Regenerade 8 - "Inside of You"
Scenes &
Script Excerpts
2021
Aidan feels increasingly controlled by his grandmother while he's deepening his long-distance relationship with Antonia. Mitch meets a new woman, Trish, who wants to have a friendship with him. Both Lauren's sister and Josh's mother learn of Lauren's pregnancy and express their doubts.
SCENES -
1. Sunday dinner at the Van Bureen residence in Woodside. Aidan talking about his plans for the future and his grandmother not agreeing with them. Mitch moves in with his son in his parents' guesthouse.
2. Aidan and Mitch having an honest conversation late at night in the guesthouse and Aidan playing guitar and singing to his father.
3. Lauren and Josh having an intimate moment in bed and Josh being scared to risk anything with Lauren's pregnancy.
4. MONTAGE - Aidan and his father Mitch shaving together / Josh and Lauren both at work in the "Flip" property / Aidan at his very first anatomy lab at Stanford / Josh hindering Lauren from carrying heavy things.
5. Aidan having a deep and emotional conversation with Antonia via Skype.
6. Lauren and Josh's housewarming party at Pomona Ave. Skylar performing a very special blessing ceremony. Lauren talking to Skylar.
7. Housewarming part II: Liz confronting Lauren about her pregnancy and Josh and Lauren saying goodbye to their guests.
8. Liz and her husband Nick having an honest conversation (about Lauren) in bed.
9. MONTAGE - Lauren and Josh admiring Lauren's baby bump / Mitch being happy about Aidan living with him in his new apartment / Josh and Lauren at a prenatal exam, Josh seeing the ultra sound scan of their baby.
10. Mitch meeting Trish for the first time in the elevator, and them walking their dogs and talking.
11. Josh talking to Nate at the beach after surfing, revealing to Nate that he will become a father.
12. Mitch and Trish having pizzas at "The Cheesetable", talking about Trish's job as a couple's therapist, and Mitch finding her a new home.
13. Aidan and Antonia talking via Skype about their charity project and Antonia wanting to "get intimate" with Aidan.
14. Mitch waking up at Trish's apartment, on her couch. Trish and Mitch having breakfast and agreeing to stay "just friends".
15. Lauren giving Josh breakfast in bed on his birthday and a very big and expensive truck as a birthday present.
16. Mitch and Aidan having lunch at their apartment, having a conversation and Aidan telling Mitch about Lauren's pregnancy.
17. Josh's birthday dinner part I - Josh and Lauren having dinner with his mother Janice and brother Connor at a restaurant. Josh revealing that Lauren's pregnant, his mother being shocked and angry.
18. Josh's birthday dinner part II - Lauren crying and Janice comforting her.
_________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:4
I/E. MONTAGE SCENE - VAN BUREEN
GUESTHOUSE / CLAREMONT "FLIP" HOUSE - STANFORD UNIVERSITY - MORNING AND MIDDAY
Soundtrack:
Aidan and Mitch are standing together in front of the bathroom mirror in the guesthouse. They’re both shaving and they both have a hint of a smile on their lips, exchanging glances in the mirror.
__
Lauren, Josh, Javier and Diego are inside the Claremont extension and all of them are at work. The men have begun to install the kitchen and Lauren is painting the skirtings.
__
Aidan and three other med students are standing by a stainless steel table in a big bare room with harsh overhead
lighting. They’re all dressed in green scrubs and they’re standing still, with their heads down, like in prayer. In
front of them on the table is a blue body bag. As on cue, the four students look up, and the male student next to Aidan unzips the bag. He looks curious but Aidan and the two female students beside him turn pale and look shocked. The male student that unzipped the body bag lifts his scalpel and aims
for his very first incision.
____
Lauren and Diego are just about to unload boxes with kitchen tiles off the bed of Diego’s truck. Diego grabs a box and begins to carry it towards the house. Lauren also grabs a box but just as she’s about to start carrying it up to the house, Josh rushes towards her and takes the box from her, shaking
his head and motioning for her to go back to the house without carrying anything.
Lauren just smiles and tries to grab another box but Josh firmly takes hold of her hands and seems to be begging her not to. Lauren gives up and goes back empty handed.
_________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:6
I/E. BUNGALOW ON POMONA AVE, BELMONT SHORE, LA - EVENING
Lauren and Josh have finally invited some friends and family to a ”housewarming” at Pomona Ave. Everyone is gathered in the small courtyard, sitting in the outdoor sofa and on some chairs; Lauren, Josh, Liz, Nick, Ruth, Skylar and Javier.
