"BILLY AND
GRAMPS"
by
Charles Deemer
3550 SW
Pomona St.
Portland, OR 97219-7518
(800)
294-7176
cdeemer@yahoo.com
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY -
DAY
A SERIES OF
SHOTS
City life.
--a clogged
freeway at rush hour.
--a mall
parking lot, full, cars roaming for a space.
--busy city
streets. Buses, taxis.
EXT. MEDICAL
CENTER - DAY
A full
parking lot.
A public bus
pulls up.
INT. CLINIC
- EXAM ROOM - DAY
EMIL
COLLINS, 70s, buttons his shirt after an exam.
Sitting with
him is his DOCTOR. He hands Emil a prescription.
DOCTOR
I'm giving you stronger pain
medication.
Emil takes
the slip of paper.
EMIL
Tell me straight, doc. How long?
DOCTOR
In the best of worlds, three,
four months.
EMIL
In the worst?
DOCTOR
I can get you in a hospice, Emil.
You'd be more comfortable there.
EMIL
In other words, any time after I
leave here. Does it come
gradually
or do I fall over?
2.
DOCTOR
It's impossible to predict
something like this. I'll call
you later this week about the
hospice.
INT. CLINIC
- PHARMACY - DAY
Emil sits
waiting for his prescription. Flipping through a
magazine.
WANDA, 50s,
approaches.
WANDA
Professor Collins?
Emil doesn't
seem to recognize her.
WANDA
Wanda McDonald. I took American
Literature from you maybe fifteen
years ago.
EMIL
(distant)
How are you?
WANDA
I'm fine. I want to tell you how
much you changed my life. I was
so scared coming back to school
after so long. You inspired me to
keep at it. You were so
inspirational.
Emil looks
embarrassed.
EMIL
Well, I'm going to assume you
graduated then.
WANDA
I went on and got my Masters. I
teach American Lit at the
community college. You're my
model of what a teacher should
be.
VOICE ON SPEAKER
Emil Collins.
Emil stands
up. He still looks embarrassed.
3.
EMIL
I'm glad it all worked out.
He heads for
the counter.
INT. CLINIC
- FRONT DESK - DAY
Emil starts
toward the exit. He carries a small bag. He
passes the
front desk.
ROSE, 20s,
the secretary, sees him.
ROSE
No poetry today, Professor Collins?
Emil stops
and turns.
EMIL
I almost forgot. Here's one.
"As
long as you and I have arms and
lips which are for kissing and to
sing with, who cares if some one-
eyed son-of-a-bitch invents an
instrument to measure Spring
with?" E.E. Cummings.
ROSE
Now my day's complete.
Rose smiles
as Emil exits.
EXT. CLINIC
- DAY
Emil emerges
into a sun-bright day. He takes a deep breath.
He closes
his eyes. Another deep breath.
INT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil at the
bar with WALLY, 60s, a friend.
WALLY
That's terrible news!
EMIL
Sshh, I don't want the whole
galaxy to know. It's not as bad
as you think. I've lived a good
life, and the world's going to
hell in a hand basket. I'm ready
to go.
4.
WALLY
Don't say that.
EMIL
I just did.
WALLY
What are you going to do?
EMIL
That's what I've been thinking
about. Maybe take a trip. I'm not
sure.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY
A bus pulls
to the curb. Emil gets off.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - RHODES HOUSE - DAY
Upper-end
homes along a shaded street.
BILLY
RHODES, teens, is mowing the front lawn.
Emil slowly
approaches.
Billy turns
off the lawn mower.
BILLY
Hey, Gramps! How'd it go?
EMIL
I've got the heart of a
linebacker.
BILLY
You should've called. I would've
picked you up.
EMIL
You would've, would you? How
would you manage that?
BILLY
I'd take Mom's car. It's not that
far. And on the way back, you'd
be in the car, so driving with my
learner's permit would be legal.
EMIL
Next time I have to get
somewhere,
I'll let you know.
5.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT
The family
around the dinner table: Besides Emil and Billy,
Emil's
daughter MARTI and her husband, DON, both late 30s,
and Billy's
older sister, SARA, 19.
