‘It’ll Never Change…’
‘It’ll Never Change…’
Screenplay By: Joshua Wilburn
Characters and Story created by: Melody Ackroyd & Joshua Wilburn
First Draft: 3/25/2012
Int. An upstairs apartment in the rough part of Huntington Beach. The apartment is home to two college dropout girls. Brittany, a blond sex addict who sells make up door to door, and Moni, our anti-hero. Moni is a tall, skinny, dark haired girl who whose a drug addict. She smokes pot, does heroin, drinks and sometimes take ecstasy when she can get her hands on it. Her spare time is becoming more common as she doesn’t spend time with many people. It opens to Moni in the small kitchen in the apartment. She’s wearing a black t-shirt and underwear cooking some eggs. Moni makes two plates worth and brings them both into the hall. As she walks up to Brittany’s room a guy walks out of the room. Moni and the guy make eye contact. He leaves while putting his shirt on. Moni goes into Brittany’s room and sets the plate of eggs on the dresser. Brittany, still asleep, looks like a real mess. Her make-up is all over her pillow and her hairs pointing in ever which direction. Moni leaves closing the door loudly on her way out which awakens Brittany. Moni walks into her room while eating her plate of eggs. She then sets the plate down so she can change. She puts her pants on and changes her top. She then grabs her keys, shoes and cigarettes. Then leaves the apartment. When she’s outside of her apartment she lights a cigarette and walks downstairs where some little Spanish children are playing. She walks up to her car and drives off.
Moni
(Voiceover)
It’ll never change. That’s what I’ve learned
in my life. People don’t change, places
don’t change and I can’t change. Some people
are born in wealth. Some people are born drop
dead beautiful. And some people… some people
are born without a fucking chance. I was born
in a shit home, my parents were assholes and
my siblings were far from perfect. In fact it
seemed like everyone in my life were fucked up.
The people I went to school with, the people I
spent my time with, the people I’ve fucked
with… I just attract the biggest dicks in
Huntington Beach I guess. It’ll never change.
The only way to get through it is with time,
alcohol and heroin… It’ll never change…
It’ll never change…
When the narration is over we still see Moni driving and see the people of the streets of Huntington Beach. Meredith Brooks’ ‘Bitch’ begins to play. As the song plays the opening credits play out. Moni parks on main street of Huntington Beach and walks into the “Rock n’ Roll Emporium”.
Title Card: ‘It’ll Never Change’
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium. A music store where they sell records, posters, signed memorabilia, ect. This is where Moni works. At the front counter we see an older man with tats, this is Moni’s boss Lemmy. Moni walks behind the counter and puts her bag in the back room.
Lemmy
Look who decided to come to work.
Moni
Get off my ass Lemmy. Traffic here was a
fucking nightmare.
Lemmy
Look you don’t need to tell me how the
traffic here’s a fucking nightmare. I’ve
lived in this city for 48 years, I know how
traffic gets. What I need you to
do is leave earlier so you actually get to
work on time, god forbid.
Moni puts on her laminate.
Moni
(Voiceover)
That’s Lemmy. He’s my boss and one of the
coolest cats in these parts. He’s met some
of the best. Dead Kennedys, The Misfits,
Adolescents, Sid Vicious. He even legally
changed his name to Lemmy because he says
seeing MotorHead changed his life forever.
He acts like a dick but he’s one of the few
people I think actually gives a shit about me…
A middle aged man in a shirt and tie walks into the emporium.
Michael
Lemmy.
Lemmy
Michael! How you doing brother?
They shake hands.
Michael
I’m doing just fine. More importantly how
are you doing?
Lemmy
I’m doing righteous brother.
Moni frowns when she sees Michael.
Moni
(Voiceover)
Lemmy use to be like me. A drug addict.
But then about two years ago he got caught
with coke and heroin in his Chevy. The
court sent him to rehab and gave him this
fuck head. Michael is his sponsor.
