generation x- new edit script

8/14/2019 Generation X- New Edit Script

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Generation X:What if there was no News?

By

Peter Cialkowski

Skye McCarthy

My Phan

Fatema Rajmohamed

Hannah Rucker

Courtney Weiss

January 27, 2009

CAST (in order of appearance)

Mary Stevens..............................Fatema Rajmohamed

Nancy Patrone.......................................My Phan

Cynthia Johansson............................Courtney Weiss

Jill Myers....................................Skye McCarthy

Danny Masterson............................Peter Cialkowski

Amy Myers.....................................Hannah Rucker

SCENE I

VIDEO:

INT. HOUSE BEDROOM MORNING

MOMENTARILY ON THE SCREEN:

TITLE SLIDE

MUSIC PLAYING: Its Still Rock n Roll to Me by Billy Joel

(MARY is getting ready for school; she steps in front or a

mirror. She is putting on a necklace. FREEZEFRAME on MARY

for a few seconds; shows her name, age, and high school at

the bottom of the screen. Video segment returns to her

getting ready for school, and then leaving on the bus.)

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INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY MORNING

(NANCY is walking down the hallway, pushing people out of

her way. FREEZEFRAME on NANCY; shows her name, age, and

high school at the bottom of the screen. The screen then

returns to her pushing her way through the hallway.)

INT. SCHOOL HALLWAY- MORNING

(CYNTHIA is putting up gay rights signs around the school.

FREEZEFRAME on CYNTHIA with gay rights poster in the

background; shows name, age, and high school at the bottom

of the screen. Video returns to her putting up posters.)

INT. SCHOOL BUS MORNING

(Screen shows JILL is getting off a bus. She puts on a

leather jacket; FREEZEFRAME on JILL for a few seconds

showing her name, age, and high school at the bottom of the

screen. She resumes putting on her jacket, and then leaves

the bus, walking towards the school.)

EXT. SCHOOL BENCH MORNING

(DANNY is playing the guitar on a bench outside of school;

FREEZEFRAME on DANNY showing his name, age, and high school

at the bottom of the screen. Video segment returns to DANNY

leaving the bench, and walking towards the school.)

EXT. SCHOOL HALLWAY MORNING

(AMY is playing with her Rubiks Cube. NANCY enters the

screen and knocks it out of her hands. FREEZEFRAME on AMY

dodging for the Cube, her name, age, and high school are

shown at the bottom of the screen. Video returns to JILL

walking up to her, JILL and NANCY share glances and NANCY

walks away. The bell rings.)

END SCENE

SCENE II

VIDEO:

INT. SCHOOL CLASSROOM DAY

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: January 7, 1980

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States in conjunction with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and other

Muslim countries supported the Mujahidin resistance.

TEACHER: (looking aghast) Wow Danny. I must say, I am quite

impressed. (looking around the classroom) Would anyone else

like to elaborate?

(AMY raises and waves her hand)

TEACHER: Amy, would you like to say something?

(AMY nods excitedly)

AMY: (confidently) The Afghan government requested to the

Soviet Union to send forces into Afghanistan to assist them

in the fight against the Mujahidin rebels. The rebels had

led a military coup against the government of Afghanistan.

The Soviet Union responded to the call of aid from the

original Afghan government by sending in tanks and crews

into Kabul, Afghanistans capital, to secure the airfields.

The anti-communist rebels then sought support from the

United States. U.S. services began to aid the Mujahidin

forces. President Carter even signed an order authorizing

the CIA to conduct covert propaganda operations against the

communist regime.

TEACHER: Very good Amy. Im glad somebody pays attention to

the details of the war.

(Dork! is being said in the background)

MARY: (says without raising her hand) Werent the two

countries fighting over the Persian Gulf because the region

contained oil reserves and natural gas reserves?

CYNTHIA: Hella I have seen that. Didnt the Soviet dress

up as the Afghan and used the Trojan tactic on them? It

went something like the Soviet Union dressing up as Afghans

and being airlifted into Afghanistan to overthrow the

regime of the coup president, Hafizollah Amin.

TEACHER: Yes, that is true. But for a better description of

the war, I want all of you that didnt pay attention to the

news over your winter break, lets watch this video.

(Teacher puts a video in the VCR)

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CUT TO:

(A video segment on Afghan war)

(video segment ends)

CUT TO:

(TEACHER turns of the TV and turn back to the students)

TEACHER: (leans against the desk) I can understand, for

most young adults your age, you are more interested in

socializing than your future. However, please understand

and be appreciative of the US ARMY during this time of

crisis (pause). The conditions for the soldiers are very

harsh. The soldiers are being infected with malaria,

hepatitis, typhus and many other sicknesses that I am sure

most of you have never heard of. They are risking their

lives for peace...

(The screen pans across the students in room while the

TEACHER is talking, then focuses on DANNY.)

DANNY: (curiously) What does it take to become a soldier?

NANCY: (mockingly) No way Danny! You in the Army? As if!

END SCENE:

STAGE:

ON SCREEN: SOVIET AFGHAN WAR SLIDE

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(Students rush across the stage from behind the screen; the

crowd disperses stage right, leaving DANNY and NANCY at

their lockers.)

NANCY: I cant believe people actually want to waste their

lives for those messed-up-country. If a country cannot

protect itself, what is the point in fighting for them?

DANNY: I dunno, might not be so bad. Think about it Nanc, if

we can get the Soviets out of Afghanistan, it proves

something. We cant let the commies take over one country to

the next. Havent you heard the about domino affect.