Skylar is bending over the outdoor coffee table and she lights a bundle of white sage on an avaloni shell and then takes out some feathers from her canvas bag that she uses to fan the smoke with, so that it spreads in all directions. She then sits down on the sofa, in a lotus position, and takes the hand of the person sitting next to her - Liz on her left side, Javier on her right, and then motions for everyone around the table to do the same. When everyone is holding hands, she closes her eyes and begins her blessing;
SKYLAR
I’m calling on the Guardian Spirit of this house....we beg you to recognize the true and loving intentions of Lauren and Josh, and to help them dispel and withhold all negative energies that may
remain here. We beg you to open the
channels to create a free flow of love, joy and compassion, and to help Lauren and Josh with their spiritual growth, enlightenment and prosperity.
Lauren opens one eye and she can see that both Liz’ and Nick’s faces are contorted, trying their hardest to suppress the laughter bubbling up inside of them, eyes closed.
Ruth’s eyes are open, and so is her mouth. She’s trying to make sense of something she’s never witnessed
before. Lauren closes her eye again as Skylar continues;
SKYLAR
Sacred Spirit, please accept the pure intentions and well wishes from all of us here, and transform our compassionate energies into the
highest good, transcending all
obstacles and creating opportunities and wisdom, as well as nurturing the bond between Josh and Lauren. Everyone please repeat after me: ”Om Ma Ni Pad Me Hum”
Everyone hums in unison as Skylar repeats the mantra.
Skylar bows her head and finishes off with a namaste. She opens her eyes. Everyone is smiling at her, warmly.
JOSH
Thank you so much Skylar. That was
very special.
(Raising his champagne glass)
I’d like to toast that blessing!
Everyone raises their glass and makes a toast, mumbling ”cheers”.
Lauren takes a very small sip on her glass of Moët. She glances sideways at Josh and takes his hand.
LAUREN
(to everyone)
Josh and I would like to take this
opportunity to make a small
announcement....
Lauren and Josh look at each other with warmth and pride.
LAUREN
I’m so proud to be able to say this...as of only yesterday, Josh and I are also business partners, as we have registered a new company, Regenerade LLC, of which we are the owners.
Everyone looks surprised but when Skylar starts to clap her hands, everyone else follows.
SKYLAR
Yey! Congratulations!
Lauren and Josh are both beaming and they kiss.
SKYLAR
What did you say? ”Regenerade”?
What does it mean?
LAUREN
It doesn’t mean anything. I made it up. It connotes...rebirth somehow...don’t you think?
SKYLAR
Totally! I love it! So why...?
LAUREN
We’re...ehh...expanding..
(Exchanging a quick glance with Josh, a hint of a smile)
...Into property management, as we’re
about to invest in a small apartment building...
LIZ
What’s happening with Med School,
Josh? Have you abandoned it
altogether?
JOSH
I have. I’m aiming for a M.S in
Constructional Engineering. I’m
applying to Viterbi, but with a BA
in Biology I’ll have to complete a
number of bridge courses first...
(Looking at Nick)
JOSH (CONT'D)
I’ve been wanting to talk to you
actually, I have so many questions...
Nick gets up and sits next to Josh.
NICK
Let’s talk!
Lauren gets up and walks inside and Skylar follows her.
________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:7
SECONDS LATER - IN THE KITCHEN
Lauren opens the fridge and takes out a lemon meringue pie.
SKYLAR
Uuuhhh yum! You’re the queen of pies!
LAUREN
I better serve this now, Ruth is getting tired and I think they’ll take off soon...
Lauren looks at Skylar and then she gives her a long hug.
LAUREN
Thanks for the blessing hun. We really appreciate it, means a lot to us...
SKYLAR
It was a privilege! I can so clearly see the energy field between you and Josh! It’s actually visible to my third eye!
Lauren just breaks down, she’s bending over holding her abdomen and she laughs hysterically, tearing up. She can hardly breathe, she’s laughing so hard.
Skylar is laughing too but she tries to explain;
SKYLAR
I know you don’t believe me Lauren
but I swear it’s true...I was taught by a Shaman down in Sayulita...
Lauren tries to stand upright again and flings her arms around Skylar.
LAUREN
I’ve missed you so much!
(Smiling amicably)
What else did you learn down in Sayulita this summer?
SKYLAR
Did another Art Therapy course.
