"CRAVINGS"

 

                 an original screenplay

                           by

                     Charles Deemer


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. BRITISH COLUMBIA - WOODS - NIGHT

 

A gang of MEN holding flashlights and torches chases someone

through the woods.

 

The object of their hunt is VICTORIA LESEUR, late 30s and

looks younger. She wears a formal gown that is blood-stained

and torn.

 

Victoria looks terrified as she races ahead of the pursuing

gang. And with reason: the men are gaining.

 

Victoria sees an obstacle ahead, a mountain of stone. She

struggles to reach it before the men catch her.

 

The men also see the mountain.

 

                      MAN

           She can't get far now!

 

They run even harder. The lights dart ahead of them like

volleys of bullets.

 

 

EXT. WOODS - CAVE - NIGHT

 

At the foot of the mountain is a cave. Victoria sees it.

 

The men are closing in.

 

                      MAN

           She's heading for the cave!

 

Just ahead of them, Victoria disappears into the cave.

 

 

INT. CAVE - NIGHT

 

The cave is filled with bats.

 

A smile crosses Victoria's lips. One would think she was

home. She moves deeper into the cave.

 

The men enter. Lights dart through the darkness.

 

Bats flutter everywhere.

 

                      MAN

           There!

 

A light falls on something on the ground: it is Victoria's

gown. She's disappeared, leaving her gown behind her.


                                                            2.

 

 

The men exchange knowing glances. Just as they suspected:

she's turned into a bat!

 

They mumble among themselves. Then a bat dive bombs them,

and the men race out of the cave.

 

Out of the shadows comes Victoria, in her underwear, smiling.

She is safe.

 

 

EXT. CROWN MOUNTAIN RESORT - SWIMMING POOL - NIGHT

 

Late. Victoria has the pool to herself. It's officially

closed but she swims quiet, slow laps. She looks relaxed

after the earlier ordeal.

 

Into the light steps MARTIN LESEUR, 40s, her husband. He

waits at the deep end until she swims close.

 

                      MARTIN

           Time to come to bed, Victoria.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do I have to?

 

                      MARTIN

           You know you must.

 

She climbs out of the pool.

 

 

INT. SOFTWARE COMPANY - VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY

 

VICTOR MONTGOMERY, 20s, sits at his desk, working on a

computer.

 

JANEY, 20s, beautiful, appears in the doorway.

 

                      JANEY

           Knock, knock.

 

Victor looks up. He is stunned, and quickly flustered, to

see her.

 

                      JANEY

           Hello, stranger.

 

                      VICTOR

           Janey ...

 

                      JANEY

           I hear you finally got a date --

           you're getting married! Bad joke. But

           it's true, you're getting married?


                                                            3.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, I met her, Margaret, five or six

           months ago and--

 

                      JANEY

           You don't have to explain anything to

           me. I'm just glad you're happy.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm happy, yes, of course.

 

                      JANEY

           So the broken heart I gave you wasn't

           permanent. See how I was right? We're

           too different. I'm thrilled you found

           someone. Well ... That's all I came

           by to say.

 

She leaves.

 

                      VICTOR

                (after her)

           I'd like you to come--

 

But she's already gone. Victor buzzes his secretary.

 

                      VICTOR

           Muriel, send a wedding invitation to

           Janey, Jane Sebastian, in Accounting.

 

 

INT. SOFTWARE COMPANY - VICTOR'S OFFICE - DAY - LATER

 

Victor stares out the window, lost in his thoughts. JEFF,

20s, knocks and steps into the office.

 

                      JEFF

           Jitters?

 

Victor turns from the window.

 

                      VICTOR

           I saw Janey. She came by to wish me

           happiness.

 

                      JEFF

           You okay with that?

 

                      VICTOR

           I don't know. It's strange ... the

           moment I saw her ...

 

He can't go on.


                                                            4.

 

 

                      JEFF

           Victor, you're getting married.

 

He quickly recovers and looks at his watch.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have an appointment.

 

                      JEFF

           Brew after work?

 

                      VICTOR

           I'll meet you there.

 

 

INT. OFFICE BUILDING - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Victor steps off an elevator and walks down a hallway to an

office.

 

The door reads "Lloyd Jacobson, Private Investigations."