MARTI
What did the doctor have to say,
Dad?
EMIL
I have the heart of a marathon
runner.
BILLY
And a linebacker.
EMIL
(winking at him)
That, too.
MARTI
Your blood pressure's good?
Nothing out of order?
EMIL
Everything's out of order. It's
called old age.
MARTI
I'm allowed to worry about you.
DON
(to Marti)
Change of subject. Are you
telling her or am I?
SARA
Telling me what?
MARTI
We decided to spend a week at the
beach. We're putting you in
charge. Think you can handle it?
Sara lights
up.
DON
And no parties. You keep an eye
on her, Billy.
6.
SARA
Dad, I'm a sophomore in college.
Don't treat me like I'm in high
school.
DON
As long as you're home for the
summer, you play by the house
rules.
SARA
Yes, I can handle it. I'll even
cook for these comedians.
EMIL
I can't wait.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Seeing Don
and Marti off are Sara and Billy. Don in the car
behind the
wheel, waiting for Marti to get in.
MARTI
Give me a hug.
She hugs
Billy, then Sara.
MARTI
No parties. I mean it.
SARA
Mother, please.
MARTI
I'm calling to check on you.
DON
Marti...
MARTI
We'll be home next Monday night.
It may be late.
Marti gets
in the car. Don backs out the driveway.
And they are
gone.
BILLY
Are you really going to cook?
SARA
What I'm going to do, kiddo, is
make a deal with you.
7.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - SARA'S BEDROOM - DAY
Sara is
packing a tote bag. Billy watches.
SARA
I'll be back Monday.
BILLY
What time?
SARA
I don't know. Afternoon.
BILLY
How are we going to eat? I don't
think Gramps knows how to cook.
SARA
Gramps has money. He'll take you
out every night.
BILLY
Shouldn't I get something for not
telling mom?
Sara takes
out her wallet. She hands Billy a twenty dollar
bill.
SARA
Don't ask for more because it's
all I have.
BILLY
Are you going to have sex with
him?
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Sara with
her bag, waiting in the driveway.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Emil at the
front window. Billy joins him.
EMIL
Where's Sara going?
BILLY
She's taking off with her
boyfriend.
EMIL
Your mother know about this?
8.
BILLY
No way.
Emil studies
him.
EMIL
Sara bought you off. How much did
you get?
BILLY
Twenty bucks.
EMIL
You come too cheap, lad.
BILLY
And the keys to Mom's car. Want
to go for a ride later?
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
A car pulls
up. Behind the wheel is JASON, 20s.
Sara climbs
in and they're off.
INT. RHODES
HOUSE - DAY
Billy and
Emil watch Sara leave.
BILLY
They're going to have sex.
EMIL
Sex? Remind me what that is
again.
Billy grins
and Emil messes his hair.
EXT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Billy
driving Marti's red VW convertible. Emil riding shotgun.
Billy's a
safe driver. Both are grinning, enjoying themselves.
INT. ICE
CREAM PARLOR - DAY
They sit at
a table over ice cream sundaes.
9.
EMIL
I need to take a little trip.
Since you're such a great
chauffeur, how'd you like to come
along?
BILLY
Where to?
EMIL
Idaho.
BILLY
Idaho, wow!
EMIL
Clearwater country.
BILLY
How far is that?
EMIL
Not far at all. A long day's
drive.
BILLY
They come back Monday night.
EMIL
We'll be fine. Leave today, get
there tomorrow. Spend a few days.
I'll show you God's country and
we'll do some fishing.
BILLY
Awesome.
EXT. RHODES
HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY
Packing the
VW for the trip. The top is down.
Both Emil
and Billy are traveling light. Each puts a tote
bag in the
trunk.
Emil climbs
in.
EMIL
I'm ready when you are.
Billy jumps
behind the wheel.
BILLY
This is so awesome.
10.
EXT.
NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY
The VW
cruising.
EMIL
Pull in over there.
EXT. TAVERN
- DAY
Billy pulls
in front of the tavern.
EMIL
I won't be a minute.
INT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil enters
and finds Wally at the bar.