Drank a lot of Mescal. A lot. Had
a.....”deeper connection” with a
gallery owner. And with his wife.
Yes. At the same time. Once again,
a lot of Mescal involved. Watched
the surfers....
LAUREN
(Tearing up again with laughter)
You are SO far out. I fucki’n adore
you babe.
SKYLAR
And me you.
(Sly smile)
I’ve got a present for you....
Skylar walks over to the front door where she’s left a bag. She comes back to Lauren and gives her an ornamental ceramic jar with a lid.
LAUREN
Oh wow! Thank you honey! Is this
crafts from Mexico?
SKYLAR
It is. But you should look inside...
Lauren opens the lid and realizes the actual gift is inside.
LAUREN
Ohhh....I see...thank you SO much!
SKYLAR
It’s both Acapulco Gold and some
Blue Dream. I think you’ll really enjoy it...
Lauren closes the lid on the jar as Liz appears by the back door.
LIZ
What's going on here? I can smell mischief.
SKYLAR
I can smell FOMO.
LIZ
Yeah. Raincheck on that one. We need to get home...I just want a
few words alone with my baby-sis...?
LAUREN
(giving the pie to Skylar)
Would you mind serving this? I’ll be right back...
________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:7 (continued)
Liz walks into the spare bedroom and Lauren follows her. Liz closes the door and looks at Lauren with a serious expression.
LAUREN
(A bit nervous, talking fast)
I know what you’re thinking now.
But my CPA and the attorney they have at the firm are very reputable. The operating agreement is rock solid and I had it reviewed by a third party too.
It fully protects me and my assets as the majority investor, while it’s designed to award equity in direct relevance to contribution, for Josh. It’s so advantageous for both of us! He’ll be working on the apartments for the better part of the upcoming year, now as a self employed subcontractor, even if he’s still part of Diego’s team...and did I tell you Lydia already has a long list of prospective buyers for Claremont?
They’re basically bidding on it before it’s even finished and...
LIZ
(interrupting)
Stop talking!
Lauren goes quiet and looks at Liz, with a quizzical expression.
LIZ
I’m on to you Lauren.
LAUREN
Huh...?
LIZ
Your glass of Moët out there was
basically left untouched and is now
lukewarm...Josh has been getting you glasses of ”wine” from the kitchen, so I checked your fridge, and there it was. A bottle of NON ALCOHOLIC wine. So my only question now is - how many weeks?
Lauren keeps looking at Liz, but her facial expression changes to rueful.
LAUREN
Eleven. Eleven weeks. 2 days. Just
had a NIPT test. Will get the results and an ultrasound next week.
Liz just looks at Lauren, she’s smiling but she also looks sad. Then she hugs her. While hugging her she says;
LIZ
I don’t know what so say...but I guess...congratulations?
LAUREN
It’s still too early for that...
LIZ
So in your 3 month relationship with Josh...
LAUREN
(Interrupting)
We’ve been EXTREMELY busy. Yes.
LIZ
That’s kind of an understatement.
And I can’t even comment on that...it’s not like you took any of my advice...
LAUREN
Obviously you can’t hold the string of this balloon, it’s too far up in the sky...
LIZ
Obviously I can’t. And Aidan...?
LAUREN
He was the first to know, even before Josh....
Liz keeps looking at Lauren with a serious expression.
LAUREN
He’s talking to me...but it’s not
like he calls me up anymore...he’s.....cut the cord. He
really has. And, he’s moving in with his dad. They seem to be bonding, I guess it’s never too late....
LIZ
I’m glad to hear it...that he’s living with Mitch....but...
Lauren’s look urges her to continue.
LIZ
I’m beyond concerned. And...I’m hurt. To be honest. Even disappointed. I can’t recall one single time - ever - that you’ve kept anything from me...
LAUREN
I stole your favorite nail polish when I was 10, and then I spilled the entire bottle...
LIZ
Oh don’t try to get cute with me.
I’m serious. I can’t decide if this is healthy or not. But I do know this; you should at least keep in touch with your dad. Did you even know he had glaucoma surgery? Or that he’s also due to have prostate surgery?
Lauren looks sad and worried.
LIZ
No you don’t. And from I understand, he has no idea about your new relationship, and he keeps asking me how you’re doing...
LAUREN
(touching her forehead, looking crushed)
I’m so sorry...
LIZ
Don’t apologize to me. Just...try to make a little space for us in your new life...that’s all I’m asking...It’s not fair to expect me to just be there...
