Part 8?!?!
Part 8?!?!!?!
I'm still in shock about this. I shouldn't be that shocked because I won Script Frenzy, but the real shock comes from the material. I'm not going to lie - my general attitude towards the Crystal Palace series was dampened by... I don't know, a combination of how old the characters are, me losing my feeling of intimacy with them, and the way Kate made writing CP3 feel like a chore. I had a bad taste in my mouth, if any taste at all, even though I look back on CP3 and have to thank it for all the new things it brought.
I still wonder what Kate's going to say when she finds out I wrote CP4 by myself, just out of nowhere, at record speed. lol
Uhh, anyway. ANYWAY! You want the part, don't you? You wanna know what's gonna go down... don't you?
Well, I won't keep you waiting.
CRYSTAL PALACE 4 – Part 8 – The Mojito, Among Other Things
INT. AKIRA AND JENNIFER’S, MASTER BEDROOM. AFTERNOON.
KATE
You want me to what?
Kate stands next to Cosmo, and the both of them look on as Jennifer irons some of her finest shirts. Jennifer looks up from her work.
JENNIFER
Well it would only be for two weeks, whenever Cosmo’s at work, which would be…
COSMO
(stunned)
Every day except Monday and Thursday… ?
KATE
That’s at eight in the morning! Do you think I have nothing better to do?!
JENNIFER
No, it’s not that, I just- I don’t know who else to ask. That’s why I’m asking if it’s possible.
KATE
It’s not possible. I mean isn’t it bad enough that Cosmo has to mind her every day? Now we’re both supposed to be her substitute parents for two weeks? Fuck, Jennifer, there’s a reason I don’t have any kids.
COSMO
And there’s also the part where Crystallina’s a horri- uh…
KATE
She’s a horrid little shit, Jennifer.
Cosmo lowers his face and smiles, but Jennifer has stopped ironing and lowers her hands to the board.
JENNIFER
(through her teeth)
I know what a trouble she is… I just ran out of options.
Kate appears at the other end of the board and looks her in the eye.
KATE
I understand that you play “musical baby-sitters”; Cosmo told me all about it. But that doesn’t mean that I’d be any less musical. Hire a professional, for God’s sake. There has to be at least one daycare around here for severely troubled children. I will not watch her, and Cosmo has a right to some free time, especially considering all of the shit she’s put him through. I, frankly, take issue with the fact that you pretend it’s not happening.
Jennifer hardly moves at all, but her face says it all.
JENNIFER
I’m not pretending it’s not happening. I just can’t do anything about it.
KATE
Yes, you can; you can make sure he has some time to screw his balls on in the right direction again. I’m surprised Human Rights Watch doesn’t know about this.
Cosmo keeps his hands calmly folded one over the other, making no indication one way or another if he believes what Kate says, but he breathes deeply, up and down, up and down, wets his lips, and averts his eyes.
JENNIFER
That’s enough, Kate. You don’t have to do it. I’m just going to have to find someone else to take her on those mornings.
Kate turns around and shakes her head in disbelief at Cosmo, who is suddenly determined under her observation to do right by her.
COSMO
Actually, Jennifer, I really won’t be able to do much more than I have already. I can keep her for the evenings and nights, but… (timid) I’d really prefer you found a place I can drop her off for the day…
Jennifer thinks on it for a moment before getting back to her ironing with a much faster pace.
JENNIFER
I’ll see what I can do.
KATE
Are we dismissed now?
Jennifer doesn’t bother with a response, so Kate leaves the room. She isn’t surprised when Cosmo is already behind her as if he’s attached by an invisible leash, but she heads right out the door without noticing the enthusiasm emanating from him. Just as she reaches her car, Cosmo nearly hops in front of her.
COSMO
Kate! That was… that was great!
KATE
What was?
COSMO
The way you stood up to her! I’ve never heard anyone speak to Jennifer like that.
Kate cocks her eyebrow.
COSMO
Well-… Nevermind, the point is… thank you. You were very convincing at seeming like you cared so much about my predicament. It might even yield real results, although she hasn’t much time.
Kate inhales like she might object to his interpretation, but she cuts around to the other side of the car, noting the way Cosmo follows her again before plopping into her seat.
KATE
Listen, even though Jennifer doesn’t seem to care at all, I have a feeling she’s not as convinced as I thought. I think we should step it up. You know, so she doesn’t think you’re a pedophile.
Cosmo nods.
COSMO
If you say so.
KATE
This is where I live. Come pick me up at eight.
She pulls a scrap of paper from her purse and hands it to him. Cosmo’s mouth opens but no words come out. He backs up, stunned, as the car door slams shut, the engine starts, and Kate drives away.
EXT. KATE’S HOUSE FRONT. 8:00PM.
Cosmo’s car pulls into the driveway. He steps out and takes a moment to give the house an up-and-down. It’s not as wide as Jennifer and Akira’s, but it’s three stories tall and painted maroon. All along the sides of the driveway and the bottom of the house are decorative stones. On his way to the door, he spots a metal statue of an emu atop a fountain and tilts his head.
He knocks on the door. Nobody answers, even after repeated knocking, until he remembers to ring the doorbell. Kate answers and resumes putting on an earring.
KATE
Oh, you came. Good for you.
COSMO
Good evening, Kate.
She grins briefly before disappearing from the crack of the door and returning with her purse. She steps out in a short black pencil skirt, a blazer, and stilettos that are even higher than her normal shoes.
KATE
Let’s take my car, okay? Parking’s shit downtown.