NANCY: Im sorry, I prefer my history class to be my nap

time. And as if! Were sending soldiers overseas to fight a

battle that could be resolved through compromise.

DANNY: And what kind of compromise is that? If we keep

giving in to these compromises... Theyll keep asking for

more. We want to stop them completely, not negotiate.

NANCY: Ugh! Stop being such a bohunk! (storms off stage

right)

(DANNY signs, drops his head, mumbles, and mopes off stage

right)

END SCENE

SCENE III

VIDEO:

EXT. CAFETERIA DAY

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: June 11, 1982

(NANCY is sitting under a tree reading a book and CYNTHIA

approaches her, the two converse)

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CYNTHIA: Hey after finals do you want to go see that new

movie, ah, whats it called (taps her chin)?

NANCY: Well it could be Poltergeist, Star Track, maybe its

E.T., Mega Force, or Blade Runner... (about to continue)

CYNTHIA: (exites) Yeah, thats it, E.T. So how bout it? I

heard it was about an alien who was lost, and wound up on

Earth somehow. If its anything like those other sci-fi

movies, I think itll be good. The last one we saw, Escape

from New York, was so futuristic... it was insane. Didnt

you go see that with us?

NANCY: Ha, yeah, their plot was intense, ugh, I dont want

the world to end up with high crime rates, and turn into a

real life Gotham city. (thinking) Technology is suppose to

bring us good, but I dont know if its worth all the

trouble it could case. Even graphic novels like Watchmen

show the dangers technology can create. Gag me with a

spoon, I don want to live in that world.

NANCY: (nodding) I totally agree, technologic advances

scare me. But as for E.T., wouldnt it be insane if there

were life on other planets? Hey wait, did you hear about

that retired policeman seeing strange flashing lights in

the sky last Christmas? I mean, he said it didnt look like

any form of man-made aircraft... but what else could it be?

Ugh, that story is so like, oh my God! Wait ... who else iscoming to the movie with us?

(Mary walks into the screen, and sits near CYNTHIA)

CYNTHIA: Wait, was that on the news? (looks disbelieve) I

didnt hear anything about any sightings. (laughs) He is a

retired old guy though, maybe his meds were messed up and

he went loopy. Where was he anyway? Oh...and Jill and Danny

are coming, if thats okay.

NANCY: Ugh, I hope Jill doesnt invite her lame sister. Butthe old-bag in New York was probably off his rocker at the

time. I mean, it was Christmas, he was probably feeling

pretty good.

(MARY starts to listen in on the conversation closely)

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CYNTHIA: (laughs) That concludes our mystery. (searching

through her bags) Well, there might be a slight chance the

weirdo coming with us. Make me barf!

NANCY: Schya.

MARY: Wait, are you talking about Amy or the Aliens?

(NANCY and CYNTHIA turn their attention to MARY)

NANCY: (smirk) Amy now, why?

MARY: I dont see why youre making fun of her, I mean,

arent you B.F.F. with her sister, Jill?

NANCY: (rolls eyes) Im only speaking the truth, shes a

total dweeb. What club was she pictured in on the school

newspaper...Biology Club? Come on, thats lame.

MARY: You should really try to be more open-minded.

TRANSITION TO STAGE:

ON SCREEN: FUTURISTIC MOVIE SLIDE

(JILL is standing at her locker; CYNTHIA enters stage

right, and catches JILL before she leaves)

CYNTHIA: Hey, youre going to the movie tonight, right?

(CYNTHIA runs up and taps JILL on the shoulder)

JILL: (turns around) Yeah, why?

CYNTHIA: Is your sister tagging along?

JILL: Well, I did tell I was going to see E.T. with her

sometime, so yea, I invited her, Is that a problem?

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CYNTHIA: (shakes head) No, no, I just invited Nancy, thats

all. I dont think those get along well.

JILL: (rolls eyes) Ugh, really? I didnt think Nancy was

into that sci-Fi stuff.

CYNTHIA: I dunno, she seems to know a lot about aliens and

UFO. Did you heard about that old guy sighting the UFO last

Christmas? I think it was in New York...scary stuff.

(the two slowly walks away; exiting stage right)

JILL: Ugh...Ill just go with my sister some other time.

(stops walking) Dude, really? It was a UFO? I didnt know

that, I thought the old man just saw flashing lights. Where

did you get the 411?

CYNTHIA: From Nancy? Who would have thought, right? She

actually paid attention to the news. (turns around) Have

you even heard the tales about First Lady Nancy Reagan?

JILL: Oh please, that story is so March. She was dressing

in those ragged clothes only to be on the good side of the

press. I mean, even though it was just a ploy to stop

people from accusing her of spending too much. But, who

wears second-hand clothes in public?!

Cynthia: (laughs) Well then, you havent seen some of the

talk shows with her as a guest. Man, that women wont stoptalking about drug abuse.

JILL: Ive been busy. Well, every First Lady does that.

They only focus on one topic throughout their husbands

term. (looks at the watch) Look at the time, I gotta motor

or the parental units are going to deck me (runs-exit stage

right).

CYNTHIA: (scream-runs after-exit stage right) Youre still

coming to the movie right?

(JILL voices Fer sure! behind the stage as the light went

black for video transition)

END SCENE

SCENE IV

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VIDEO:

INT. HOUSE EVENING

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: March 23, 1983

(NANCY and DANNY are sitting on the couch. They are

watching The Smurfs. DANNYs MOTHER walks into the room;

she is covering the mouthpiece of a phone.)

MOTHER: (talking to DANNY) Hey Danny boy! Turn the channel

to 23!