WALLY
(to bartender)
Bring a beer for Emil.
EMIL
Just here to make a delivery.
He hands
Wally an envelope. On it is printed: "Emil Collins.
To be opened
in the event of death."
WALLY
Damn it, Emil, why you giving me
something like this?
EMIL
It's a copy of my will. I named
you executor.
WALLY
I'm not a lawyer.
EMIL
You're a friend. That's what
counts.
He turns to
go.
WALLY
Where are you going?
Emil turns
back.
EMIL
I ever tell you about Emma?
11.
WALLY
Probably. I don't remember. Who's
Emma?
EMIL
The one that got away. I'm going
to find her and I'm going to ask
her to marry me.
WALLY
You can't ask a woman to marry
somebody on his death bed.
EMIL
You don't know Emma.
WALLY
What if she's already married?
EMIL
I'll ask her to get divorced.
WALLY
What if she's dead?
EMIL
Then I really blew it.
EXT. TAVERN
- DAY
Emil comes
out and gets back in the car.
EMIL
To Idaho, James!
Billy grins
and starts the engine.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS - THE DRIVE TO IDAHO
--on a
crowded freeway in the city.
--on an
Interstate in the suburbs.
--on an
Interstate in countryside.
--at a rest
stop, Emil pointing out their destination on a
large wall
map.
--back on
the Interstate, different countryside.
--at a fast
food speaker, ordering.
12.
--on the
Interstate with burgers in hand.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - DAY
The VW top
is up. Emil driving.
He takes an
exit ramp.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Billy, who
was dozing at the window, stirs.
BILLY
We need gas?
EMIL
We're calling it a day.
BILLY
Already?
EMIL
We've come about as far as my
back can take.
EXT. MOTEL -
OFFICE - DAY
The VW
parked in front. Billy waits.
Emil comes
out, holding up a key.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
They each
carry a bag into the motel room. Twin double beds.
EMIL
Which bed you want?
Billy tosses
his bag onto a bed.
EXT.
RESTAURANT - NIGHT
The VW
parked in the lot.
INT.
RESTAURANT - BOOTH - NIGHT
Emil and
Billy finishing up dinner.
13.
BILLY
Why do you call Idaho God's country?
EMIL
Because it is. Only northern
Idaho, to be precise.
BILLY
If it's so great, why'd you
leave?
EMIL
Because many, many years ago I
decided I should go to college
and become a professor. Sometimes
life deals you very difficult
choices. You do the best you can
at the time.
BILLY
How come we never went to Idaho
on vacation?
EMIL
Because your mother wouldn't be
able to find a five-star resort.
INT. RESTAURANT
- BOOTH - NIGHT (LATER)
Billy
working on an ice cream sundae. Emil with coffee.
EMIL
You have a girlfriend?
BILLY
Not really.
EMIL
That almost sounds like yes.
BILLY
She already has a boyfriend.
EMIL
Maybe she really likes you
better.
BILLY
Yeah, right.
EMIL
It's not possible?
14.
BILLY
She's a cheerleader. Her
boyfriend's a football player.
EMIL
Ah. So you've given up.
BILLY
Wouldn't you?
EMIL
Sometimes we give up too easily.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT
Emil in one
bed, Billy in the other. Watching TV.
Emil turns
out his bedside lamp.
EMIL
Goodnight.
BILLY
Want me to turn off TV?
EMIL
Won't bother me at all.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - NIGHT (LATER)
A dark room.
Emil snoring to beat the band.
Billy rolls
over. He grabs the second pillow on his bed and
holds it
over his head.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
Emil comes
out from the bathroom. Billy is still in bed.
Emil shakes
Billy.
EMIL
Rise and shine! One hundred miles
before breakfast.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - DAY
Emil
driving.
15.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
The top up.
Billy sprawled on the back seat, sleeping.
EXT. TRUCK
STOP - DAY
The VW
parked and dwarfed by 18-wheelers.
INT. TRUCK
STOP - TABLE - DAY
Billy with
eggs, bacon, hot cakes. Emil with oatmeal and
coffee.
EMIL
I have a confession to make.
Billy looks
up but says nothing.
