ASSIGN-5

NT. BEDROOM FLAT-MORNING

A middle-aged man is sleeping topless. His room looks untidy and dirty. Lots of branded clothes are scattered around. A doctor’s attire is hanging behind the door. On his bedside table is a framed photo of a boy and a girl. Next to it, there is a handmade card: << to the best Daddy in the world>>. Not much light in the room. Sunbeams break in from the window only to show the amount of dust that is in the air. His phone alarm is ringing.
BILL
Wakes up in agony, breathing heavily, not clearly understanding where he is exactly.
-For God’s sake!
He hectically reaches under his bed. An empty bottle of GLEN KEITH whiskey is rolling under it.
-Where is the damn phone?
The phone’s alarm is still ringing. Bill stands up and finally finds it under a pile of clothes put in a way like he undressed and left them as they were. He switches the phone off and jumps on the bed. He checks the time on his HUBLOT wristwatch. He sighs. It’s 6:30.
He hears people singing under his flat. He stands up and goes to the window, he sees a group of young people staggering as they walk down the road. Someone from another flat in his pyjamas is shouting at them as it is too early to be so noisy and they are mocking him back. He smiles like he enjoys the scene.
INT. BATHROOM FLAT-MORNING
He goes into the bathroom. He looks at himself in the mirror. Grey hair, grey beard. He splashes his face with water. Sees his face in the mirror back again and shakes his head in disgrace.
INT. KITCHEN FLAT-MORNING
He walks down the kitchen. He takes his phone along.
The kitchen is a mess. The sink is full of dirty cutlery, dishes and cups. There is a pile of pizza boxes on the kitchen table and food crumbs on the kitchen bar, on the floor, and everywhere.
He puts a loudspeaker on to check his messages.
LOUDSPEAKER
First message:
-Hi Bill, it’s MARK here, it’s the second time in a row you’ve missed our night out, and… I’m calling to check if you are OK. Please ring me back when you can.

Second message:

• Hi Bill, it’s ANASTASIA. Why are you not answering my calls? What’s WRONG with you? You’ve promised you are taking TIM and ANNA swimming this weekend. Why have you cut yourself off AGAIN? I…
  BILL
  -ENOUGH!
  He hits his hand on the table in anger.
  Switches voice mail off and sigh heavily.
  He turns the radio on. It is playing rock music.
  Music stops.
  RADIO PRESENTER
  -Good morning everyone! I know most of you are still sleeping, but there are some restless souls thereabout who want some good music to boost their morale!
  Radio is playing music and Bill’s mood gradually changes. He makes coffee, and then eases himself on a kitchen table chair and starts bobbing to the beat. Opens a pizza box and takes the last piece. He eats quietly.
  RADIO PRESENTER
  -Sunday morning, my friends! Let’s make life’s moments matter with smashing tunes! Here we go!
  Brian Adams, Summer of 69! GOOOOOOD MORNING!
  BILL
  Stops eating and listens. He hums along:
• << I got my first real six-string, bought it at the five-and-dime, played till my fingers bled, It was the summer of 69>>…

EXT.PARK NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Young Bill walks down a steep road with two friends: Mark and JASON, going towards a massive circular gazebo where loud music is coming out.
Lots of groups of young people in a party mood are heading in the same direction as well.
Bill’s dress code is quite formal in comparison to his inmates. He is wearing a button-up white shirt, a beige pair of chinos and boat shoes whereas his friends are in t-shirts, distressed jeans and trainers. The way he talks is quite formal showing a person quite reserved and not acting his age at all. He looks reluctant to follow but his friends are dragging him along.
MARK
Walks next to Bill, leans over Jason and asks him with enthusiasm.
-How long is this gazebo party company staying this time?
JASON
-It is the campus’s annual party, so it’s going to be longer than normally is. Probably for a week or so!
BILL
-How would you possibly know?
JASON
(Wickedly winking).
-Let’s say I had some… Inside information.
Laughs out loud.
MARK
-Oh! Shut up you… Cheesy lover!
Bill and Mark start laughing at the stunned and slightly annoyed Jason, who stops, listens to the music that is in the air, jumps over them and shouts.
JASON
-STOP! Listen!
-Brian Adams!
He carries the tune.
-<< …Standing on your mama’s porch, you told me that you’d wait forever, Oh and when you held my hand I knew that it was now or never, those were the best days of my life…>
MARK
-<< Back in the Summer of 69 >>.
JASON
-Party is on!
He high-fives both.
They enter the venue. Boys and girls hold drinks dance and sing.

