"LOVE IN THE RUINS"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Two Muslim women approach the complex of buildings that was

the World Trade Center. They are HAYAAM and AREEBAH, both

early 20s, dressed in traditional Muslim attire (hijab).

 

Hayaam wears very bright colors, Areebah more subdued ones.

 

They head for the south World Trade Center tower.

 

SUPER: "8:30 a.m."

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STREET - DAY

 

A cab stops near the complex.

 

Getting out are WES HARDING, early 20s, and his brother,

MIKE, a little older. They are dressed casually in slacks,

sports coats.

 

They head for the entrance into the south tower.

 

                         WES

             How long you gonna be?

 

                         MIKE

             He has a meeting at nine. I'll

             meet you in the coffee shop.

 

                         WES

             How's he like being a stock broker?

 

                         MIKE

             Jimmy likes making money.

 

                         WES

             So do you, big brother.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - SOUTH TOWER - DAY

 

Wes and Mike enter the south tower building.

 

Wes heads for a coffee shop on the ground floor. Mike heads

for the elevator.

 

Standing at the elevator are Hayaam and Areebah.


                                                            2.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes brings a cup of coffee and donut to a table. A folded

newspaper is under his arm.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - ELEVATOR - DAY

 

On the crowded elevator are Mike, Hayaam and Areebah.

 

The elevator stops, the door opens, and Hayaam and Areebah

step off.

 

Mike continues up.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes is reading the paper.

 

Suddenly there is a loud sound, a great crash outside

somewhere.

 

Customers go to windows, looking outside to see what is

going on.

 

Wes looks up from the paper but stays at the table.

 

                         CUSTOMER

             My God, the north tower is on fire!

 

More people go to the windows to look outside. Wes joins them.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - OFFICE - DAY

 

Mike and JIMMY stand at the window of Jimmy's high office,

looking out at the flames consuming the north tower.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - INSURANCE COUNTER - DAY

 

Hayaam and Areebah stand at the counter of an insurance

company. They look frightened and confused as people rush

past them to see what has happened outside.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes comes back to his table. He seems uncertain what to do.

 

Around him, everyone is gawking out at the fire next door.

Everyone is talking at once.


                                                            3.

 

 

Wes looks at his watch.

 

Suddenly there is another loud crash, this one even louder

than before.

 

The room rocks, as if hit by an earthquake.

 

People scream. People start moving for the exits.

 

Wes abandons what is left of his coffee and the newspaper

and joins the rush to get out.

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - SOUTH TOWER - DAY

 

Wes comes outside. He sees the flames rising from the north

tower.

 

He looks straight up and sees flames rising from the south

tower as well. Dark smoke billows everywhere.

 

A look of realization on Wes' face: Mike is still in there.

 

Wes turns and fights the flow of people rushing outside,

trying to get back inside the building.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Wes manages to slip inside against the current. He sees a

stairway and heads for it.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STAIRS - DAY

 

People are rushing downstairs. Wes fights his way against

the flow, heading up.

 

A SECURITY GUARD meets Wes on the stairs.

 

                         SECURITY GUARD

             You can't go up, sir. We're

             evacuating the building.

 

                         WES

             My brother's up there!

 

                         SECURITY GUARD

             I'm sure he's on his way down.

             Come along, sir.

 

Wes gives in and heads down again. He lets the security

guard move ahead of him, then turns and heads up again.


                                                            4.

 

 

But it's hopeless, the stairway is too crowded, there's too

much chaos around him.

 

He stops and presses himself against a wall in a stairwell,

letting the crowd rush past him, gathering his thoughts,

catching his breath.

 

He looks up the stairs to find more and more people heading

down. Maybe Mike will be one of them.

 

He gives in and starts down again.

 

He passes an open doorway at a floor level and hears a

woman's cry for help. There's something in the tone of voice

that stops him.

 

He moves to the door and steps into a hallway.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Wes looks up and down the hallway. The cry for help comes

again. He moves in its direction.

 

He finds the two women in Muslim dress, Hayaam and Areebah.

Hayaam is sitting on the floor, Areebah bending over her.

(Their English is heavily accented.)