She’s quick to hop in. Cosmo doesn’t want to make her wait. He gets in and buckles up.
COSMO
Does Jennifer know what we’re up to?
KATE
Hah, of course she does. What’s the point of doing anything if she doesn’t know… right?
COSMO
Right…
CUT TO:
INT. DANCE CLUB. SOON AFTER.
The club is a busy place tonight. Couples are grinding under the rainbow lights, pick-up artists are enjoying their harems at the booths, and creeps are checking out their peers at the bar. When Kate enters, in slow motion with an unidentifiable light blasting her, she turns more than just a few heads. Soon after, the light disappears, and Cosmo steps in with his eyes darting. He sticks close to her as she works her way to the bar. A sea of faces go from smug grins to disappointed frowns as Kate and Cosmo pass respectively.
Kate finds only one spare seat and takes it without a second thought.
KATE
I’d like a Mojito, please.
As the drink is made, Cosmo stands there with his hands in his pockets.
KATE
You ever been to a place like this before?
COSMO
No, but I have a general idea of what happens at them- oh!
Two girls who’re for some reason ballroom dancing together sweep past the area and bump into him from behind. He stumbles closer to Kate, who takes her drink and slurps at it until half is left, all in a moment. She looks him up and down and smiles while playing with the straw.
KATE
In that case, I guess what I’m about to do shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
COSMO
…What are you about to do?
She finishes another quarter of her drink and raises her finger for more time. Cosmo seems almost eager to find out what could happen as she downs the rest of it and wipes her mouth with her sleeve.
When she stands up, a new beat begins (the Vitamin String Quartet cover of No Doubt’s Hella Good, if you’re curious), which guides her from side to side, pushing the limit between them until Cosmo is stumbling backwards. When she catches his chin in her finger, she floats past him like a breeze and takes herself to a special spot on the dance floor, where a spotlight falls on her head. To Cosmo, she is like an exotic vision, twisting and turning, enticing him. Soon, the verse of the music begins with a violin speaking for Cosmo’s interest as he sees her across the way.
Casually she wanders back to him and commands him to step into the vision, which he does, with the front of his shirt balled in Kate’s fist. They reach the beam of light and Kate backs into him and shows him where to put his hands. They rock to the music! It’s almost like Cosmo’s danced before!
To Kate’s surprise, Cosmo then takes the initiative as the second verse starts up, scooping up her waist and her hand and cutting them across the dance floor in a tango. They bump into several people on their way and even knock one over, but neither give a fuck. Magic is happening. When they reach the other end, Cosmo spots a plastic glow-in-the-dark flower sitting on a table and puts it into his mouth, and they cut back again, spreading a new group of grumbling partiers. When they reach a good place, he dips her three times in a row and she reciprocates with a round of grinding and twirling in his arms.
Suddenly a guy comes out of nowhere and taps Cosmo on the shoulder.
GUY
Hey! You knocked over my girlfriend.
KATE
Hey, fuck you, asshole!
And Kate slugs him in the face. She realizes what she’s done and looks around for security, but Cosmo urges her away from the scene. They hide in a hallway towards the bathrooms for just a moment before coming back into view in rhythm with the music, Kate waving her arms in the air, and Cosmo doing the Scuba-diver. When they pull each other close again, however, it becomes apparent to Kate that Cosmo is sweating waterfalls, and his eyes are rolling back, even with his expression of ecstasy. Shortly, he drops to the floor like jello, only kept from flopping over on his head by Kate grabbing hold of his armpits.
CUT TO:
INT. REHAB ART CENTER. SAME TIME.
It is in an uncomfortably quiet room that a paintbrush creates a pink curve over a white canvas. The image is not recognizable until the camera tracks out. Akira is sitting there with a beret and an apron on, tearfully admiring what is his attempt at Drunky. The eyes are too far apart and he cannot master elephant legs to save his life, but that doesn’t stop him from placing his hand over his heart and looking to the ceiling as if filled with passion.
The over-looker of the activity sees him from nearby and comes to the foreground.
DOCTOR
That’s very nice… (peering over to see Akira’s name-tag) A-keer-ah. What is it?
Akira doesn’t notice him immediately, but when he looks up and inhales, the doctor has a better idea.
DOCTOR
Uh, why don’t you let everyone know what it is? It would be a good exercise. (to the others) Everyone? A-keer-ah has something to show us.
The room quiets down with an unnatural abruptness, and the doctor extends his hand towards Akira as if presenting him.
AKIRA
T-this is Drunky. He’s a good friend of mine who believes in me, unlike my wife and family. He comes with me on tour, and Britney and I treat him like the brother we never had. But I wouldn’t expect any of you to understand.
The camera brings into focus the space just beside and behind Akira, where Ronnie has pulled out a tissue and blots his eyes. He reaches out to pat him on the shoulder.
RONNIE
Of course we understand, man. That was beautiful. I hope that he and I can get along some day.
Akira has no visible reaction to him, and neither does the rest of the room to any of it. The doctor’s not sure what to say and fumbles for words, but before he knows it, another patient, Angie, holds up her easel and reveals an orange ant-eater.
ANGIE
This is Benjamin. We’ve been through some tough times. He’s my life coach when no one’s around, to be honest. I don’t know what I’d do without him.
Another patient, a woman with frizzled hair and a dress whose flower print is a little too large, holds up her easel tentatively. It’s a purple polka-dotted koala. By now, Akira looks anything but comforted.