Apparently this pinhead used to tweak out and
now tries to keep Lemmy from falling off the
wagon. I think it’s total bullshit. How is
one druggy supposed to keep another druggy
from doing drugs that’s like trying to cure
cancer with even more cancer. Besides, this
old asshole keeps trying to have sex with me.
Michael looks over at Moni. Moni returns to organizing records. Michael walks over.
Michael
Hi Monica. How are you doing?
Moni doesn’t respond.
Michael
Do you have any Mojo Nixon? Or any old blues.
Still no response.
Michael
What would you recommend?
Moni turns to Michael.
Moni
I recommend you go fuck yourself.
Michael
I’m just trying to get to know you better
Monica.
Moni
First off my name is Moni not Monica and
secondly why don’t you hit on women your own
age? What is it? Your dick so small you
try to get a girl who’ll be impressed by a
3 inch prick?
Michael
I’m just trying to get to know the people in
Lemmy’s life. Make sure no-one’s going to
push him off his course.
Michael takes out his wallet.
Michael
If you ever wanna talk, here’s my contact
information.
Michael hands Moni his business card. She reluctantly takes it.
Michael
I’ll see you around.
When Michael walks away Moni flips him the bird and rips the card.
Michael
(To Lemmy) I’ll see you at the meeting
Thursday, right?
Lemmy
I’ll be there.
Michael leaves. Moni leaning on the counter next to Lemmy.
Moni
Why does that asshole have to keep coming
here?
Lemmy
He’s my sponsor. He keeps me from fucking
dying, that’s why he comes here.
Moni
Well why does he have to keep annoying the
shit out of me.
Lemmy
He probably just wants to help you as well.
Moni
I don’t need help, and if I did I don’t need
to hear it from a dick-wad like him.
Lemmy
Did you hang up the new guitars?
No answer. Moni walks to the guitar section.
Lemmy
That’s what I fucking thought.
It cuts to Moni hanging guitars and doing other duties at the Emporium.
Moni
(Voiceover)
My job is just another example of how my life
is just a common routine. Don’t get me wrong,
I’ve had shittier jobs.
It cuts to Moni as a cashier at a fast food restaurant. She looks pissed, in a colorful uniform, looking at a customer who has an idiotic look on his face as he tries to figure out what he wants.
Customer
Now does your Big Stack Burger have
mayonnaise? Because I can’t have
mayonnaise. To me, mayonnaise sort of takes
the taste away from the burger, if you know
what I mean.
Moni
Of course sir, one Big Stack Burger with
no mayo.
Customer
Excuse me but I didn’t say that was my order.
Maybe if you would have actually listened to
what I said, you would have known that.
Moni
(Pissed) Of course sir, I’m so sorry.
The customer gives Moni a dirty look and looks back at the menu with the same stupid look on his face.
Moni
(Voiceover)
The worst part of the job wasn’t just how
stupid the customer was, it was the shitty
tips they give. They’ll spend a $50 bill
and put 70 cents into the tip jar if that.
The other cashier was three years younger
than me and pregnant. She gets 10 to 20
buck tips because of pity. It’s like,
‘Here, I’ll give you money for having sex’
… fucking whore.
It then shows Moni working at a Kohl’s.
Moni
(Voiceover)
I was never good with co-workers. At Kohl’s
there was this cunt who was always tried to
make everyone else look like shit.
Another employee walks up to Moni with a box of ladies underwear.
Emily
Moni, I just washed these panties like the
boss asked, do you mine bringing them to the
display table for me. Thanks… Oh and I’m
afraid were going to have to cut your hours,
sorry were making cuts in everyone’s time.
Moni
Yeah, no problem.
Emily gives a fake smile and walks away. Moni takes some of the ladies underwear and shoves them in the back of her pants wiping her ass with them and throwing them back in the box.
Moni
(Voiceover)
Okay, the customer might have gotten the shit
end of that stick but let’s be honest, if you
shop at Kohl’s you’ll be lucky to buy
something that didn’t have someone’s shit all
over it.
It cuts back to the emporium, Moni is labeling all the posters. Lemmy is at the counter reading a magazine.