EMIL
I'm looking for someone.
BILLY
Who?
EMIL
A woman. The one who got away.
BILLY
Who's that?
EMIL
Her name is Emma. I don't even
know if she's still alive.
BILLY
When's the last time you heard
from her?
EMIL
Let me think ... I haven't seen
her since 1947. But I talked to
her on the phone after that.
Once.
BILLY
You haven't heard from her in all
that time?
EMIL
Don't rub it in.
16.
BILLY
So why do you want to see her all
of a sudden?
Emil stands
up.
EMIL
Desire is one of the wonderful
mysteries of life, lad. Excuse
me.
Nature calls.
He hobbles
away. Billy watches him go, puzzled.
EXT.
INTERSTATE - INTERCHANGE - DAY
The VW moves
off the Interstate onto a state highway.
EXT. HIGHWAY
- FARMLAND - DAY
The VW on a
two-lane highway through Palousse country.
In the
distance, a lone tractor working the land.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil
driving. Billy staring off at the tractor.
BILLY
He has to plow that whole gigantic
field?
EMIL
It's called farming.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - OUTSKIRTS - DAY
The VW on
the outskirts of a small Idaho town we'll call
Homestead.
A junk yard.
A gas station or two. A welcoming sign.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MAIN STREET - DAY
Homestead's
Main Street is typically lined with the square,
brick and
stone buildings of a western town.
Emil pulls
the VW in front of a bar.
17.
INT. VW CONVERTIBLE
- DAY
Emil keeps
the engine running.
EMIL
Can you amuse yourself for about
half an hour?
BILLY
Is she in the bar?
EMIL
I doubt it. I'm just hoping I
find somebody I know.
BILLY
Is this a wild goose chase?
EMIL
It's not over till it's over. Be
back here in thirty.
INT. BAR -
DAY
Emil enters
the bar.
Half-a-dozen
men sit on stools. A few couples at small
tables along
a wall.
Most of the
men look old enough to be retired, wearing
cowboy hats
or baseball caps. Emil joins them at the bar.
The
BARTENDER, a middle-aged woman, comes over.
BARTENDER
What can I get you?
EMIL
Short beer. Whatever's on tap.
She goes to
draw it.
Emil looks
down the bar for a friendly face. Just men lost
in their
thoughts.
The
bartender brings his beer.
EMIL
I'm looking for Emma Wells. That
was her last name when she was
single. You wouldn't know her,
would you?
18.
BARTENDER
Jake, you know Emma Wells?
An old man
down the bar, JAKE, looks up. He just nods.
BARTENDER
This here gent is looking for
her.
EMIL
(to Jake)
Can I buy you a beer?
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MAIN STREET - DAY
The VW
cruising Main Street.
Billy
reaches one end of town, turns around, and comes back.
The downtown
section of Homestead is about three blocks long.
Finally he
pulls into a fast food restaurant at one end of
town.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Billy goes
to the counter.
INT. BAR -
TABLE - DAY
Emil and
Jake at a table.
JAKE
You know Emma's daughter?
EMIL
I didn't know she had a daughter.
JAKE
And two sons. She could give you
the address of the place.
INT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - DAY
Billy
finishing up a burger.
JENNY,
teens, comes by, bussing tables. She wears the
company
uniform.
JENNY
Everything okay?
19.
BILLY
It's great.
JENNY
You're not from around here.
BILLY
I guess it shows.
JENNY
This is a small town. If you
don't know somebody coming in, it
usually means they're just
passing through.
BILLY
I'm visiting with my granddad. He
grew up here.
JENNY
What's his name?
BILLY
Emil Collins.
JENNY
I'll ask my grandma if she knows
him. You staying long?
BILLY
Just a few days. He's taking me
fishing.
JENNY
Then we have something in common.
I'm on the river every chance I
get.
BILLY
Actually I've never been fishing
before.
EXT. BAR -
DAY
Emil comes
out. No Billy.
EXT. FAST
FOOD JOINT - PARKING LOT - DAY
Jenny has
walked Billy to his car. She hands him a slip of
paper.
20.
