinks and mopes. Lauren begs Mitch to try to reconnect with his son.
SCENES -
1. Aidan meeting Antonia in a small hotel in Madrid, Spain.
2. Josh starting work as a construction apprentice at Lauren's "Flip" property, his (hispanic) co-workers realizing that Josh speaks Spanish.
3. Aidan and Antonia having an honest conversation about life and career choices at a tapas bar in Madrid.
4. Ashley and her mother meeting Mitch's mother Katarina at a restaurant in SF, discussing Ashley and Mitch's upcoming wedding, and personal finances.
5. Lauren and Josh enjoying "an intimate and relaxing moment" in their courtyard sofa, having a conversation about the upcoming visit by Josh's mother.
6. Aidan and Antonia in bed together in a hotel room in Madrid. Antonia leaving Aidan to go to the airport. / Lauren saying goodbye to Josh in the morning as he's leaving for work.
7. Mitch and Ashley having an emotional discussion on their way to work in the morning. /Josh hard at work at the "Flip" property / Lauren doing housework at home listening to music.
8. Lauren answering a call from Liz who's asking her what her plans are re: her relationship with Josh.
9. Aidan surprising Lauren by coming home early, visiting her new home. Lauren talking to Aidan while hoping he won't realize that she's living with Josh, Josh coming home from work and Aidan realizing that his best friend is in a relationship with his mother. Aidan rushing off in anger.
10. MONTAGE - Aidan waking up hungover at Liz' house / Lauren visiting her "Flip" renovation property / Aidan alone at Liz' house, drinking and moping / Lauren running on the beach
11. Liz talking to Aidan at her house, Josh visiting to ask Aidan to come surfing with him, Aidan refusing to speak to Josh.
12. Lauren and Josh at home in the courtyard, talking about their current situation and about Aidan.
13. Aidan at Liz' house, continuing his drinking and moping, having a telephone conversation with Antonia in Chile.
14. Josh and Javier working at Lauren's "Flip" property, getting a surprise visit by the former foreman, Luiz.
15. Aidan going surfing by himself at Topanga, meeting Nate on the beach and having a very honest conversation with him about his mother's relationship with Josh.
16. Josh's mother Janice having dinner with Lauren and Josh and Janice and Lauren having a very honest conversation about Lauren and Josh's relationship.
17. Lauren and Josh having a conversation in bed late at night about his mother's feelings regarding their relationship.
18. Liz finding Aidan outside her house in the morning as he's getting ready to leave and drive up to Stanford.
19. Lauren, Mitch and Aidan (15) meeting Liz and Nick's adopted daughter Ruth for the very first time. Lauren and Mitch having a sad conversation in the car after their visit. (Flashback 2015)
20. Lauren at home in the morning, receiving the message that Aidan has left Liz' house. Lauren calling Mitch, begging him to try to reconnect with his son.
21. Mitch talking to Ashley right before a business meeting, leaving her to go and try to find his son.
Script Excerpt E6
Scene E6:3 (part of)
I/E. TAPAS BAR IN CENTRAL MADRID - AFTERNOON
”GRACIAS!”
Aidan and Antonia are sitting in a bar in Madrid,
receiving several small plates with different foods from the
bartender. They greedily begin to sample the tapas dishes and
exclaim to one another ”yum!” ”This one is SO good”
AIDAN
So, you were saying...
ANTONIA
Right. Yeah, I will be part of a project team that will be working with both gender equality and transparency in the electoral process. It will be very much like hands-on, grass-roots kinda work,
y’know. Like, real field-work, not always sitting in an office somewhere
and...
(Trailing off)
You’re listening?
Aidan is smiling, enchanted.
AIDAN
Can’t pretend to understand what
you’re talking about, cause I’m not. I’m just looking at your lips...
Antonia shows mock humiliation, and slaps Aidan playfully.
AIDAN
You can rest assured that I will google all of this and try to learn about it...you make feel so...fucki’n ignorant...
ANTONIA
Didn’t you graduate summa cum laude?
AIDAN
I did. But what does it really mean? Jack shit.
Antonia’s expression turns serious.
ANTONIA
The real truth is...I don’t know what the fuck I’m talking about either. It’s all been theory up until now. I’m about to be put to the test. Will I really be able to accomplish anything, of any
significance, to anyone? For real?
(Contemplative pause)
I’m scared shitless to be honest.
AIDAN
(Empathic smile)
I like honest.
Aidan and Antonia lock eyes for a long time, and Aidan takes her hand. Then he leans in and gives her a light kiss
on the lips. She smiles shyly and blushes. Aidan can feel himself blushing too, and his heartbeat quicken. Antonia takes a sip of her wine but holds on to his hand.
