RECOVERY

 

                    written by Charles Deemer

 

 

 

                                                             FADE IN:

 

 

          INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - THERAPY ROOM -  EVENING

 

          A nurse, MOLLY, is helping an OLD WOMAN walk when another

          NURSE comes up.

 

          Molly, who came of age in the late sixties and early

          seventies, is slender and (despite the white uniform) a

          little bohemian-looking in her wire frame glasses.  She

          looks every bit of the folk singer she still manages to be

          in her off-duty life.

 

                                          NURSE

                         Sorry I'm late.

                              (to the old woman)

                         Mary, look at you!  You're doing

                         great.

 

          Molly and the other nurse exchange places.

 

                                          NURSE

                              (to Molly)

                         I hope I'm not screwing you up.

                         Tonight's the night, isn't it?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I don't start til nine, and I'm

                         doing gallery row before then.

 

                                          NURSE

                         Good luck!  Sorry I'll miss you.

 

          Molly waves thanks and is gone.

 


 

                                                                        2.

 

 

 

          INT. RETIREMENT CENTER - NURSE'S LOUNGE - EVENING

 

          Molly is just finishing changing from her uniform to

          civilian dress (on the bohemian side) when the HEAD NURSE

          enters.

 

                                          HEAD NURSE

                         Good, I caught you before you left.

                         The board approved your promotion.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         That's great.

 

                                          HEAD NURSE

                         Now if we don't lose you to

                         Nashville . . .  your concert's

                         tonight, isn't it?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Playing in a bar is not a concert,

                         and Nashville doesn't like folk

                         music.  I'm running late - thanks

                         for the good news.

 

          And she's gone.

 

 

          EXT. DOWNTOWN CITY - ART GALLERY - NIGHT

 

          It's "First Thursday" night, a time when art galleries open

          their doors to an habitual throng of gallery-goers.  Foot

          traffic is considerable along gallery row in the city (we'll

          call it Minneapolis).

 

 

          INT. ART GALLERY - NIGHT

 

          The atmosphere inside a gallery is as festive as a major

          opening, helped along by the generous offerings of wine and

          cheese.

 

          Standing before an abstract painting are Molly and her best

          friend, ANN.  The latter, too, grew up as a part of the Love

          Generation.

 

          Ann, who has put on considerable weight over the years,

          flaunts her Earth-motherliness in bright colors and

          flamboyant dress.

 

          Each woman has a glass of wine; Ann is nibbling on cheese

          and crackers.

 

 


 

                                                                        3.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         My Mary learned to walk again

                         today.  It was incredible to see.

                              (studying the painting)

                         I don't like this at all.

 

                                          ANN

                         They can put whatever they want on

                         the walls - the food's always

                         great.  I'm getting more wine - you

                         ready?

 

          Molly finishes her drink.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I have to go.

 

                                          ANN

                         You don't start til nine, do you?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I have to pick up my guitar and run

                         an errand.  Are you going to come

                         by?

 

                                          ANN

                         I wouldn't miss it for the world.

                         I haven't heard you in ages.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You hear me all the time.

 

                                          ANN

                         I mean, with a real audience and

                         everything.  It's been over a year.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Try almost two.

 

                                          ANN

                         See what I mean?  Of course, I'll

                         be there.  Maybe not til the last

                         set, I have a pile of papers to

                         grade.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'll look for you.

 

          They embrace, and Molly is gone.

 


 

                                                                        4.

 

 

 

          EXT. MOLLY'S APARTMENT - STREET - NIGHT

 

          A cab pulls up in front of Molly's apartment building.  She

          gets out and talks to the driver.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'll just be a minute.

 

 

          INT. MOLLY'S APT - NIGHT

 

          Molly comes in, turning on the light.  Her apartment is

          decorated with sixties era rock posters and psychedelic art.

 

          She punches her answering machine and, while it plays,

          fetches her guitar from the adjacent room and returns to

          listen.

 

                                          ANSWERING MACHINE

                         Hi, Molly, it's me.  Great party!

                         You give me the worst hangovers.

                         I'll try you later. . . .

                         (beep) . . . Molly, It's Barbara.

                         I got a very strange call from some

                         guy named Bruce today, who says

                         he's an old friend of yours.  He

                         saw my name on our album and got me

                         through information.  I don't

                         know -  something about him struck

                         me wrong, so I didn't tell him

                         anything.  Give me a call, would

                         you?  I don't know why, but he

                         really upset me.  Thanks.  Oh - the

                         party was great.

 

          The messages are over.

 

          The latter message has stopped Molly in her tracks.  She

          stares at the machine, as if wishing the last message would

          go away.

 

          Then, with a deep breath, she's out of there.

 

 

          EXT. ART GALLERY - NIGHT

 

          Ann and several other women come out of a gallery.  Ann is

          stuffing food from inside into her purse.

 

 


 

                                                                        5.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          WOMAN #1

                         How about going up to the Rainbow

                         next?

 

                                          WOMAN #2

                         Everyone agree?

 

                                          ANN

                         I'm going home.  I have a pile of

                         papers to grade.

 

                                          WOMAN #2

                         Call me tomorrow?

 

                                          ANN

                         Sure.  Molly's playing at the Goose

                         Hollow tonight - I'm going to try

                         and make the last set.

 

                                          WOMAN #1

                         I read something in the Weekly

                         about that.

 

          Ann starts to move off.

 

                                          ANN

                         Be there or be square!

 

                                          WOMAN #2

                         Is folksinging coming back?

 

                                          ANN

                         It never went anywhere - just the

                         audiences did!

 

          It's the curtain line she's been looking for, and with a

          flamboyant gesture, Ann is on her way.

 

 

          EXT. ANN'S APARTMENT BUILDING - NIGHT

 

          Ann comes up the steps to her apartment building and unlocks

          the main door.

 

 

          INT. ANN'S APT BLDG - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

          She unlocks the door to her apartment.  She hesitates a

          moment, as if sensing  that something isn't right.  Then she

          enters.

 


 

                                                                        6.

 

 

 

          INT. ANN'S APT - NIGHT

 

          She comes into the apartment and turns on the light.

          Bright, almost day-glo, colors fill the apartment and jump

          out at us.

 

                                          BRUCE

                              (O.S.)

                         Where the hell you been, Annie?

 

          Ann jumps.  Her hand goes to her chest.

 

          BRUCE, who has been seated on the sofa, stands up and enters

          the front foyer.  He's a well-built rugged type in his

          forties; his physique masks considerable intelligence.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Don't you recognize me?