SUSAN
This is Diane… We met about a year ago and she always has encouraging words. It’s okay to have martini after martini, she says! It’ll stop raining! All obstacles will be out of my way!
Terry stands up straight and raises her easel with trembling hands: a blue cat with forget-me-not eyes.
TERRY
THIS IS SABRINA.
Suddenly, the rest of the room starts showing their paintings. There are lavender turtles and magenta squirrels, purple giraffes, and red sea lions.
HUNTER
I’ve got a turkey named SEBASTION.
SHANIQUA
Paula the Owl!
LINDA
Stanley!
DAVID
Harriet!
Akira throws his paint brush far away and it nearly hits the doctor, then he turns away from Ronnie and sobs his eyes out. Ronnie and the doctor both reach for him, but he jerks his arms repeatedly while tears roll down his face and harden all over it in a thin layer, though nobody seems to notice, and they break off during his struggle.
AKIRA
I want out of here! I don’t belong with you nut-cases!
Although he doesn’t realize it, he successfully slugs Ronnie in the nose with his elbow, and he stumbles back and holds his face. The doctor signals towards a mirror (a two way mirror?) and several other professionals come in to hold him still.
AKIRA
I used to be a prince!
He wails on and on, but it prompts his peers to create a chorus of whimpers about similar past-times.
DAVID
I was a grand-duke!
Angie drops the painting and turns towards Susan.
ANGIE
I used to be the Queen of Russia’s assistant!
KENGO
I WAS MINISTER OF THE RIGHT! I HAD’A THE BEST HAT OF ANYBODY!
Kengo screams, his face the color of a tomato.
From a long shot of the room, we see other doctors entering and restraining the patients, shouting over their cries that it’s time for bed.
INT. COSMO’S APARTMENT. A HALF HOUR LATER.
The door to Cosmo’s apartment opens and Kate’s shadow is in the doorframe, lugging Cosmo around with his arm around her shoulder. Her hand reaches around the wall nearby and locates the light switch, and then she sets him down on the couch. While Cosmo lies there with his eyes half-closed, she looks at a loss for what to do at first, but she goes to pour a glass of water. Upon her return, he takes it and downs the whole thing while Kate fans him with a Pier One Imports magazine sitting on his coffee table.
KATE
Jesus, it’s cold in here. That should help, shouldn’t it?
COSMO
Always does.
KATE
Sorry, I… guess I forgot about all that ice demon stuff.
COSMO
It’s okay. Even I did… for a moment. And, believe me; we try not to bring attention to that. (pause) I like that you forgot.
Kate shrugs.
KATE
Well, my best friend married one.
COSMO
And that turned out to be quite fun, didn’t it? I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ll be able to go to another dance party unless it’s here with the air conditioning cranked up.
KATE
Well, I don’t mind. We could have one in your bedroom.
Cosmo laughs and sits a little straighter when Kate takes a seat next to him.
COSMO
That would be a terrible idea. There’s no room in there at all. We’d be bumping into everything.
KATE
Well… there are a few things I don’t mind bumping into.
And she tries her best to discreetly scoot closer, but Cosmo stands up.
COSMO
I’m going to go change, if you don’t mind. I’ll be quick – in fact, if you want you can leave. I’m sure I’m not a good host.
KATE
No, go ahead, change.
She takes out her make-up mirror and primps. He sighs like he’s not sure he wants the pressure, but goes down the hall and leaves the door half open. He mutters to himself while digging through his dresser about smelling like death, then puts on a clean shirt.
Back in the living room, Kate leans to the side of the couch and raises her mirror to look down the hall in its reflection. Cosmo is very conveniently standing within view, framed by the half-closed door, and he’s struggling to undo the last button of his shirt. But nevermind that because a perfect pair of pecs are on full display. He gets off his shirt and dries his sweat with a towel, rolling his head back and around. Kate delightedly scrunches up her shoulders and sits straight again, waiting a moment before his shadow comes across her side. She makes sure to look like she was just minding her own business.
COSMO
Uh… do you want a drink or something? Oh, wait a minute – you’d better not. I saw how much you drank at the bar and it might not be good if you’re driving yourself home.
KATE
Am I?
COSMO
Uh…well I guess you could get a cab.
KATE
Well, I don’t want anything anyway. I’d rather be alert for this.
COSMO
Heh, what? Alert for sitting around while a strange man twiddles his thumbs? I really have no idea how to entertain you now that we’re here. The man you saw at the club was... quite unlike me. (pause) Uh, have you seen one of these before?
He points to a small statue of the Buddha that he for some reason has on the bookshelf.
KATE
Buddha? Yes.
COSMO
Oh… I thought it was quite neat looking… Uh, would you like to see my painting? It’s the worst thing you’ll ever see, if your tastes are similar to Crystallina’s.
Kate stands up and strides towards him in an almost seductive fashion before standing right over him and taking a look.
KATE
It’s okay.
Cosmo’s not sure if her opinion is an improvement, but Kate steps towards his music stand, where his violin is sitting in its open case.
KATE
You play the violin?
COSMO
No, I pluck it desperately and aimlessly. But I’m trying. (pause) And those are my records, and my tapes… It’s quite exciting being able to listen to music wherever you want, isn’t it?
KATE
Yeahhh…
They continue to wander around the room, but each time Cosmo steps, Kate steps closer.
COSMO
And these are little figurines I got at a thriftstore. It’s amazing the things people give away. In my family, everything is an heirloom, no matter how small or worthless, mostly because it’s a reminder that we didn’t lose everything… Oh, and here’s my mother.