DANNY: (hesitant) Why? This is the newest episode; weve

been waiting for this.

MOTHER: (looks displease) Please boy! Your Aunt Donna just

told me President Reagan is going to put lasers in space.

DANNY: (changes channel) You havent heard this? (hands her

the remote)

MOTHER: You dont want to stay to watch?

(DANNY pulls NANCY off the couch; about to leave the room)

DANNY: No worries, we watched his speech earlier.

(DANNY and NANCY exit)

CUT TO:

INT. HOUSE SUNROOM

(NANCY is sitting on one of the couches while DANNY is

getting drinks)

NANCY: (complaining) Why did we leave? I kinda wanted to

watch his speech; I didnt get to see all of it earlier.

(DANNY returns with two cups; hands NANCY one then settle

himself on the couch)

DANNY: (takes a sip) Its everything you already know, hes

just telling everyone how hes going to save the world by

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putting lasers in space. (laughs) I cant believe theyre

trying to pull this off, like we have the technology.

NANCY: (intrigue) It is a little far fetched, but then

again, we were the one who dropped the atomic bomb. I can

see why this is being publicize. Hes just doing it to scareaway the Soviets. And its working.

DANNY: Theyre not the only ones. What if this turns into

World War III? I mean, we already had a Russian scare, when

they invaded Afghanistan. Why would they need to pretend to

put lasers in space if nothing is wrong! I mean...(quietly)

I didnt think I would be signing up for nuclear war once I

got out of high school.

NANCY: (chokes) Wait, what?

DANNY: (realizes) I mean where do you see yourself after

high school?

NANCY: College, (sounds unsure) that seems to be the place

where everyone wants to go nowadays, but realistically

(pause; lights up) I want to be an apprentice as a

bartender; then Im going to open my own business. (starts

to blush) Perhaps, settle down have some kids? What do you

think?

(NANCY turns toward DANNY looking determined)

DANNY: (seems uninterested) Thats a good plan Nance, but

for me, realistically, I doubt I could get in anywhere that

can supply me with a solid college education.

NANCY: So what youre saying is... (questioning)

DANNY: (serious) I think Im going to join the Army.

NANCY: Psyche, right? (laughs to herself then realizes)

Whats a good reason for that? Dont you think joining the

army during, (pauses) during this arms race; this nuclearconflict ... is dangerous?

DANNY: I feel like its my job, as a citizen, plus I cant

afford college right now, and this could be a great

opportunity to get a good education, leadership skills and

a chance to serve my country. For me, I think its a great

path.

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NANCY: (disappointed) Really? You dont see yourself

settling down somewhere, maybe having a few kids? Living a

good life? If we even get the chance.

DANNY: Maybe, ugh, the way the arms race is going right

now, I dont even know if Ill have a choice in which way I

should go. It wont end anytime soon. If Reagan continues

to intimidate Russia and those commies, were going to have

quite a war soon. And Im afraid its going to be on our

homeland this time.

NANCY: Danny, Im afraid, but this race is not going to end

at all. Cant you tell that no one is winning right now.

Well, (restating) America may be at the lead with those

shooting missiles lasers (makes hands movements), but

Russia is very close behind. Were running an endless race

here.

DANNY: That doesnt give me a reason not to join to Army,

if the world is going to end anyway, why not help America

be the one that makes it happen?

(NANCY shrugs it off; DANNY signs)

END SCENE

SCENE V

VIDEO:

INT. HOUSE BASEMENT MID DAY

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: April 14, 1984

(Camera focuses on AMY and MARY sitting in beanbag chairs

playing monopoly. JILL enters the room, and walks over to

their area looking for a jacket.)

AMY: (looks up) Hey, are you going to that meeting tonight?

MARY: (interested) What meeting?

AMY: The GAY-SRAIGHT ALLIANCE meeting. Cynthia is leading

the meeting, right? (sounds bitter)

(JILL nods)

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ON SCREEN: DATE SLIDE July 6, 1985 (for 5 seconds)

AIDS SLIDE

(JILL, PERSON #1, and PERSON #2 enter stage right, and take

their seats in the audience on the lower level of the

stage. CYNTHIA enters stage right and walks up to the

podium to speak)

CYNTHIA: (opens a folder on the podium) Good afternoon,everyone (hand motion to all the audience in the

auditorium). This would be the 12th meeting of this year.

Since we are short on time, I would like to start right

away by addressing the main concerns of today. In the past

year, the AIDS epidemic is causing mayhem in the gay

community. For those who are still in confusion, I was

hoping we could have an open discussion for today topic

(turns page on the podium). Before we start I would like to

say that I have just received some this upsetting news. As

you all know, one way for AIDS to be transferred is through

blood transfusion. In most cases, people who haveHemophilia have higher chances of receiving this deadly

disease. Ryan White (noise can be heard from audience) was

a child diagnosed with AIDS last year and has been in the

hospital up until this past June. When asked to be re-

emitted to his school, the school board refused. The family

is currently battling with the school board. I would like

to hear your opinions on this.

JILL: (stands up) Yes, I would like to please.

CYNTHIA: Go right ahead.