 

                                          ANN

                         Bruce.  How'd you get in here?

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I didn't get where I've been by

                         letting a few locks stop me.

                         You've gotten fat.

 

                                          ANN

                         Wonderful to see you, too.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I'm looking for Heather.  Or Molly,

                         as she calls herself now.

 

          Ann is quickly recovering, thinking on her feet, trying to

          wiggle her way out of the confrontation she's sure is

          coming.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'd love to chat, but I'm running

                         late.  So if you don't mind- . . .

 

          As she tries to escort him out, Bruce grabs her by the arm,

          hurting her.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I do mind.  Where's Heather?

 

                                          ANN

                         You're hurting me.

 

 


 

                                                                        7.

 

 

 

 

 

          He lets go.

 

                                          ANN

                         I didn't know you were out.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Too bad, right?  I could've gotten

                         life, for all you care.  So tell me

                         how to find Heather, and I'll be on

                         my way.

 

                                          ANN

                         We're not close any more.

 

          He grabs her again.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I know goddamn well you know where

                         she is.

 

          Ann, for all her size, is terrified of him.

 

 

          INT. CLUB - NIGHT

 

          Goose Hollow is a bar with the atmosphere of a sixties

          coffee house.

 

          Molly is finger-picking guitar and singing from a small

          stage, to scattered tables of customers.  She's not bad at

          all.

 

                                          MOLLY

                              (singing, traditional)

                         Gonna lay down my old guitar

                         Lay down my old guitar

                         Wish I could strap it to my side

                         And take it along with me

 

          Molly finishes the final chorus and ends.  Scattered

          applause, some polite, some very enthusiastic.

 

 

          EXT. CLUB - STREET - NIGHT

 

          A cab pulls up in front of Goose Hollow and Ann gets out.

          She is holding a handkerchief to her mouth.

 


 

                                                                        8.

 

 

 

          INT. CLUB - NIGHT

 

          Molly is taking a break.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Thank you, you're a wonderful

                         audience.  I'll be back in ten or

                         fifteen minutes.

 

          She steps off the stage, moving to a table of friends.

 

          Ann comes in, looking around, and finds Molly.

 

 

          INT. CLUB - AT THE TABLE - NIGHT

 

          Molly has just joined her friends when Ann comes up.  The

          handkerchief at her mouth is bloody.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Ann--!

 

          When Ann talks, she reveals a lost front tooth.

 

                                          ANN

                         Bruce is out - he's looking for

                         you.

 

          Molly embraces Ann, comforting her.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         We're going to the police.

 

                                          ANN

                              (privately)

                         You can't afford to get involved.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Don't be ridiculous.

 

 

          INT. POLICE STATION - NIGHT

 

          Molly is sitting in a waiting area.  Seeing someone coming,

          she stands.

 

          A police officer escorts Ann to the waiting area.

 

 


 

                                                                        9.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          POLICE OFFICER

                         We have her statement.  Is there

                         someplace you two can stay tonight?

                         Where he wouldn't know about to

                         find you?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         In other words, we're not getting

                         protection.  You're too busy.

 

                                          POLICE OFFICER

                         Ma'am, our resources are too

                         limited to-- . . .

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Fine.  Let's get out of here.

 

          As they start away, Ann turns to say something.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Ann, forget it.

 

          Ann does.  They continue on silently, cynically accepting

          that the police can't help them.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL - FRONT DESK - NIGHT

 

          Molly is signing in.  Ann waits behind her, swollen but

          cleaned up now.

 

          Getting the key, Molly leads the way to the elevators.

 

                                          ANN

                         You can't hide from him forever.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm not hiding.  I'm buying time to

                         think.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL ROOM - TABLE - DAY

 

          Molly and Ann sit over coffee the next day.  There is

          tension in the silence between them.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm going to leave town for a

                         while.

 

 


 

                                                                        10.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ANN

                         If you run away-- . . .

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Somehow or other, he must've heard

                         the album, recognized me, and

                         tracked me down that way.  I can't

                         let him terrorize every friend I

                         have.  Sooner or later, he'll hurt

                         somebody bad enough to find me.

 

                                          ANN

                         You can't hide from him the rest of

                         your life.  And where would you go?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I know a guy in Oregon.  He's

                         invited me to visit.

 

          This is news to Ann, whose reaction shows it.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I met him at the workshop in

                         Colorado last summer.  We've been

                         corresponding.  I told you about

                         him.

 

                                          ANN

                         Fred?  That guy?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Frank.

 

                                          ANN

                         He's been writing you, and you

                         didn't tell me?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         What are you, my mother?

                         Seriously, I'm sure I could crash

                         at his place for a while.  Maybe if

                         Bruce finds out I'm out of town,

                         he'll go away.  I'm ready for a

                         vacation anyway.

 

                                          ANN

                         Some vacation.  You can't just put

                         your life on hold because he's

                         back.

 

 


 

                                                                        11.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I don't know what else to do.

 

          There's a silence.

 

                                          ANN

                         Let's set a trap for him.  Send him

                         back to prison where he belongs.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         He never belonged in prison.

 

                                          ANN

                         How can you still defend him?  I'm

                         lucky I only lost a tooth.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You never approved of Bruce, fine,

                         and I'm certainly not justifying

                         what he did to you.  I'm saying he

                         didn't deserve all the time he got

                         for having grandiose ideas of

                         overthrowing the government.  He's

                         a victim of the paranoia of the

                         sixties.

 

                                          ANN

                         You're forgetting something.  He

                         probably blames you.  That's why

                         he's here.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I know.  I'm afraid of him, Ann . .

                         . . I'm terrified . . .

 

          Ann reaches over the table and takes her hand.

 

 

          EXT. RENTAL CAR LOT - DAY

 

          Molly has just rented a car.

 

          A second car pulls into the lot, driven by Ann.  She gets

          out and goes directly to the trunk.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Any problem?

 

 


 

                                                                        12.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ANN

                         I took three buses to get to where

                         I rented this, just to be on the

                         safe side.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         And no sign of him?

 

                                          ANN

                         Nope.

 

          They transfer Molly's luggage from the trunk of Ann's rented

          car to the trunk of Molly's rented car.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'm spending the day at the lake.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Good for you.

 

          The bags are moved.  Molly and Ann embrace.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'll miss you.  Call me often.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You go right to the police if he

                         comes by again.

 

                                          ANN

                         No problem!

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Actually I decided there's a good

                         side to all this.  I really do need

                         a break from work.