ANTONIA
What about you? What’s happening
now, for you? Straight to med
school?
AIDAN
Yep, pretty much. I’m flying back
to LA, just to meet my family, my
mom, some friends...and then I’ll
drive up to Stanford. I’m gonna
stay with my grandparents, in their
guesthouse, for as long as I’ll be
able to stand it...
Aidan feels like he can hear her thoughts.
AIDAN
Yes. I lead an extremely sheltered
life. I’m aware of it. I’m a privileged brat.
ANTONIA
That’s not how I see you Aidan. Not
at all. I see a guy who’s genuinely
friendly, open, humble...loving...
(Blushing)
But sure, I get that your ”context”
is a bit different from mine. It’s
all relative y’know. I’m a spoiled
brat too. I’m sure I’ll be brutally
reminded of that when I’ll start
doing field trips to the indigenous
tribes in the jungle.
They laugh.
AIDAN
Don’t forget to bring kleenex, wet
wipes, repellent and electrolyte
tablets!
ANTONIA
Got it!
Aidan goes quiet for a while and studies the bottles behind the bar.
AIDAN
You’ve opened my eyes Antonia.
Antonia looks at him, wide-eyed, as to say; *what on earth do you mean?*
AIDAN
I’ve realized that by becoming a
doctor, I can actually HELP people...
Antonia bursts out laughing and almost spurts out the wine in her mouth, she makes that snorting sound that Aidan has missed so much.
ANTONIA
No shit Sherlock!!!
AIDAN
(Smiling sheepishly)
Yeah, that penny hadn’t really
dropped with me, fully, until now...I don’t have to be the same
kind of doctor as my grandfather
and uncle! I can do COMPLETELY
different things! And they can’t stop me.
(Pausing, looking
embarrassed)
I really hadn’t realized that before...
ANTONIA
Have you looked into voluntary
work, and Doctors without Borders?
AIDAN
That’s exactly what I’ve been doing! I’ve done a full 180 in my way of thinking. I thought I’d probably go down the research path y’know, stay in some lab with computers and petri-dishes...now I’m seeing different things
ahead...
Antonia listens to him with an amused smile.
AIDAN
Now you’re thinking I’m making this
shit up just to try to impress you...
ANTONIA
No, I don’t!
AIDAN
You can hold me to it. Seriously.
If you see me making a career in
big pharma, just come and shoot me.
(Seeing Antonia's concerned look)
But you won’t have to. Cause I’ll
be working in a free clinic for women, providing safe abortions and
deliveries. I wanna keep it real.
As much as I can. For the remainder
of my life.
ANTONIA
The world needs you, Aidan Van
Bureen. Trust me.
Aidan’s face suddenly changes to dead serious.
AIDAN
It would be so great if you would need me too, Antonia Fernandez-
Carlson.
Antonia looks at Aidan, her eyes glowing with emotion. She puts her hand on his jaw and they lean in towards each other for a kiss. This time it’s long, deep and passionate.
__________
Script Excerpt E7
Scene E6:7
I/E. STREET OUTSIDE ASHLEY DAVIS’ APARTMENT, MARINA, SAN
FRANCISCO / MITCH VAN BUREEN’S LAND ROVER - MORNING
Ashley is standing right next to Mitch’s Land Rover that is parked outside her apartment building. She is carrying a
Birkin tôte and she's applying lip gloss while checking herself in the side mirror as Mitch comes rushing towards her, carrying their cocker spaniel puppy in his arms. Ashley looks up as Mitch unlocks the car.
ASHLEY
Oh good! We really need to get going! My meeting starts at nine...
Ashley gets in on the passenger side and Mitch puts the dog in the backseat and gets in on the driver’s side.
ASHLEY
Did she go?
MITCH
(Starting the car, looking hard-set)
She did.
There’s a moment of silence as they begin to drive off.
Ashley glances sideways at Mitch who looks dour, staring ahead of him.
ASHLEY
So most of the invites will go out today...
No comment from Mitch.
ASHLEY
It would be great if you could join in on the meeting with Brad this afternoon....
MITCH
Whatever for...?
ASHLEY
Mitch. Please. Don’t be like this.
This is supposed to be fun!
Mitch does not respond.
ASHLEY
You’re still upset about me talking to your mother....?
MITCH
That was the ONE THING I asked you
NOT to do. And you did it anyway.
(Shaking his head)
ASHLEY
But I did it for US! Don’t you see?
I’m doing all of this for US! You think that this is all about me, fulfilling my girlish fantasies, but there’s a bigger picture. I really thought you could see that?
MITCH
(Doubtful)
Tell me about the picture...?