 

                         AREEBAH

             She can't walk! She twisted her

             ankle!

 

                         WES

             Okay, you'll be alright. Take my

             hand.

 

Hayaam grasps Wes' hand, and he pulls her to her feet.

 

                         WES

             Can you walk at all?

 

Hayaam takes a test step but falters. Wes holds her up.

 

                         WES

             Okay, here we go.

 

He lifts her up in his arms.

 

                         WES

             You okay?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.


                                                            5.

 

 

Wes carries her, heading for the stairs. Areebah follows.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STAIRS - DAY

 

Wes moves back into the stairwell. He turns to make sure

Areebah is behind him.

 

                         WES

             Grab my arm.

 

Areebah does.

 

Wes, carrying Hayaam, enters the rush of people heading down

the stairs.

 

People cough from heavy gasoline fumes. Some hold

handkerchiefs over their mouths.

 

Water flows down the stairs from broken pipes.

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Wes, Hayaam and Areebah come outside. Everyone gasps for air.

 

Areebah releases her grip.

 

Wes carefully sets Hayaam down. She supports herself on her

good leg.

 

                         WES

             I have to go back inside. Will

             you be okay?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. Thank you so much.

 

                         WES

             No problem.

 

Hayaam offers her hand.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am Hayaam. This is my cousin,

             Areebah.

 

                         WES

             I'm Wes. You work here?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Oh no, I'm a student. And you

             work here?


                                                            6.

 

 

                         WES

             I go to NYU.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Really? So do I.

 

                         WES

             I have to go. My brother's in

             there somewhere.

 

He heads back to the entrance.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (after him)

             Thank you!

 

Wes fights his way against the flow again.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

 

A GATHERING of people stands at a fresh grave. A casket is

lowered into the ground.

 

In the gathering are Wes, his father WALTER HARDING and his

mother EVELYN. And other FRIENDS and RELATIVES.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

A reception after the funeral. A long table filled with food.

An open bar.

 

In a circle of MEN, Wes' UNCLE FRANK is holding court.

 

                         UNCLE FRANK

             It's worse than Pearl Harbor

             because it's right here at home,

             right in our own back yard. This

             will change everything, see if

             I'm not right. This is a new kind

             of war, and we damn well better

             be ready to show the world we

             have another great generation.

 

Wes, listening at the edge of the circle, moves away.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - MIKE'S ROOM - DAY

 

Wes is alone in his brother's room. Signs that it hasn't

been lived in for a while -- boxes stored on the bed.


                                                            7.

 

 

Wes goes to a wall where there is an NYU pennant and a photo

of Mike in a football uniform from high school.

 

ROGER, 20s, appears in the doorway.

 

                         ROGER

             You okay?

 

                         WES

             Well as can be expected.

 

                         ROGER

             You want to get out of here? Go

             for a ride or something?

 

                         WES

             I'll be okay.

 

                         ROGER

             I could use some air.

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - DAY

 

Wes and Roger walk through the urban neighborhood.

 

                         WES

             You have any Arab friends?

 

                         ROGER

             That's an interesting question.

             You mean, do I think they're

             spies? Yeah, if I had any, I'd be

             worried about it.

 

                         WES

             When it happened, I went crazy,

             thinking I could find Mike

             somehow ... I didn't even know

             what floor his buddy's office was

             on ... anyway, I heard a call for

             help and followed it. There were

             two Arab women, and one of them

             had sprained her ankle. I carried

             her out.

 

They walk a moment in silence.

 

                         ROGER

             And ...?

 

                         WES

             And what?


                                                            8.

 

 

                         ROGER

             Is there a point to this story?

 

                         WES

             Not really. I was just wondering

             how she must be feeling.

 

Roger gives him a strange look.

 

                         WES

             What's wrong?

 

                         ROGER

             Thousands of people got killed.

             Your brother. Why are you bringing

             up an Arab woman with a sprained

             ankle?

 

Wes can't answer him.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes is walking across campus. Ahead he sees a woman in

traditional Muslim clothing.

 

He hesitates, then rushes up behind her. He clears his

throat, and she turns. It's not Hayaam.

 

                         ARAB WOMAN

             Yes?