JILL: (gets up and angles to face the audience) I think,

the first order we should take care of, is to educate the

people on how AIDS is really spread. I have also heard

about this news and I believe Ryans doctor has reassured

the school board that the AIDS virus within the boys body

is harmless. The parents of children in his school

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district are creating a resisting force and not allowing

the poor child from returning to his school. (sits down)

ON SCREEN: CHANGES TO RYAN WHITE SLIDE

NANCY: (gets up and angles to face the audience) Thousand

of people died last year alone from this disease, and a

large amount is contributed to gay men. I am a bit worried

if this incident will be blamed on the gay community. How

will people treat you? (sits down)

DANNY: PERSON #2: (gets up and angles to face the audience)

Plus, its unfair because not a lot people know that they

are diagnosed with AIDS. They cant be blamed if theyre

only trying to do a good deed by donating blood. (sits

down)

CYNTHIA: Yes, yes, but we know very little about this

disease, it seems. Every time they release anything on it,

a couple months later they put out information that combats

the previous months. For example, it was originally statedthat there was no danger to non homosexuals from contagious

diseases. Five months after that statement was released, it

was clear that the disease affected other groups such as

injecting drug users.

JILL: (gets up and angles to face PERSON #2) But you have

to admit that some weight has been lifted off your

shoulders in the scientific community at least. I mean they

did discover that a big spread of AIDS was from blood

transfusions. I just feel sad for Ryan.

NANCY: (gets up and angles to face JILL) Yes, but that

doesnt make me feel safe for you. Tell the people on the

street what the scientific community believes because as of

now, they think that you all are walking viruses. It isnt

pleasant, and I feel we should educate the community.

Perhaps create a cause to support Ryan and his family.

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CYNTHIA: (raise her voice) Thank you for all of your input.

Another topic I would like to discuss is our preparation

for the LIVE AIDS concert next week

(More noises coming from the audience and the stage

blackout to VIDEO transition of the LIVE AIDS concert for

20 seconds)

END SCENE

SCENE VI

VIDEO:

INT. BAR AFTERNOON

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: August 28, 1985

(Camera focuses on NANCY bartending JILL walks in)

JILL: (taps on the counter) Hey Nancy, hows the restaurantbusiness treating you?

NANCY:(turns around) Oh hey Jill! Its fine. Cant

complain. (cleans off the counter top) But recently people

are piling in here after work hours. It's like everyone is

trying to find a place to relax.

JILL: Ugh, this is such a nice place, you gotta admit.

(relax) Coming here and chat up with everyone about what's

happening around the town. It is enjoyable. (gets excite)

Did you hear about Charlotte and Roland? They're going to

have a baby soon! (Nancy almost drop a glass) (pauses)

thats all the gossip I have from the town. So whats new

with you.

NANCY: (down hearted) Whatll you have?

JILL: Hm? Oh... um, coke please, Im not much of a drinker

anymore. I can't wait to see their baby. Babies are so

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adorable, aren't they?

NANCY: (place the glass on the counter) Here you go.

JILL: Hey, Nancy...(noticing) is something wrong? (worrily)

Did something happen between you and Danny?

NANCY: Um, no. (taken aback) Nothing happened between us.

(spirit picks up) We doing great! I just talk to him last

weekend! In fact he's coming home soon.

(JILL is suspicious)

(A WAITER put an order on tray for NANCY; she mouths okay

when the WAITER turns around to serve new customers)

JILL: Nancy, you must be stressing these days. I told you

to come with me and Cynth last month to the LIVE AIDS

concert in Philadelphia. But nooooo... (waves her hands in

the air) you were too busy. (takes a drink of her soda)

What happened to you, Cynth and I hardly saw you then.

NANCY: (laughs nervously while cleaning up) I know, Ive

just had some family issues that needed to be tended to.

How was it? The concert, it must be awesome to actually be

there! I caught a glimpse of it on TV. (sounds astound) The

crowd was amazing! They looked like ants.

JILL: (aggreeing) We thought our group was there early, butwe underestimated the crowd. There were probably 100,000

people there. It was an amazing feeling. Did you know the

one in London was on same day as ourss. (takes sip) LIVE

AIDS raised millions of dollar for hunger in Ethiopia.

NANCY: (gives the drink to the WAITER) Fer sho! I heard it

was the largest broadcast world wide.

WAITER: (cuts in) LIVE AIDS was mad!

JILL: (jokingly) Yea...now go back to work!

NANCY: It was the concert of the century, I bet. Im

regretting it now. (laugh; unconciously says) Now, more

things to regret.

JILL: (takes a sip; hears) More? Nanc, are you sure nothing

happens?

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NANCY: (realizes) Duh! What can happen? (turns around;

hands grips the sink)

JILL: (notices; raises voice) Shut up! I've known you for

so long. Don't you think I wouldnt be able to tell if you

are in trouble? What is it?

NANCY: (hesitating) Well....

JILL: (leaning in) Yes?

NANCY: (turns around) I...Ive just... I dunno, I think I

made a big mistake Jill...

(Nancy saddens)

JILL: (bewilder) Whoa, what happened?

NANCY: You know a couple months ago or so, when I went to

aerobics, and barfed all over the dance floor?

JILL: (jokingly) Hah! Yeah... hurm, I do. What about it?

NANCY: (serious) Well, being so busy, I forgot that I

havent had my period in a while, and connecting that with

the aerobics incident, I took a test (pauses)... I was

pregnant. (starts rambling)I thought it could be wrong so I

took another one, then another...I took like 5 tests.

JILL: (seems happy) Aw, when did this happen, did you tell

Danny? He would have been so happy?

NANCY: (ashamed) He wasnt home when I found out. He was on

a training trip with the Air Force. I don't think he'd be

happy if I told him...(nervously) ...I had an abortion.

(sulk onto the counter) I couldnt tell him, I had to get

it taken care of. Aw, I was so scared. And now Im

regretting it more than ever.

JILL: (astound) Nancy...(looks around) you actually ...

(mouths abortion? with an unblieving look)....

