START FLASHFORWARD.
INT. COURT ROOM. DAY
The last few people file into the courtroom and take their seats with BAILEY and MILO sitting adjacent from VINCENT at the front.
JUDGE WILLOW
All rise!
(Everyone stands to show their respect.)
JUDGE WILLOW
Alright thank you, be seated.
BAILEY is sitting uncomfortably in her seat in the courtroom next to MILO, who is standing on his chair staring angrily at VINCENT.
BAILEY (V.O.)
How did I let this happen to me? Of course life finally gives me an opportunity after failing me for years. And I leap at it, like a pathetic little mouse. All I wanted was to provide for Milo, stupid, stupid, stupid come on Bailey!–I bet you’re wondering what this is all about? This conniving lowlife, me, and my kid in this court, completely unknowing of the future outcome. All of this is a result of one unfortunate morning.
END FLASHFORWARD
INT. MENTIROSO CAFE. DAY
(BAILEY reaches into her cardigan pocket and pulls out a small slip with a phone number on it. A car wash company answers the phone.)
BAILEY
(On the phone)
Hello? Yes, thank you I’m calling to–
VINCENT
(On the phone)
Well figure it out–and do it soon! You can’t just wait around for opportunities to come smack you in the face that’s how you lose your place in this world!
VINCENT (knocks several chairs as he beelines for the door. Along the way he bumps into BAILEY, causing her phone to go flying across the floor.)
BAILEY
My phone! Hey, watch where you’re going!
VINCENT (turns around to face BAILEY), (his face stained with rage.)
VINCENT
(Furiously)
Excuse me? Do you know who you are speaking to?
BAILEY
I think I’m speaking to the a**hole who has no spatial awareness!
VINCENT (turns around to face BAILEY), his face stained with rage.
BAILEY
You’re Vincent Thorne…no way, I’m dreaming. I have to be–(BAILEY pinches her arm), (coming to the realization that what she is seeing is really happening.)
BAILEY
I apologize for snapping out on you–please forget everything I just said, I’m Bailey, I love your books they’re so inspiring, I use them as reference for my own!
VINCENT smiles wickedly. (Vincent seems to have calmed down after taking a closer look at BAILEY’S face.)
VINCENT
Well, I’m so honored to have such a big fan. I suppose I can accept your apology.
BAILEY
(murmuring to herself)
Stay calm Bailey, I repeat stay calm, natural, cool, take a breath. You do NOT want to come off as one of THOSE fangirls.
(VINCENT picks up BAILEY’S phone, returning it to her.)
BAILEY
Thanks, uh it’s been a real pleasure meeting you Vincent, sir–.I know you’ve probably got a lot going on right now–wouldn’t wanna keep you too long. (nervously) Ahh–I’m gonna go grab a coffee, it’s been a busy morning you know?
VINCENT
(laughing) Do I ever! I wish you luck on your journey.
BAILEY smiles, before finding her way into the line. VINCENT is about to leave when he catches a glimpse of the story BAILEY refused to delete. His interest peaked, and he is very intrigued. BAILEY returns with a coffee in hand, shocked that he didn’t leave yet.
VINCENT
(he reads page 1)(intrigued) I must say this story of yours is quite interesting.
BAILEY
Oh it’s nothing really–
VINCENT
Nonsense! An intelligent young rose such as yourself needs a strong environment to flourish in.
BAILEY
(sighs)
If only that environment wasn’t in fairytale land.
VINCENT
Fairytale hm? Well, would it be too unrealistic for me to invite you to work with me on my team?
BAILEY
(voice cracking as she speaks)
Are you sure? I mean-I might mess up–or–but–I would be absolutely honored to work with such a big star.
VINCENT
I’m sure…Bailey
BAILEY
Oh thank you so much! You have no idea what this means to me!
VINCENT
Oh I think I might.
BAILEY grabs his hand with both of hers aggressively shaking his.
VINCENT
Let’s meet up here on Wednesday at noon?
BAILEY
Yes, Wednesday works great.
MUSIC UP: The Cure, “Just Like Heaven”
MONTAGE Of: THE PROGRESSION BETWEEN BAILEY’S & VINCENT’S RELATIONSHIP
BAILEY and VINCENT at a table working through the book each week. They get closer, sharing laughs and various pastries and seasonal drinks together.
VINCENT’s chair inches closer towards hers with each new clip. In some of the clips, they are seen hanging outside together.
In another clip VINCENT tries to move his hand closer to BAILEY’S, but BAILEY moves away to write something oblivious to the action.
ACT II
EXT. OUTSIDE MENTIROSO CAFE. DAY
MILO
Why are we stopping here? I thought we were going home.
BAILEY
Mama has to finish up some details on her new book.
MILO
Ooh!
INT. MENTIROSO CAFE. DAY
VINCENT is inside with his computer booted up, sitting at the round table they always sit at.
BAILEY
Milo meet Vincent! He’s the man making all this possible for both of our dreams honey.