 

                                          ANN

                         Always the infernal optimist.  How

                         far you plan to drive today?

                         When's Frank expecting you?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Frank won't know I'm coming until

                         he listens to his answering

                         machine.

 

                                          ANN

                         You're leaving before telling him?

 

 


 

                                                                        13.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         If he can't put me up, I'll think

                         of something else.  I have no plans

                         - that's the beauty of it!  This is

                         the first vacation I've taken out

                         of town in years.  I'm going to

                         enjoy it.

 

          She gets into the car.

 

                                          ANN

                         Bullshit.  This has us both scared

                         to death.  Call me when you get

                         settled tonight.  I'm sure I'll be

                         home by nine.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Maybe not:  if you meet a mermale,

                         honey, who knows when you'll get

                         home?

 

          She starts the engine and pulls away.

 

                                          ANN

                         Love you!  Call me!

 

 

          INT./EXT. A SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

 

          as Molly heads out of the city in her rented car, driving

          west.

 

          At first, she looks tense as she drives, frequently checking

          the rearview mirror, but the more the miles pile up, the

          more she is able to relax.

 

          Finally, on the open highway, she is able to turn on the

          radio and sing along with a song she likes.  It's beginning

          to feel a little like a vacation.

 

 

          INT./EXT. HIGHWAY - CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly's car drives along the highway.

 

          A motel is ahead, and she slows down for it.  Before she

          gets to the entrance, she passes a stranded MOTORIST,

          standing beside his raised hood.

 

 


 

                                                                        14.

 

 

 

 

 

          As Molly passes, he waves frantically at her, looking a wee

          bit crazed, but she passes him and goes ahead to turn into

          the motel.

 

 

          INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Molly has just dialed Ann's number from the motel room.  She

          gets an answering machine.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Ann, it's me.  I'm worried that

                         you're not home.  Mermales don't

                         exist, we both know that.  So where

                         the hell are you?  Call me the

                         minute you get in.  Damn, I have to

                         get the number.  I'll call you

                         right back.

 

          She hangs up.  She's very worried about her friend.

 

 

          INT. MOTEL ROOM - LATER - NIGHT

 

          The lights are out, and Molly is asleep.  The phone rings.

 

          Molly turns on the bedside lamp and answers it.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Hello?  Ann?

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

          Ann is calling from Barbara's house.  BARBARA, a woman in

          her late thirties, stands beside her.

 

                                          ANN

                         It's me.  I just got your message.

                         I'm spending the night at

                         Barbara's.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         What happened?

 

                                          ANN

                         Nothing.  My nerves got to me.  I

                         needed company.

 

 


 

                                                                        15.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Has Bruce shown up again?

 

                                          ANN

                         No sign of him.  No news is good

                         news, I guess.  Did you get ahold

                         of Frank?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Not yet.  Have you told Barbara

                         about me and Bruce?

 

                                          ANN

                         Of course not.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Thanks.

 

                                          ANN

                         Molly, this is nuts.  You don't

                         even know where you'll be staying.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm fine, really I am.  I'm great.

                         I just worry about you two.

 

                                          ANN

                         Don't.  If he shows his face again,

                         we're going straight to the police.

                         I think he left town.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I hope you're right.  I'll check in

                         with you tomorrow.

 

          She hangs up.

 

          Before getting into bed, she hears something outside.  She

          turns out the bedside lamp and moves to the front window,

          hiding behind the drapes.

 

          She carefully parts the drapes and looks outside.

 

 

          EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - NIGHT

 

          Outside, the motorist who was having trouble earlier is

          working on his car, trying to see under a slowly fading

          flashlight.

 

          A whiskey bottle is balanced on the front fender.

 


 

                                                                        16.

 

 

 

          INT. MOTEL

 

          Molly closes the drapes and goes back to bed.

 

 

          EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

          Molly comes out to her car.  Beside her rental is the car of

          the stranded motorist, and Molly notices that the man is

          asleep on the back seat.

 

          She gets into her car, making an effort to be quiet so as

          not to wake the motorist.  She starts the engine, backs up,

          and is on her way again.

 

 

          EXT./INT. HIGHWAY - CAR - DAY

 

          Molly is back on the road, singing along with the radio.

 

 

          EXT. MOTEL - PARKING LOT - DAY

 

          The disheveled motorist climbs out of the car, looking like

          a hungover wreck.

 

          Across the way, a CLEANING WOMAN notices him.  She starts

          toward him, carrying her mop like a weapon.

 

                                          CLEANING WOMAN

                         You get out of here!

 

          The motorist regards her as more nuisance than threat but he

          still makes sure he is behind the wheel before she arrives.

 

          Now a MANAGER from the front desk has come out to see what

          the ruckus is about.

 

          The motorist starts the car and starts backing up.  The

          cleaning woman is heading toward his car with the mop.

 

          The motorist speeds out of the lot as the woman shakes her

          fist at him.

 

 

          INT. MOTORIST'S CAR - DAY

 

          He's relieved to be out of there.

 

          He reaches under the front seat as he drives and pulls out a

          pint bottle.  He skillfully opens it with one hand and takes

          a nip.

 


 

                                                                        17.

 

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

          The motorist's car moves along the same highway in the same

          direction that Molly traveled.

 

 

          EXT. SMALL TOWN - STREET - DAY

 

          Molly's car is parked at a phone booth along Main Street in

          a small town.

 

 

          INT. PHONE BOOTH

 

          Molly finally has reached Frank.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         No, that's wonderful!  Frank, I'm

                         so happy for you. . . . I'm just

                         surprised.  I mean, I don't

                         remember you telling me you were

                         engaged. . . . Well, I'm taking my

                         time, you know?, just relaxing and,

                         well, taking my time. . . . Of

                         course, I'll call you the minute I

                         arrive. . . . Congratulations

                         again, Frank.  I'm very happy for

                         you. . . . Bye.

 

          She hangs up.

 

          For the first time, she realizes she is on the road with no

          place to go and no plan.

 

          She also realizes disappointment that Frank has married,

          ending the long-distance fantasy of having a romantic

          relationship with him.

 

          She gets back into her car.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          She starts the engine but doesn't move off.  She's thinking.

          And thinking.

 

          Finally, as if suddenly inspired, she peels out.

 


 

                                                                        18.

 

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          As if making some kind of decision, she turns the radio up

          louder than before.  She's trying very hard to be foot loose

          and fancy free - but only partially succeeding at it.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

          Molly's car moves along a deserted highway.