He gestures towards the framed blue-haired woman on his arm-chair side table, and he has surprising enthusiasm for her. He takes Kate’s arm and leads her to the shelf above the television, where a group of photos are kept.
COSMO
See, that’s my mother again. And Akira’s mother. And here they are as children. They got along really well. How ironic, isn’t that?
Kate glances at them, but looks at him in a fashion too direct for his comfort and says:
KATE
You know, just for the future? You don’t show your family photos to the woman you want to sleep with when she visits your apartment.
Cosmo makes eye contact with a surprised expression for the looming dark-haired lady closing in on him, and he tries to shake his head as if that wasn’t his intention at all, but their shadows on the wall smack together like magnets and turn in circles until they’ve fallen onto the couch, where they feast on each other’s lips.
CUT TO: Jennifer alone in her bed, the moonlight breaking through the curtains. She can feel the empty space next to her.
CUT TO: Akira flicking channels in bed on the opposite side, a noticeable vacancy next to him as well, when he hears a tapping on the balcony window. He seems more irritated than curious as he comes forward and tugs on the door handles. There, he finds a masked man standing on his balcony, out of breath, but attempting a power-stance with some rope flung over his shoulder.
AKIRA
What the fuck! SECURITY!
He calls in a random direction, but his visitor covers his mouth.
RONNIE
A-keer-ah. It’s me, Ronnie!
But Akira just attempts to scream louder.
RONNIE
No, please don’t! I just wanted to tell you something!
AKIRA
(muffled)
What?!
RONNIE
I wanted to tell you… that I think you’re a real prince!
Akira’s brow furrows as Ronnie tentatively takes away his hand, and then drops the ropes and begins to scout around beneath the balcony.
AKIRA
Well gee, thanks, but I would’ve been able to sleep tonight if you’d waited to tell me until tomorrow. How the fuck did you get onto my balcony?!
RONNIE
I have my ways. That’s why I’m here.
AKIRA
I can see that you’re here! Now if you’re done, I'd like to go inside and watch Reba, like everyone else does at ten at night!
RONNIE
But A-keer-ah, I have better plans for you.
Ronnie yanks off his ski-mask and drops to his knees, then tries to kiss Akira’s feet. A low-angle shot shows Akira towering over us, clearly disgusted.
RONNIE
Princes shouldn’t be in rehab! I’m gonna BUST US OUT.
AKIRA
No, you’re not.
RONNIE
Yes, I am. You saw how easily I got up here. And you didn’t hear a thing, did you? I’ve already got the tunnel ready.
Akira suddenly looks a little less angry.
RONNIE
The best of our group, A-keer-ah. I’m leading them out at the end of the week, and I already told them you’d be there.
AKIRA
To break out of the rehab center?! How?!
RONNIE
All I can tell you, man… all I can tell you is that it’s worked before. This isn’t my first time in this place; let’s just put it that way.
Akira backs up a little. He wonders if he might try to call security again, and turns back towards his room, but makes direct eye contact with Ronnie.
AKIRA
How do I know I can trust you?
RONNIE
Because I’m your bro, man-
AKIRA
Don’t give me that shit.
RONNIE
Shit?! Don’t hurt me like that ! I would never lie to you! (pause) Listen, I know this is last minute, but you knew I was brewing something. I let you in on it. If you want something to hold you over and prove my loyalty, then take this.
Ronnie reaches into his back pocket, or what appears to be it, but does some digging. Eventually he pulls out a little bottle with clear liquid. Akira perks up considerably as it’s handed to him.
RONNIE
Now, close the door, my friend. I must go off into the night.
He puts on the mask, picks up the rope, and salutes him. Akira is so enamored with the alcohol in his hands that he obeys. He steps backwards into the room, closes the door, and stumbles into a seat at the edge of the bed. He frowns for a moment when he remembers where Ronnie pulled the bottle from, sniffs it, but begins to unscrew the top. Just then, Drunky appears before him.
DRUNKY
Drink it, Akira. This is all part of the plan. I sent Ronnie to you, and now you must work together towards freedom! Britney is already waiting on the other side!
AKIRA
Really?!
DRUNKY
She cried when we spoke of you. With love, and hope! She said she had never collaborated with anyone more gifted! She said… you were like a snowflake.
And the sound effect of magical, mystical, delicate snowfall wafts in and out of the room. Akira’s lip quivers as he raises the bottle to his lips. When he has drained the last drop, he throws the bottle into the wall and shatters it. Drunky is nowhere to be found. The camera comes nearer and nearer to Akira’s face as lamp light shines upon just one side.
Favorite Quotes
And with that I say that I finished it last night around 11:30pm, and afterward I had a winecooler, just like Cosmo, to celebrate the New Year with an alcoholic beverage that was tolerable. My mom doesn't have Riesling, so her wines are too strong for me. (everyone just shut up. Whose liver will be beautiful in twenty years?!)
<---
100 / 100 words. 100% done!
And so, the 100pgs were done this December, and I ended 2012 happily.
Part 8?!?!!?!
I'm still in shock about this. I shouldn't be that shocked because I won Script Frenzy, but the real shock comes from the material. I'm not going to lie - my general attitude towards the Crystal Palace series was dampened by... I don't know, a combination of how old the characters are, me losing my feeling of intimacy with them, and the way Kate made writing CP3 feel like a chore. I had a bad taste in my mouth, if any taste at all, even though I look back on CP3 and have to thank it for all the new things it brought.