 

 

INT. JACOBSON'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Victor and JACOBSON, 30s, a detective, sit in his office.

Victor is studying a photograph.

 

The PHOTOGRAPH is of Victoria LeSeur, taken when she was in

her 20s.  It is clearly the woman who was being pursued in

the woods.

 

                      VICTOR

           Where did you find her?

 

                      JACOBSON

           She lives in Viren. It's in British

           Columbia, Canada.

 

                      VICTOR

           And my father?

 

                      JACOBSON

           He's also alive.

 

Victor hands Jacobson the photo but the detective doesn't

take it.

 

                      JACOBSON

           It's yours.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you.

 

He looks at it again.


                                                            5.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           She's so beautiful.

 

He looks at Jacobson.

 

                      VICTOR

           I can't tell you how important this

           is to me.

 

Jacobson hands him a business envelope.

 

                      JACOBSON

           You can try ... your bill.

 

 

INT. BAR - DAY

 

A popular after-work watering hole.

 

 

INT. BAR - BOOTH - DAY

 

Victor and Jeff share a pitcher of beer.

 

                      JEFF

           You've been trying to find your

           parents for almost a year and now

           that you've found them, you look like

           you just got fired. What's up?

 

                      VICTOR

           It's Janey.

 

                      JEFF

           I was afraid of that.

 

                      VICTOR

           I should've let it pass. Said thank

           you and sent her on her way.

 

                      JEFF

           I don't follow.

 

                      VICTOR

           I invited her to the goddamn wedding.

 

                      JEFF

           You're not still in love with her ...

           Victor?

 

                      VICTOR

           Of course not.

 

Jeff looks skeptical.


                                                            6.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Jeff, I'm getting married! I love her.

 

                      JEFF

           Who?

 

                      VICTOR

           Margaret!

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - GARDEN - DAY

 

Victor is walking in a luxurious garden with his fiancee,

MARGARET WALLER, 20s, plain, aristocratic.

 

Margaret is looking at the photograph of Victoria LeSeur.

 

                      MARGARET

           She's so beautiful.

 

                      VICTOR

           Almost as beautiful as you.

 

                      MARGARET

           Do you have a picture of your father?

 

                      VICTOR

           No.

 

They walk in silence a moment, looking at the photograph

together.

 

                      VICTOR

           Margaret, I'm going to Canada. I have

           to see them.

 

This surprises her.

 

                      MARGARET

           When?

 

                      VICTOR

           Right away. I know what you're

           thinking. The wedding's less than a

           week away.

 

                      MARGARET

           There's so much to do!

 

                      VICTOR

           I want them to come, and I don't want

           to give them the opportunity to say

           no on the phone. You understand,

           don't you?


                                                            7.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           This will give mother something else

           to panic about.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm glad you don't take after her.

 

Margaret gives him a funny look, as if thinking, If he only

knew!

 

                      VICTOR

           I'll be back in a few days. I promise.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor, I love you so much.

 

They embrace and kiss.

 

 

INT. TRAIN STATION - DAY

 

Seeing Victor off are Margaret and her mother, GLADYS

WALLER, 50s, over-bearing and arrogant. She looks like being

in a public train station is as unsettling as visiting a

prison filled with the unwashed.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           The train, Victor! When time is so

           short?

 

                      MARGARET

           You know he hates to fly.

 

                      VICTOR

           Don't worry, I'll be back in plenty

           of time. And with my parents.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Your parents are the people who

           raised you, God rest their souls.

           Victor, I understand how--

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother...

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Now that you've found them, I know

           how much you want them to be here. I

           truly understand. But that's what

           they have telephones for. You call

           and invite them.

 

                      VICTOR

           I have to board.


                                                            8.

 

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           If you have to ask them in person,

           it's what they have airplanes for.

 

                      MARGARET

           Call me from the hotel.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Today we have email, for God's sake.

           There's no reason to stoop to this

           level.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mrs. Waller, be thankful I didn't

           take the bus.

 

He winks at Margaret and moves off to get in line to board.

 

 

INT. TRAIN STATION - VIEWING AREA - DAY

 

Margaret and Gladys watch the train pull out of the station.