LAUREN
When it all fails?
Liz does not say anything. She just looks sympathetic.
NICK
(Half-yelling through the door)
Liz, you’re in there?
Liz opens the door.
LIZ
(To Nick)
We’re leaving?
They step into the front room and Josh comes in carrying some plates, he sets them down on the counter and comes up to them.
JOSH
So you’re all leaving? Skylar and Javier are talking about sharing a Lyft...
LAUREN
His place or hers?
JOSH
(Smiling, amused)
Not his. That’s for sure. He looks like such a bad boy but he still lives with his mom, at 31...
Liz smiles and reaches out to give Josh a hug.
LIZ
Thanks so much, those grilledmonk fish skewers were amazing...
JOSH
(Hugging her back)
Glad you liked them...
LIZ
(Looking straight at Josh)
And...Congratulations....
Josh’s face lights up with pride and excitement, he glances at Lauren who nods as to say; *yes she knows* and Josh puts his arm around Lauren.
JOSH
(With emphasis)
Thank you Liz.
Nick shakes Josh’s hand and says ”congratulations” but refers to the business. Ruth looks cross-eyed she’s so tired. After some hugs and kisses they make a quick exit.
Just as the front door closes, Skylar and Javier come in through the backdoor and walk up to Josh and Lauren.
SKYLAR
They left? We’re taking off too...I
ordered a Lyft...
Skylar glances at Javier who looks down at the floor with a hint of a smile.
SKYLAR
(To Lauren)
You didn’t co-write ”Verdict” S6:03 did you?
LAUREN
No, not that one...
SKYLAR
Well...Javier seems perfect for one
of the parts, someone who’s nicely
built with lots of ink...the part only has two lines...so...Javier has agreed to...read with me...
(Exchanging glances with Javier)
LAUREN
(Smiling, amused)
Oh. That’s...nice...
There’s more ”thank you’s” and kissing and hugging and then the door slams shut.
LAUREN
He’s a man of few words...Javier...
JOSH
He talks to me...but yeah, I have a
feeling there’s going to be some kind of ying-yang action goi’n down at Skylar’s place tonight...
LAUREN
Oh, he will be ”tapping into her energy field”, that’s for sure...
JOSH
I’m thinking there may be some type
of cosmic coalition between astral bodies, where the crystal balls
will create a vibrational field strong enough to transcend into her root chakra when she climbs his Machu Picchu...
Lauren collapses on the floor with hysterical laughter, she’s squealing and gasping for air. Josh falls down on his knees and laughs too, mostly at her, but puts his arms around her to calm her down.
JOSH
Breathe baby! Breathe!
Lauren begins Lamaze breathing.
_______________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:12
I/E. THE CHEESETABLE PIZZA & BAKERY, NORTH BERKELEY, AFTERNOON
Mitch and Trish sit opposite each other at a small table at the busy restaurant. A server puts two pizzas in front of them and they look at their food with fervent ravenousness. Trish grabs a slice and and takes her first bite, stings of warm mozzarella escaping her mouth. She closes her eyes and chews slowly, omitting sounds of pleasure.
TRISH
(Chewing)
Mmmm. Mmmm. MMMMM!!! I made a bet with myself at that condo...
MITCH
(Also taking his first bite)
Huh...?
TRISH
I told myself that if I could find
Ekhardt Tolle’s ”The Power of Now”
in the bookcase, I would order the
double cheese!
(Smiling contently)
MITCH
Sounds like really low odds to me.
You played it safe.
Trish nods in agreement, and takes another big bite.
TRISH
A woman. Divorced or possibly
widowed. Grandmother of two. Aged
60-67. Higher administrative
position in academia, possibly HR.
History of...she’s had serious
health problems but she’s healthy
now, she used to have a cat, but
it’s dead...
MITCH
Don’t tell me you’re a profiler?
TRISH
I’m not.
Trish is chewing and swallowing, she continues;
TRISH
But I worked for the SFPD for over
ten years. Not profiling, but HR.
Strategies, selection, testing, training, counselling...different things.
MITCH
I see. Well, I can’t confirm your profile of the seller as I’ve never met her, this is my colleague’s listing...
TRISH
I’m assuming you usually don’t waste your time on showing condos...
MITCH
(Smiling apologetically)
We have a more junior agent dealing
with that, it’s true.
(Pause)
But I want to help you and Bobo find the perfect home. And I want
Cheesetable-pizza.