ASHLEY
Well, for starters, a lot of people
I’m inviting to our wedding could
be potential partners and investors, and today I’m organizing a retreat in Napa, where we’ll work on the market analysis and map out the key strategies for the franchise plan...
MITCH
We were gonna go up to Napa, just
you and me..we talked about that...
ASHLEY
Oh but we will baby. We will...
(Putting her hand on Mitch’s)
Pause.
ASHLEY
Why am I sensing that you’re....like...getting ”cold feet” or something?
MITCH
I’m not, Ash. Not like you think. I
just thought.....
(Looking around him)
We’d just...y’know...BE together, get to know each other...
ASHLEY
Get to KNOW each other...?! Honey,
we KNOW each other!
(Growing insecure)
...Don’t we?
Mitch does not reply, but he offers up a faint smile.
MITCH
It feels like you’re turning our relationship into a business venture....
Ashley shakes her head signalling; *you’re wrong, you don’t get it*
ASHLEY
I’m 34 years old. I feel like I don’t have that much time to...I dunno, ”get to know you”...I thought we were on the same page here. I was engaged to be married when we met last November, remember?
Mitch nods slowly.
ASHLEY
The way I see it, we just need to move forward with ...”the venture”
(Making air-quotes)
...to be able to get to where we both wanna be, later...I really thought you shared my vision?
Mitch looks at her, and gives her a tired smile.
MITCH
I do.
ASHLEY
Great.
(Smiling, relaxing)
I am just working really hard here y’know. Creating the foundation for our future life together.
Mitch slows to a stop by the curb outside Ashley’s downtown office building to let her off.
ASHLEY
(opening the car door, turning to Mitch before exiting)
You and me Mitch. We’re unstoppable. You know that don’t you?
(smiling widely, convincingly)
MITCH
(smiling back)
Completely.
Ashley pouts her glossed lips, pats his cheek and then slams the door shut. Mitch turns back into the lane and looks drained.
There’s a song playing on the car radio at a low volume. He notices, and cranks it up really high. He’s nodding to the beat. He remembers the song from long ago.
Soundtrack music: Midlife Crisis by Faith No More;
”It's a midlife crisis, It's a midlife crisis
You're perfect, yes, it's true (go on and wring my neck)
(Like when a rag gets wet) but without me you're only you (go on and wring my neck)
Your menstruating heart (go on and wring my neck)
(Like when a rag gets wet) it ain't bleedin' enough for two”
MATCH CUT TO:
EXT. THE FIXER-UPPER PROPERTY ON CLAREMONT AVE, BELMONT PARK,
LA, BACKYARD - DAYTIME
Soundtrack: carrying over from the previous scene
Josh is working together with two other men, creating the foundation for the extension on Lauren’s ”flip” property.
He’s shirtless and wearing cargo-shorts and heavy duty boots. He’s got wireless headphones, and he’s smoothing the concrete poured into the trench by the other worker. He motions for the other man to stop, then smoothes the surface with a steel
trowel, then motions again for the other worker to resume pouring. The foundation is hardening.
_______
INT. BUNGALOW ON POMONA AVENUE, BELMONT SHORE LA, KITCHEN AND
FRONT ROOM - DAYTIME
Soundtrack: carrying over from the previous scene
Lauren is doing housework with high energy, unloading the dishwasher and vacuuming, listening to loud music. The music stops as she’s getting an incoming call. It’s Liz. Lauren sits down in a lotus position on her couch and answers;
LAUREN
Hi hun!
LIZ
This is your sister. Remember me?
LAUREN
Vagueley. What’s up?
LIZ
Nothi’n much. The question is - what’s up with you? It’s like you’re MIA. You’re avoiding me or what?!
LAUREN
I’m just REALLY busy right now...managing the flip...and I just started writing again, they wanted me back for ”Verdict”, season 6...
LIZ
Well that's great....but listen, I know you don’t want me, or anyone, to burst you’re little love-bubble but I feel like I have to intervene somehow. What are you expecting to happen now?
Are you even thinking, or just feeling? You seem to be drunk on love ... you’re on some trip, like a balloon up in the sky...am I right or am I right?
LAUREN
You’re right. Of course.
Pause.
LIZ
Are you expecting me to be the one who holds on to the string of that
balloon?
LAUREN
Dunno. Could you...?
LIZ
(Sighs)
Like I could ever not do that...it’s my fate to do it. But, I never thought...
LAUREN
I’d still be able to mess up my life like this, at this age...?
LIZ
Exactly that.
(Pause)
So...what is the ”endpoint” of this
relationship with Josh. Do you see it?
LAUREN
I don’t. Probably cause I don’t want to see it.
LIZ
What do you think he sees?
LAUREN
He says he wants me....He says
he loves me...