 

                      MARGARET

           He's going to be fine, mother.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Of course, he is. He thinks I'm such

           a worry wart. I didn't want to

           disappoint him. We can get a lot more

           done without Victor around to distract

           you. Come along, dear.

 

She takes her daughter's arm and moves off.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - DAY

 

Victor moves down the aisle, looking for a seat. The train

is crowded.

 

He finds an empty seat and takes it.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - DAY

 

The club car, too, is crowded. Victor enters and finds a

spare seat at a small table, occupied by a man sitting alone.

This is JIMMY BOW, 30s.

 

                      VICTOR

           Do you mind?

 

                      JIMMY

           Please.


                                                            9.

 

 

Victor sits down.

 

                      JIMMY

           How far you going?

 

                      VICTOR

           Viren. It's in British Columbia. I've

           never been there before.

 

                      JIMMY

           You like mountains?

 

                      VICTOR

           The higher, the better.

 

                      JIMMY

           You'll love Viren then.

 

                      VICTOR

           How far are you going?

 

                      JIMMY

           Past Viren, to the end of the line.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

Viren is a small town in the foothills of rugged mountains.

 

Main Street. Taverns, shops.

 

A MAN stops at an alley. He looks up and down the street,

then darts into it.

 

 

EXT. ALLEY - DAY

 

The man continues forward, looking behind to make sure no

one has seen him.

 

He reaches a boarded-over building at the end of the alley.

He takes steps down to a basement door.

 

 

INT. ABANDONED BUILDING - BASEMENT - DAY

 

A 12-step meeting is in progress as the man enters late. He

takes a seat in the back.

 

Only a dozen or so people are in attendance. Some wear dark

glasses, despite the dim interior. All have sallow

complexions.

 

Sitting in the meeting together are Victoria and Martin. He

is holding his wife's hand.


                                                           10.

 

 

Victoria wears a scarf, a hat, dark glasses, looking like an

imitation of Greta Garbo in hiding.

 

The meeting is chaired by a WOMAN wearing too much makeup.

She looks a little ghoulish.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           Anyone else?

 

The man in back rises.

 

                      MAN

           I'm James, and I'm a vampire.

 

                      VOICES

           Hi, James, welcome!

 

                      MAN

           Last night I put my coffin in the

           closet -- and slept in a bed!

 

Scattered applause.

 

                      MAN

           I had a good night's sleep, too. And

           one more thing, you'll notice I

           stopped wearing dark glasses! Thank

           you.

 

He quickly sits down, grinning.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           We have time for one more.

 

Martin nudges his wife. She shakes her head.

 

He gives her a stare, Do it!

 

Victoria gives in and stands up.

 

                      CHAIRWOMAN

           Yes, dear?

 

All eyes are on Victoria.

 

                      VICTORIA

           My name's Victoria, and I'm a vampire.

 

People respond in unison.

 

                      PEOPLE

           Hi, Victoria, welcome!


                                                           11.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           Last week ... while we were on

           vacation ... I relapsed again. You

           probably read about it in the paper

           ... the young man at the resort ...

 

Scattered responses: surprise, groans of disappointment.

 

                      VICTORIA

           So it's back to square one.

 

Knowing nods around the room.

 

Martin reaches up, smiles, squeezes her hand. Tears well in

her eyes.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm going to really try to do better

           this time.

 

A few people applaud. Others look skeptical.

 

Above the chairwoman, a banner reads: "Vampires Anonymous"

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - DAY

 

Victor and Jimmy still sit over drinks.

 

                      JIMMY

           That's quite a story. Your parents

           must be as excited as you are.

 

                      VICTOR

           They don't know I'm coming.

 

                      JIMMY

           Really? That's even better. I'm sorry

           I'm on assignment, it would make a

           hell of a human interest story.

 

                      VICTOR

           On assignment?

 

                      JIMMY

           I write for The Spectacle.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry, I don't know it.

 

                      JIMMY

           One of those tabloids you see in the

           supermarket. We're the new kid on the

           block.


                                                           12.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           What's the assignment?

 

Jimmy grins.

 

                      JIMMY

           A guest at a resort was murdered. I'm

           supposed to show that a vampire did it.

 

A WAITER appears.