MITCH
Why’d you leave the SFPD?
TRISH
I realized that couple's therapy was a way more laid-back way of earning good money.
MITCH
Solid market huh? Like mine. People
will always need houses. And therapy.
Trish nods in agreement, smiling. She takes another bite and then she says;
TRISH
There’s a dent on your finger where
your ring used to be. When did you...take it off?
Mitch looks a little surprised and glances down at his hand.
TRISH
I apologize. That was too blunt.
Sorry.
MITCH
It’s OK.
(Deep breath)
Like half a year ago. Not even that.
Trish just nods.
MITCH
So...couple’s therapy...does it work?
TRISH
I suppose you’d like an honest answer to that question?
MITCH
I like honest.
TRISH
(Smiling)
Me too.
(Pause)
No. It usually doesn’t work. The
couples have already moved on...mentally, when they come to see me. It’s more like a rite of
passage, the therapy sessions,
something they think they’re
supposed to do...
MITCH
So it’s more to do with...closure..? Rather than trying to save the relationship?
TRISH
I would say exactly that. Yes.
Trish and Mitch just continue eating, then Trish says;
TRISH
God created cheese to soothe people
in emotional distress...
MITCH
You’re a believer?
TRISH
In cheese? Definitely.
MITCH
I’d already profiled you as a juicer. The wheat grass type.
TRISH
(amused)
You’re good Mitch Van Bureen.
You’re good. And you’re mostly right. My wheat grass-pizza ratio is
around 9:1. But you know...life’s too short anyway...
MITCH
So, back to the couples. I assume
some of them still make it...they
stay together...?
TRISH
A few of them do. I have a wall of
thank you-cards reminding me of that. They all tend to have one thing in common.
MITCH
And what’s that...?
TRISH
(Matter-of-factly)
Honesty. And Sex. Really, REALLY good sex.
Mitch almost chokes a little on his pizza, but tries to look casual.
MITCH
We’re all still that primal huh?
TRISH
I’m afraid so Mitch. It’s all about sex and cheese.
(Grinning, taking another bite)
Mitch studies her for a few seconds and then he changes the subject;
MITCH
You know what Trish? I’m also profiling you as ”a small house person”, you’re not a ”condo woman”, are you?
TRISH
(Fixing him with her gaze)
You ARE good.
TRISH (CONT'D)
I wish I could just say that you’re
pushing an upsell on me. But I think you’re right. The condo viewing was probably a waste of your time.
Mitch pulls out his phone and opens up some photos on it, he slides it across the table for Trish to see.
MITCH
We just got this listing up on
Oxford Street. Fully refurbished. 2
beds, 2 baths. I can try to arrange
a viewing later this week?
TRISH
(Appreciative smile)
Thank you Mitch. Will your colleague show it...?
MITCH
I’m thinking I will.
(Smiling warmly)
____________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:13
INT. MITCH’S DOWNTOWN APARTMENT BUILDING, SF - AIDAN’S BEDROOM - EVENING
Aidan is lying on his stomach on his bed, looking at his computer on the floor. He is calling Antonia via Skype. Suddenly her image fills the screen.
AIDAN
Hi babe...
ANTONIA
(In a soft voice)
I love it when you call me ”babe”...
AIDAN
(in an even softer voice)
I love calling you ”babe”...
ANTONIA
This is the best part of my day...
AIDAN
Mine too.
Aidan and Antonia just look at each other for awhile.
AIDAN
Fuck this ”absence makes the heart
grow fonder” shit. I want you. Now!
ANTONIA
I’m coming. In what...11 weeks?
AIDAN
11 weeks and 3 days.
They both smile.
AIDAN
(Excited)
Listen, I managed to get a meeting
with the head of PR at Zitravon, they are considering sponsorship of the school. I will show them the film that you made...and now with the 501c3 status of the charity I think they will come on board, especially since it’s such a well organized project managed by a secular and reputable NGO...
ANTONIA
Wow! Aidan...you’re amazing...
AIDAN
And there’s more baby...
(Smiling contently)
I told you about this girl on my course? Amanda? Her brother is chief editor at the Chronicle!
Amanda told him about the school
project and he said he’d like to do
like a special feature on it, with the angle on modern philanthropy in the Bay Area and Valley, and if they do that...can you imagine how many donors, like both corporate and private, that would LOVE to be in that feature, building their image...Toni, there’s just SO MUCH MONEY here, so many people that are so filthy rich. These people need to be exposed to your reality. They need to know about the 12-year old pregnant girl with alcoholic
parents and no shoes.