JENNY
Call me. Maybe grandma knows your
granddad.
BILLY
Way cool. Thanks.
They
exchange smiles. An attraction is obvious.
EXT. BAR -
DAY
The VW pulls
up.
Emil comes
around to the driver's side.
EMIL
Slide over.
Billy does.
Emil gets behind the wheel.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY
The VW
cruising through a cluster of homes, a small town
neighborhood.
Emil pulls
to the curb.
EXT. HOME -
PORCH - DAY
Emil and
Bill at the door, waiting.
MARTHA, 40s,
opens the door.
MARTHA
May I help you?
INT. HOME -
LIVING ROOM - DAY
Emil and
Billy sit on a sofa across the room from Martha.
MARTHA
I'm trying to raise three kids by
myself. I can't look after her,
too. Dennis offered his guest
room but he lives in LA, and you
couldn't get mom there if you
paid her.
EMIL
Can't say I blame her.
21.
MARTHA
When we decided it wasn't safe
for her to live alone, we had
little choice. It's a good
facility. Very good reputation.
EMIL
Do you have the address? I'd like
to visit her.
MARTHA
Let me get it.
Martha
leaves the room.
EMIL
She looks a little like Emma.
Only Emma was prettier.
EXT. HOUSE -
PORCH - DAY
Martha
seeing them out.
MARTHA
She doesn't get many visitors,
I'm afraid. I can only get up
there a weekend every month or
so.
I'm sure she'll be delighted to
see you.
EMIL
I'll give her your best.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - STREET - DAY
Emil
driving.
EMIL
It's about an hour. We could get
a room and you could stay here if
you wanted.
BILLY
You don't mind?
EMIL
Can't be much fun listening to a
couple of dinosaurs reminisce.
BILLY
I met a girl who says her
grandmother may know you.
22.
EMIL
You met a girl already! Before
you were telling me you're the
shy type.
BILLY
She wants me to call her later.
EMIL
We'd better get a room.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
The VW parked
in front of a motel door. Emil at the car.
EMIL
If I'm not back by six, eat
without me. You need money?
BILLY
I still have ten bucks.
Emil reaches
into his wallet.
Billy's eyes
light up when he sees how much Emil is giving him.
BILLY
Man, thanks!
EMIL
You probably should take that
girl out to dinner. I'll fend for
myself and catch up with you later.
He gets into
the VW.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
The VW, its
top down, cruises through farmland down a two-
lane
highway.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil lost in
his thoughts.
INT.
GYMNASIUM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
SUPER:
"Homestead High School Gymnasium. Graduation Prom,
1947."
23.
A crowded
dance floor. A SMALL COMBO plays on a temporary
stage.
Dancing
close are YOUNG EMIL and YOUNG EMMA, teens, in their
prom best.
The song
ends. Applause.
Emil and
Emma move off the dance floor. They pass MR. FRYER.
MR. FRYER
Emil, I heard Gonzaga gave you a
scholarship. Congratulations.
YOUNG EMIL
Thank you, sir.
MR. FRYER
You look beautiful tonight, Emma.
YOUNG EMMA
Thank you, Mr. Fryer.
They move
on.
INT.
GYMNASIUM - STORAGE ROOM - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma sneak into a dark storage room. Lights from
the hallway
spill through the cracked door.
They
immediately embrace and kiss. Hot and heavy.
EXT.
UNIVERSITY TOWN - DAY
The VW
enters the outskirts of a university town.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL ROOM - DAY
Billy
waiting on the phone.
BILLY
Jenny?...It's Billy Rhodes. You
sold me a hamburger this
afternoon....I was wondering if
your grandmother knows my
granddad....I can't wait to tell
him.
He closes
his eyes, makes a face, and goes for it.
24.
BILLY
Say, I was wondering, are you
doing anything later?
EXT.
UNIVERSITY TOWN - ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
The VW pulls
into the parking lot.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - FRONT COUNTER - DAY
Emil steps
up.
NURSE
May I help you?
EMIL
I'm looking for Emma ...
He glances
at the slip of paper Martha gave him.
EMIL
...Simpson.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - HALLWAY - DAY
Emil follows
the nurse.