Moni
(Voiceover)
When I met Lemmy I was buying some records
and after we talked he offered me a job. It
was obvious he didn’t need me. He lived at
this place, everything could have been done
by him. But he gave me the job. It’s good
money. It helps me buy food, clothes, rent,
drugs. But I think the reason I took the job
is because Lemmy was someone who seemed to
not be completely full of shit. You can’t say
that about many people.
Lemmy helps a customer out and the customer leaves.
Lemmy
Rock on, see you around. (To Moni) Hey Moni,
take the register, I need to take a leak.
Lemmy walks into the back room and Moni takes his spot at the register. After a little while a kid walks up with a CD. Moni rings it up. As Moni handles the order, Brittany, Moni’s roommate, walks in all almost looking like a new person. Her make-up is all fixed and her hair as well. She is wearing a cute, tight black dress with a short skirt. The kid leaves and Brittany walks up to Moni.
Brittany
Hey Moni-Baby.
Moni
Hey Brittany, what are you doing here?
Brittany
I wanted to thank you for the breakfast this
morning.
Moni
And you couldn’t do that by phone?
Brittany
If I called I wouldn’t be able to your sexy
face.
Moni
(Voiceover)
This is Brittany, my roommate. I found an
ad on Craigslist, 20 year old female looking
for new roommate. Taking the 50/50 chance of
it being a male rapist who’d use my skin as
a body suit, I checked it out and then I had
a home.
Brittany looking around the near empty store.
Brittany
Have you seen any cuties come in here lately?
Moni
(Voiceover)
At times it wished it was the rapist.
Moni
No. What about that guy coming out of your
room this morning?
Brittany
No that didn’t work out. He wouldn’t cuddle
with me afterword.
Moni
Maybe that’s because guys don’t cuddle with
girl who put out on the first date.
Brittany
How about that guy?
Brittany refers to a skinny guy with glasses and a soul patch looking through CDs.
Brittany
He seems like your type.
Moni
And what’s my type? Scumbag hipster with
a soul patch and thinks it’s cool to wear
shaded glasses indoors. He probably still
lives with his mom. No thank you.
Brittany
I don’t know, he’s cute.
Moni
I’d fuck the Swedish Chef before I’d fuck
that guy.
Brittany
No, he’s married.
Moni
The Swedish Chef?
Brittany
No, the guy with the glasses. Check out
his ring finger. One circular piece of
metal causes clam jams every day.
Moni
Someone like that it’s more like Crab Jam.
Jesus, that guy is what, our age? A year
older? And he’s already fucking married?
Brittany
A lot of people marry young.
Moni
Yeah trophy wives and dipshits. That guy’ll
probably be on his second marriage by the
time he graduates community college.
Lemmy walks up from the back room.
Lemmy
Thanks Moni.
Lemmy notices Brittany.
Lemmy
Hello, how may I help you?
Brittany
Oh, I’m just talking to Moni.
I’m her roommate.
Lemmy
Moni, you never said you had such a lovely
roommate.
Moni
Crist Lemmy, she’s old enough to be your
granddaughter.
Brittany
Well I’ll get out of you two’s hairs. I
just wanted to say you, me, Kelly’s
bar tonight.
Moni
No.
Brittany
Come on, you never go out.
Moni
Well there’s a perfectly good reason for
that. I hate people.
Brittany
Come on Moni, you need to get laid.
Lemmy
I’m just going to check the guitars.
Lemmy leaves to avoid this conversation.
Brittany
I’m serious Moni. When was the last time
you’ve even gone out.
Moni
I go to the movies. If a band I like are
playing, I go see em’.
Brittany
Yeah but you go by yourself to the movies,
and you haven’t seen a show in months.
Moni
Some of us work.
Brittany
What does that supposed to mean?
Moni
I mean a 9 to 5 job. Not a job where you
waiter for 10 hours a week.
Brittany
Yeah, well it’s not healthy being alone all
the time. You need to spend time with people
every once and a while.