MILO stares blankly at him.
BAILEY
Uh–well, Vincent, meet my son, Milo, once he
gets to know you, he’s quite the chatterbox.
VINCENT
It’s a pleasure to finally meet you young man.
MILO
Can’t say the same about you, bub.
BAILEY shoots MILO a hostile look.
BAILEY
Milo be kind! Sorry Vincent, he’s always had a bit of a cynical approach to meeting new people.
VINCENT
It’s alright no harm done, cynical mindsets are required in this day and age, and to be quite honest; I’ve never been good with meeting others either.
MILO
(under his breath)
Maybe it’s cause you look like a clown who lost his wig.
BAILEY
(Pleading to MILO)
I know you’re itching to go home, but this won’t take too long, please be patient.
(MILO pulls a sketchbook and starts doodling at the table.) BAILEY pulls her computer out of her backpack after they are all seated. As she opens the computer, the plant centered in the middle of the table is knocked over, rolling onto the floor.
BAILEY
Ah clumsy me.
In an attempt to pick it up, BAILEY crushes the plant with her foot. She winces as she hears the noise.
VINCENT
No need for that Bailey, they’ll simply dispose of it and place a new plant there.
BAILEY
Still a shame, it looked newly potted.
VINCENT
Don’t worry about it, things are always coming and going in this life.
BAILEY
That’s true…
MILO’s stomach growls loudly.
VINCENT
Why don’t I get us something to eat?
BAILEY
I’m ok, but it sounds like Milo has a monster in his tummy that can’t wait.
MILO flushes, embarrassed.
MILO
Ugh Mama!
BAILEY rummages through her bag, pulling out a bunch of change and a few dollars.
VINCENT
Put your money away Bailey, it’s on me.
BAILEY
It’s ok really, I can’t make you pay for everything.
VINCENT
I insist.
VINCENT walks over to get into line. MILO watches him with untrusting squinty eyes.
Int. School Book Fair. Night
MILO and BAILEY walking around trying to find him a book.
BAILEY
Look it’s a new one of your favorite texture books, never touch a…seahorse!
MILO
(groaning)
Mama I haven’t read those books since I was 5!
BAILEY
Oh hush I know you still read them sometimes– and anyway we don’t have all night to pick a book, I’m only trying to help you.
MILO
I know Mama but can I maybe go look around by myself please?
BAILEY
I don’t know Milo, just because we’re in school doesn’t mean necessarily mean it’s safe…
MILO
Come on Mama! I’m 7 now I’m all grown and stuff, and if anyone tries anything I’ll show them what I’m made of!
MILO throws his leg in the air, imitating ninja-like kicks.
BAILEY
(laughing)
Alright, I trust you, just don’t go too far.
MILO wanders around, weaving in and out of the several bookshelf sections. He stops, mesmerized by a legal thriller book on display with an intricate flashy cover. He continues down this aisle before seeing his mother’s book on display.
MILO
MAMA! Come quick! Hurry!
BAILEY rushes over to the scene frantically, dropping the books in her hands.
BAILEY
What’s wrong? Are you ok Milo? Did something happen?
CLOSE UP
MILO pulls the book down from in front of his face.
MILO
Mama look! It’s your book!
BAILEY squats down next to Milo, ruffling his hair with her hand.
BAILEY
(light laugh)
Right you are Milo…things are looking up for us.
MILO throws himself into BAILEY’S arms and they share a big hug.
BAILEY
Tell you what my little artist, when we get our own house you can let your creativity run wild.
MILO
Yayyy!
MILO
Can you read me your book I wanna hear about your cool book Mama.
BAILEY
Well this book is bit longer than your other books.
MILO
But it’s yours Mama I really want to listen…pleaseeee.
BAILEY
Alright, alright, I’ll read a few pages…This is about a little boy who lives in a faraway land of magic.
BAILEY turns to the first page with the title, ‘To Prey Upon a Wishing Star’ and credits and notices the book lists only one name, ‘Vincent Thorne’. She turns back to the cover. No sign of her name still.
MILO
What’s wrong?
BAILEY
(trance-like)
He didn’t credit me…
MILO
That stupid guy did a bad thing after all!
BAILEY
(scolding)
Milo, I told you about using that word before.
MILO
Sorry mama, I’m just so angry– I knew he was a bad guy!
MUSIC UP: Cage The Elephant, “Cigarette Daydreams”
BAILEY
(mumbling)
This is surely a mistake, or maybe this one just printed wrong!
BAILEY searches through the shelves. She tears book after book from the shelves until she is surrounded in a sea of books. Her face drops as she realizes this was not a mistake.
BAILEY
Oh who are you fooling BAILEY, you’ve been played, it’s obvious. How could this have happened? This is all so wrong.
MUSIC DOWN
Saileana Perterkin is 16 and lives in Roxborough-Manayunk. She is often found practicing guitar or playing with one of her three younger brothers. Writing has always been a hobby of hers, alongside drawing my characters.