AIDAN (CONT'D)
(fired up)
And even if they don’t have a
conscience, they have tax planners,
telling them that buying a better image is fucki’n DEDUCTIBLE. So as long as they know exactly what they’re getting in terms of...
Aidan trails off, his mouth falls open. Antonia has pulled her t-shirt over her head and she’s lying down on her side, her breasts perfectly visible.
ANTONIA
I can’t take this any longer...make
love to me Aidan...
AIDAN
(In a thick voice)
Ohhhh...Toni....just tell me what to do...
ANTONIA
Keep talking...
(Closing her eyes)
Tell me what you’d like to do...to me...
AIDAN
(Breathing heavily)
I want to feel you...I want to kiss your lips, your neck, your breasts...I want to...
There’s a knock on the door.
AIDAN
Oh fuck!
(Catching his breath, then yelling)
WHAT IS IT?!
MITCH
(Loudly, through the door without opening)
I’m just going over to Trish for awhile...we’re gonna watch
”Verdict”....don’t...wait up...
AIDAN
(Loudly, annoyed)
OKEY!
Aidan looks back at the screen. Antonia has pulled the covers up over her chest and is giggling.
AIDAN
(pleading)
Can we start again...please?
______________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:16
INT. MITCH’S DOWNTOWN APARTMENT BUILDING, SF - OPEN PLAN KITCHEN & LIVING ROOM - MIDDAY
Mitch is hanging a large canvas painting (a female nude) on the living room wall as Aidan walks in, wearing training clothes and carrying a paper bag. He halts as he sees Mitch and the large painting.
MITCH
(Turning his head around to look at Aidan)
Does this look leveled? Too high?
AIDAN
(A bit surprised)
Too....naked?
Mitch looks at him, with a quizzical expression.
MITCH
What made you such a prude? You
serious?
AIDAN
S’allright by me. This is Trish’s art?
(Unpacking food containers at the counter)
MITCH
Uh-huh. It’s her work.
AIDAN
A huge naked woman on the wall,
completing the bachelor pad style
we’ve got going here...
(opening the containers)
So I got us lunch from ”Nourish
Flourish”, high protein, very low carb, clean stuff...
Mitch looks pleased and comes up to the counter.
MITCH
Worked out?
AIDAN
5 miles intervals. Bench press.
Kettle bell squats. The works. I’m
quitting our Kung Pao take-outs, and, I’m off the beer for at least 2 weeks.
Mitch gives Aidan a high-five.
MITCH
I’m with you! Let’s do this! What’s the use of these ”handles”...
(Pinching the side of his stomach)
If there’s no love huh?
Aidan gives him a doubtful look as he goes to sit down at the dinner table.
AIDAN
No love? Really? What about all these ”Netflix & Chill” sessions over at Trish’s?
MITCH
Ha! That’s what they are. Just
”netflix”, and ”chill”. Nothing else.
(After seeing Aidan’s disbelief)
It’s TRUE!!! I swear!
AIDAN
So she’s too old for you or what?
Not into the silver?
MITCH
No! It’s not like that! I think she’s beautiful! Obviously...
(Makes a sweeping motion towards the big nude on the wall)
AIDAN
Oh my God. That’s....her?
MITCH
It is. No one wants to pose for her so she takes photos of herself and...
AIDAN
Uhh. I’m blocking the thought.
Blocked. Done.
Aidan starts eating, greedily.
MITCH
How are things with your...girlfriend?
Aidan smiles. Blushes and shrugs.
AIDAN
Girlfriend....?
MITCH
She must be. Right? I can hear you...almost every night...can’t hear what you’re saying, don’t
worry, but your voice....it’s soooo
soft...and you sing to her...(Grinning)
Aidan balls up a napkin and throws it at his face.
AIDAN
I had better privacy in the guesthouse, before you came along...
MITCH
Wanna move back to Nan’s?
AIDAN
No way.
(Smiling)
There’s a pause, and then Mitch says;
MITCH
It makes me real happy. I love hearing you sing to her. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve heard...ever. I can’t wait to meet her.
AIDAN
We can’t scare her dad. We need to
act...normal. Y’understand?
Mitch bursts out laughing.
MITCH
What are you gonna do about Nan?
Huh?
AIDAN
Can you imagine the type of labels
she’d slap on her...?