I still wonder what Kate's going to say when she finds out I wrote CP4 by myself, just out of nowhere, at record speed. lol
Uhh, anyway. ANYWAY! You want the part, don't you? You wanna know what's gonna go down... don't you?
Well, I won't keep you waiting.
CRYSTAL PALACE 4 – Part 8 – The Mojito, Among Other Things
INT. AKIRA AND JENNIFER’S, MASTER BEDROOM. AFTERNOON.
KATE
You want me to what?
Kate stands next to Cosmo, and the both of them look on as Jennifer irons some of her finest shirts. Jennifer looks up from her work.
JENNIFER
Well it would only be for two weeks, whenever Cosmo’s at work, which would be…
COSMO
(stunned)
Every day except Monday and Thursday… ?
KATE
That’s at eight in the morning! Do you think I have nothing better to do?!
JENNIFER
No, it’s not that, I just- I don’t know who else to ask. That’s why I’m asking if it’s possible.
KATE
It’s not possible. I mean isn’t it bad enough that Cosmo has to mind her every day? Now we’re both supposed to be her substitute parents for two weeks? Fuck, Jennifer, there’s a reason I don’t have any kids.
COSMO
And there’s also the part where Crystallina’s a horri- uh…
KATE
She’s a horrid little shit, Jennifer.
Cosmo lowers his face and smiles, but Jennifer has stopped ironing and lowers her hands to the board.
JENNIFER
(through her teeth)
I know what a trouble she is… I just ran out of options.
Kate appears at the other end of the board and looks her in the eye.
KATE
I understand that you play “musical baby-sitters”; Cosmo told me all about it. But that doesn’t mean that I’d be any less musical. Hire a professional, for God’s sake. There has to be at least one daycare around here for severely troubled children. I will not watch her, and Cosmo has a right to some free time, especially considering all of the shit she’s put him through. I, frankly, take issue with the fact that you pretend it’s not happening.
Jennifer hardly moves at all, but her face says it all.
JENNIFER
I’m not pretending it’s not happening. I just can’t do anything about it.
KATE
Yes, you can; you can make sure he has some time to screw his balls on in the right direction again. I’m surprised Human Rights Watch doesn’t know about this.
Cosmo keeps his hands calmly folded one over the other, making no indication one way or another if he believes what Kate says, but he breathes deeply, up and down, up and down, wets his lips, and averts his eyes.
JENNIFER
That’s enough, Kate. You don’t have to do it. I’m just going to have to find someone else to take her on those mornings.
Kate turns around and shakes her head in disbelief at Cosmo, who is suddenly determined under her observation to do right by her.
COSMO
Actually, Jennifer, I really won’t be able to do much more than I have already. I can keep her for the evenings and nights, but… (timid) I’d really prefer you found a place I can drop her off for the day…
Jennifer thinks on it for a moment before getting back to her ironing with a much faster pace.
JENNIFER
I’ll see what I can do.
KATE
Are we dismissed now?
Jennifer doesn’t bother with a response, so Kate leaves the room. She isn’t surprised when Cosmo is already behind her as if he’s attached by an invisible leash, but she heads right out the door without noticing the enthusiasm emanating from him. Just as she reaches her car, Cosmo nearly hops in front of her.
COSMO
Kate! That was… that was great!
KATE
What was?
COSMO
The way you stood up to her! I’ve never heard anyone speak to Jennifer like that.
Kate cocks her eyebrow.
COSMO
Well-… Nevermind, the point is… thank you. You were very convincing at seeming like you cared so much about my predicament. It might even yield real results, although she hasn’t much time.
Kate inhales like she might object to his interpretation, but she cuts around to the other side of the car, noting the way Cosmo follows her again before plopping into her seat.
KATE
Listen, even though Jennifer doesn’t seem to care at all, I have a feeling she’s not as convinced as I thought. I think we should step it up. You know, so she doesn’t think you’re a pedophile.
Cosmo nods.
COSMO
If you say so.
KATE
This is where I live. Come pick me up at eight.
She pulls a scrap of paper from her purse and hands it to him. Cosmo’s mouth opens but no words come out. He backs up, stunned, as the car door slams shut, the engine starts, and Kate drives away.
EXT. KATE’S HOUSE FRONT. 8:00PM.
Cosmo’s car pulls into the driveway. He steps out and takes a moment to give the house an up-and-down. It’s not as wide as Jennifer and Akira’s, but it’s three stories tall and painted maroon. All along the sides of the driveway and the bottom of the house are decorative stones. On his way to the door, he spots a metal statue of an emu atop a fountain and tilts his head.
He knocks on the door. Nobody answers, even after repeated knocking, until he remembers to ring the doorbell. Kate answers and resumes putting on an earring.
KATE
Oh, you came. Good for you.
COSMO
Good evening, Kate.
She grins briefly before disappearing from the crack of the door and returning with her purse. She steps out in a short black pencil skirt, a blazer, and stilettos that are even higher than her normal shoes.
KATE
Let’s take my car, okay? Parking’s shit downtown.
She’s quick to hop in. Cosmo doesn’t want to make her wait. He gets in and buckles up.
COSMO
Does Jennifer know what we’re up to?
KATE
Hah, of course she does. What’s the point of doing anything if she doesn’t know… right?
COSMO
Right…
CUT TO:
INT. DANCE CLUB. SOON AFTER.