JASON
(Really excited).
-Party is started! Shots?
BILL
-I don’t feel like drinking today, to be honest. I’m not in a mood at all.
JASON
-Come on dude!
BILL
-No, I insist! I don’t feel like it.
MARK
Do you want to keep your wits about it? Have a drink!
BILL
(Has crossed his hands on his chest.)
-…I just don’t feel it.
JASON
-Don’t waste your time with Bill anymore! Are you having the regular?
MARK
-Of course, the second round of drinks on me mate!
Jason heads to the bar shaking his head and muttering.
BILL
-I hate when people push me to do things! I can’t stand it!
MARK
-Take it easy, man! What is wrong? Is it about Anastasia again?
BILL
-You shouldn’t scratch that wound.
]
MARK
-You want her to be here with you tonight don’t you?
BILL
-No! I don’t care about her anymore!
Bill looks angry and desperate.
MARK
-Really? Last week was a different story!
BILL
-Please Jason, I don’t feel like talking about it anymore! Anastasia made her choice.
MARK
-You are not fair, Bill! Even though you are my best mate, I’m with Anastasia this time.
BILL
-We are who we are and we are our choices…
MARK

• Open your eyes, dude! She loves you too! SORT THIS OUT FOR YOUR OWN GOOD! Get a grip and do it!
  Jason shows up. He holds drinks and sings at the same time. He stops singing when he sees Mark talking to Bill passionately. Bill lowers his head low silently looking like he is processing what Mark says.
  JASON
  (In a mocking tone)
  -How’s lovebird Bill?
  Passes Mark a pint of lager.
  MARK
  (Winking at Jason)
  -Cut it out! Bill is a big and clever boy! He will find his way around.
  Raises his glass.
  -Life is beautiful!

JASON
Raises his glass up.
-CHEERS!
BILL
(in an apologetic tone.)
-You are right; I’ll call her, tonight even. But first, I need a drink.
Walks to the bar where he gets thunderstruck. He sees Anastasia standing next to it dressed up in a red casual dress looking amazing.
(Reluctantly)

• Hi! What… What are you doing here?
  (He is so nervous that he stutters)
  ANASTASIA
  -I have been told to wait for you. Why do you look surprised? YOU are the one who arranged this meeting!
  BILL
  -I… I didn’t! Who told you so?
  ANASTASIA
• Mark… He said you want to see me…
  MARK
  Comes along with Jason and cuts the conversation in half.
  -…And it was really hard for her to accept the invitation!
  BILL
  (Anastasia and Bill give Mark a dagger look).
  -Who gave you guys the right to be so nosy?
  JASON
  -You did! Look at you! You look like you have been run over by a bus!
  MARK
  -Come on guys! Put your stuff aside and get back together!
  JASON
  -I’ve got the best cure! Booze!

(Talking to the bartender)
-4 kamikaze shots!
Bill’s and Anastasia’s mood changes. They look at each other and they smile. Bill discreetly reaches for Anastasia’s hand who responds gracefully.
BILL
(Relieved)
-Thank you guys, I really appreciate that.
ANASTASIA
-Thank you!
JASON
(Passing the Kamikaze shots)
-Let’s not waste more time. CHEERS!
NO! NO! Since the shot has a Japanese name… KAMPAI!!!
MARK
(Talking to Jason who pops his tongue out)
-YOU SHOW OFF!
-Let’s leave the lovebirds…
(Laughing)
-And do something more fun…
(Talking to the bartender)
-Two pints of lager, please!
BILL
-This round is on me!
ANASTASIA
-And the next one is on me!
JASON
(Talking to Mark)
-We should have done this earlier mate!!!
MARK
-It’s never too late for a free pint!!!