MITCH
Good thing she’s got these cardiologists in her family, she may suffer some type of cardiac arrest...
AIDAN
I honestly can’t stand the thought
of Nan meeting Antonia...
MITCH
If she’s coming for Christmas it’ll be hard to avoid it....
Mitch and Aidan continue eating and both look thoughtful.
MITCH
And...your mother...have you told
Antonia about that situation...?
Aidan looks down at his food and shakes his head a little.
AIDAN
I’ve been...blocking it out...
MITCH
You talk to her at all?
AIDAN
She keeps calling me, like every
other day. Sometimes I pick up. We
don’t talk for long...
MITCH
Well...that relationship won’t last...
AIDAN
I think it may.
MITCH
Why is that?
Aidan has stopped eating but continues to stare at his food.
Mitch studies him, with a perplexed expression.
MITCH
What’s going on? Oh..don’t tell me
they’re getting married? Please...
(Rolling his eyes)
AIDAN
Not that I know. Yet.
(Looking contemplative)
MITCH
Then what...?
Aidan looks up at Mitch and looks him straight in the eye.
AIDAN
She’s pregnant. They’re having a baby.
Mitch’s face goes slack and pale. His hand flings up to his face and he turns towards the windows and draws a deep breath. Then he looks down at the table and clears his throat. Finally he jerks up from the table and hurries out towards the bathroom in the corridor.
Aidan looks worried but remains seated at the table. He’s kind of frozen and just stares in front of him as he’s
hearing the distinct sounds of Mitch vomiting in the toilet.
___________
Script Excerpt E8
Scene E8:17
I/E. THE MARINE TERRACE RESTAURANT, LA JOLLA, CA - EARLY EVENING
Josh, Lauren, Janice and Connor are sitting at a table at an upscale restaurant with ocean views. They all have menus in their hands which they study. Janice retrieves her reading glasses from her purse, and when Lauren sees this, she does the same. They exchange a quick glance of mutual understanding.
LAUREN
Ohh...this all looks so nice!
Josh smiles and caresses her shoulder.
JOSH
I knew you’d like it...
JANICE
(To Josh)
We’ve celebrated quite a few of your birthdays here, haven’t we?
(To Lauren)
If you like seafood, I recommend
the crusted crab cakes and the seared Swordfish, it’s really good...
LAUREN
I’ll take your word for it!
(Closes her menu decisively)
Josh looks bothered and he’s trying to get eye contact with Lauren. She just looks at him and smiles contently.
JOSH
(To Lauren, in a lower voice)
I don’t think you should have the
Swordfish...
LAUREN
Janice tells me it’s good. I trust her. (Amicable smile at Janice)
JOSH
I think you should go with the lobster tail or the scallops...
JANICE
Josh! Let Lauren choose for herself!
Josh looks down at the table, then he looks at Lauren and says;
JOSH
Pregnant women should not eat
Swordfish.
Both Lauren and Janice let out a quick gasp. Lauren gives Josh a hurt, slightly disapproving look. Janice looks properly shocked and her eyes travel between Josh and Lauren, as if trying to make sense of what she’s heard. Connor just stares at Josh, his mouth slightly open.
JOSH
(Looking at Janice)
Mom...I was going to talk to you...
The waiter appears by their table.
WAITER
Have you decided or do you need
some help?
Janice stares at the waiter like he just arrived from outer space, then she suddenly darts up from her chair, mumbles ”excuse me” in a thick voice and hurries towards the exit. The waiter looks a bit perplexed.
WAITER
(Unsure, puzzled)
More time...?
No one replies but Josh gets up and follows Janice towards the exit. Lauren just stares into space and as the waiter takes a step back to leave them, Connor says;
CONNOR
(To the waiter)
You’ve got like...a burger or something?
____________
JUMP CUT TO:
I/E. MARINE TERRACE RESTAURANT, PARKING LOT, JANICE’S CAR - EARLY EVENING - MOMENTS LATER
Janice is sitting in her car at the parking lot outside the restaurant. She looks hard-set and she’s just staring straight ahead as Josh opens the door on the passenger side and gets in beside her.
JOSH
Look mom, I’m sorry. I should have
talked to you...
JANICE
Now she wants a baby too? This
woman just takes what she wants...
JOSH
(Interrupting, harshly)
It’s NOT ”this woman” Janice! It’s
Lauren! She’s my partner, my best
friend and the mother of my child!