NURSE
Are you a relative?
EMIL
An old friend.
NURSE
I'm sure she'll be happy to see you.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
EMMA, 70s,
sits in a stuffed chair. She's staring at a TV
soap opera.
She looks asleep with her eyes open. A knock on
the door.
NURSE (O.S.)
Emma, you have company!
The door
opens and the nurse peeks in.
NURSE
Someone to see you, dear.
25.
Emma turns
to the door. Her static expression hasn't changed.
Emil
appears. He sees Emma -- and looks stricken.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - COUNTRY ROAD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
A car parked
on the shoulder of a deserted road.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma, prom clothes disheveled and askew, making out.
Hotter and
heavier.
Emil groans
and pulls away.
YOUNG EMMA
No, I want to. Emil, I want to.
Emil studies
her. She kisses him.
YOUNG EMMA
I want to.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
The car door
opens. They get out and climb into the back seat.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
The nurse
lets Emil in.
NURSE
I'll let you two visit. Emma, you
have company!
Emma just sits there.
NURSE
It takes her a while, but she'll
be with you in a minute.
The nurse
leaves, closing the door behind her.
Emil stands
inside the doorway.
EMIL
Emma? It's Emil. Emil Collins.
26.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Emil on top
of Emma. She makes a cry of pain.
YOUNG EMIL
Emma?
YOUNG EMMA
It's okay. Don't stop...please,
don't stop.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
Emil sits
down next to Emma.
EMIL
Hello, Emma.
Emma's
expression finally changes. She looks inquisitive.
EMMA
Who are you?
EMIL
Emil Collins.
EMMA
Emil...
EMIL
It's been a long time.
EMMA
...Emil.
Emil takes
her hand.
EMIL
Do you remember me?
She studies
him.
EMMA
Of course, I remember you.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Young Emil
and Emma are in the front seat, dressed, after
lovemaking.
Her head is on his shoulder.
27.
EMIL
One day I'm going to show you the
most incredible sight in God's
creation.
EMMA
The Goose Necks.
EMIL
You have to see it to believe it.
It makes you feel so small -- and
yet so ... I don't know what the
word is. Blessed. To live amidst
such wonder. To live amidst such
beauty on Earth.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - EMMA'S ROOM
- DAY
Emma looks
at their joined hands.
EMIL
It's been a long time.
EMMA
I thought you were dead.
EMIL
I should have come long before
now. There's so much to talk
about. I don't know where to
begin. I saw a garden outside.
Would you like to go out?
EMMA
Yes, I think I would.
INT.
HOMESTEAD - CAFE - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Emil and
Emma in a back booth. They lean close and speak in
hushed
tones.
Emma has
been crying.
YOUNG EMIL
It's going to be okay. I just
have to think a minute.
YOUNG EMMA
I'm so scared.
YOUNG EMIL
I'll get a job.
28.
YOUNG EMMA
You can't. You have a
scholarship.
YOUNG EMIL
We'll get married. We'll figure a
way for me to go to college
later.
YOUNG EMMA
I feel so horrible. I feel like
I'm ruining your life.
YOUNG EMIL
Emma, stop it. We're in this
together.
He takes her
hand.
YOUNG EMIL
I love you, Emma.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - GARDEN - DAY
Emil and
Emma walk in the garden.
EMMA
It's so lovely.
EMIL
I was worried when I saw you. You
looked so ...
EMMA
Dead? It's boredom. I am so bored
in this place!
They walk a
moment.
EMIL
I came here for a reason, Emma. I
didn't know if I'd find you or
not. But if I did, I had
something
I had to tell you. I'm going to
say it now and get it off my
chest. You don't have to say
anything. Just listen.
EMMA
Well, you certainly have my
attention.
EMIL
I've always regretted not
marrying
you when I had the chance.
29.
EMMA
What a sweet thing to say.
EMIL
It broke my heart when you
married somebody else.
Emma turns away.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - WELLS HOME - DAY (FLASHBACK)
Emil waiting
on the front porch. Emma opens the door.
YOUNG EMMA
Emil, what are you doing here?