 

 

          INT. CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly looks deep in thought.  The radio music is soft.

 

          Suddenly the car begins to shake - she's blown a front tire.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - THE CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly manages to get the car to the side of the road and

          stops.

 

 

          INT. CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly takes a deep breath, fully understanding her

          predicament.

 

                                          MOLLY

                              (under her breath)

                         Goddamn you, Frank . . .

 

          As if surprised by what she just heard herself say, she puts

          one hand to her mouth, stifling amusement at herself.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - THE CAR - NIGHT

 

          She gets out of the car and opens the trunk.  Looking inside

          in the darkness, she can't see a thing.

 

          Molly looks worried.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - LATER - NIGHT

 

          Molly's car is still parked along the road.  The trunk door

          is still up.

 

          In the distance, the motorist's car approaches.

 


 

                                                                        19.

 

 

 

          INT. MOLLY'S CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly sits behind the steering wheel, waiting.  The

          approaching headlights get her attention, and she gets out.

 

 

          INT. MOTORIST'S CAR - NIGHT

 

          The motorist sees the car ahead and slows down.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

          The motorist's car parks behind Molly's car.  She approaches

          the car as he gets out.

 

          From now on, the motorist is called by his name, which is

          ROGER.  Roger is tall and slender and, when sober, a

          goodlooking man.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I remember you.  You turned into

                         the motel without helping me.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Pardon me?

 

                                          ROGER

                         You wouldn't help me last night.

                         See there?  What goes around, comes

                         around.

 

          Molly has recognized him, too, but doesn't want to admit it.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You must have me confused with

                         someone else.  I have a flat

                         and-- . . . .

 

                                          ROGER

                         You're lucky I don't hold grudges.

 

          He moves to the trunk.  Molly joins him, and they both stare

          into the dark compartment, which is only moderately lighted

          by the headlights behind them.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I don't see a jack.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Don't you have one?

 

 


 

                                                                        20.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         I loaned mine to a friend in

                         Chicago.  I can give you a ride til

                         we find a gas station that's open.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You're driving without a jack?

                         Isn't that a tiny bit reckless?

 

                                          ROGER

                         Well, I don't have the flat, do I?

 

          He starts back to his own car.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Wait a minute!

 

          She isn't sure what to do.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I don't feel right leaving my bags

                         here.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I got lots of room.  You coming?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Yes, I'm coming.  I'll get my bags.

 

          She moves off as Roger follows to help.

 

 

          INT. ROGER'S CAR - NIGHT

 

          Molly's bags are piled in the back seat.  They've been

          silent for a while.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You're coming from Chicago?

 

                                          ROGER

                         That's my home.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Where you headed?

 

                                          ROGER

                         Vancouver, Washington.

 

 


 

                                                                        21.

 

 

 

 

 

          He reaches under the seat and gets the bottle.  He takes a

          nip.  Then he offers the bottle to Molly.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         No thanks.  You always drink when

                         you drive?

 

                                          ROGER

                         I always drink, period.  That's why

                         I'm going to Vancouver.  The VA has

                         a treatment center there.  And it's

                         very far away from Chicago.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You're going into treatment?

 

                                          ROGER

                         This stuff is killing me.

 

          Having said so, he takes another nip.

 

          Molly looks out the window, wondering what kind of nut she

          has hooked up with.  She snuggles against the door and

          closes her eyes.

 

 

          EXT. SMALL TOWN - NIGHT

 

          Roger's car pulls to the curb in a small town.  Down the

          street, a gas station is open under bright lights.

 

 

          INT. CAR

 

          Molly has fallen asleep, and Roger gently wakes her.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Mmm . . .?

 

                                          ROGER

                         We're here.  Your gas station is

                         open.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Oh . . .

 

                                          ROGER

                         I'd like to make you an offer.

 

 


 

                                                                        22.

 

 

 

 

 

          Molly is suddenly awake, thinking the worst.

 

                                          ROGER

                         That didn't sound right.  Listen,

                         I'm really tired and need some

                         sleep.  But I need to make time,

                         too.  If you'll come with me to

                         Vancouver, I've figured everything

                         out - how you can come back and get

                         your car and everything.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I rented it.

 

                                          ROGER

                         That's even better.  Then you can

                         turn it in and save some money.

                         Drive with me as far as Vancouver

                         and I'll give you my car.  You

                         know, like for wages.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         That's crazy.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I won't need it for seven months,

                         maybe longer.  I'm serious here.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

          The car is parked along the road, as the discussion

          continues.

 

          Then Molly and Roger get out of the car, exchanging seats.

 

          With Molly behind the wheel, they are back on the road

          again.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - LATER - DAWN

 

          The car continues along the highway near sunrise.

 

 

          INT. CAR

 

          Molly is still driving, looking very tired.

 

 


 

                                                                        23.

 

 

 

 

 

          Roger, asleep in the seat beside her, stirs.  He coughs and

          sits up.  He reaches under her seat, looking for the bottle,

          still coughing.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You all right?

 

          He finds the bottle.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Do you always wake up like this?

 

                                          ROGER

                              (coughing)

                         I'll be fine in a minute.

 

          He takes a swig.  He clears his throat and takes a second

          swig.  Then he returns the bottle.

 

                                          ROGER

                         You tired?

 

          Molly hesitates, uncertain about his driving and drinking.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I'm a safer driver with a little

                         booze in me than with the shakes,

                         if that's what you're worried

                         about.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I am tired.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - SUNRISE

 

          The car pulls to the side of the road, and they get out and

          exchange places.

 

          And the car is back on the road again.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          Roger is still driving when Molly wakes up on the seat

          beside him.  He looks better than we've seen him, more awake

          and sober-looking and relaxed.

 

 


 

                                                                        24.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         Good afternoon.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Hi.  How long did I sleep?

 

                                          ROGER

                         As long as you needed, I guess.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Where are we?

 

                                          ROGER

                         Almost out of Montana, almost into

                         Idaho.  God's country.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

          And God's country it is, as the car travels a highway cut

          between canyons in the Rocky Mountains.

 

 

          INT. CAFE - DAY

 

          They are finishing up a meal in a small cafe.  Roger is

          drinking a beer, Molly coffee.

 

                                          ROGER

                         So I figure the third time's the

                         charm.  The VA program has the

                         reputation of being one of the

                         toughest in the country.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm not sure what that means.

 

                                          ROGER

                         In terms of not putting up with

                         your shit.  Alcoholics drink to

                         avoid dealing with their feelings.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Really?  I thought that described

                         men in general.