 

                      WAITER

           Another round, gentlemen?

 

                      JIMMY

           By all means.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Victor and Jimmy head back to their seats.

 

They reach a men's room.

 

                      VICTOR

           It was nice talking to you.

 

                      JIMMY

           Likewise.

 

Victor enters the men's room.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - MEN'S ROOM - DAY

 

Victor stares at his face in the mirror. He looks tired,

worried.

 

He turns on the water, stoops forward and splashes water on

his face.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - SUNSET

 

The train speeds along tracks at sunset. There are mountains

in the distance.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - DINING CAR - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy share a table again. They are dining.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it hard to write about something

           you know isn't true?


                                                           13.

 

 

Jimmy looks puzzled.

 

                      VICTOR

           "Boy born with three heads and each

           has the brain of a genius."

 

                      JIMMY

           You read the headlines. Everyone

           does, of course. Most people won't

           admit it.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it like writing humor? You're

           laughing as you do?

 

                      JIMMY

           Laughing all the way to the bank.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm curious. How do you track down a

           vampire?  How do you figure out what

           to write?

 

                      JIMMY

           I interview people. You can find

           someone who believes almost anything.

           Then it's just a matter of getting

           him to open up. And embellishing what

           he says so it's more colorful.

 

                      VICTOR

           Sounds like a very creative job.

 

                      JIMMY

           It pays the rent while I work on my

           novel.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

 

The train pulls into the station.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - TRAIN STATION - PLATFORM - NIGHT

 

Victor and Jimmy come off the train. Jimmy quickly lights a

cigarette.

 

Jimmy offers his hand.

 

                      JIMMY

           Good luck with meeting your parents.


                                                           14.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you. And you with finding your

           vampire.

 

Jimmy playfully crosses two index fingers to form a cross.

 

                      JIMMY

           Bring them on!

 

Victor laughs and heads out.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victoria and Martin sit at the dinner table, sipping wine.

Victoria has been crying.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, I couldn't help it. He was so

           beautiful.

 

                      MARTIN

           You were old enough to be his mother.

           It's always that way.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm sorry.

 

                      MARTIN

           What's going to be different this time?

 

                      VICTORIA

           I try. I really do. Maybe we should

           move.

 

                      MARTIN

           When has moving ever worked?

 

He finishes his wine and stands up.

 

                      VICTOR

           Don't hate me.

 

                      MARTIN

           I could never hate you. You disappoint

           me. I'm going to read.

 

                      VICTORIA

                (after him)

           I'll do better. I promise.

 

But even she doesn't look like she believes it.


                                                           15.

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Establishing.

 

 

INT. VIREN HOTEL - FRONT DESK - NIGHT

 

Victor is at the front desk. The CLERK returns a sheet of

paper.

 

                      CLERK

           That's just up the street and around

           the corner, sir. Less than a mile.

 

                      VICTOR

           Good, I can walk. Thank you very much.

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Victor comes outside and heads up the street.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victor arrives in front of the LeSeur apartment. He checks

the address with the one he has written down.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Martin is reading when the doorbell rings. He calls to

Victoria in another room.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll get it!

 

He goes to the door and opens it. He faces Victor.

 

A silence. Victor can't speak.

 

                      MARTIN

           Yes?

 

Victor clears his throat.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is this the LeSeur residence?

 

                      MARTIN

           It is.

 

                      VICTOR

           You're Martin LeSeur?


                                                           16.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           I am. And who are you?

 

                      VICTOR

           Sir, I think I'm your son.

 

Martin stares at him, waiting. Finally:

 

                      MARTIN

           My son?

 

                      VICTOR

           My name is Victor Montgomery. I was

           named after my stepparents, who

           adopted me when I was very young. For

           the past nine months, since my step

           parents died, I've been doing research

           to learn the identity of my birth

           parents.

 

                      MARTIN

           And if I told you I didn't have a son?

 

                      VICTOR

           Then there must be another Martin

           LeSeur.

 

Martin studies him.

 

                      MARTIN

           Can I buy you a drink? There's a pub

           around the corner.

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, sir.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll be just a moment.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victor and Martin come outside. They start walking to the pub.

 

They are awkward together, neither knowing what to say.