NANCY: (head is still on the counter; mumbling) I was

scared...

CUSTOMER: UM! Excuse me! Miss?

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NANCY: (raises head) What?! (angry tone)

CUSTOMER: Um. An Absolutely Screwed and a Paradise for me

and my lady friend please. (turns to the girl on the left)

NANCY: Ill be right with you, geeze.

(Makes drink hastely, but doesnt finish it)

JILL: (notices) Hey, Charles. Nancy is not feeling well.

Can you take over for the rest.

NANCY: (protests) Im fine.

(JILL walks over and grab NANCY)

JILL: (determinds) Lets bounce. We have alot to talk

about. Go get your stuff.

(Charles walks over looking worried; NANCY walks pass him

and pats his shoulder)

NANCY: Thanks Charles. (went off to get her belongings)

JILL: Say hello to your wife for me.

(JILL waves goodbye and walks NANCY out)

CUT SCENE:

EXT. PARK - LATE AFTERNOON

(CAMERA zooms out to see NANCY and JILL walking; then zooms

in on NANCY)

NANCY: Well, you see, he wouldnt of understood, he hates

the thought of abortion. Its against his beliefs. Beside,

he's at the point of his career now. I can't be an obstacle

to him with the baby, it would of just weighed him down.Aw, Im ashamed to say it. I cant let him know, but I had

to tell someone. If I had told my mother, she would of

decked me.

JILL: (symphathetic) Nancy, I really dont know what to say

to you at this point, but you should have told me. Were

B.F.F. for gods sake. Why werent you on pill or at least

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you could of used protection.

NANCY: (frustrated) Ugh, he was only home for the break.

How are we suppose to know that .. thats gonna happen. And

do you think I trust using those. They just regulate the

dosages for those pills a couple years back. I dont know

if thats safe yet.

JILL: Oh em gee! Nance! You guys are in your twenties. Act

like ones. Almost everyone women are using pills nowadays.

NANCY: (griping her hair) Im really scare to see his

reaction right now. (pleading) Just dont tell anyone

please, I dont want him to hear about it from anyone else,

Ill tell him when Im ready.

JILL: Of course I won't tell! Just don't do anything on

impulse any more, O.K?

(Camera fades out on JILL and NANCY)

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT ROOM - AFTERNOON

(Camera fades in on JILL and AMY in their apartment; JILL

is on the phone while AMY is reading a stack of documents)

JILL: (on the phone) Yeah, ha! Right, I know, Ive seenthat to many times. Ok, sure, Ill let her know. Well

thanks for calling. (pauses) Bye. (Hangs up phone looks

over to JILL) Guess who I just got off the phone with?

AMY: (uninterested) Who?

(AMY continues to read)

JILL: (Excites) Cynthia! We were talking about Danny is

finally coming back into town. Ah, it's been half a year

since I last saw him.

AMY: (looks up) Where was he again?

JILL: He was training with the Air Force. Pretty neat stuff.

AMY: Id say. You know what else is pretty neat?

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JILL: What exactly? (walks over to AMY and sits herself

down on a chair)

AMY: (taps the pen on her chin) How weird... Nancy has been

acting strange now that Dannys return is so near.

JILL: (opens a newpaper) Excuse me? How would you know how

shes acting, you barely see her. (interested in the

newspaper in hopes of changing thee topc) Whoa, did you see

the newspaper today? French is now helping Iraq in their

war against Iran.

AMY: (glances over) Its only because Iraq is the main oil

supplier for them. Its actually a pretty interesting war.

Did you know that the war was simply faught over border

disputes. Coupled with the history of disputes was Iraqs

fear of Shia insurgency among Iraqs supressed Shia

majority. Iraq invaded Iran in 1980 and the war has

continued since. (getting back on topic)

JILL: Wow, I never knew the history behind the war. It is

pretty slammin.

AMY: (determind) By the way, you never answered my

question. Why is Nancy acting weird these days? Mary always

stops by her work place and whenever she hears someone asks

Nancy about Danny, she acts like she doesn't want to see

him. The conclustion Im jumping to is that shes having an

affair. At least, that makes sense. I mean, why else wouldshe be so nervous to see Danny?

JILL: (upsets) Ya know, assumptions like these just make

you look like a betty.

AMY: (mocked) Well, excuse me, but I could see it

happening. Hes too good for her anyway, problems shes

having, she deserves it.

JILL: Whoa! That was uncalled for. You have no idea what is

happening with her, or anyone else in her life for thatmatter.

AMY: (suspiciously eyeing JILL) Ooo, but you obviously do.

Spill.

JILL: What? (pretending to focus on the newspaper)

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AMY: (not letting go) You saw her yesterday, I know you

did. You looked distraught. It must have been something she

told you. Youre her B.F.F, she must have told you

something. If shes not cheating (eyebrow raises)... what

is it? Danny started rooting for the other team now? Hm?

JILL: (slams the newspaper on the table) Thats not it at

all, stop guessing and make a scene, this is none of your

business. Whats it to you anyway, you dont even like her.

AMY: It doesnt matter, Im just curious. Just tell me! Im

not going to stop bugging you.

(AMY closes her folder)

JILL: You cant say anything to ANYONE (emphasize).

Seriously! This is a big deal. If this gets out to Mary,

Cynthia... or Danny especially, Im screwed.

AMY: (assuring) Fine, fine, just tell me so I can get on

with my life.

JILL: (nervously) She had an abortion.

AMY: (mouth opens) What?! No way. Aw, does he know? No...

he doesnt, does he?