LIZ
Lemme guess. That was post-coital?
LAUREN
Don’t be so crass Liz! But OK, it was...
LIZ
I’m not saying he didn’t mean it. I
think he probably loves you, in the way a 22-year-old feels love...know what I mean?
LAUREN
Totally...The purity. The simplicity. The effortless conviction.
How I wish I was still on that wavelength...
LIZ
You know I really like him, but...well...whatever, the most pressing question is....
LAUREN
Aidan. He’ll be back next week.
LIZ
And how’re you planning on handling
that?
LAUREN
I’m thinking about that...really hard at the moment...
LIZ
So you should be Lauren. I can’t do
that for you. You know that.
LAUREN
I know. I know.
There’s a moment of silence.
LAUREN
It’d be nice if you would come down
and see us here...like, for dinner or something...I really miss you. Even though I'm "really, really busy".
LIZ
(Laughing)
Thanks baby-sis. I’d like that very much. And I miss you too. Miss being more in the center of your attention...
I love you.
LAUREN
(swallowing, touching her forehead)
I love you too.
LIZ
Good. I’m going into a meeting now.
Call me later, OK?
LAUREN
OK. Bye.
(Ends the call)
__________
Script Excerpt E6:9
Lauren takes a moment to digest the conversation and then pulls her macbook lying on the coffee table onto her lap and begins to write on it. There’s a knock on the front door that
makes her jump. She puts her computer down and gets up to check who’s there. She pulls the curtain aside at the side window and peers out. She gasps for air. It’s Aidan.
She’s opening the door and her whole body is swaying. Aidan is standing before her, smiling widely.
AIDAN
Surpriiiiise!!!!
(Opening his arms for a hug)
Lauren falls into his arms, her body limp with shock. Aidan pulls away a little and turns back towards the street and the cab waiting there. He’s motioning for it to leave, and it drives off. He walks into the house while holding Lauren’s shoulder.
AIDAN
So this is ”home” huh? It’s nice...
LAUREN
(Wide-eyed, pale and stirred)
I thought you were in Madrid.....?
AIDAN
I was. Until last night, when the
airline told me they could fit me
on their redeye for LAX...
Aidan turns to his mother and studies her, smiling. He lets go of his suitcase and drops a big backpack on the floor.
AIDAN
It’s me mom. I’m back. You look
like I’m a ghost. But I’m just really tired that’s all...
Lauren’s head is spinning. Her eyes register Josh’s sneakers standing behind the door, and his bass guitar leaning up against the corner. She takes Aidan by the hand, squeezes it
and pulls on him to move through the house.
LAUREN
Let’s sit down in the courtyard...
AIDAN
I can’t look around...?
LAUREN
Let’s just sit down first...
_____
Lauren and Aidan sit down on the outside sofa, opposite each other. Lauren feels like she’s starting to sweat, and her mouth feels dry. She reaches out for Aidan’s hand and he
holds it. He’s starting to look concerned.
AIDAN
You’re OK mom? Looks like a gave
you a shock...
LAUREN
Oh baby....I....(Searching for words)...I’ve missed you so much...
AIDAN
Aww. I started to miss you too y’know...so I just decided it was time
to come home.
(smiling warmly)
Aidan’s eyes land on something in the courtyard, leaning against the wall.
AIDAN
Oh you got my board here, and...is
that Josh’s board too...?
LAUREN
(Nervous)
Yeah...that’s his board...
AIDAN
Good he can keep it here. Listen, I
need to use the bathroom...
LAUREN
(Panicking, trying to remain cool)
Please let me go first! I was just
about to when you knocked on the
door...
Lauren shoots up and hurries inside. Before she enters the bathroom she quickly shuts the door to the bedroom. Inside the bathroom she frantically gathers up Josh’s shaving kit and toothbrush and tosses it into the cabinet. She swerves around, looking for other clues of her cohabitant but finds none. She flushes the toilet. She looks herself in the mirror, pulls her hands over her hair, and walks out again just as Aidan comes through the back door. Lauren motions towards the bathroom;
LAUREN
All yours, thank you...
Aidan goes straight in and locks the door. Lauren dashes towards the sneakers and bass guitar and hides them behind the couch. She grabs her phone lying on the coffee table. She
then takes a deep breath and walks towards the kitchen area while she's yelling to Aidan;
LAUREN
Coffee? Tea? Water? Juice?