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry. I thought you were

             someone else.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Wes is studying a book at a table.

 

Hayaam comes in on crutches, wearing her usual brightly

colored hijab.

 

Wes looks up and sees her. He smiles but she doesn't see him.

 

Hayaam disappears in the stacks.

 

Wes closes the book and gets up. He follows her.


                                                            9.

 

 

INT. LIBRARY - STACKS - DAY

 

Hayaam is having trouble maneuvering both her crutches and a

book she's trying to get high off the shelf.

 

Wes appears.

 

                         WES

             Let me.

 

He takes down the book for her.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you.

 

She recognizes him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello! I was wondering if I might

             run into you.

 

                         WES

             Same here. How's the ankle?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm supposed to let it rest. Not

             so easy when you have things to do.

 

Wes looks at the book, which he's still holding.

 

                         WES

             Immanuel Kant ... I'm impressed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Don't be. I'm only reading it

             because I have to. I'm a

             philosophy major. He's actually

             quite boring.

 

                         WES

             I think I remember that. Listen,

             if you're not busy, I was about

             to grab a cup of coffee.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Tea would be nice.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam sit at a table. Wes is telling his story.


                                                           10.

 

 

                         WES

             I shouldn't feel guilty, I know

             there's nothing I could've done.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course there wasn't.

 

                         WES

             It's just that ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             What?

 

                         WES

             I felt so helpless. So powerless.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You weren't helpless at all. You

             helped me. You probably saved my

             life. I could've still been in

             there when the tower fell.

 

Wes looks surprised. This never occurred to him.

 

                         WES

             You think so?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. I think you are my life saver.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

They move slowly across campus. Hayaam, of course, uses her

crutches.

 

                         WES

             Where are you from?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Indonesia.

 

                         WES

             Indonesia.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You thought I am Arab, right?

 

                         WES

             I guess I did.


                                                           11.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             There are more Muslims in

             Indonesia than in any other

             country.

 

                         WES

             I didn't know that.

 

Ahead a crowd of FRATERNITY BROTHERS have circled around a

foreign student. This is ABDUL-HAKEEM. They are taunting him.

 

Wes and Hayaam get close enough that she recognizes it's her

brother who is being taunted.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Abdul!

 

She gets the crutches into high gear.

 

                         WES

             What is it?

 

Wes hurries after her.

 

Abdul tries to move out of the circle around him but the

fraternity brothers keep blocking his way.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #1

             Foreign fuck.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Arab asshole.

 

Hayaam takes a crutch and holds it over her head, a gesture

of threat.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Let him go!

 

The fraternity boys find her gesture amusing.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Hey, sweetie pie. What do you

             plan to do with that?

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #3

             Why you got that scarf covering

             your hair? I bet you got pretty

             hair.

 

He reaches for the scarf and Hayaam  strikes his arm with a

crutch.

 

Wes intervenes.


                                                           12.

 

 

                         WES

             Hey, fellas, what's going on?

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #1

             You with her?

 

In the confusion, Abdul has slipped out of the circle.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Hayaam, this is not your fight.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Who said anything about a fight?

             We just want you to go the fuck

             home where you belong.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I study here, so today this is my

             home.

 

He grabs Hayaam and starts moving away.

 

Wes isn't sure what to do.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #3

             Something we can help you with?

 

                         WES

             No ... thanks, no ...

 

He follows Hayaam and catches up with her and Abdul.

 

                         WES

             What was that about?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (to Hayaam)

             Who is this?

 

                         HAYAAM

             He's the one I told you about,

             who saved my life.

                  (to Wes)

             My brother, Abdul-Hakeem.

 

                         WES

             Nice to meet you. I'm Wes.

 

He offers his hand. Abdul hesitates before taking it.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I give you my gratitude for

             helping my sister.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry for what happened back

             there.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Your countrymen decided I am a

             terrorist.

 

Wes can't find the words to reply.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Hayaam, we must go.

 

She smiles at Wes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you for the tea.

 

                         WES

             Maybe we can do it again soon.

 

Hayaam smiles.

 

Abdul quickly leads his sister away.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Seated at the dinner table are Wes, Walter and Evelyn.