The club is a busy place tonight. Couples are grinding under the rainbow lights, pick-up artists are enjoying their harems at the booths, and creeps are checking out their peers at the bar. When Kate enters, in slow motion with an unidentifiable light blasting her, she turns more than just a few heads. Soon after, the light disappears, and Cosmo steps in with his eyes darting. He sticks close to her as she works her way to the bar. A sea of faces go from smug grins to disappointed frowns as Kate and Cosmo pass respectively.
Kate finds only one spare seat and takes it without a second thought.
KATE
I’d like a Mojito, please.
As the drink is made, Cosmo stands there with his hands in his pockets.
KATE
You ever been to a place like this before?
COSMO
No, but I have a general idea of what happens at them- oh!
Two girls who’re for some reason ballroom dancing together sweep past the area and bump into him from behind. He stumbles closer to Kate, who takes her drink and slurps at it until half is left, all in a moment. She looks him up and down and smiles while playing with the straw.
KATE
In that case, I guess what I’m about to do shouldn’t be a huge surprise.
COSMO
…What are you about to do?
She finishes another quarter of her drink and raises her finger for more time. Cosmo seems almost eager to find out what could happen as she downs the rest of it and wipes her mouth with her sleeve.
When she stands up, a new beat begins (the Vitamin String Quartet cover of No Doubt’s Hella Good, if you’re curious), which guides her from side to side, pushing the limit between them until Cosmo is stumbling backwards. When she catches his chin in her finger, she floats past him like a breeze and takes herself to a special spot on the dance floor, where a spotlight falls on her head. To Cosmo, she is like an exotic vision, twisting and turning, enticing him. Soon, the verse of the music begins with a violin speaking for Cosmo’s interest as he sees her across the way.
Casually she wanders back to him and commands him to step into the vision, which he does, with the front of his shirt balled in Kate’s fist. They reach the beam of light and Kate backs into him and shows him where to put his hands. They rock to the music! It’s almost like Cosmo’s danced before!
To Kate’s surprise, Cosmo then takes the initiative as the second verse starts up, scooping up her waist and her hand and cutting them across the dance floor in a tango. They bump into several people on their way and even knock one over, but neither give a fuck. Magic is happening. When they reach the other end, Cosmo spots a plastic glow-in-the-dark flower sitting on a table and puts it into his mouth, and they cut back again, spreading a new group of grumbling partiers. When they reach a good place, he dips her three times in a row and she reciprocates with a round of grinding and twirling in his arms.
Suddenly a guy comes out of nowhere and taps Cosmo on the shoulder.
GUY
Hey! You knocked over my girlfriend.
KATE
Hey, fuck you, asshole!
And Kate slugs him in the face. She realizes what she’s done and looks around for security, but Cosmo urges her away from the scene. They hide in a hallway towards the bathrooms for just a moment before coming back into view in rhythm with the music, Kate waving her arms in the air, and Cosmo doing the Scuba-diver. When they pull each other close again, however, it becomes apparent to Kate that Cosmo is sweating waterfalls, and his eyes are rolling back, even with his expression of ecstasy. Shortly, he drops to the floor like jello, only kept from flopping over on his head by Kate grabbing hold of his armpits.
CUT TO:
INT. REHAB ART CENTER. SAME TIME.
It is in an uncomfortably quiet room that a paintbrush creates a pink curve over a white canvas. The image is not recognizable until the camera tracks out. Akira is sitting there with a beret and an apron on, tearfully admiring what is his attempt at Drunky. The eyes are too far apart and he cannot master elephant legs to save his life, but that doesn’t stop him from placing his hand over his heart and looking to the ceiling as if filled with passion.
The over-looker of the activity sees him from nearby and comes to the foreground.
DOCTOR
That’s very nice… (peering over to see Akira’s name-tag) A-keer-ah. What is it?
Akira doesn’t notice him immediately, but when he looks up and inhales, the doctor has a better idea.
DOCTOR
Uh, why don’t you let everyone know what it is? It would be a good exercise. (to the others) Everyone? A-keer-ah has something to show us.
The room quiets down with an unnatural abruptness, and the doctor extends his hand towards Akira as if presenting him.
AKIRA
T-this is Drunky. He’s a good friend of mine who believes in me, unlike my wife and family. He comes with me on tour, and Britney and I treat him like the brother we never had. But I wouldn’t expect any of you to understand.
The camera brings into focus the space just beside and behind Akira, where Ronnie has pulled out a tissue and blots his eyes. He reaches out to pat him on the shoulder.
RONNIE
Of course we understand, man. That was beautiful. I hope that he and I can get along some day.
Akira has no visible reaction to him, and neither does the rest of the room to any of it. The doctor’s not sure what to say and fumbles for words, but before he knows it, another patient, Angie, holds up her easel and reveals an orange ant-eater.
ANGIE
This is Benjamin. We’ve been through some tough times. He’s my life coach when no one’s around, to be honest. I don’t know what I’d do without him.
Another patient, a woman with frizzled hair and a dress whose flower print is a little too large, holds up her easel tentatively. It’s a purple polka-dotted koala. By now, Akira looks anything but comforted.
SUSAN
This is Diane… We met about a year ago and she always has encouraging words. It’s okay to have martini after martini, she says! It’ll stop raining! All obstacles will be out of my way!
Terry stands up straight and raises her easel with trembling hands: a blue cat with forget-me-not eyes.
TERRY
THIS IS SABRINA.
Suddenly, the rest of the room starts showing their paintings. There are lavender turtles and magenta squirrels, purple giraffes, and red sea lions.
HUNTER
I’ve got a turkey named SEBASTION.