She hears Aidan reply from inside the bathroom; ”Coffee”
Lauren’s hands are trembling as she’s texting Josh; ”Don’t come home! Aidan’s here”, then she starts to fill the coffee maker with water as she hears the bathroom door open. The very next second she hears a key being inserted into the lock of the front door, and it opens. Lauren swerves around to see
Aidan standing in the middle of the front room, and Josh standing just inside the front door, both of them completely frozen, staring at each other. Josh’s eyes then meets
Lauren’s. It’s dead quiet apart from a faint sound coming from Josh’s phone. He just received Lauren’s message. Too
late.
Aidan slowly turns towards Lauren, his face contorted with shock and disbelief, then he looks back at Josh and says;
AIDAN
NO. FUCKING. WAY. Unbelievable!
He’s bending his head down and shakes it, when he looks up again his face is red, and he looks nauseous and injured. His frozen body suddenly jolts back into motion and he’s crossing
the floor towards the front door in a few strides. Josh quickly steps aside, following Aidan with his
eyes as Aidan forcefully grabs his suitcase and backpack and almost throws himself out the door, pushing it wide open with the palm of his hand so that it smacks against the inside wall.
Lauren and Josh look at each other with complete devastation, then they both turn and rush out the door, following Aidan, who’s already far ahead up the street, hauling his suitcase behind him. Josh turns to Lauren;
JOSH
We can’t both follow him. You or me?
Lauren stops and looks defeated.
LAUREN
You.
Josh turns and starts to run after Aidan, but Aidan lunges aggressively towards Josh when he catches up with him. Josh puts his hands up in the air as if to say;
*cool down, don’t hit me* and he backs away. Aidan continues forward with determination and speed, and Josh walks back to Lauren on the sidewalk.
When he reaches her she collapses into his arms and she starts bawling.
JOSH
(calming, soothing)
OK. The worst just happened. Things
can only get better now. I told him
his car’s at Liz’, he’ll probably go there...
Lauren just cries and hides her face in his shoulder nook.
JOSH
We’ll fix this babe. We’ll fix it.
_________
Script Excerpt E6:11
I/E LIZ CARDENA'S HOUSE AND GARDEN - AFTERNOON
Aidan is lying by the Cardenas' pool on a sunbed, shaded by an umbrella. He’s nursing his fourth beer.
He picks up his phone lying on the ground beside him. He sees the list of unanswered calls: 33 calls from ”Mom”, 7 calls from ”Josh”. Aidan presses ”Block contact” on both, he then puts his phone back on the ground, takes another swig on his beer and pulls his Dodger’s cap down over his eyes.
Someone is lifting the cap from Aidan’s eyes. It’s Ruth.
RUTH
You wanna play with me Aidan?
AIDAN
Hi Ruthie! Maybe later...I’m a bit tired right now...
Liz is approaching Aidan and Ruth and she sits down on another sunbed next to Aidan. Ruth sits down next to her and Liz puts her arm around her daughter as she’s looking straight at Aidan.
LIZ
How’re we doing here Aidan?
Drinking Michelob? Have you eaten
anything today?
AIDAN
Not really hungry...
LIZ
Did you speak to your mom today?
AIDAN
Nope.
LIZ
No plans of doing so?
AIDAN
Nope.
LIZ
I want to remind you that I love you Aidan. An almost unconditional love.
(Pause)
Almost.
Aidan gives up a wry smile and reaches out for Liz’s hand.
LIZ (CONT'D)
I want you to stay here tonight.
All night. And not to wake me up in the early morning by pushing the door bell non-stop.
AIDAN
I’m so sorry Liz...
LIZ
And. I want you to stop drinking.
Or slow down, at least. Please.
LIZ
And...
(Taking a deep breath)
I want you to...
AIDAN
(Interrupting)
No Liz. Won’t talk to them. Forget it.
Liz studies her nephew with empathy.
LIZ
All right. Just stay here tonight.
Promise?
Aidan squeezes her hand.
AIDAN
Promise.
Liz gets up and takes Ruth by the hand.
LIZ
(To Ruth)
Let’s go inside and we’ll fix a snack for cousin Aidan, OK.
__
As Liz walks into the kitchen the door bell rings. She walks over to the front door and opens it. Josh is standing there.
LIZ
Hi....
JOSH
Hi.....
(Pause)
Ruth comes to the door and sees Josh standing there.
RUTH
Hi cousin Josh!
LIZ
(Surprised, to Ruth)
No honey, Josh is not your cousin.
(Looking up at Josh)
He’s your....uncle...?
JOSH
Ha!! Yes...I’m ”uncle Josh”
(Pause)
JOSH CONT'D
Sorry.
(Looking down at himself)
I’m all dirty and I stink...I’m coming straight from the site...I’m hoping Aidan will come with me to Topanga...
Josh is motioning towards his car on the street, that has both boards strapped onto the roof.
LIZ
Ahh...Josh...
(Looking regretful)
There’s no chance of that happening
today I’m afraid...