 

 


 

                                                                        25.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         Touche.  Anyway, I do 28-days as an

                         in-patient, then transfer to six

                         months in the Domiciliary.  I

                         figure if I'm not dry in seven

                         months, I'll never be dry.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         It must be costing you a small

                         fortune.

 

                                          ROGER

                         It's not costing me a cent.  I'm a

                         veteran.  That's one advantage of

                         being male, I guess.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Believe it or not, I'm a vet

                         myself.  Four years in the Air

                         Force.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Really?  You don't look the type.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I joined right after high school,

                         thinking I'd make a career of it.

 

                                          ROGER

                         What happened?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I met my husband.  Ex-husband.

 

                                          ROGER

                         He didn't approve of women in the

                         military?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         He didn't approve of anyone in the

                         military.  He was an activist

                         against the Vietnam War.  Among

                         other things.

 

          Roger looks at her but lets this pass without comment.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - DAY

 

          The car continues west, now out of the Rockies and into

          rolling hills, the Palousse farmland of northern Idaho.

 


 

                                                                        26.

 

 

 

          INT. CAR

 

          Molly is driving now.  They are entering a small town.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I need to stop at a phone booth.

 

                                          ROGER

                         You ready to eat?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Sure.

 

 

          EXT. TOWN - MAIN STREET - DAY

 

          They park along Main Street and enter a cafe.

 

 

          INT. CAFE

 

          Roger gets a booth while Molly goes to the pay phone.

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

          Ann is taking the phone call from her office at a community

          college.

 

                                          ANN

                         He's married!  So what are you

                         going to do?  Where are you going

                         to stay?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm taking a guy to the VA in

                         Vancouver, Washington.  He's giving

                         me his car for wages.

 

                                          ANN

                         What are you talking about?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         It's a long story, I only have

                         change for three minutes.  I just

                         wanted you to know I'm fine.  What

                         about you?  Has Bruce shown up

                         again?

 

                                          ANN

                         No sign of him.

 

 


 

                                                                        27.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Good.  Maybe it's over.

 

                                          ANN

                         More reason to come right home.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I think I'm having a good time - I

                         really do!  Sort of like an

                         adventure.

 

                                          ANN

                         Molly, I-- . . .

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I can't talk now.  I'll call soon,

                         bye.

 

          She hangs up.

 

 

          EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

 

          Roger is driving.  Molly, napping, stirs and sits up,

          looking out the window.

 

                                          ROGER

                         "It's a big river!"  We picked up

                         the Columbia River.  We're only a

                         few hours away.  I can't check in

                         until tomorrow morning.  We can

                         spend the night in Portland.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         This is really something, what

                         you're doing, isn't it?

 

                                          ROGER

                         I hope so.  I mean, it's come down

                         to a matter of life or death.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I've noticed you're not drinking as

                         much.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Good company.  We'll get two rooms

                         at a motel, how's that?  On me.

 

 


 

                                                                        28.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You don't have to pay for my room.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I don't think I would've made it

                         without you.  I'm serious.  I

                         really needed company.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I feel like I've slept most of the

                         way.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Do it as a favor to me.  It would

                         mean a lot.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Then thank you.

 

 

          EXT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

          They are carrying bags into adjoining rooms.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I'd invite you over for coffee but

                         I'm bushed.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         See you in the morning.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Sleep tight.

 

 

          INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

          Molly is dialing a number on the motel's phone.

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

          Ann answers from her apartment, with Bruce standing beside

          her, listening in.

 

                                          ANN

                         Hello?

 

 


 

                                                                        29.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm in Portland.

 

                                          ANN

                         Molly, I-- . . .

 

          Bruce takes the phone.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Hello there, "Molly."  Molly

                         McGuire, couldn't you do any better

                         than that?  You're not even Irish.

 

          Molly is stunned to hear the voice of her husband.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I get the idea you're avoiding me.

                         Why would you want to do that?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Bruce, if you hurt her again, I'm

                         going to-- . . .

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I lost my temper, and I'm sorry,

                         okay?  I need to talk to you.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Then talk.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         In person.  But I'm here, and

                         you're in Portland.

 

          Molly doesn't reply.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         I could fly there tonight.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         We have nothing to talk about.  And

                         you have no right to terrorize my

                         friends and-- . . .

 

                                          BRUCE

                         We have unfinished business,

                         "Angela X."  Heather, Molly,

                         whoever the hell you are.

                                          (MORE)

 

 


 

                                                                        30.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          BRUCE (cont'd)

                         I guess I don't know you at all,

                         married or  not.  We're still

                         married, aren't we?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I have nothing more to say to you.

                         Let me talk to Ann.

 

                                          BRUCE

                              (sudden anger)

                         I come out of the bank, and you're

                         gone!  You disappear!  I didn't

                         fire a shot but I'm the only one

                         left alive to take the rap!

 

                                          MOLLY

                              (softly, painfully)

                         I'm truly sorry for what happened.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         If you'd just been waiting in the

                         car, like you were supposed to be .

                         . . .

 

          She doesn't reply.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         It's all I've thought about for the

                         last twenty years.  I want to know

                         why you weren't there with the car.

                         I want to know why you disappeared

                         and let me take the rap for

                         everybody.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Please give me Ann.

 

          He hangs up.

 

 

          INT. MOTEL - NIGHT

 

          Molly is panic-stricken.  She dials the operator.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Yes, I need the number of the

                         police in Minneapolis.

 


 

                                                                        31.

 

 

 

          INT. ANN'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

          Bruce hangs up.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Relax.  I'm out of here.  When she

                         calls again, remind her that I'm

                         right behind her.

 

          He starts for the door.

 

                                          ANN

                         Why are you doing this?

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Because she sent me to prison.

                         That's what it amounts to.

 

                                          ANN

                         You were guilty.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Not of half of what they pinned on

                         me.  And she was guilty herself.

 

                                          ANN

                         She never went along with the

                         violence part.  She told me she was

                         going to leave all of you.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Bullshit.  She could've left

                         whenever she wanted.

 

                                          ANN

                         She has a new life, a good life.

 

                                          BRUCE

                         Her new life is at my expense,

                         Annie.  At my expense.

 

          He walks out the door.  Ann is relieved but also disturbed,

          she knows how obsessive and vindictive he can be.

 

 

          INT. MOTEL ROOM - DAY

 

          Molly has called Ann first thing in the morning.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Thank God, you're all right.