JILL: (shakes her head) No, he doesnt know. And no one

should tell him, (points to AMY) other than Nancy, now keepyour trap sht and leave me alone, I warned you.

AMY: (laughs) Thank you (smiling mischiviously).

(A while later, AMY sneaks around the corner to the nearest

telephone, and calls up MARY on screen when the phone

rings, you just see MARY)

MARY: Hello? (pauses) What?! No way. (pauses) So, youre

saying he's coming home next week. (pauses) Aw, I know,

this is great. (pauses) Are you really? Thats pretty cold.(pauses) Ok, do what you gotta do, just leave me out of

this.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT EARLY MORNING

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(A week later)

(AMY is sitting at home when the phone rings)

AMY: (answers phone) Hello?

(SCENE of DANNY talking in a phone booth)

DANNY: Hey, um, this is kind of a stretch, but I got home

early, and I was wondering if you or your sister could give

me a ride home? I want to surprise Nancy, so don't tell her

(pleading).

(SCENE returns to AMY)

AMY: Yeah, um... My sister isn't home right now. What time

does your flight come in? Ill pick you up.

(SCENE of DANNY talking in a phone booth)

DANNY: (relieves) Thanks. Its supposed to come in around

10, but Im thinking by the time I get my luggage itll be

around (looks at he watch) 10.30, 11 oclock.


AMY: Yep, thats fine. Ill see you then.


DANNY: Thank you. (phone hangs up sound)

(DANNY hangs up the phone and start walking)

CUT TO:

EXT./INT.- CAR EARLY AFTERNOON

(Amy is driving with DANNY in the passenger seat)

DANNY: Ah, almost home. (relax on to the car seat)

AMY: (laughs) I bet! So how was your training? It must be a

tough time, huh?

DANNY: (closes his eyes) It was at the beginning but I got

used to it. I learned a lot. The experiences from the

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training was a killer! But I had a horrible problem with

authority. Im not one to listen to people so it took me

awhile to get over that.

AMY:(nodding and laughs) Sounds just like you. (sobering

down) So Im guessing you heard all about Iraq getting

supplies from France.

DANNY: (raises voice) Of course, Iraq is not only getting

the supplies from Soviet but they are getting aircrafts

from the French too. Just before I left, there was a

transaction between them on the last batch for Mirage F-1s.

I cannot believe this.

AMY: What are Miragewhat did you call them?

DANNY: Mirage F-1s are aircrafts used in wars.

AMY: Oh, I see. (frowns a little)

DANNY: What's wrong? You seem warped. (jokingly) I don't

think I can trust you behind the wheel.

AMY: There is something ... but I am not sure if I should

tell you. Then again, you have the right to know. I just

feel guilty keeping you in the dark. I cant decide if I

should tell it or not.

DANNY: Sup? Nothing happened to my parents, right?

AMY: No, they're fine. I saw them cruising around a while

ago. It's...

DANNY: (jumps in; voice raises) Nancy? Something is wrong

with her right? Please say no!

AMY: (frustrated) Ah stop yelling! Gag me with a spoon.

(pauses) How about we go find a place to eat. You're

probably hungry. I'll give you the 411 there.

(DANNY nods and mouths "alright")

CUT SCENE

INT. DINER - AFTERNOON

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(Open scene at a restaurant, AMY and DANNY are handing in

their menus to the waiter)

WAITER: (takes menus) I'll be right out with your drinks.

DANNY: Thanks.

AMY: Thank you.

DANNY: I can't sit here any longer, you have to tell me.

AMY: Calm down... (stares) promises me you totally loose

your cool?

WAITER: Here ya go. (places drinks on the table - then

leaves screen)

(DANNY takes a drink and nods)

AMY: "Okay," (breath out) Nancy...well... had an abortion...

DANNY: (looks dumbfounded) HA HA HA.... I believe the first

of April was a month ago already. (laughs) Speaking of

that...

AMY: (raises her voice) Danny! Danny! This isnt a joke.

Jill told me about it ...

DANNY: (angry) So everyone knows about the abortion but me?!

WAITER: (bringing a tray of plates over) Here are your

orders! ....whoops!

(DANNY stands up and bumps in the WAITER causing him to

spill the plates onto the floor)

(DANNY keeps on running out of the restaurant)

AMY: Augh ... (trying to get through the mess) Danny ...

wait!

EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON

(cut to scene with DANNY running towards NANCY'S work

place)

INT. BAR - AFTERNOON

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DANNY: (flinches at the mention of crying; sighs) I still

need to get my luggage from Amys car.

(DANNY gets up; MARY and DANNY begin walking towards to

parking lot of the park)

CUT SCENE

INT. APARTMENT-LATE AFTERNOON

(CAMERA zooms in on JILL and AMY in the kitchen preparing

for dinner)

AMY: (cutting the carrot) Theyre about to pass the Arms

Export Control Act...

JILL: (getting something) Does this have anything to do

with Reagan? I have nothing against him, but with the

conflict in the Middle East makes me a little iffy.

AMY: (nodding) My distrust started when he approved that

plan that allowed Israel to ship weapons to Iran.

(Loud knocks on the door)

JILL: (leaving the kitchen) Ill get it.

(As soon as JILL unlocks the door, NANCY and CYNTHIA storms

in)

NANCY: (crying) JILL! You promised me! You said you werent

going to tell anyone!

JILL: (aghast) I (fidgeting)... Im sorry I made a slip to

tell Amy. But... she was the only one, the only one I told.

CYNTHIA: (cuts in) And she went off to tell Danny. Now its

a mess.