JOSH
Would you please...ask him for me..?
LIZ
Sure. Wait here.
__
Liz slumps down on the sunbed opposite Aidan.
LIZ
Josh is here. He wants you to go surfing with him at Topanga.
AIDAN
Ha! Would you please be so kind and
tell him to GO FUCK HIMSELF!! Thank
you very much.
Aidan pulls his cap down and takes a deep swig on his Michelob.
Liz sighs, gets up and starts to walk back into the house when Aidan yells at her;
AIDAN
Just tell him to leave the board,
and then to FUCK OFF!
Liz goes back to Josh at the front door.
__
LIZ
Hi. I won’t repeat what he said, word for word, but the answer’s negative, I’m afraid. He just wants his board.
JOSH
Yeah...I’ll keep trying...
LIZ
How’s Lauren?
JOSH
She’s so fucki’n crushed, she cried
herself to sleep...
(He shakes his head)
She’s probably considering doing a
hunger strike out here.
LIZ
You need to give it some time...
JOSH
Yeah. We’re glad he’s with you.
Anyways...I’ll unload his board...can I just leave it here?
(Pointing at wall of the garage)
LIZ
That’s fine, thanks...let’s...stay in touch...
Josh nods, backs away and gives Liz a short wave.
_________
Script Excerpt E6:15
EXT. TOPANGA BEACH, MALIBU, LA AFTERNOON
Soundtrack Music:
Aidan has gone surfing by himself at Topanga. As he’s coming out of the water, walking up towards the beach, carrying his surfboard, there’s a guy standing there, watching him,
holding his own surfboard. It’s a tall, dark, muscular guy with a shaved head and full sleeve tattoos. It’s Nate.
He raises his arm to let Aidan know he’s seen him. He smiles widely. As Aidan comes up to him, Nate gives him a bro handshake and an amicable pat on the shoulder.
NATE
I saw you out at the line up bruh!
I was like, he’s back! I thought you were in Europe, or something...?
AIDAN
I was...
NATE
It’s getting kinda blown out huh?
(Gazing at the ocean)
AIDAN
Totally. It was hard to get a clean
break...I got a few decent barrels
like an hour ago but it’s turning to mush....
They both go quiet and Aidan is sensing that Nate is stealing quick glances at him, sideways, and that he’s thinking about what to say next.
NATE
So...you’ve seen Josh since you got
back?
Aidan turns to him and gives him a steely look.
AIDAN
No.
Nate takes a few steps backwards and slumps down on the sand.
NATE
You’ve got time to sit down?
Aidan hesitates, and glances up towards the parking lot, but then he slumps down beside Nate.
They sit there, quietly, side by side for a moment, then Nate speaks;
NATE
I know what went down between Josh
and your mom...
AIDAN
Figured as much. I seem to be the
only one who was left in the dark
on that one...
NATE
I’m sorry bro. Must be really weird for you.
(Pausing, thinking)
They seem really serious though, y’know...
Aidan just shakes his head in disbelief.
AIDAN
How do you know...?
NATE
I went out with them, like a month ago...”Gryme” were playing...you’ve
seen them right?
Aidan just gives Nate a quick stare and continues to watch the ocean, looking hard-set.
NATE
These things happen...I mean, I had
a friend whose mom hooked up with a
guy his age...
AIDAN
Did it last?
NATE
No...no it didn’t...
AIDAN
There you go.
NATE
I think you should try talking to him...
AIDAN
I can’t stand seeing his fucki’n face, shady mothafucker...
NATE
Uuhh. In the true sense of the word
right..?
Aidan gives him a shocked expression and then shoves him playfully, pushing his shoulder so that he sways to the side.
NATE
Listen. Aidan. Word of advice: you
should NEVER imagine your friends
or parents having sex, it’s not healthy for the mind. That shit you just need to block out.
AIDAN
Uh-huh? And when your friends are
having sex with your parents?
NATE
Same applies. Block. Block it out.
AIDAN
Easy for you to say. How would you
feel If I was fucki’n your mother dude?!
NATE
Really weird. ’Specially since she’d dead....
Aidan’s jaw drops and he goes pale.
AIDAN
I’m sorry bro....
NATE
(Breaking into a mischievous smile)
I’m just messi’n with ya!
She’s alive and kicki’n down in Avalon Gardens.
Aidan is grinning and shaking his head as to say; *you’re so deranged*
NATE
I get it that you’re really salty.
But at the end of the day, they’re just two really good people that wanna be together...I mean, what do you want to happen now? You want an apology? Or you want them to split up, or what?
AIDAN
Don’t matter now. I’m not gonna see
them anyway. I’m leaving this la la
land.