 

 

INT. PUB - NIGHT

 

Martin joins Victor at a table. He carries two pints of ale.

 

                      VICTOR

           I guess I should apologize.


                                                           17.

 

 

                      MARTIN

           Not at all.

 

                      VICTOR

           Sir?

 

                      MARTIN

           For God's sake, boy. Victor.

 

He reaches across the table and squeezes Victor's hand.

 

                      VICTOR

           Dad?

 

Martin nods, yes.

 

Victor takes his other hand. Neither knows what to say until:

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm so glad to see you. I never

           thought I would.

 

He grabs Victor by the back of the neck, pulls him forward,

and their foreheads touch.

 

                      MARTIN

           My son.

 

 

EXT. VIREN - NIGHT

 

Victor and Martin walk along a street.

 

                      MARTIN

           I want to forewarn you, your mother

           may not be able to handle this. She's

           often regretted giving you up for

           adoption.

 

                      VICTOR

           Really?

 

                      MARTIN

           She also hasn't been feeling well.

 

                      VICTOR

           I could come back tomorrow ... after

           you talk to her.

 

                      MARTIN

           Let me see how she's doing.

 

They arrive at the LeSeur apartment.


                                                           18.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

They enter.

 

                      MARTIN

           Make yourself comfortable.

 

He gestures to the living room.

 

                      MARTIN

           I'll be right back.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor comes into the living room.

 

The room is dark, gothic.

 

He finds a photograph on the mantle: the young Victoria is

holding a baby. Could it be himself?

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Victoria has fallen asleep. A magazine rests on the bed

beside her.

 

Martin approaches and touches her.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria?

 

She opens her eyes. She sees something in his expression.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What is it? What happened?

 

                      MARTIN

           I have wonderful news.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Victor still stares at the photograph when Martin leads

Victoria into the room. He holds her arm.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victor?

 

Victor turns.

 

                      MARTIN

           May I present your mother, Victoria

           LeSeur.


                                                           19.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor?

 

                      VICTOR

           Hello, mother.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Victor!

 

She races into his arms, and they embrace.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

An empty bottle of champagne is on the table. Victoria sits

next to Victor, Martin across from them.

 

                      MARTIN

           You must spend the night here.

 

                      VICTOR

           I've already paid for a room at the

           hotel. I have to call Margaret.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What's she like?

 

                      VICTOR

           Warm, thoughtful. You'll like her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, one day we'll be grandparents.

 

                      MARTIN

           I suppose we will.

 

                      VICTOR

           What time is it?

 

                      MARTIN

           You must be exhausted.

 

                      VICTORIA

           We're all exhausted! It's been such

           an extraordinary night.

 

                      VICTOR

           What time shall I come by in the

           morning?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're late sleepers. And we'll have

           to pack.  Why don't we meet you at

           the station for dinner? Say sixish?


                                                           20.

 

 

                      VICTOR

           Then you want to take the night train.

 

                      MARTIN

           It's the best we can do.

 

                      VICTOR

           I mean, that's fine! Dinner at the

           station it is.

 

 

EXT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Victoria and Martin escort Victor out.

 

Victoria embraces her son again. The look she gives him is

almost lustful.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You've grown into such a handsome boy!

 

                      VICTOR

           The photograph on the mantel ... ?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Of course it's you! I've looked at it

           every day these past ... how many

           years?

 

                      VICTOR

           Twenty-four.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Twenty-four years. But now we can

           start anew, can't we?

 

                      VICTOR

           Yes, we can.

 

                      MARTIN

           Goodnight, my son.

 

                      VICTOR

           Goodnight.

 

He walks away.

 

Victoria watches him until Martin takes her arm and leads

her back inside.

 

 

INT. LESEUR APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

They come back into the apartment.


                                                           21.

 

 

Victoria sees how Martin is looking at her.

 

                      VICTORIA

           What?

 

                      MARTIN

           This is not just another handsome

           young man. This is your son!

 

                      VICTORIA

           And he's come back to me!

 

 

EXT. VIREN HOTEL - DAY

 

Victor comes out the next morning.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Victor sight-seeing the town: having coffee at an outdoor

cafe; browsing through a bookstore; walking through a park.