Evelyn is just picking at her food.

 

Suddenly Evelyn starts sobbing.

 

                         EVELYN

             I'm sorry ...

 

She gets up from the table.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn, it's okay.

 

                         EVELYN

             Stop saying everything is okay!

 

She hurries off.

 

                         WALTER

             I meant crying is okay.

 

                         WES

             I know.

 

They go back to eating.


                                                           14.

 

 

                         WES

             Dad ... do you know any Muslims?

 

                         WALTER

             We used to have a lawyer in the

             firm who was Muslim. Why?

 

                         WES

             If he was still in the firm,

             would you suspect him of being a

             terrorist?

 

                         WALTER

             Of course not. Why do you ask?

 

                         WES

             There was a scuffle at school

             today, some jock types hassling a

             student from Indonesia.

 

                         WALTER

             There's going to be a lot of

             that, I'm afraid. Stupidity and

             patriotism make a volatile mix.

 

Wes nods and eats.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

 

There's a basketball hoop and makeshift court along the

driveway. Wes and Roger are shooting baskets.

 

                         WES

             I ran into Hayaam on campus.

 

Roger looks puzzled.

 

                         WES

             The girl I carried out of the

             tower before it collapsed.

 

Roger stops dribbling.

 

                         ROGER

             Don't tell me you're interested

             in an Arab girl.

 

                         WES

             She's from Indonesia. We had

             coffee. No big deal.

 

                         ROGER

             Then why are you talking about her?


                                                           15.

 

 

Good question. Wes grabs the ball and dribbles for a lay up.

Wes tosses Roger the ball.

 

                         ROGER

             Do me a favor. If you get involved

             with this girl, keep it to

             yourself.

 

He takes a shot.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - ART STUDIO - DAY

 

Wes is working on an abstract painting, full of bright colors.

 

Out the window, he sees Hayaam hobbling across campus on her

crutches.

 

He thinks a minute, then slams the book shut.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes catches up with Hayaam on the front steps just before

she enters a building.

 

                         WES

             Hey.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello.

 

                         WES

             You have a class?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes, that boring Mr. Kant.

 

                         WES

             And afterwards?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have three hours before my next

             class.

 

                         WES

             Time for tea?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Since when do you drink tea?

 

                         WES

             Tea for you, coffee for me. Meet

             you in the coffee shop?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             That would be nice.

 

She gives him a big smile and enters the building.

 

Wes moves off.

 

From a distance, Abdul watches him go. He looks concerned.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes sits alone at a table. He looks at his watch. Thirty

minutes after the hour. She's very late.

 

He scoots back his chair, getting ready to go.

 

Hayaam rushes into the coffee shop as best she can on

crutches. She sees Wes and gets to the table just as he

steps away.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm sorry I'm late. You have a

             class?

 

                         WES

             No.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You're angry with me. I don't

             blame you.

 

                         WES

             No, I'm glad you made it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is it you say? Better late

             than never?

 

                         WES

             Yes, better late than never.

 

They sit down at the table. An awkward silence.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You're mad at me.

 

                         WES

             No.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You look upset.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         WES

             I still can't believe what

             happened.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know.

 

                         WES

             It's like a bad dream.

 

Hayaam offers an understanding smile but says nothing.

 

                         WES

             Do you want to take a walk? I

             guess it would be hard for you ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             No, I would like to.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS - WES & HAYAAM

 

Wes and Hayaam begin spending a lot of time together.

 

On campus:

 

-- They walk together between classes, Hayaam on her crutches.

 

-- They study in the library together.

 

-- They have lunch in the coffee shop.

 

-- Wes shows her his painting-in-progress in the art studio.

 

In the city:

 

-- They window shop.

 

-- They buy ice cream at a corner stand.

 

-- They walk in a city park.

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam are having lunch at a sidewalk cafe. The

crutches lean against the table.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I take my exam next week.

 

                         WES

             You have midterms already?


                                                           18.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not at University. For my

             citizenship.

 

This is news to Wes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know, I didn't tell you before.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I think that's great.

             Then you're staying here.

 

                         HAYAAM

             That's the plan, yes. My father

             will be joining Abdul and me next

             month, we hope. My mother died

             last year.