NATE
Good for you.
(Friendly smile)
I can tell you this though...
(Turning serious)
...as a parent myself, if my son decided not to speak to me again, I would lose my desire to live.
Nate just fixes Aidan with his eyes, his expression neutral, matter-of-factly.
Aidan gets up. Picks up his board and reaches out for Nate’s hand.
AIDAN
Take care bro. See you around.
Nate watches Aidan walk away from him, towards his car, then he just grabs a handful of sand and lets the sand sift through his fingers as he continues to watch the ocean.
_________
Script Excerpt E6
Scene E6:16 (Part of)
--MOMENTS LATER IN THE OUTSIDE SOFA IN THE COURTYARD --
Lauren is pouring more wine for Janice but she motions to her to only pour her half a glass.
JANICE
I have a full program to attend
tomorrow, better take it easy...
They both go quiet, the mood a little tense.
LAUREN
(Smiling)
Perhaps we should talk about the
elephant in the room?
JANICE
If you want....
LAUREN
I just want us to be...honest...
JANICE
I like honest.
Lauren’s eyebrows shoot up when she hears Janice using her patent expression.
LAUREN
So...I’ve been asking myself, how would I react if my 22-year old son
got into a relationship with a very
recent divorcee, twice his age, at
warp speed...
Janice remains silent, fixing Lauren with her eyes.
JANICE
What do you answer yourself?
LAUREN
I wouldn’t be happy about it. Not at all.
Janice stays silent, she just nods slowly and fixes her eyes on her glass instead.
JANICE
I often tell myself to try to keep a healthy perspective on things y’know.
Lauren nods in agreement.
JANICE
And in this case, I tell myself that...my son is alive and healthy and sharing his life with someone he’s in love with... who seems like a really nice person...
Lauren is starting to look relieved as Janice continues;
JANICE
However....I cannot quite get
over the fact that only a few months ago, he was headed for Med School, and now...he’s working construction at minimum wage...
Lauren opens her mouth to speak but Janice continues;
JANICE
Building a house for you, so that
you can make more money...?
LAUREN
(Interrupting)
But it was...
JANICE
(Interrupting)
And from what I understand, your son...Aidan..is not handling this very well...
Lauren is speechless and her eyes well up. She puts her hands up to her face but she’s determined not to cry.
JANICE
I’m sorry Lauren, I can see that I’m making you sad...you asked for honesty....
LAUREN
(Smiling, bravely)
And I got it. It’s OK. I want you to understand that I did offer to help Josh with the...financial situation, but he refused...and....
Lauren pauses. She looks lost, glances at the back door and continues in a low voice;
LAUREN
I’m so in love with Josh. I’m crazy, crazy, crazy in love with him. But....I also hate myself for it...and for allowing him to love me...
Lauren leans in closer to Janice and continues in an even lower voice;
LAUREN
I have grey hairs. And I need reading glasses. And now I’m so conscious of it...I dunno...this is so hard...I feel like I’m gonna be punished for this, and in a way that’s already happening, but I
can’t bring myself to...
JANICE
Leave him alone?
Lauren fixes Janice with her eyes again.
LAUREN
(with emphasis)
I can’t do that.
Lauren and Janice lock eyes, both looking very serious.
The back door swings open and Josh comes through it carrying three plates, each containing a generous slice of chocolate truffle cake with whipped cream and raspberry sauce. He picks up on the mood but he glosses it over by presenting the dessert as if he was serving it in a restaurant.
JANICE
This looks....
(Shooting a glance at Lauren)
...”orgasmically good”...but, I’m not sure I have room for this...and I really should get back to my hotel...
JOSH
(Jokingly)
Just shut up and eat, will you.
Janice takes a forkful and puts it in her mouth. She closes her eyes and she's nodding, slowly, approvingly.
Josh smiles contently and puts his arm around Lauren’s shoulders. Lauren has the dessert plate on her lap, but she can’t bring herself to taste it, it’s like she’s got a big lump in her throat.
__________
Script Excerpt E6
Scene E6:19
INT. THE CARDENA HOUSE, SHERMAN OAKS, LA - AFTERNOON (CIRCA 2015)
Nick is opening the front door. Right outside stands Lauren, Mitch and Aidan (15). Lauren looks extremely excited. She steps forward and reaches out to hug Nick.
LAUREN
Hiii DADDY!!!!
They hug and everyone steps inside. Nick motions for them to follow him into the living room. When they enter the room they just freeze and look at Liz sitting on the couch with her newly adopted daughter Ruth (12 months) in her lap. Liz looks at Lauren across the room with glowing eyes. Lauren’s hands fling up to her mouth and her eyes well up immediately.