END OF FLASHBACK

OUTSIDE OF CHURCH-MORNING-(FLASHBACK)
Bill, Mark and Jason are standing on a marble head of steps in front of a church on the top of a hill looking down at a growing crowd of guests. Bill is in a groom’s suit. Jason and Mark stand next to him as best mates. Bill looks obviously embarrassed. He walks up and down nervously. He takes a handkerchief out and swipes his forehead.
MARK
(Giggling)
-There is still time to make a runner mate!
BILL
(In a desperate tone)
-Come on Mark! You are not helping me at all!
JASON
(In conspiratorial whispering)
-I’ve got a taxi two blocks down the road waiting for us. What do you think?
BILL
-Come on man! I’m suffering here!
MARK
(giggling)
-If you can’t avoid something, at least pretend you enjoy it!
Bill’s father, a tall and pompous man comes up the stairs. He looks really cool in his suit and seems to be enjoying the moment.
BILL’S FATHER
-What are you people saying?
MARK
-We are trying to sort the situation out! We are helping him get a grip!
BILL’S FATHER
(Seriously talking)
-We had a genuine talk with your mate only yesterday.
-Bill, is a well-grown man who needs to mature and have full responsibility. He needs to put his ego under his family now.
(He hugs Bill with one hand)
(His tone changes)
-We are very proud of him.
(With a sob in his voice)
-He is our precious little boy who grew up and is a well-established doctor now. I wish your mother was here to see you…
BILL
-I love you, Dad…
JASON
-Well, he is a good doctor for sure, but mature? Nah!
They all laugh out loud and hug altogether.
Cars arrive blowing their horns. They all have white ribbons on. The bride’s car finally arrives. Anastasia comes out of the car along with her father. People are clapping. Anastasia in a white wedding dress looks stunning and walks up the church’s steps. She stops halfway up the stairs and waits.
MARK
(To Bill)
-Wake up man! Walk down to do the last steps up together!
Bill comes out of his state of mind and walks down the steps. He kisses Anastasia and they walk up together holding hands. People cheer and clap.
They get in the church with guests to follow.
JASON
(Talking to Mark, as they are the last guests to enter the church).

• That’s it. Game over for Bill.
  Both burst out laughing.

END OF FLASHBACK

INSIDE-THE-HOUSE-(BOY’S ROOM)-DAY (FLASHBACK)
Bill decorates a baby’s room. Anastasia is next to him holding her big belly with the right hand and painting with the left. The room’s colour is blue.
ANASTASIA
-He is kicking again! Our son is restless!
BILL
-That’s my boy!
He kisses Anastasia’s belly and she hugs his face.
The landline is ringing. Bill rushes downstairs and answers the phone.
BILL
(On the phone)
-…Yes, I will be right there as soon as possible! Have the operation room ready!
ANASTASIA
(Watching Bill getting ready)
-Why is it always you who is doing the cover?
BILL
-Nick is on holiday and Peter is not picking up the phone. What do you want me to do?
ANASTASIA
-I don’t know! Say you are busy? Say you can’t do it this time? You know the willing horse…
BILL
-… Takes the entire load! Please understand, I HAVE to do it!
He kisses her and rushes out.
ANASTASIA
-… Damn!

She is outraged.
She goes back to carry on decorating the room but after a few brushes look like she can’t do it. She is really upset. She starts breathing heavily. She walks slowly down to the kitchen. She gets some water and she makes a face of pain and despair holding her belly. She screams out.
She quickly picks up the phone; calls for an emergency.
-Hello! I need an ambulance! I’m having labour!
(voice in the phone mumbling)
-How do I know? I’m a doctor!
END OF FLASHBACK

INSIDE-THE-HOUSE-(BABY ROOM)-DAY (FLASHBACK)
Anastasia is pregnant and decorates an empty room’s wall in pink, where her son named TIM plays on the side.
TIM
-Can I do brushing like you?
ANASTASIA
-Of course, my love!
She hands Tim the brush who starts swinging it, making a mess. Anastasia seems to be enjoying it.
TIM
-I like it!
He brushes the wall with his little hands just for a bit and then goes to the opposite white wall and leaves pink palm marks all over.
ANASTASIA
-That’s the best decoration ever! I’m so proud of my little artist!

TIM
-Mummy!
He goes back and hugs Anastasia leaving pink marks all over her face she willingly accepts them.
Anastasia’s Nokia phone rings. It’s Bill.
ANASTASIA
(In a happy mood)
-Hi darling! You should see our son! He is my little helper here and is doing a brilliant job…
(Bill is mumbling on the phone)
-What time will you be home tonight?
(Bill mumbles)
-That’s not acceptable! Why do you have to go AGAIN? We need you! WE ARE MISSING YOU!
She hangs the phone up.
She cries.
Tim comes to her and touches her tears. Anastasia takes him in her bosom and kisses him.
END OF FLASHBACK

INSIDE-THE-HOUSE-(ANNA’S ROOM)-NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
Anastasia looks older. She is in Anna’s girly pink room. On the shelves are teddy bears and a massive badge <>. She puts Anna to bed and then she goes to Tim’s room.
Next to Tim’s bed is a big stack of boxes with gift wrapping. Lots of birthday cards on his desk have the same number in common: 13.
-How’s my birthday boy? Did you enjoy your party?
TIM

• It was alright…
  ANASTASIA
  -Just alright? All your friends were here, and It seemed to me you had a great time! Is it something else bothering you?