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I think my father doesn't approve

             of me becoming an American, but

             he knows how strong willed I am.

             I will be a citizen of two

             countries, Indonesia and United

             States.

 

She sees something in Wes' expression.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is that look?

 

                         WES

             What look?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Like you don't believe I'm strong

             willed.

 

                         WES

             I guess I haven't noticed that in

             you yet. I thought ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes?

 

                         WES

             Muslim women were more, you know,

             submissive to men than in the west.


                                                           19.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why do you think this?

 

                         WES

             Like how they walk behind the men

             ... like how you dress ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do I walk behind you?

 

                         WES

             No, you don't. But you do wear

             traditional dress.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Because it's liberating.

 

                         WES

             Liberating?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why does this amuse you? I dress

             like this because I refuse to be

             looked at as a sex object. I

             refuse to be a part of the sexism

             that is the basis of gender

             relations in the west. If you

             want a relationship with me, you

             must start by engaging my mind.

             There are no physical distractions.

             This is why the hijab is

             liberating.

 

Wes is at a loss for words.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What are you thinking?

 

                         WES

             I never thought about it that way.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - GYM - BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

 

Wes and Roger shooting baskets.

 

                         ROGER

             That is the biggest crock I've

             ever heard.

 

                         WES

             There's a logic to it. Put

             yourself in the shoes of a woman.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         ROGER

             Listen to you. You're thinking

             with your cock, white man.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

 

They are dressing after their workout.

 

                         ROGER

             Have you nailed her yet?

 

                         WES

             We're just friends.

 

                         ROGER

             Bullshit. You can't talk about

             anyone else.

 

                         WES

             Okay, I find her fascinating. But

             we're just friends.

 

                         ROGER

             Do I detect a certain sadness in

             your tone?

 

                         WES

             She's a Muslim.

 

                         ROGER

             Exactly. You nail her, and they

             stone her in the street, right?

 

                         WES

             Roger, I just find her interesting.

             That's all that's going on.

 

 

INT. NEW YORK - BOOKSTORE - DAY

 

Wes looks for a book on the shelves. He finds it.

 

It's called "An Introduction to Islam." He takes it.

 

On his way to the cash register, he passes a table of books.

A title catches his eye: "The Rubiyat of Omar Khayam."

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes catches up with Hayaam, who is carefully stepping

across campus. She is finally off crutches.


                                                           21.

 

 

                         WES

             Hi.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello.

 

                         WES

             When did you get off crutches?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yesterday. If I am careful, I'm

             fine.

 

They walk a moment in silence.

 

                         WES

             I think I owe you an apology.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't understand.

 

                         WES

             I know we've never really been

             alone together ... I mean, we

             always spend time together in

             public places ... but I didn't

             realize it was against your

             religion to date. I thought we've

             been, you know, sort of dating. I

             didn't mean any disrespect.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You think I am forbidden to be

             alone with you?

 

                         WES

             I've been reading about Islam. It

             says you don't date or spend time

             alone with the opposite sex.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I see. This is like my hijab,

             another example of my repression.

             You must feel so sorry for me.

 

                         WES

             I'm not trying to make you angry.

             I'm trying to apologize.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You are making me angry! I

             consider myself a feminist. Yes,

             a Muslim feminist!

                         (MORE)


                                                           22.

 

 

                         HAYAAM (CONT'D)

             Whatever book you are reading, I

             think you are getting bad

             information.

 

She moves off, leaving Wes confused.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Hayaam is studying. Wes appears.

 

He sits down next to her and speaks in low tones.

 

                         WES

             How's the studying for citizenship

             coming?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Good.

 

                         WES

             I'd be glad to help. Quiz you,

             whatever you need.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You would do this?

 

                         WES

             I'd like to.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Even if we must be alone to do

             this?

 

                         WES

             I deserve that. Yes, even if we

             are alone.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Then yes, you can help me.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

The family at dinner. No one speaks.

 

Evelyn gets up and exits to the kitchen.

 

                         WES

             I've been seeing the Muslim woman

             I told you about. She's studying

             to become a citizen. I thought

             I'd help her study.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         WALTER

             Is that a question?