Moni
If I’m in the mood to go out and get crazy
and shit, you’ll be the first person I’ll talk
to. Now if you’ll excuse me I have customers.
Brittany
Fine, I’ll see you at home.
As she begins to walk out she turns back to Moni.
Brittany
Just ask a guy for a cup of coffee.
Moni just looks at Brittany. Brittany leaves. The hipster/soul patch guy walks up with a CD. He hands the CD and some cash.
Soul Patch
I like coffee.
Moni has a ‘really?’ look on her face. She hands him the CD and his change.
Moni
Fucking Crist.
Moni slams the register.
Ext. Outside of the Rock n’ Roll Emporium later that night. Moni walks out with Lemmy following. Lemmy locks the door.
Lemmy
I’ll see you tomorrow.
Moni
See you Lemmy.
Moni gives Lemmy a hug and they walk in separate directions. Moni walks up to her parked car in front of a bar. The car is a 66’ Chevy Nova. There’s a guy standing in front of the bar drinking. He notices Moni.
James
Is that your car?
Moni
Yeah.
James
What is it, 69 Chevy Nova?
Moni
66.
James.
66.
Moni
You know you can’t drink in public.
James turns his bottle around showing the Coke-A-Cola logo.
James
Coke.
Moni feels embarrassed, gets in her car and begins to drive away. James waves her goodbye.
Ext. Outside her apartment. As Moni walks up the stairs to her apartment we can hear the Hispanic family in the lower floor arguing loudly. There was a little girl crying under the stair way. Moni notices the child through the gaps in the steps. She avoids the situation by walking up the stairs and entering her apartment. She locks the door.
Int. Moni walks into her room and throws her bag in the corner of the room. She then walks to the kitchen and opens the fridge. Moni takes out some orange juice and drinks out of the carton. She takes the carton of orange juice to her room and almost closes the door completely. In her room, Moni takes out a box containing pot and heroin. Moni takes a small pipe from her counter and puts some pot in the pipe. Moni lights up one end and smokes from the other. She holds it in and then finally breaths out. The scene begins to slow down as Moni begins to get high. After a few more puffs, Moni is now completely stoned and is completely relaxed. She then takes some heroin in a spoon and heats it up. As soon as it becomes a liquid Moni takes a needle and inserts the heroin into the needle.
Moni
(Voiceover)
I always got stoned before shooting up.
It calms the nerves, it prepares my body for
the orgasmic feel I get. Heroin makes you
feel free but contained. Comfortable but
vulnerable. Dead but more alive then you’ve
ever felt in your life.
During the narration Moni used a belt to stabilize her blood flow, then takes the needle and injects the heroin into her system. Moni removes the needle and takes off the belt and begins to feel the effect of the drug.
Moni
(Voiceover)
Everything I touch gives off an orgasmic feel.
It was as if I was swimming in ecstasy. Your
heart slows down and your mind wonders off.
It’s as if you feel like you’ve never been
awake before.
It cuts to a flashback.
Ext. 4 years ago at a suburban apartment complex. Moni is 17 and rides her bike from school to her house. She rides with friends but they separate into different streets. Moni arrives at her house. She walks inside and her father is nearly falling sleep in a chair watching a soccer game on the TV. Moni walks up stairs and her mom walks up to her dad. As Moni walks up to her room we can hear her parents arguing in the background. When Moni gets to her room she closes her door and turns on the radio at high volume to drown out the fight. Moni looks out her window and notices a 20 something year old, smoking, getting out of his car and taking some boxes to the apartment house next to hers.
Int. It cuts back to Moni laying in her bed. She has fallen asleep. We hear Brittany and a guy entering the apartment laughing.
Brittany
Haha. This is my humble abode. This is
the TV, this is the kitchen and this… is
the bedroom.
Guy
Very nice.
Brittany
Do you have any protection?
After a moment, the guy tries to find a condom.
Guy
Shit I don’t.
Brittany
It’s okay, I’ll be back.
Brittany walks into Moni’s room.
Brittany
(Quietly) Hey Moni.