 


 

                                                                        32.

 

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

                                          ANN

                         Take the first plane home.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I feel safer moving.  I'll be in

                         touch.

 

                                          ANN

                         When does it end?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I don't know what else to do right

                         now.  I really don't.

 

 

          EXT. VA MEDICAL CENTER - VANCOUVER - DAY

 

          The car pulls into the VA Medical Center in Vancouver,

          Washington.  It stops at a front gate, where a GATE GUARD

          comes out, bending to talk to the driver.

 

          The guard waves the car in.

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          Roger is driving.  He's following signs to the intake

          building.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I really can't take your car.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Of course, you can.  It's not doing

                         anyone any good sitting in the

                         parking lot for seven months.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Why don't you sell it?

 

                                          ROGER

                         No time.  Why don't you sell it?

                         If you have a guilty conscience,

                         send me half the money.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         All the money.

 

 


 

                                                                        33.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         What do I have to do to convince

                         you that you probably saved my

                         life?

 

          He has pulled into a parking space in front of the intake

          building.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I mean that.  Let me express my

                         thanks.

 

          He gets out.

 

 

          EXT. INTAKE BUILDING - CAR - DAY

 

          Roger unlocks the trunk to get his bags.  Molly gets out and

          joins him.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'll help you carry these inside.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Appreciate it.  For you.

 

          He hands her the keys. They head for the entrance.

 

 

          INT. INTAKE BUILDING - DAY

 

          They come into the intake area.

 

          A scruffy assortment of veterans is sitting and standing

          around the area, some in line at the intake counter.  Some

          wear portions of military garb.  A good many have facial

          hair, quite a few wear their long hair in pony tails.

 

          Roger gets in line, with Molly beside him.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I can manage from here.  Thanks

                         again for everything.

 

          Molly sets down the bags.  After an awkward moment of

          hesitation, she gives him a hug.

 

 


 

                                                                        34.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Good luck to you.  I think this

                         takes a lot of courage.

 

                                          ROGER

                         You can write me if you like.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I will.  I'll need your address

                         anyway to send money after I sell

                         the car.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I think they have a brochure with

                         the address on it.

 

          He looks around and finds an information rack.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Over there.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Great.  Well - be good to yourself.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Better late than never.

 

          Molly smiles and moves away, still feeling out of place.

 

 

          INT. BROCHURE RACK - DAY

 

          She finds a brochure about the treatment center, another

          about the Domiciliary, and takes both.

 

          Leaving, she turns and waves to Roger one more time.  He

          waves back.

 

          So do some of the other vets.

 

 

          EXT. INTAKE BUILDING - DAY

 

          Molly gets into the car.

 


 

                                                                        35.

 

 

 

          INT. CAR - DAY

 

          The impact of what has just happened is getting to her.  She

          has no idea what her next move is.

 

          She starts up the engine.

 

 

          INT./EXT. PORTLAND - A SERIES OF SHOTS - DAY

 

          Molly spends the day sightseeing in Portland, trying to

          figure out what to do next.

 

          She window shops in the downtown area.

 

          She walks along waterfront park.  She goes out on the dock

          at a marina.

 

          She has a glass of white wine at a sidewalk cafe.  Finally,

          she checks into a downtown hotel with a view of the river.

 

 

          INT./EXT. HOTEL ROOM - DECK - DAY

 

          Molly is sitting at a small table on her deck, sipping a

          glass of wine.  A bottle is in an ice bucket on the table.

 

          She's reading through the brochures she picked up at the VA.

 

 

          INT. HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

 

          Molly is stretched out on the bed, thinking.  She picks up

          and again reads the brochure about the treatment center at

          the VA.

 

 

          INT. ANN'S APT - NIGHT

 

          Ann is on the phone with Barbara listening in, her ear

          pressed close to Ann's.

 

                                          ANN

                         A center for alcoholics!  Are you

                         out of your mind?

 

 

          INTERCUT PHONE CONVERSATION

 

          Molly is stretched out on the hotel bed.

 

 


 

                                                                        36.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         It's thirty days in a very secure

                         institution.  After that, I have

                         the option to continue for up to

                         six months at a domiciliary.

 

                                          ANN

                              (to Barbara)

                         She wants to enter a booze farm.

                              (to Molly)

                         You've been drinking, that's the

                         problem.

 

          Molly, in fact, is still sipping wine.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Think of it as an adventure.  Very

                         few women go through the program.

 

                                          ANN

                         Oh, great!

                              (to Barbara)

                         She'll be the only woman there,

                         living with a hundred winos.

                              (to Molly)

                         Call me tomorrow when you're sober.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         It's not a prison, Ann.  I can

                         leave any time I want.  In the

                         meantime, it's a place where Bruce

                         can't reach me.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'm flying out of here tomorrow.

                         Don't you do a thing til I get

                         there.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You're wasting your time.  It's

                         free for vets, it's here, it's

                         perfect.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'm on my way!

 

 

          EXT. AIRPORT - DAY

 

          A jet plane is landing at the airport.

 


 

                                                                        37.

 

 

 

          INT. AIRPORT - TERMINAL - DAY

 

          Passengers are coming in.

 

          Molly and Ann spot each other about the same time.  They

          exchange a quick embrace.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         If you came here to change my mind,

                         you're wasting your time.

 

                                          ANN

                         I need a drink.

 

 

          INT. AIRPORT - LOUNGE - DAY

 

          The WAITRESS is bringing them fresh drinks, taking away the

          old glasses.  They've been there a while.

 

                                          ANN

                         I finally figured this out.  You're

                         just doing this cause it's a VA

                         benefit.  You're still sorry you

                         weren't a lifer.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I can't think of any reason not to

                         do it under the circumstances.

 

                                          ANN

                         Because you're not an alcoholic,

                         how's that?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Well, I can pretend I am.

 

          As a matter of fact, both women are tipsy, drinking through

          the afternoon at the airport.

 

 

          INT. VA MEDICAL CENTER - INTAKE BUILDING - DAY

 

          Ann is accompanying Molly through the intake line, much as

          Molly accompanied Roger earlier.

 

          Once again the waiting area again is filled with a scruffy

          collection of vets.

 

          Most are paying attention to the unusual sight of two women

          in the intake line.

 

 


 

                                                                        38.

 

 

 

 

 

          Ann, especially, is quite a sight in her usual bright and

          flamboyant attire.

 

                                          ANN

                              (quietly)

                         This place gives me the creeps.