LAUREN
(Crying)
Ohhh my God. Liz...
Lauren is still covering her mouth and has tears streaming down her face as she’s approaching Liz on the couch. Baby Ruth looks at Lauren with wide eyes, then she suddenly cries out and clings to Liz, as if very frightened. Liz holds her tightly and soothes her as Nick grabs Lauren gently by the arm and leads her to the corner of the room.
LAUREN
(Emotional, apologetic)
Oh Nick! I’m so sorry!!! I didn’t mean to scare her...oh my God...
NICK
We have to be really careful now,
this is the attachment phase, and she’s very...attached, y’know...
LAUREN
God. Yes! I know! I’m sorry...it’s just..(Beginning to sob again)
Seeing my sister....as a MOTHER...for the very first time...
Lauren just collapses on Nick and cries silently. He just holds her and glances over at the others. Liz has managed to soothe Ruth who stops crying just as Aidan walks across the room and just casually slumps down on the couch, close to Liz and Ruth, oblivious to the fact that Lauren is signalling to him not to do it.
Baby Ruth looks curiously at Aidan while still clinging to her mother.
Then suddenly, she stretches out her little arms towards him as in begging him to take her, and he does. He just puts her on his lap and smiles at her and says;
AIDAN
(Softly)
Hi Ruthie. I’m cousin Aidan. I’ve waited for you a long, long time.
I’m so happy you’re here. You’re gonna be like my baby-sis. Just like my mommy’s your mommy’s baby sis.
Ruth explores Aidan’s face with her fingers and smiles at him, the most adorable baby smile. Aidan is beaming.
Lauren looks at Liz who now have tears running down her cheeks and then she backs away and leaves the room. Right outside she just bends over and emits a deep, guttural primal sound as she’s crying her heart out.
--IN MITCH’S CAR - LATER
Lauren, Mitch and Aidan are getting into Mitch’s car. Mitch starts the car and begins to reverse it out from the driveway. As they’re driving off down the street, Lauren turns to Aidan in the backseat.
LAUREN
She’s the CUTEST isn’t she!!!
(Aidan’s nodding)
She didn’t want to let you go! My God! What an instant connection!
She knows you’re family!
(As if talking to herself)
My God, that was so amazing...
Lauren looks sideways at Mitch.
LAUREN
(To Mitch)
Isn’t she just absolutely adorable?!
Mitch shrugs.
LAUREN
Huh?!
MITCH
(Indifferent)
Of course she is. She’s a one year old baby. Babies are cute. What do you want me to say?
Lauren glares at him, then she turns away and picks up her phone and begins to look at the hundreds of photos she’s taken of Ruth. There’s a moment of silence before Mitch speaks;
MITCH
Lauren I need you to call the
ventilation guys tomorrow. The
thermostat in my bedroom is broken.
It’s still like 85 degrees in there.
LAUREN
(Absentminded, still looking at her phone)
Is it that hot in there?..it can’t be...
MITCH
Oh you wouldn’t know would you.
Cause God forbid you should ever
step foot in my bedroom...
LAUREN
(Muttering, not looking up from her phone)
Yeah, whatever for...
MITCH
Yeah. WHATEVER FOR.
In the backseat, Aidan is rolling his eyes to himself, shaking his head, looking fed up.
_________
Regenerade 8
"Inside of You"
Summary
Aidan needs to drive Lauren back to LA. She makes him promise not to say anything to Josh about her pregnancy. Lauren learns of Aidan’s long-distance relationship with Antonia.
Josh and Lauren have a deep conversation and she sees his new tattoo. Josh has found out that Lauren effectively pays his salary. Josh is very honest, but Lauren is not.
Lauren visits a clinic and has her pregnancy confirmed. She asks for a medical abortion.
Aidan pays Josh a surprise visit at the ”flip” building site. They have a heart-to-heart conversation and as Aidan is leaving, he decides to tell Josh about Lauren’s pregnancy, and, about the abortion she’s decided to have. Josh is completely devastated.
Josh and Lauren meet at home and they are both very sad. When Josh realizes that she hasn’t yet terminated the pregnancy, he convinces her to keep it.
Aidan is struggling at his grandparents place, they seem to want to dictate his life. His father Mitch moves into the guesthouse with him. They bond and make plans to live together in the city.
Aidan has his first Anatomy Lab in Med School. He’s talking to Antonia via skype and they support each other in their struggles with transformation and direction.
Josh and Lauren throw a small housewarming party and receive a special blessing from Lauren’s friend Skylar. Lauren announces that she and Josh has started a new business together, a company called ”Regenerade”.
Liz lets Lauren know that she’s figured out that Lauren is pregnant, she has doubts about the situation.