 

 

INT. VIREN HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Victor closes his packed suitcase.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION - NIGHT

 

Victor stands at the station, waiting for his parents.

 

He sees them in the distance and waves.

 

Victoria and Martin arrive with a large amount of luggage.

 

Martin sees that Victor is surprised by how much they have.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're going to move. Your mother

           insists on living close to you.

 

Victor looks at his mother, who is smiling at him. He smiles

back.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - NIGHT

 

The threesome move down the aisle, looking for free seats.

 

They find some together and take them.


                                                           22.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - NIGHT

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria enter the club car. Jimmy is

sitting alone at a table.

 

                      JIMMY

           Victor! Please join me!

 

                      VICTOR

           Jimmy, what are you doing here?

 

                      JIMMY

           Story was a piece of cake. Join me,

           please.

 

                      VICTOR

           Thank you, we shall.

 

Everyone gets settled.

 

                      JIMMY

           You must be the parents.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'm sorry ... Martin, my father ...

           and my mother, Victoria.

 

                      JIMMY

           Victor told me the story. It's quite

           something.

 

 

EXT. COUNTRYSIDE - NIGHT

 

The train speeds along.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - CLUB CAR - NIGHT

 

The foursome at the table.

 

                      VICTOR

           How'd the interviews go?

 

                      JIMMY

           Quite predictable, actually.

 

Victoria looks at Victor.

 

                      VICTOR

           Jimmy is a writer.

 

                      JIMMY

           A real one when I have time. I'm only

           a hack to pay the rent.


                                                           23.

 

 

                      VICTORIA

           And what do you write about?

 

                      VICTOR

           He was interviewing people about

           vampires. You must've heard about the

           murder.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm not sure.

 

                      JIMMY

           A young man at Crown Mountain Resort

           was found with his throat slit. Some

           people interpreted this as the wound

           left by a vampire.

 

                      VICTORIA

           And what do you think?

 

                      JIMMY

           I don't believe in vampires, if

           that's what you're asking.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I do.

 

                      MARTIN

           She also believes in Santa Claus and

           the Tooth Fairy.

 

He grins.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN - NIGHT

 

The train speeds along.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - AISLE - NIGHT - LATER

 

Victor is moving down the aisle toward his seat.

 

Coming the other way is Victoria.

 

They meet and stop.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Is the rest room this way?

 

                      VICTOR

           Straight ahead.

 

They move to pass one another in the narrow aisle. There's

barely enough room.


                                                           24.

 

 

As they pass closely, chest to chest, Victoria's mouth comes

near Victor's neck.

 

Her mouth opens longingly before he passes on.

 

Then she watches him go.

 

 

EXT. TRAIN - DAY

 

The sun rises as the train continues its journey.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - SEATS - DAY

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria in their seats together.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're almost there, love. You may

           want to get ready.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I was just about to. Excuse me.

 

She takes a small suitcase and leaves.

 

 

INT. TRAIN - LADIES ROOM - DAY

 

Victoria has barely enough room to open the small suitcase.

 

She prepares for being exposed to the sun: she puts a

protective cream on her face and arms. Then she puts on the

same Greta Garbo outfit she wore before (sunglasses, scarf,

shade hat).

 

 

EXT. TRAIN STATION - DAY

 

The train pulls into the station.

 

Waiting for it are Margaret and Gladys.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'm nervous. I hope they come from

           good stock.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother, you are not going to act like

           a snob with them. Let them find out

           slowly.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'm just saying I hope he comes from

           a good gene pool.


                                                           25.

 

 

                      MARGARET

           It doesn't matter.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           It most certainly matters to your

           children!

 

Passengers disembark.

 

Victor, Martin and Victoria step off. Behind them is Jimmy.

 

Victor offers his hand.

 

                      VICTOR

           It's been a pleasure.

 

                      JIMMY

           The same.

 

                      VICTOR

           I'd like to invite you to my wedding.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'd love to come.

 

Margaret spots Victor.

 

                      MARGARET

           Victor! Victor!

 

She heads off, with her mother following.

 

Everyone meets. All eyes turn to Victor to make the

introductions.

 

                      VICTOR

           Mrs. Waller, I'm pleased to present

           my parents.