JILL: (shocks) WHAT? ...(yells) AMY!

(AMY walking slowly from the kitchen)

AMY: (laughs) oh... I forgot to mention about Dannys

return. (straighten) But he had every right to know about

the abortion.

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NANCY: (mad) Then Im the one with the right to tell him,

not you! Do you even consider the repercussions of your

action?

AMY: (yells back) How you feel? What about my feelings

throughout high school? The only year I was relieved was

when you (point at NANCY) graduated.

(At this point, MARY walks in with DANNY)

MARY: Whoa, quite a wreck here. Chilled it! Nancy. (looking

determined) I think someone wants to talk to you. (turns

toward DANNY)

(NANCY nervously walks toward DANNY; the two exits the

scene)

MARY: (join the group) Theyre going to be fine.

(MARY walks over to AMY)

MARY: (whispers) It should end now.

(AMY nods; CAMERA zooms out of the door and OPEN zooms on

DANNY and NANCY walking)

END SCENE

SCENE VII

VIDEO:

INT. HOUSE AROUND NOON

MOMENTARILY ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: January 28, 1986

(Screens focus on MARY sitting in her apartment watching

television; the phone rings)

MARY: (answers the phone) Hello? (pause) Of course! Ididnt know you two were in town. (pause) Okay, ha,

certainly. Ill see you in a little bit (hangs up the phone)

CUT TO:

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MARY: I think for the Challenger, it was only the tenth,

but oh, this is horrible. That poor teacher was on the

flight too. I cant believe it.

AMY: (grieving) Christa McAuliffe, right? She was selected

from more than 11,000 applicants from the education

profession to go into spaces. She was so young too. I

wonder how her family, students, friends and colleagues are

taking it. It but be harsh for them.

(They turns off the TV, AMY covers her face. The screen

goes black for STAGE transition)

STAGE:

ON SCREEN: CHALLENGER SLIDE

(CYNTHIA and NANCY are sitting on the lower level of the

stage, holding white roses)

CYNTHIA: This is terrible. Since last years, weve watchedclosely how this whole process was planned out.

NANCY: (hand on CYNTHIAs shoulder) Cynth, I know, this

NASA Teacher in Space Project gave so much hope to her to

be able to reach out to all her students. Her husband Steve

and two children Scott and Caroline must be so distraught.

CYNTHIA: (lowers head) and then, there were the other 7

crew members. I cannot accept the fact that... that many

people died within a split of a second.

(STAGE slowly dims to black)

END SCENE

SCENE VIII

VIDEO:

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INT. INSIDE OF A DINER LATE AFTERNOON

MOMENTARILY ON THE BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: October 21, 1987

(CYNTHIA, DANNY and NANCY are in a diner chatting.)

CYNTHIA: Wow, I'm so stressed out during these times. I

don't want to stay home. You guys don't mind I tag along

and be the third wheel?

DANNY: (looks another direction) Yes, we do...

NANCY: (slaps DANNY on the back) It's nothing. We've just

haven't chilled out in a while. I'm stressed out too with

the business and everything. It's a hard time. Im getting

such a shocked from the Stock Market crash on Monday. I

have no idea why am I here dinning. (take a sip of water)

This is even bad for the bar business. With the economy in

a downturn, less people will come to the bar which means

that I dont get paid as much as I normally do.

DANNY: Hmm... true. Its not only the bar business though.

Businesses all over town is starting to collapse (sigh) Im

overwhelmed on my part too, even with the cash flow from

the army service, I'm still struggling.

NANCY: (argues) Well those business are at fault. They were

betting their fortune on the stock market.

CYNTHIA: Wow, nice. You argue like an old married couple.

(pause) Well, you guys have been going out since high

school; are you two going to end up tying the knot anytime

soon?

NANCY: Well, we dont know if were even ready for marriage

yet. But we do know that after last years incident, our

relationship is in much better shape than ever. Weve

developed a sense of trust between us now.

DANNY: Anyway, with me in the service, and Nancy workinghere in DC; we really want to wait until were both settled

to get married.

CYNTHIA: (nodding) Its a tough time for all of us. Ive

been so busy with organizing conferences for Gay-rights

that it has been depleting me. (pause, looks at Danny) By

the way, how was your time in the Air Force.

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DANNY: (Looks up) Eh, it was ok, I went into the school for

business and it was totally interesting. Unstable career

though.

NANCY: Ill be right back guys. I need to use the bathroom.

(NANCY leaves to go to the bathroom)

CYNTHIA: (looks up from eating) Business may be unstable

but it is an interesting area to study.

DANNY: (explaining) Interesting, yes. But for instance, the

amount of foreign investors in the stock market has driven

the prices skyward. Its insane. You never know what is

going to happen next.

CYNTHIA: So youre thinking about investing? I wouldnt

worry too much. These prices can only last for so long.

DANNY: Yea, my one professor back in the Air Force

explained it to me. To the general public, when the market

is good, everyone relaxes. But what happens is that after a

period of good prices, the market goes down, which is

exactly what happened. As of now, Im going to keep my

money where it is, just in case. You know what they say,

the farther you go up the harder you fall. Take Monday was

an example, the crash affected millions. For those who know

how to play stock (pause) they should have taken theirmoney out before. This crash made such impact, its going

to take a year or more for it to climb back up again.

(NANCY returns to the table)

(CAMERA zoom out as the three continues to converse)

END SCENE:

TRANSITION TO STAGE:

ON SCREEN: STOCK MARKET SLIDE

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(CYNTHIA and JILL are sitting in chairs, JILL is reading

the newspaper.)