SHANIQUA
Paula the Owl!
LINDA
Stanley!
DAVID
Harriet!
Akira throws his paint brush far away and it nearly hits the doctor, then he turns away from Ronnie and sobs his eyes out. Ronnie and the doctor both reach for him, but he jerks his arms repeatedly while tears roll down his face and harden all over it in a thin layer, though nobody seems to notice, and they break off during his struggle.
AKIRA
I want out of here! I don’t belong with you nut-cases!
Although he doesn’t realize it, he successfully slugs Ronnie in the nose with his elbow, and he stumbles back and holds his face. The doctor signals towards a mirror (a two way mirror?) and several other professionals come in to hold him still.
AKIRA
I used to be a prince!
He wails on and on, but it prompts his peers to create a chorus of whimpers about similar past-times.
DAVID
I was a grand-duke!
Angie drops the painting and turns towards Susan.
ANGIE
I used to be the Queen of Russia’s assistant!
KENGO
I WAS MINISTER OF THE RIGHT! I HAD’A THE BEST HAT OF ANYBODY!
Kengo screams, his face the color of a tomato.
From a long shot of the room, we see other doctors entering and restraining the patients, shouting over their cries that it’s time for bed.
INT. COSMO’S APARTMENT. A HALF HOUR LATER.
The door to Cosmo’s apartment opens and Kate’s shadow is in the doorframe, lugging Cosmo around with his arm around her shoulder. Her hand reaches around the wall nearby and locates the light switch, and then she sets him down on the couch. While Cosmo lies there with his eyes half-closed, she looks at a loss for what to do at first, but she goes to pour a glass of water. Upon her return, he takes it and downs the whole thing while Kate fans him with a Pier One Imports magazine sitting on his coffee table.
KATE
Jesus, it’s cold in here. That should help, shouldn’t it?
COSMO
Always does.
KATE
Sorry, I… guess I forgot about all that ice demon stuff.
COSMO
It’s okay. Even I did… for a moment. And, believe me; we try not to bring attention to that. (pause) I like that you forgot.
Kate shrugs.
KATE
Well, my best friend married one.
COSMO
And that turned out to be quite fun, didn’t it? I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ll be able to go to another dance party unless it’s here with the air conditioning cranked up.
KATE
Well, I don’t mind. We could have one in your bedroom.
Cosmo laughs and sits a little straighter when Kate takes a seat next to him.
COSMO
That would be a terrible idea. There’s no room in there at all. We’d be bumping into everything.
KATE
Well… there are a few things I don’t mind bumping into.
And she tries her best to discreetly scoot closer, but Cosmo stands up.
COSMO
I’m going to go change, if you don’t mind. I’ll be quick – in fact, if you want you can leave. I’m sure I’m not a good host.
KATE
No, go ahead, change.
She takes out her make-up mirror and primps. He sighs like he’s not sure he wants the pressure, but goes down the hall and leaves the door half open. He mutters to himself while digging through his dresser about smelling like death, then puts on a clean shirt.
Back in the living room, Kate leans to the side of the couch and raises her mirror to look down the hall in its reflection. Cosmo is very conveniently standing within view, framed by the half-closed door, and he’s struggling to undo the last button of his shirt. But nevermind that because a perfect pair of pecs are on full display. He gets off his shirt and dries his sweat with a towel, rolling his head back and around. Kate delightedly scrunches up her shoulders and sits straight again, waiting a moment before his shadow comes across her side. She makes sure to look like she was just minding her own business.
COSMO
Uh… do you want a drink or something? Oh, wait a minute – you’d better not. I saw how much you drank at the bar and it might not be good if you’re driving yourself home.
KATE
Am I?
COSMO
Uh…well I guess you could get a cab.
KATE
Well, I don’t want anything anyway. I’d rather be alert for this.
COSMO
Heh, what? Alert for sitting around while a strange man twiddles his thumbs? I really have no idea how to entertain you now that we’re here. The man you saw at the club was... quite unlike me. (pause) Uh, have you seen one of these before?
He points to a small statue of the Buddha that he for some reason has on the bookshelf.
KATE
Buddha? Yes.
COSMO
Oh… I thought it was quite neat looking… Uh, would you like to see my painting? It’s the worst thing you’ll ever see, if your tastes are similar to Crystallina’s.
Kate stands up and strides towards him in an almost seductive fashion before standing right over him and taking a look.
KATE
It’s okay.
Cosmo’s not sure if her opinion is an improvement, but Kate steps towards his music stand, where his violin is sitting in its open case.
KATE
You play the violin?
COSMO
No, I pluck it desperately and aimlessly. But I’m trying. (pause) And those are my records, and my tapes… It’s quite exciting being able to listen to music wherever you want, isn’t it?
KATE
Yeahhh…
They continue to wander around the room, but each time Cosmo steps, Kate steps closer.
COSMO
And these are little figurines I got at a thriftstore. It’s amazing the things people give away. In my family, everything is an heirloom, no matter how small or worthless, mostly because it’s a reminder that we didn’t lose everything… Oh, and here’s my mother.
He gestures towards the framed blue-haired woman on his arm-chair side table, and he has surprising enthusiasm for her. He takes Kate’s arm and leads her to the shelf above the television, where a group of photos are kept.
COSMO
See, that’s my mother again. And Akira’s mother. And here they are as children. They got along really well. How ironic, isn’t that?
Kate glances at them, but looks at him in a fashion too direct for his comfort and says:
KATE
You know, just for the future? You don’t show your family photos to the woman you want to sleep with when she visits your apartment.