 

Gladys can't take her eyes off Victoria but recovers enough

to fake cordiality.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           This is such an honor.

 

Victoria immediately figures her out and plays along.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Likewise, I'm sure.

 

Victor and Margaret exchange a look of relief. They seem to

get along.

 

The Waller limo pulls up, and the CHAUFFEUR, Daniel, hops

out to open the door.


                                                           26.

 

 

He's a hunk, and Victoria immediately notices.

 

Martin notices Victoria admiring the chauffeur and discreetly

elbows her.

 

 

INT. WALLER LIMO - DAY

 

Everyone has plenty of room in the back of the Waller limo.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Of course you'll stay with me. I have

           so much room, especially since Edgar

           died. I need someone besides the help

           to talk to.

 

                      MARTIN

           Thank you, but we can't. We have a

           terrible affliction, I'm afraid:

           we're really very private people.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I don't blame you! There are so few

           people in the world worth knowing.

 

                      MARGARET

           Mother ...

 

                      MARTIN

           Any hotel that's convenient would be

           fine.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           At least let me get you a suite at

           the Ambassador.

 

                      MARTIN

           I wouldn't think--

 

But he stops when Victoria elbows him.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Do they have a swimming pool?

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Olympic size, I'm sure.

 

Gladys picks up the limo phone and punches a button.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

The limo pulls in front of the Ambassador Hotel.

 

A DOORMAN rushes forward to open the door.


                                                           27.

 

 

INT. WALLER LIMO - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria maneuver to get out.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I'll send the limo at ten. It will

           give us a chance to visit before the

           wedding. Or is that too early?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Perhaps a little.

 

                      MARTIN

           Ten is fine.

 

They step out.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria watch the limo pull away.

 

                      MARTIN

           Poor Victor.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I don't know what he sees in her.

 

                      MARTIN

           I meant the mother. And I saw the way

           you looked at the chauffeur.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Looking does not mean touching, Martin.

 

She smiles but he doesn't look convinced.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - NIGHT

 

Victor is saying goodnight to Margaret. They break an embrace.

 

                      MARGARET

           I'm so happy for you. It's almost a

           miracle, isn't it?

 

                      VICTOR

           The timing couldn't be better.

 

                      MARGARET

           Tomorrow at this time, I'll be Mrs.

           Victor Montgomery.

 

They embrace and kiss again.


                                                           28.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

A stage, tents, tables. The set up for the wedding is

extravagant. It looks like a festival is going on.

 

In the distance, a tennis court. A swimming pool.

 

Dozens of early GUESTS are mingling as a stream of others

arrive.

 

Gladys is looking for someone. Finally she finds her

chauffeur.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Daniel!

 

He comes running to her.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           You're to pick up Victor's parents at

           the Ambassador.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           I know, Mrs. Waller. At ten, I believe.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           Oh, do it earlier. It will give us

           more time to get to know one another.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Certainly, madam.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Martin comes into the room.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria, are you ready yet?

 

No reply. He goes through the suite, looking for her.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - SWIMMING POOL - DAY

 

Victoria is swimming laps as fast as she can. She is

exhausting herself.

 

Martin appears.

 

                      MARTIN

           Victoria! We're running late.


                                                           29.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Victoria is sitting on a wooden chair, breathing heavily,

still exhausted.

 

Martin is behind her, massaging her shoulders, trying to get

her relaxed.

 

                      MARTIN

           Better?

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, you know what I need.

 

                      MARTIN

           It's only what you think you need.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I have such strong cravings--

 

                      MARTIN

           I'm going to find a meeting.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Here?

 

                      MARTIN

           I don't expect to find the meeting

           you need. But twelve steps are twelve

           steps.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

Martin and Victoria come out and get into a cab. Victoria is

still covered to protect herself from the sun.

 

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

The CABBY turns around.

 

                      CABBY

           Where to, folks?

 

                      MARTIN

           We're looking for a 12-step meeting.

 

                      CABBY

           What kind?

 

                      MARTIN

           It doesn't matter.


                                                           30.

 

 

                      CABBY

           I know an AA meeting that started at

           nine. It's only a couple miles from

           here.

 

                      MARTIN

           Perfect.