JILL: Oh wow, did you read this?

CYNTHIA: The paper? No, I havent had a chance to read it

yet.

JILL: (looking at the newspaper carefully then looks up)

They are writing about the crash on Monday.

CYNTHIA: AH, the market. Danny, Nancy, and I were talking

about it? Its sad that you couldnt make it to the dinner.

What did the article said?

JILL: (start pointing into the newspaper) Its pretty bad,

(pause) I mean, the Dow lost 500 billion dollars. Hong Kong

got decked pretty hard by 45 percent. This is pulling

everyone down across the globe.

CYNTHIA: Damn, before, I was thinking of buying some small

stocks, but I guess ... Im going to save that money for my

retirement fund... in cash.

(Walks over to JILL)

JILL: (laughs) Youre going to need that, now that we are

in a recession.

CYNTHIA: (walks around) I still cant believe how it

happened. For all I knew, the market was doing fine. Then

boom, (making hand movements) there went Aunt Lucys summer

house.

JILL: (thinking) Well, according to AMY (rolls eyes), one

of the causes of the crash was that the mass public bought

stock. The problem was that they didnt actually own it. In

the end, the blame lies on the computer because they traded

through the computer system.

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CYNTHIA: (lights up) I wonder if James Baker is involved in

this. You know, the Secretary of Treasury? He had announced

that after a large U.S. trade deficit, that there needed to

be a lowering in the dollar value.

(AMY suddenly walks in looking exhausted)

AMY: (cuts in) Could be. (startles the two) After the fall

in the dollar on foreign exchange markets, foreigners began

to pull out of dollar-denominated assets. They were

probably scared that they were going to lose a fortune

since the value of the US dollar was lowered. It really

caused a sharp rise in interest rates. (yawns) Hey, Jill,

anything to eat?

(JILL and CYNTHIA looks at AMY weirdly)

END SCENE

SCENE IX

VIDEO:

INT. HOUSE DAY

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: September 21, 1989

(The screen breaks up into four sections. You see JILL,

AMY, CYNTHIA and MARY opening up identical envelopes.Reveling wedding invitations. Camera focuses on CYNTHIA.

The phone rings.)

CYNTHIA: (answers phone) Hello? (pause) Yes! I just opened

it. (pause) Of course Im going to go! I wouldnt miss it

for the world. (pause) Ha, ok, you too. (pause) Good bye.

CUT TO:

INT. WEDDING RECEPTION - BAR EVENING

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: November 8, 1989

(On screen you see a AMY, MARY, CYNTHIA and JILL sitting at

a table chatting)

MARY: Aw, I still cant believe Nancy and Danny are getting

married.

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CYNTHIA: (agreeing) Then again, with all the troubles

theyve been through. I think they picked the right time.

AMY: (cuts in) Did you see the church they picked? Its so

pretty.

JILL: Its Victorian.

CYNTHIA: My fav.

(NANCY taps her glass and stands up to give a speech.)

NANCY: Hello everyone! I just wanted to let you all know

how thankful we are to have you here. Were so excited to

see all our friends (looks at their friends table and

glances at AMY; smiles) and family in one place, and we

hope you are enjoying yourselves.

DANNY: (stands up) Wed also like to make a toast. Thank

you for being here to celebrate this wonderful day with us.

Thank you for being with us through all this years.

(The screen focuses on Danny holding up his glass.)

DANNY: Cheers!

(The crowd follows)

(Screen goes black.)

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH SUNDAY SCHOOL ROOM LATE AFTERNOON

MOMENTARILY ON BOTTOM OF THE SCREEN: November 9, 1989

(Audience sees DANNY putting on his bow tie in front of a

mirror. You see his best man and other groomsmen chatting,

and getting ready. GROOMSMAN #1 walks in, and turns on thetelevision in the corner of the room. He turns to a news

channel.)

GROOMSMAN #1: (yells) Hey everyone! Quiet down.

(Everyone looks over to the man, and the TV screen. They

all stare. On the screen you see a news anchor covering the

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story of the Berlin Wall falling. The room is silent. There

are pleasant smiles, of hope, and subtle joy, on the mens

faces. GROOMSMAN #2 walks into the room.)

GROOMSMAN #2: (yells) Hey guys, weve got to get going.

(The room is still silent; a couple people turn around to

look at the clueless man. DANNY smiles. He finishes

adjusting his bowtie and grabs his coat and walks out of

the room, with a caring grin on his face. The other men

file out of the room as well. The TV is still on. The

camera focuses on it.)

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH AFTERNOON

(DANNY and his groomsmen are lined up at the alter. MUSIC

PLAYING: The Wedding March. The doors of the church open,

the maids starts walking in line with NANCY following

behind down the aisle. As they start to walk down the

camera focuses back to DANNY for a few seconds, and then

cuts back to NANCY. A few seconds into her walk you cut

back to the video of the people at the Berlin Wall,

focusing on all the joy and celebration of making two

things one. The camera cuts back to NANCY walking down the

aisle, and you focus on the smile on her face, as she looks

forward. As the maids line up, she joins DANNY at the

alter, the pastor starts to speak, and he begins to talk

about unity. The camera cuts back to the Berlin Wall.)

CUT TO:

INT. WEDDING RECEPTION AFTER PARTY - EVENING

(People are dancing. Camera pans around to people dancing.

Camera focuses briefly on Nancy, Danny, Amy, Jill, Mary and

Cynthia. Nancy, Danny and Amy are dancing. Mary, Jill and

Cynthia are sitting around a table having a drink. Camera

then focuses on an old man who is sitting at a table. He

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