JANICE
(Upset, sneering)
Oh! It’s ”Janice” now? And how long
have you been with her? About 5
minutes?! She’s bought you Josh...
JOSH
(Angry)
Oh for FUCK’S SAKE MOM!!! Is she
using me or buying me? Make up your
fucking mind!!!
JANICE
(With disdain)
Don’t talk to me like that!
JOSH
Don’t you talk about her like that!
Janice and Josh are just glaring at each other. Josh finally exhales, looks away and says;
JOSH
There are a few things I want you
to understand...
Janice also exhales and bows her head down.
JOSH
First of all - I’m aware of the age difference. I passed advanced calculus. I KNOW there are 21 years between us. It matters. But the fact that we love each other matters more. I want to tell you
about how she’s my soul mate, but
there’s no point, as I know you won’t believe me anyway...
Janice shakes her head slowly, looking doleful.
JOSH
I’ve known Lauren for a year and a
half, and I pursued her, not the other way around. She was going to have an abortion, but I talked her out of it. I want to have this baby. SO much.
Now Janice looks up at Josh, and her eyes are a little softer.
JANICE
How far along is she?
JOSH
16 weeks. It’s still early and I wasn’t supposed to tell you yet...
JANICE
How do you know it’s yours?
JOSH
(Eyes narrowing in anger)
That’s enough! I’ve fucki’n had it
with you...
Josh opens the car door and shifts to get out when Janice clasps his shoulder.
JANICE
Josh! Please! I’m so sorry!
Josh sits back down but leaves the door open. He’s looking straight ahead, mouth firmly shut.
JANICE
I want the best for you Josh...You're still so young...
JOSH
So does she.
Janice and Josh sit quietly for a moment, then Josh says;
JOSH
She’s walking a tight rope, trying
to help me, without risking to hurt
my ego or...the balance between
us...I love her so much for that. I
wish that you could see it too...
Josh turns to look at Janice.
JOSH
I wish we had your support, and I
wish you would give her a fair chance, that you’d want to get to know her. But it’s up to you really. Lauren and I are 100 percent committed to each other,
and come end of March, we’ll
hopefully be parents. That’s how it
stands.
Josh steps out of her car. He closes the car door and begins to walk back towards the restaurant. Janice quickly gets out of her car too, and hurries to catch up with him. Right before they reach the entrance door Janice takes hold of his hand and Josh turns to her. They look at each other and they hug, then they walk inside.
MOMENTS LATER, BACK AT THE TABLE AGAIN.
Josh and Janice sit down at the table again. The mood is a bit tense. The waiter appears and places plate with a high stacked burger in front of Connor, who looks pleased.
WAITER
There you all are! I’m ready to take your orders!
Lauren looks at Josh.
LAUREN
You can order for me...
Josh smiles softly at Lauren and puts a hand behind her back.
JOSH
(To the waiter)
She’ll have the crab cakes and the
lobster tail, and I’ll have the
scallops and the lamb rack, thank
you. And I’d like a Stone IPA and a
glass of Pinot. Thanks.
Janice states her order and the waiter disappears. They all remain quiet before Janice starts up;
JANICE
(Looking at Lauren)
I’m sorry about that Lauren. I was...a little overwhelmed by the news...
LAUREN
Please don’t apologize...you weren’t supposed to find out like this...
(Shooting a quick glance at Josh)
JANICE
(Friendly smile, to Lauren)
Have you shared the news with your
parents?
Lauren looks a bit uncomfortable.
LAUREN
No...I haven’t yet. It’s just my dad...my mom’s...
Lauren looks down at her lap and swallows. Josh caresses her back.
LAUREN
My mom died when I was 21.
(Brave smile)
JANICE
(Concerned, with empathy)
Oh! I’m so sorry.
I didn’t know that...
LAUREN
It’s OK Janice...
Lauren looks at both Josh and Janice and tries to uphold her brave smile but the emotions that have been triggered are taking over. Her eyes begin to well up.
Lauren looks down at her lap again and tries to regain her composure. She clears her throat and then she says;
LAUREN
(Mostly to herself)
It’s OK. It’s OK.
Lauren wipes a tear escaping her eye and then she gets up from her chair.
LAUREN
(Whispering, in a thick voice)
Please excuse me for a little
while...
Lauren walks away in the direction of the restrooms. Josh gets up to follow her but Janice says;
JANICE
(to Josh)
Please let me talk to her!
Josh sits back down, looking confused, and Janice follows Lauren into the women’s restroom.
_______________