 

                                          MOLLY

                              (quietly)

                         There's another woman checking in.

                         We'll share a room.

 

          They move ahead in line.

 

                                          ANN

                         You know that jade ring of mine you

                         like?  It's yours if you walk out

                         with me right now.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         If this is a mistake, I can leave

                         at any time.

 

                                          ANN

                              (quietly)

                         Molly, think about it: you're going

                         to be living with these animals.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Oh.  Here.  You can have the car.

 

          She gives Ann the keys to the car.

 

                                          ANN

                         What am I supposed to do with

                         these?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Sell it.  Drive it home.  I don't

                         care.  I'm just continuing a

                         tradition.

 

          Ann stares at the keys, not knowing what to do with them.

 

 

          EXT. INTAKE BUILDING - DAY

 

          About a dozen new intake vets are lined up in a sloppy

          approximation of ranks.

 

 


 

                                                                        39.

 

 

 

 

 

          One vet stands off to the side, carrying a pile of folders.

          Obviously he's in charge.

 

          Across the street, Ann sits in the car, watching.  She still

          can't believe Molly is going through with this.

 

          The vet in charge is TOM, a short stocky man in his forties.

 

                                          TOM

                         Okay, listen up!  The first place

                         we go is to the lab.  Everybody

                         gets a UA.  Everybody know what

                         that is?  You pee in a little jar

                         so they know how ripped you are.

                         Follow me.

 

          There's some grumbling and joking and wise-assing as the

          vets move off.

 

          Molly is one of two women in the ragged formation, the other

          being TRIXIE, a bleached blonde who looks like she could eat

          nails, who wears black leather motorcycle gang attire.

 

          From the car, Ann waves her goodbyes.

 

                                          ANN

                         I'll write you!

 

          Molly waves back.

 

          Ann watches them until they disappear around a building.

 

 

          INT. VA MEDICAL CENTER - BUILDING - WOMEN'S BATHROOM - DAY

 

          Molly and Trixie are in the ladies room with jars and small

          funnels, getting ready to give their urine samples.

 

          Without an ounce of shyness, Trixie is already lowering her

          black leather pants.

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         I ain't pissed in one of these

                         since I was in jail.

 

          Molly self-consciously moves into the stall for privacy.

 


 

                                                                        40.

 

 

 

          INT. TREATMENT CENTER - SUPPLY ROOM - DAY

 

          The new intake vets are lined up for bedding.

 

          A tall handsome man with a trim moustache passes by.  He

          stops and smiles at Molly.

 

                                          WALTER

                         I'm Walter.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm Molly.

 

                                          WALTER

                         What do you do?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I'm a nurse.

 

                                          WALTER

                         What drugs, I mean.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Drugs?  Oh no, I just, you know,

                         drink too much.

 

                                          WALTER

                         I do booze.  And heroin, cocaine,

                         especially crack, pot, LSD, you

                         name it.  You must've been Air

                         Force.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Yes.  How did you know?

 

                                          WALTER

                         I was Army.  Air Force got all the

                         beautiful women.

 

          He's grinning at her so lecherously that she has to turn

          away.  Which is just the reaction he wanted.  Pleased with

          himself, he moves on.

 

 

          INT. TREATMENT CENTER - DINING ROOM - EVENING

 

          Molly is taking her full tray into the dining area, looking

          for a spare seat at a table.

 

          Roger appears beside her.

 

 


 

                                                                        41.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         What are you doing here?

 

          Molly is so startled she almost spills her tray.

 

                                          ROGER

                         Follow me.

 

          He leads the way to a table for two in a corner of the

          dining room.

 

 

          INT. DINING ROOM - TABLE

 

          They settle in.

 

                                          ROGER

                         You're the last person in the world

                         I expected to see.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I started the program.  I'm only a

                         few days behind you.

 

                                          ROGER

                         But why?  You seem so normal.  What

                         are you addicted to?

 

          Molly sips her milk, thinking.

 

          She decides to go for it: she's here on a charade, she might

          as well start acting like it.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Roger, I'm an alcoholic, too.  I

                         mean, you don't know how hard it

                         was for me to turn down a drink in

                         the car.  I went on a two-day binge

                         the minute I left you.  God, you

                         won't believe what I managed to do

                         in only two days in a strange city.

                         Anyway, fortunately I had those

                         brochures, so I figured, maybe our

                         paths crossed for a reason, maybe

                         you were sent to me as inspiration

                         to get my act together.  So here I

                         am.

 

          Roger is smiling, buying it hook, line and sinker.

 

 


 

                                                                        42.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                         It's our Higher Power.  He sent you

                         to me, and I guess maybe he sent me

                         to you, too, didn't he?

 

          Molly isn't sure what he's getting at - he almost looks as

          if they've just became engaged.  She gives him a quick smile

          and looks away.

 

          Her glance finds Walter at the adjacent table, lecherously

          leering at her.  Molly chokes on her food.

 

 

          INT. TREATMENT CENTER - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

          Molly and Trixie are rooming together and making their

          single beds, located on opposite ends of the small room.

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         You ever been in treatment before?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         No.  You?

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         Shit, I'm a treatment junkie and a

                         welfare drone!  This about my tenth

                         time.  Something like that.  I come

                         in whenever I got a boyfriend or

                         bills or the law to hide from.

                         This time I got two out of three.

                         Meaning, I ain't in no trouble with

                         the law for a change.

 

          This gets Molly's interest.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         You're hiding from your boyfriend?

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         Course, K-Man will be visiting

                         Sundays soon as they allow that,

                         but at least they'll be counselors

                         and people everywhere, he can't get

                         to me too bad.

 

 


 

                                                                        43.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          MOLLY

                         I thought he had to be on a

                         visitors' list to be able to see

                         you.

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         Oh, I put him on the list alright.

                         We always get along good after not

                         seeing each other for a while.  You

                         hiding from a boyfriend, husband,

                         anything like that?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Oh, no.  Just trying, you know, to

                         get sober.

 

          Trixie looks at her and laughs, which baffles Molly.  She

          lets it pass and goes back to making her bed.

 

 

          INT. TREATMENT CENTER - CLASSROOM - DAY

 

          TEX, a counselor, is teaching a class.  He is a tall slender

          man with a gray moustache, wearing cowboy boots and tight

          jeans.  His belt sports a large silver buckle.  A cowboy hat

          rests on the desk, on the edge of which he sits informally.

 

          At the front of the class, a black vet, JEWELS, is reading

          the program's Opening Statement.  As he does, the vets in

          the class listen with a variety of reactions, from

          inattentive boredom to attentive fear.