Moni wakes up.
Moni
Hey Brit. What’s up?
Brittany
I was just wondering if you had any condoms
on you.
Moni opens her night stand next to her bed, takes out a condom and throws it at Brittany.
Brittany
Thanks, and hey I broke my pipe, you mind
if I borrow yours.
Moni grabs it and tosses it to Brittany as well.
Moni
If you break it, you buy me a new one.
Brittany
Thanks love.
Brittany blows Moni a kiss and closes the door behind her. Moni falls back asleep.
Int. At the Rock n’ Roll Emporium the next day. Moni is at the counter and Lemmy is in the guitar section trying to make a sell with a customer.
Lemmy
This guitar was played by the one and only
George Harrison of The Beatles. And it can
be yours for only 600.
Customer
Do you have any proof that this guitar was
played by George Harrison? I mean why
didn’t he sign it?
Lemmy
Well I couldn’t get George to sign all the
guitars he played. I have a signed one but
that’s not for sell.
Customer
300.
Lemmy
Come on don’t bust my balls here, I’m running
a business here… 550.
Customer
350.
Lemmy
Let’s not do a dance and just get this over
with… 4 and 3 quarters.
The customer thinks.
Customer
450, final offer.
Lemmy
Let’s meet at the register.
Lemmy shakes the customer’s hand and they walk up to the counter. The customer pays for the guitar and Lemmy gives him the recite.
Lemmy
Thanks for your business brother. Rock on.
The customer leaves. Moni still reading a magazine.
Moni
Is it just me or did George Harrison play
every guitar you’ve ever owned?
Lemmy
I tell them that to make them feel better
about themselves.
Moni
And so you can scam them out of a couple
hundred bucks.
Lemmy
But think about it. When someone is told
they own something from a musical god
then they feel a connection to that
person. Just by being told something
helps lighten someone’s life just a little
bit and makes them feel they have purpose.
Moni
Are you calling yourself god Lemmy?
Lemmy
Of course not. I’m simply the preacher.
Moni
Good, at lease preachers are real.
Lemmy
What do you mean by that?
Moni
You know what I mean.
Lemmy
You don’t have any faith at all?
Moni
If you mean do I believe a big almighty guy
with a beard who lives in the sky? No,
no I don’t.
Lemmy
Sometimes people need to believe someone
in a higher power cares for them.
Moni
If god cared about me he would have given
me big tits so Tommy Lane would go out with
me in middle school.
Lemmy
You don’t believe in god because he didn’t
give you breast?
Moni
You need another example? Okay, how about
this. If there was a god, where was he
when my parents beat the shit out of each
other? Where was god when my father got
cancer? Where was god when my sister hung
herself in a motel in Santa Ana?
Lemmy is silent.
Moni
That’s what I thought.
Moni grabs her bag and walks away from the counter.
Lemmy
Where are you going?
Moni
I’m taking my lunch break.
Moni leave the store. Lemmy is sad for Moni and feels her pain.
Int. An Italian sandwich shop down the street. Moni orders a sandwich. When she picks it up she goes out to the outside tables. She puts some cash in the sandwich bag and takes out the sandwich. As she eats, a shady tweaker, Chad, walks up and sits across from Moni at the table.
Chad
Hi.
Moni
Hey Chad. Are you getting a sandwich?
Chad
Na, I brought my own sack.
Chad sets a brown paper bag on the table with some hidden things inside. Moni looks at the bag.
Chad
Did you bring yours?
Moni
What does it look like? I’m eating a
sandwich, can you see the bag?
Chad looks at the bag and glances into it.
Chad
We can’t meet here anymore.
Moni
Why not?
Chad
I got word that cops are closing in on
Main street, trying to find all the deals
going down. I’d also suggest you stay
clear of your rock n’ roll store while
handling your lunch.
Moni
I’m smarter than that.
Chad
I’d also inform your boss if I were you.
Moni
He quit, you know that.
Chad
Yeah I’ve noticed, that fuck head was my
best customer.