YOUNG EMIL
I need to speak to your father.
YOUNG EMMA
Why?
YOUNG EMIL
I'm going to ask his permission
to marry you.
YOUNG EMMA
You can't tell him!
YOUNG EMIL
I'm just asking for your hand.
May I see him?
YOUNG EMMA
(frantic)
No, I think we should wait.
YOUNG EMIL
There's no point.
YOUNG EMMA
But I was just about to call you.
I have news. Everything's
changed,
Emil. It was what they call a
false pregnancy. You can go to
Gonzaga, after all. We can write
and see each other during the
holidays, just like we planned.
Emil looks
stunned. Emma embrace him.
YOUNG EMMA
It can be just like it was
before.
30.
But there
are tears in her eyes.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Billy waits
outside the hotel room.
A car pulls
up. Jenny is driving.
Billy gets
in.
INT. JENNY'S
CAR - DAY
Jenny wears
casual clothes. She's all smiles.
JENNY
I'm glad you called.
BILLY
Me, too.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Jenny's car
pulls away and onto Main Street.
INT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DINING ROOM - DAY
Emil and
Emma seated at a table. RUTH, who works in the
kitchen,
sets a piece of pie in front of each of them.
RUTH
Here we go. Mr. Collins, if this
isn't the best coconut pie you've
ever tasted, you let me know.
EMIL
It looks delicious.
RUTH
Only the best for my girl.
She beams at
Emma. Emma smiles back. Then Ruth goes back to
the kitchen.
An awkward
silence.
EMIL
Do they let you off the premises?
31.
EMMA
It isn't a prison, if that's what
you mean. But they're responsible
for me. I have to sign out.
EMIL
I was wondering if you'd like to
go fishing with me.
EMMA
I remember how much you like to
fish.
EMIL
I haven't done much lately. City
life, you know. I live with my
daughter.
EMMA
Tell me about your family.
EMIL
After you answer my question. Do
you want to go fishing?
EMMA
I'm not sure they'd let me go
without supervision. They'd be
afraid I'd slip on a rock and
drown myself.
EMIL
I'd be there.
EMMA
They'd be worried about you for
the same reason.
EMIL
How about you sneak out?
EMMA
Oh my!
EMIL
I'm serious. I come by early in
the morning, before anybody's up,
and take you fishing.
EMMA
That sounds like a real
adventure.
32.
EMIL
You always were the adventurous
kind. We'd spend the day fishing
and then I'd bring you back.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Jenny's car
is parked on the shoulder. Below, the river.
On the bank,
Jenny is preparing her pole. Billy stands
beside her,
holding another pole, looking like he has no
idea what to
do with it.
JENNY
You never even cast before?
BILLY
You don't get a lot of chances to
fish in the city.
JENNY
So we'll start at the beginning.
First, you bait your hook.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - PARKING LOT - DAY
Emil and
Emma stand at the VW.
EMIL
I'm going to be here at five in
the morning. Don't you change
your mind on me.
EMMA
I'll be here.
EMIL
Good. We'll have ourselves quite
a day.
He moves
forward. They awkwardly embrace.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Jenny stands
behind Billy, showing him how to cast.
He casts,
reels it in, and casts again.
He's a quick
learner.
33.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
Emil in the
VW, heading back to Homestead.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Billy with
his line in the water. Beside him, Jenny has her
line in the
water.
Billy is
finally fishing on his own.
Above, on
the road, the VW passes Jenny's car and heads on.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - SPORTING GOODS STORE - DAY
The VW
parked outside a sporting goods store.
INT.
SPORTING GOODS STORE - DAY
Emil pushing
a cart through the store.
A tent, a
camp stove, three sleeping bags, other camping
equipment
piled in the cart.
EXT. RIVER -
DAY
Billy has a
fish on the line. He reels it in, and Jenny nets
it.
BILLY
Is it a salmon?
JENNY
A trout. You did great!
She raises a
hand. Billy high-fives.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - MOTEL - DAY
Jenny's car
pulls behind the VW and stops. They both get out.
Billy sees
all the camping gear in the VW.
JENNY
Are you going camping?