 

                         WES

             I was wondering if it would be

             okay to bring her here. I mean,

             the way mom feels and everything.

 

                         WALTER

             Of course you can bring her here.

 

                         WES

             Thanks, Dad.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam approach the house.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I think I'm nervous. I don't meet

             people well.

 

                         WES

             Trust me, my parents are great. A

             friend of mine is a friend of

             theirs.

 

They walk onto the porch.

 

A NEIGHBOR watering the lawn next door gets an eyeful of

Hayaam in her traditional clothing.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Walter looks out the front window, seeing Wes and Hayaam

reach the porch. Evelyn stands behind him.

 

                         WALTER

             Well, they're here.

 

                         EVELYN

             I'm not ready for this.

 

She hurries off. Walter starts to say something but doesn't.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - FOYER - DAY

 

The door opens, and Hayaam and Wes enter.

 

Walter is waiting to greet them.


                                                           24.

 

 

                         WES

             Dad, this is Hayaam.

 

                         WALTER

             I thought it must be. It's very

             nice to meet you, Hayaam.

 

                         HAYAAM

             It is a pleasure to meet you.

 

                         WES

             I'm helping her study for her

             citizenship exam.

 

                         WALTER

             I believe you mentioned that.

 

                         WES

             Is mom around?

 

                         WALTER

             She seems to have gone off on an

             errand.

 

                         WES

             We'll be in my room.

 

Wes gestures to the stairway, and they leave.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Walter comes into the kitchen.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn?

 

He sees her out the kitchen window. She's standing alone in

the back yard. Her back is to him. She appears to be crying.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam sits at Wes' desk. Wes sits on the edge of the bed.

He has a booklet in his hand.

 

                         WES

             "Give me liberty or give me

             death!"

 

                         HAYAAM

             Patrick Henry.

 

Wes smiles.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         WES

             "These are the times that try

             men's souls."

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thomas Paine.

 

                         WES

             You know this stuff better than I

             do.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Here's one that's not in the book.

             "No taxation without

             representation."

 

                         WES

             I know that one.

 

He thinks a minute.

 

                         WES

             Samuel Adams.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Samuel Adams was his law clerk.

 

                         WES

             Really? Hmm ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             John Adams called this man "the

             First Patriot."

 

                         WES

             My mind's gone blank.

 

                         HAYAAM

             James Otis.

 

                         WES

             James Otis?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. You remember now?

 

                         WES

             Otis. I'm not sure I ever heard

             the name!

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do you know what he meant by it?


                                                           26.

 

 

                         WES

             Of course. Since the American

             colonies couldn't vote, they

             shouldn't be taxed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             And what did he want to do about

             it?

 

                         WES

             They went to war for their

             independence over it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             But this is not what James Otis

             meant when he said, "No taxation

             without representation." He

             meant, therefore the colonies

             should be represented in the

             English Parliament so they could

             vote. He didn't want war. When

             war came, he went crazy. They had

             to carry him out of Boston in a

             strait jacket.

 

Wes is amazed at how much she knows. This is all news to him.

He can't think of anything to say.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You should read the history of

             your country. It is very

             fascinating.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Walter is reading. Evelyn is not in the room.

 

Wes and Hayaam enter.

 

                         WES

             We're done. Is mom around?

 

                         WALTER

             She sends her regrets. She's not

             feeling well.

 

                         WES

             What's the matter?

 

                         WALTER

             She's not sure. Maybe the flu

             coming on.


                                                           27.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm very sorry.

 

                         WALTER

             Maybe next time. How did it go?

 

                         WES

             She knows American history better

             than I do.

 

Hayaam blushes.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam come out.

 

A car is parked out front, waiting for her. Wes is surprised

to see it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I told my brother to pick me up.

 

                         WES

             Oh.

 

                         HAYAAM

             He didn't want me to come. This

             is our compromise. He's afraid

             we're dating.

 

She studies Wes for a response. None comes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Are we dating?

 

                         WES

             It's allowed?

 

                         HAYAAM

             If I choose to, yes. Remember, I

             am a feminist.

 

                         WES

             I keep forgetting.

 

                         HAYAAM