Moni
Don’t call him that.
Chad
What?
Moni
Don’t call him fuck head. He’s not a fuck
head. He’s stronger man than you and me
combined.
Chad
Yeah well we’ll see how strong he is. I
also got word his Emporium is dead broke.
Moni
Where did you hear that?
Chad
My sources.
Moni has a worried look on her face.
Chad
I’ve got to go.
Chad grabs the sandwich bag and leaves the brown sack. Chad leaves. Moni looks at the sack and her hearts starts to race. She takes the bag and hides it in her car. She shuts the door to her car and walks back to work.
Int. The apartment living room later that night. Moni and Brittany are watching TV in blankets on the couch eating ice-cream and drinking beer.
Moni
So I’m guessing you’re not going out tonight.
Brittany
No, I’m cramping.
They continue to watch TV.
Moni
Hey, I’m sorry about that comment I made the
other day, about your job. I was out of
line.
Brittany
It’s okay. I still stand true to what I
said though. You need to get out more. I
don’t mean hooking up with someone or trying
to find the guy to spend the rest of your
life with… just go out and have fun.
Everyone needs to get out or they’ll just
get depressed.
Moni just looks at her ice cream.
Brittany
I know what happened. I know you’ve been
hurt. But I think it’s time to move on.
The camera zooms back and fades to black as Moni thinks.
Int. The bar near the Rock n’ Roll Emporium the next day. Moni and Brittany are a bit dressed up. Brittany more than Moni. They look around and notice it’s a bit calm in the bar.
Brittany
Don’t worry, we’ll find the diamond in this
rough.
Moni
What do we need? Pitchforks and dwarfs?
Around the bar they see football fans watching a game, a few business men after a hard day at the office and that one guy at the bar who has his hands cover his face questioning everything he’s ever done in his entire life.
Brittany
I have to go to the ladies room. Save us a
spot at the bar?
Moni
Sure.
Brittany walks by some college frat boys who check her out as she walks into the restroom. Moni takes a seat at the bar. The bartender gives the depressed man at the bar a beer and then walks up to Moni.
James
Hey, Nova girl.
Moni looks up and sees the bartender is the same guy she met outside of the bar the other day.
Moni
Coke guy, hi.
James
What are you doing here?
Moni
My roommate and I are having a night out on
the town.
James
And you sound like you’re thrilled.
Moni
No, I just don’t get out much.
The football fans yell in excitement. They begin to chant a German celebratory song.
Moni
Jesus.
James
Sorry about that. Their watching a soccer
game. Can I get you anything?
Moni
A Bud light.
James
Mind if I check your I.D.?
Moni takes her license out of her purse. She hands it to James and he checks it out.
James
Monica Leopard. Cute name.
Moni
I go by Moni.
James
One But Light coming up.
James opens up a beer and sets it on the bar.
Moni
Thanks…
James
James.
Moni gives off a slight smile. Brittany comes up from behind Moni and spooks her. Brittany then laughs and takes a seat next to Moni.
Brittani
Oh my god, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to
spook you. (To James) Excuse me, bartender.
Brittany whistles. James walks over and Brittany takes out her licence.
Brittany
Two things. One, I’ll take a Heineken.
And two, isn’t my girl, Moni here, the
cutest fucking thing you’ve ever seen.
Moni is embarrassed and James smiles.
James
One Heineken coming right up.
Brittany
Oh and put the beer on the tab of those
lovely boys over there.
Brittany refers to the college boys who look over and check out the two. James gives Brittany her beer.
Brittany
Come on Moni, let’s go over there and I’ll
introduce you.
Moni
I’m fine Brit.
Brittany
What? No, you said you were going to get
out of your comfort zone tonight.
Moni
Just give me some time to loosen up.
Brittany gives a baby face.
Brittany
Fine. Come over when you feel ready.
Moni
Will do.
Brittany walks over to the college boys table.
James
You’ve got an interesting friend there.
Moni
She’s got an obvious wild side but she’s
real sweet when you get to know her.