TIM

• YES! DAD!
• CAN’T BELIEVE HE MISSED MY BIRTHDAY PARTY AGAIN!!!
  (Tim looks frustrated and angry he kicks some present boxes).

ANASTASIA

• Calm down, dad is busy as always.
  TIM
  -HE IS THE REASON WE HAD THE PARTY AT HOME INSTEAD OF HOLLYWOOD BOWLING, RIGHT?
  -HE SAID HE COULDN’T MAKE IT THERE BUT HE WOULD BE HOME SOMETIME TONIGHT! DID YOU SEE HIM? BECAUSE I DIDN’T!
  ANASTASIA
• I know, but don’t be HARSH at him. He is working hard to provide…
  TIM
  -I NEED A FATHER!
  He angrily lies on his bed, and turns his face towards the wall where Anastasia can hear him weeping.
  -Please stop taking his side… GOOD NIGHT MUM.
  ANASTASIA
  -You are a tired sweetheart. Take a good night’s sleep and we will speak about this tomorrow.
  She kisses Tim and switches the light off.

END OF FLASHBACK

INSIDE-THE-HOUSE-(SITTING ROOM)-NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
(Same night).
Anastasia is in her pyjamas checking on her phone. She yawns but she tries to stay awake. She checks her ROLEX watch. It is 23:30.She is half asleep. Bill gets in the house.

BILL
(Apologetically)
-Sorry If I missed the party.
ANASTASIA
(Sarcastically)
-No, Tim’s party is still on!
BILL
(gasps with disappointment.)
-Is Tim asleep?
ANASTASIA
-OF COURSE, HE IS!
( moves closer to him looking very angry)
-You know Bill, I’ve been a doctor for 15 years and have never seen a person as emotionally stunted as you! I… I feel sorry for you!
BILL
-Oh, don’t start Anastasia! Same old lecture again!
ANASTASIA
-Same old story: not being able to realize what’s important and what’s not, incapable to enjoy life. Being a lifeless robot.
BILL
-I apologise. I will make it up to him.
He grabs from his wallet a wedge of notes and gives them to Anastasia.
-He can get whatever he wants.
ANASTASIA
-You hand the money to him tomorrow yourself! I’m fed up defending your choices, Bill. You need to sort this out on your own.
BILL
-I… Have to leave early tomorrow… It is this conference in Edinburgh I can’t miss… My flight is an early morning one.
ANASTASIA
-WHAT?

• I THINK IT IS BEST FOR YOU TO LEAVE RIGHT NOW! YOU HAVE NO RIGHT TO BE UNDER THIS ROOF ANY MORE!

BILL
Bitterly laughs as he starts undressing.
-You are kidding, aren’t you?
ANASTASIA
-SINCE YOU ARE BEHAVING LIKE THIS YOU ARE JUST A GUEST! A BAD ONE!
BILL
-Anastasia, are you out of your mind?
TIM
(Shows up coming down the stairs)

• YOU ARE SO NOISY! I CAN’T SLEEP!
  -Dad, listen to what mum says,. Just beat it!
  BILL
• Watch your language kid!
  He slaps Tim on the face, knocking him to the floor.
  ANASTASIA
  -WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!!
  She pushes Bill back who looks stunned. She leans towards Tim.
  -ARE YOU OK, LOVE?
  TIM
  Shouts out loud at Anastasia, who hugs TIM to comfort him.
  -I HATE HIM! I HATE HIM!

ANASTASIA
(To Bill).
-GET OUT!
END OF FLASHBACK
OUTSIDE-THE-HOUSE-NIGHT (FLASHBACK)
BILL
Bill walks slowly out and shuts the door. He gets in his RANGE ROVER and starts the engine.
He screams.
-NO!!!!
He hits his hand on the steering wheel several times.
He reverses his car.
END OF FLASHBACK

INT- FLAT MORNING
Bill is puffing. His coffee is finished. The radio is still on. He checks his watch. It’s 8:25.
BILL
Scrolls pictures on his phone where he sees a picture of his son with him walking and holding hands.
(Weeping)
-Tim…
Dials a number.
ANASTASIA
-Hello?