 

                                          JEWELS

                              (reading)

                         "YOU have come to US.  You've said

                         you've decided to change your life.

 

                         "Changing your life is not

                         something that is done to you.  It

                         is something you do to yourself.

                         We will not force you to do

                         anything.  Change is only valid if

                         it comes from within.

 

                         "You will be very uncomfortable

                         here.  You may find this program

                         hard, irritating, stupid and

                         unsatisfactory.

                                          (MORE)

 

 


 

                                                                        44.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          JEWELS (cont'd)

                         You might become disgusted and want

                         to quit.

 

                         "You will not always understand

                         what is going on, or why.  But you

                         will always be expected to tell the

                         truth and to listen to the

                         truth.  "Our concept of a

                         meaningful life is not merely to

                         stop drinking or using drugs.  It

                         is to replace that part of yourself

                         that caused self-destructive

                         behavior in the first place.

 

                         "But before it can be replaced, it

                         must be recognized and examined.

                         'The unexamined life is not worth

                         living,' said Socrates.  We believe

                         this is true.

 

                         "If you're not ready to examine

                         yourself with ruthless

                         self-scrutiny, then you may want to

                         reconsider your reasons for

                         entering this treatment program.

 

                         "You may want to leave before we

                         kick you out."

 

          He finishes and sits down.

 

                                          TEX

                         Thank you.

 

          Tex looks over the class.  His presence commands attention.

 

                                          TEX

                         You addicts and drunks and crazies

                         better believe that, every damn

                         word in there is true.  This ain't

                         no country club.  You don't want to

                         play hard ball with yourself, get

                         the hell out and come back when

                         you're ready.

 

          He looks over the class.

 

 


 

                                                                        45.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          TEX

                         How many here want a drink right

                         now?  Or a fix?  Drag a weed, snort

                         a coke, shot a Wild Turkey?

 

          No one in the class of about forty raises a hand.

 

                                          TEX

                         You lying sacks a shit.  You

                         scumbag assholes.  You'd kill your

                         mother for a drink.  You'd sell

                         your little sister to a known

                         carrier of AIDS to buy some crack,

                         you'd take money off your grandma's

                         night stand to buy your weed.

                         Don't tell me you wouldn't.  You

                         there - you gonna tell me you

                         wouldn't?

 

          He's pointing a finger at Roger.

 

                                          TEX

                         What the hell's your name?

 

                                          ROGER

                         I'm Roger, and I'm an alcoholic.

 

          A few people snicker at this response.

 

                                          TEX

                         What's so goddamn funny about that?

                         Even though you're lying through

                         your booze-rotted teeth, Roger, you

                         no more believe you're an alcoholic

                         than I'm Madonna.  You think you're

                         gonna step out of here and be a

                         sensible drinker, be a controlled

                         drinker like everybody out there

                         who's normal, you think this here

                         little mini-course is gonna turn

                         you loose so you can be like

                         everybody else.  Tell me I'm wrong.

 

                                          ROGER

                         You're wrong.

 

          There's a stunned silence at this response.  Tex grins.

 

 


 

                                                                        46.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          TEX

                         If I'm so goddamn wrong, how come

                         you already tried treatment twice,

                         already came out and started

                         drinking again, wrecked all those

                         cars all over again, declared

                         personal bankruptcy, had another

                         woman divorce you, who knows what

                         other shit you pulled, all after

                         twice in goddamn treatment where

                         you told them the same piss-ant

                         lying excuses you're telling me

                         this very minute.  If I'm so damn

                         wrong, how come you ain't sober,

                         mister?  How come?  You answer me

                         that, Roger.  I bet you're sweating

                         in your butt crack for a quick nip

                         right now, huh?  What's your

                         favorite?  Vodka?  Bourbon?  Cold

                         beer, swallow that baby down in a

                         couple gulps?  Bet you'd like that

                         real fine.  Tell me I'm wrong.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         That's not fair!

 

          This just came out.  Tex, still grinning, moves toward

          Molly's chair.

 

                                          TEX

                         What's your name?  Trixie?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         Molly.  It's my nickname.

 

                                          TEX

                         I know who you are, Heather-Molly.

                         Trixie was here last year.  And two

                         years before that.  She's a lying

                         sack a shit, just like Roger.

                         What's so goddamn unfair about the

                         truth, Miss Molly?  You want to

                         tell us that?

 

                                          MOLLY

                         No.  I'm sorry.

 

          There's a tense silence while Tex stares at her.  Molly is

          close to losing control and breaking into tears.

 

 


 

                                                                        47.

 

 

 

 

 

          Finally Tex steps away, a gesture that she's off the hook.

          The whole class is relieved.

 

                                          TEX

                         Denial, my friends!  The first

                         hurdle alcoholics and addicts must

                         overcome is the hurdle of denial.

                         You must face one basic truth in

                         the very pit of your gut:  We're

                         all goddamn addicts here!

 

 

          INT. DINING ROOM - DAY

 

          Roger brings his tray to join Molly and others at a long

          table.

 

                                          ROGER

                         I should have warned you about Tex.

                         Not all the counselors are

                         confrontive like that.  You all

                         right?

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         Shit, Tex ain't so hot.  I had a

                         counselor once, makes him look like

                         a pussy.

 

                                          MOLLY

                         This is all so new to me - I best

                         keep quiet and watch, huh?

 

                                          JEWELS

                         You better not keep quiet around

                         here, you be accused of stuffin'

                         your feelings.  Better to talk up

                         and make a fool of yourself than

                         shut up.

 

                                          ROGER

                         The secret is to be honest,

                         especially about how you feel.

 

                                          WALTER

                         I feel like I'm falling in love.

 

          The remark, of course, is meant for Molly, even though

          Walter is sitting several vets down the way.

 

 


 

                                                                        48.

 

 

 

 

 

                                          ROGER

                              (quietly, for Molly's

                               ears only)

                         He does that to every woman who

                         comes through here.

 

          Trixie has overheard this.

 

                                          TRIXIE

                         Not to me, he ain't.  I think I

                         scare him.

 

 

          INT. TREATMENT CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY

 

          Molly is slowly moving down a hallway, looking for an

          office.  She has an appointment slip in her hand.

 

          She finds it and stands by an open doorway.

 

 

          INT. OFFICE

 

          Sitting at her desk is HEATHER, one of the counselors.

          She's a strikingly pretty woman, about thirty-five, younger