James
I’ve seen her in this bar almost every
other day and she’s yet to remember my
name.
Moni
Oh, I’m sorry.
James
Don’t worry about it. People don’t really
notice the bartender much. He’s the guy
behind the bar who gives you your drink
and that’s it. A bartender is the person
people are lease personal with. Yet will
tell me all the problems in their lives.
Moni smiles.
Moni
Any good examples?
James
I usually don’t gossip about my clientele.
But there’s this one guy who comes in here about
once a week who tells his wife he goes to
spend time with his father in an old folk
home. Instead he comes here and checks
out every female who walks through the
door. He sometimes says if he meets the
perfect girl, he and her would leave all
their worries behind and just drive off.
Moni
I think we’ve all had that dream.
James
What?
Moni
We all dream of meeting our perfect
person and leaving your problems behind
to be with that person… We all have that
dream.
James
If that’s true, whose your ‘perfect’
person?
Moni thinks hard.
Moni
I’ve got a good idea… who’s yours?
James thinks. After a minute.
James
Joan from Mad Men.
Moni laughs and rolls her eyes.
James
Hey, I’m only human. Jessica Rabbit is
a close second.
After a while Brittany is plastered with the college boys and Moni is watching TV while drinking only her second beer. James is tending to his other customers. Michael walks by and notices Moni.
Michael
Well hello there.
Moni looks over and returns back to the TV. Michael walks up closer to Moni.
Michael
Funny seeing you here.
Moni
What are you fucking stalking me now?
Michael
Why do you hate me so much? I’ve done
nothing to offend you. What, is it what I
stand for? Is it that my relation with
Lemmy threatens you? Because I don’t want
that to be the fact.
Moni
Why don’t you do me a favor and fuck off.
James walks over.
James
Is there a problem over here? Is this guy
bothering you Moni?
Michael
I’m just saying hello to an acquaintance
liquor jockey.
Moni
What are you even doing here?
Michael
I come here to give my card around, try
and help people with their addictions.
Make sure this bar isn’t serving any
minors alcohol.
James
Me and my employees check everyone’s I.D.
We’re a respected business.
Michael
Your business is to poison and aid a
addiction for profit.
James
When someone’s had enough I cut them off
and give them their tab. Besides what do
we live in, prohibition? People have the
right to drink if they want.
Michael
Just because the law says alcohol is legal
doesn’t make it right.
James
If you’re not going to make a purchase,
I’m going to have to ask you to leave.
Michael just stares at James. Then he turns to Moni.
Michael
You shouldn’t spend your time with skum
like this.
Moni
It’s better than spending time with skum
like you.
Michael
I’ll see you around.
Michael leaves.
James
Friend of yours?
Moni
No.
Moni continues to drink her beer. At the table with the college frats Brittany falls off the seat. She’s reached her limit.
Moni
You mind calling in a cab for me and my
friend.
James
No problem.
Moni gets up from her seat.
Moni
How much do I owe you?
James
5.40.
Moni puts down a ten dollar bill and smiles at James.
Moni
It was nice meeting you James.
James
Pleasure’s all mine.
Moni walks over to Brittany and helps her up and out of the bar. James walks over to another customer at the bar.
James
Can I get you another beer?
Drunk
The DOW dropped 23 points today.
It cuts to outside of the bar. Brittany has her arm around Moni to hold herself up. She is laughing hysterically.
Moni
What’s so funny?
Brittany
I don’t know. HAHA.
Moni
You’re plastered.
Brittany
I know.
They both burst out in laughter. A cap pulls up to the bar and Moni walks Brittani to the cab. They enter the cab.
Moni
Sea-Dale Apartments on Adams.
Brittany finally calms down from laughing. She turns to Moni and giggles again.
Brittany
I’m sorry.
Moni
Sorry for what?
Brittany
Tonight you were supposed to get out and
meet people.
Moni
I met people.
Brittany
What, the bartender?
Moni
His name’s James.
Brittany
I love the name James. James Franco,
James Brown.
Moni
James Dean.