 

 

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - BASEMENT - DAY

 

The meeting is already in progress when Martin and Victoria

enter in back.

 

They find empty chairs and sit down.

 

 

EXT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - DAY

 

The Waller limo parks. The chauffeur gets out and enters the

hotel.

 

 

INT. AMBASSADOR HOTEL - FRONT DESK - DAY

 

The chauffeur waits as a DESK CLERK buzzes the room. He

gives up.

 

                      DESK CLERK

           They don't answer, sir.

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           Have they gone out?

 

                      DESK CLERK

           I just got on.

 

Another EMPLOYEE passes by.

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           Who are you looking for?

 

                      DESK CLERK

           Mr. and Mrs. LeSeur.

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           The lady in the Hollywood starlet

           disguise, like she doesn't want to be

           recognized?

 

                      CHAUFFEUR

           That's the one.


                                                           31.

 

 

                      HOTEL EMPLOYEE

           They left in a cab about half an hour

           ago.

 

 

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - BASEMENT - DAY

 

Victoria stands up.

 

                      VICTORIA

           My name's Victoria and I'm a ...

 

She stops. Everyone waits.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm a ... an addict.

 

                      EVERYONE

           Hi, Victoria! Welcome!

 

                      VICTORIA

           I'm new ... I mean, I've never been

           to this meeting before ... we live in

           Viren, in British Columbia, my

           husband and I ... or did. We're here

           for my son's wedding. I think we'll

           move permanently, to be closer to him.

           ... I don't know why I'm so nervous.

           I do this sort of thing all the time

           in Viren.

 

                      SOMEONE IN AUDIENCE

           You're doing fine.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Thank you. ... I woke up this morning

           with the shakes. I needed ... I

           needed, well, a drink, yes ... I

           needed a drink so bad! ... Sometimes

           a good swim will stop my cravings but

           today it didn't work.

 

Knowing nods around the room.

 

                      VICTORIA

           I got the shakes and couldn't stop.

           Martin, my husband, insisted on

           bringing me here. We didn't even know

           if we could find a meeting or not. On

           such short notice, you know ... but

           we did, and being here is really

           helping me. It truly is. Thank you so

           much for being here for me.

 

She sits down. Everyone applauds wildly.


                                                           32.

 

 

Victoria turns to Martin. He smiles and nods.

 

 

EXT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

The chauffeur has explained the situation to Gladys.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           They're not here, and they're not

           there, so I have no idea where they

           can be. Shopping. They must be

           shopping. They probably didn't have

           time to buy a wedding gift. We just

           have to assume they'll be here on

           time, don't we?

 

 

EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH - DAY

 

The meeting is over. People come up out of the basement.

 

Martin and Victoria are shaking hands as people crowd around

to meet them.

 

Finally they are alone.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Martin, that's just what I needed.

           You're such a love.

 

                      MARTIN

           We're late. Let's find a cab.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - ROOM - DAY

 

From an upstairs room, Victor looks over the crowd below.

 

Jeff comes in.

 

Victor hears him and turns.

 

                      VICTOR

           Is it time?

 

                      JEFF

           We're waiting for your parents.

           They're late.

 

                      VICTOR

           Have you seen Janey?

 

                      JEFF

           I don't think she's coming. ... Say,

           Good, Jeff.


                                                           33.

 

 

                      VICTOR

                (ignoring this)

           I don't know why I'm so nervous.

 

                      JEFF

           Loosen up. You're supposed to be

           nervous.

 

 

INT. WALLER MANSION - BACK AREA - DAY

 

Wandering through the crowd is Jimmy.

 

Gladys spots him and approaches.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           I don't believe we've met. I'm Gladys

           Waller. You must be a friend of

           Victor's.

 

                      JIMMY

           Jimmy.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           It's so nice of you to come.

 

                      JIMMY

           I'm honored to be here.

 

                      GLADYS WALLER

           We'll be starting very soon now!

 

She hustles away to play hostess with someone else.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

A cab is caught in traffic.

 

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

Victoria and Martin sit in the back seat.

 

                      VICTORIA

           Relax, dear. It's not the end of the

           world.

 

                      MARTIN

           We don't dare be late. Our only son,

           his only wedding.

 

                      VICTORIA

           You don't know that.