BILLY
I thought we were going fishing.
34.
JENNY
They go together.
INT. MOTEL -
ROOM - DAY
Emil is
dozing on a bed when the door opens. Billy and Jenny
step in.
Emil
twitches awake.
JENNY
I'd better go.
BILLY
We'll be there.
JENNY
If you can't, give me a call.
She flashes
her smile.
JENNY
I had a great time, Billy.
BILLY
Me, too.
She's gone.
Emil sits
up.
EMIL
Who had a great time?
BILLY
Jenny. Her grandmother remembers
you.
EXT.
HOMESTEAD - RESIDENTIAL STREET - NIGHT
The VW is
parked in a driveway.
INT. HOUSE -
DINING ROOM - NIGHT
Around the
table are Emil, Billy, and Jenny's grandmother,
ANNIE, 60s.
The table is filled with serving plates of food.
EMIL
I'll take your word for it.
35.
ANNIE
You helped me with my homework
several times. Especially
Shakespeare. I hated reading that
stuff.
BILLY
You don't remember, Gramps?
EMIL
I remembered to put on my pants
this morning. After that, it gets
iffy.
Jenny enters
with one fried breaded trout on a plate.
JENNY
Ta da! To the fisherman goes the
fish!
She places
the fish in front of him.
BILLY
Wow.
ANNIE
I don't know about the rest of
you, but I'm starving. Everybody
dig in.
They do.
INT. HOUSE -
DEN - NIGHT
Billy and
Jenny are playing a video game.
INT. HOUSE -
KITCHEN - NIGHT
Emil is
drying dishes. Annie washes.
ANNIE
I hardly knew Emma at all. My
older sister, bless her soul, got
close to her when Emma was
pregnant. It was such a bad time
for her.
EMIL
She had a difficult pregnancy?
36.
ANNIE
Not being married and all.
Everybody knew. I don't know what
she would've done if Brad hadn't
done the honorable thing and
married her. Then, no sooner does
she have the baby, and God takes
her back. Emma's had such a
tragic life.
Emil looks
intense. All this is news to him.
EXT. HOUSE -
PORCH - NIGHT
Everyone on
the porch.
ANNIE
Hope to see you again before you
leave.
EMIL
It was a wonderful dinner. Thanks
so much.
JENNY
Call me, Billy?
Billy nods.
INT. CAR -
NIGHT
Emil
driving.
EMIL
I like her. Maybe she can visit
us at the campground.
BILLY
That would be cool.
INT. MOTEL -
NIGHT
Both in bed,
getting ready for lights out.
EMIL
I'll shake you at four.
BILLY
You're kidding.
37.
EMIL
I'm serious, lad. We pick Emma up
at five.
BILLY
Why so early?
EMIL
We have to get her out of there
before the full staff comes on.
She's not supposed to go.
BILLY
Like we're helping her escape?
EMIL
Exactly like that. So lights out.
Four will be here before you know
it.
EXT. MOTEL -
DAY
Early
morning. Emil and Billy come out. Billy walks like
he's
half-asleep.
EXT. COUNTRY
ROAD - DAY
Emil
driving.
Ahead, the
horizon getting light.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
The VW pulls
up and stops.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil lets
the engine idle.
Billy is
asleep against the window.
EXT.
ASSISTED LIVING FACILITY - DAY
Emil gets
out.
He looks
around. What now?
A sound.
38.
EMMA
Emil...
Emma steps
out of the shadows. She's carrying a small bag.
EMIL
Let me help you.
He takes her
bag. They walk to the car.
Emil taps on
the window. Billy jumps awake.
EMIL
My grandson.
Billy opens
the door.
EMIL
Billy, this is Emma. Would you
mind riding in the back seat?
Billy yawns.
BILLY
Hi. No problem.
EMMA
Look at all this. How long are we
staying?
EMIL
Hey, if we have a good time,
maybe we'll never come back.
He helps Emma
in. He moves around the car and gets back
behind the
wheel.
INT. VW
CONVERTIBLE - DAY
Emil smiles.
EMIL
When it warms up, we'll put the
top down.
A SERIES OF
SHOTS