Cosmo makes eye contact with a surprised expression for the looming dark-haired lady closing in on him, and he tries to shake his head as if that wasn’t his intention at all, but their shadows on the wall smack together like magnets and turn in circles until they’ve fallen onto the couch, where they feast on each other’s lips.
CUT TO: Jennifer alone in her bed, the moonlight breaking through the curtains. She can feel the empty space next to her.
CUT TO: Akira flicking channels in bed on the opposite side, a noticeable vacancy next to him as well, when he hears a tapping on the balcony window. He seems more irritated than curious as he comes forward and tugs on the door handles. There, he finds a masked man standing on his balcony, out of breath, but attempting a power-stance with some rope flung over his shoulder.
AKIRA
What the fuck! SECURITY!
He calls in a random direction, but his visitor covers his mouth.
RONNIE
A-keer-ah. It’s me, Ronnie!
But Akira just attempts to scream louder.
RONNIE
No, please don’t! I just wanted to tell you something!
AKIRA
(muffled)
What?!
RONNIE
I wanted to tell you… that I think you’re a real prince!
Akira’s brow furrows as Ronnie tentatively takes away his hand, and then drops the ropes and begins to scout around beneath the balcony.
AKIRA
Well gee, thanks, but I would’ve been able to sleep tonight if you’d waited to tell me until tomorrow. How the fuck did you get onto my balcony?!
RONNIE
I have my ways. That’s why I’m here.
AKIRA
I can see that you’re here! Now if you’re done, I'd like to go inside and watch Reba, like everyone else does at ten at night!
RONNIE
But A-keer-ah, I have better plans for you.
Ronnie yanks off his ski-mask and drops to his knees, then tries to kiss Akira’s feet. A low-angle shot shows Akira towering over us, clearly disgusted.
RONNIE
Princes shouldn’t be in rehab! I’m gonna BUST US OUT.
AKIRA
No, you’re not.
RONNIE
Yes, I am. You saw how easily I got up here. And you didn’t hear a thing, did you? I’ve already got the tunnel ready.
Akira suddenly looks a little less angry.
RONNIE
The best of our group, A-keer-ah. I’m leading them out at the end of the week, and I already told them you’d be there.
AKIRA
To break out of the rehab center?! How?!
RONNIE
All I can tell you, man… all I can tell you is that it’s worked before. This isn’t my first time in this place; let’s just put it that way.
Akira backs up a little. He wonders if he might try to call security again, and turns back towards his room, but makes direct eye contact with Ronnie.
AKIRA
How do I know I can trust you?
RONNIE
Because I’m your bro, man-
AKIRA
Don’t give me that shit.
RONNIE
Shit?! Don’t hurt me like that ! I would never lie to you! (pause) Listen, I know this is last minute, but you knew I was brewing something. I let you in on it. If you want something to hold you over and prove my loyalty, then take this.
Ronnie reaches into his back pocket, or what appears to be it, but does some digging. Eventually he pulls out a little bottle with clear liquid. Akira perks up considerably as it’s handed to him.
RONNIE
Now, close the door, my friend. I must go off into the night.
He puts on the mask, picks up the rope, and salutes him. Akira is so enamored with the alcohol in his hands that he obeys. He steps backwards into the room, closes the door, and stumbles into a seat at the edge of the bed. He frowns for a moment when he remembers where Ronnie pulled the bottle from, sniffs it, but begins to unscrew the top. Just then, Drunky appears before him.
DRUNKY
Drink it, Akira. This is all part of the plan. I sent Ronnie to you, and now you must work together towards freedom! Britney is already waiting on the other side!
AKIRA
Really?!
DRUNKY
She cried when we spoke of you. With love, and hope! She said she had never collaborated with anyone more gifted! She said… you were like a snowflake.
And the sound effect of magical, mystical, delicate snowfall wafts in and out of the room. Akira’s lip quivers as he raises the bottle to his lips. When he has drained the last drop, he throws the bottle into the wall and shatters it. Drunky is nowhere to be found. The camera comes nearer and nearer to Akira’s face as lamp light shines upon just one side.
JENNIFER
I’m not pretending it’s not happening. I just can’t do anything about it.
KATE
Yes, you can; you can make sure he has some time to screw his balls on in the right direction again.
KENGO
I WAS MINISTER OF THE RIGHT! I HAD’A THE BEST HAT OF ANYBODY!
COSMO
I’m sorry, but I don’t think we’ll be able to go to another dance party unless it’s here with the air conditioning cranked up.
KATE
Well, I don’t mind. We could have one in your bedroom.
COSMO
That would be a terrible idea. There’s no room in there at all. We’d be bumping into everything.
KATE
Well… there are a few things I don’t mind bumping into.
COSMO
Uh, would you like to see my painting? It’s the worst thing you’ll ever see, if your tastes are similar to Crystallina’s.
Kate stands up and strides towards him in an almost seductive fashion before standing right over him and taking a look.
KATE
It’s okay.
AKIRA
I can see that you’re here! Now if you’re done, I'd like to go inside and watch Reba, like everyone else does at ten at night!
And with that I say that I finished it last night around 11:30pm, and afterward I had a winecooler, just like Cosmo, to celebrate the New Year with an alcoholic beverage that was tolerable. My mom doesn't have Riesling, so her wines are too strong for me. (everyone just shut up. Whose liver will be beautiful in twenty years?!)
<---
And so, the 100pgs were done this December, and I ended 2012 happily.
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