Brittany
But the bartender doesn’t even look like a
James. He looks more like Roy or a Carl.
Moni
I think the label James suits him.
Brittany
You just wanna fuck James the bartender.
Moni
No. He’s nice but he’s not for me.
Brittany
Then how about that one guy. Michael, I
think his name was.
Moni
Michael? I’d gouge my eyes out with a
heated steak before I’d get with him.
Brittany
Don’t worry, I’ll find someone for you.
Moni
Oh… I can’t wait.
The cab pulls up to the apartment building. Moni pays the driver and leads Brittany up to their apartment. When they enter their apartment Brittany falls on the couch and is almost passed out. Moni walks into her room. She throws her purse on the floor and hears it hit something. Moni checks it out and finds the brown sack from Chad. Moni takes the sack and sits on her bed. When she opens the sack she takes out a little baggie with drugs on it. It fades to a close up of Moni’s face. She is in a haze and sweating.
Ext. 4 years ago, her old home. Moni runs out of the house where her parents are fighting very loudly. She sits on the curb covering her face to hide her tears.
Johnny
You okay?
Moni turns and notices her new neighbor also standing outside of his house. He’s a handsome, slim and trim 20 something year old.
Moni
Yeah, I’m fine.
Johnny takes a puff from his joint.
Johnny
Wanna take a hit?
Moni
I don’t smoke.
Johnny
It’s not a cigarette.
Moni
What is it?
Johnny
A joint.
Moni
Pot?
Johnny
Yeah. Here, take a hit.
Moni gets up and walks over to Johnny. She takes the joint and inhales. She begins to cough. Johnny laughs a bit.
Johnny
Rookie mistake.
Johnny takes the joint back and shows Moni how to take a hit. After he does so, he hands it back to Moni and she tries it out again. She doesn’t cough this time.
Johnny
Better.
Moni
Thanks… You just moved in?
Johnny
Yeah.
Moni
Well, welcome to the neighborhood.
Moni puts out her hand. Johnny takes another hit and shakes her hand.
Moni
What’s your name?
Johnny
John, John Romero.
Int. Back to the present in the bathroom in Moni’s apartment. Moni looks at herself in the mirror. She notices bags under her eyes, yellow coloring in her nails and other effects of the drugs she takes taking a toll on her body. She covers it up with make-up and nail polish but can still see the pain in her face.
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium later that day. Moni is at the front counter reading a magazine. The store is completely empty.
Moni
(Voiceover)
I hate to admit it, but Brittany is right.
Being alone does take its toll on you. It
feels like I haven’t had sex in years.
Drugs usually are enough to handle my lust,
but now that I hear Brittany every night,
I realized I need that
Touch. At least once to keep me from
going crazy.
An early 20 year old punk girl walks in and heads towards the record section. The Damned ‘Love Song’ begins to plays. Moni walks behind a wall where the punk girl is looking at the records. When the punk girl turns around Moni grabs her face and just goes at it in the store. At one point Lemmy grabs Moni and brings her in the back room.
Int. In the back room. Moni is sitting on a cheetah couch. Lemmy stands by an open window smoking a cigarette. Lemmy then sits at his desk covered with papers.
Lemmy
I didn’t think I’d have to say this to you,
but… you can’t have sex with the customers
in the store.
Moni is silent from embarrassment.
Lemmy
Moni, maybe you should take a day off.
Moni
No Lemmy.
Lemmy
Take some time to clear your head.
Moni
Lemmy I’m fine!
Lemmy
It’s obvious you’re not. You come to work
drained of energy, you’ve been pail…
As Lemmy continues to talk all sound lowers til it is completely silent. Moni’s mind wonders off thinking about drugs. She is so unfocused she can’t hear Lemmy even when looking at him eye to eye. Then all of a sudden the volume is extremely loud and Moni covers her ears. Lemmy is now completely confused. His head then becomes very large.
Lemmy
WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU NOW!?!
Moni
What’s wrong with me? What wrong with
you? Why are you yelling so loud?
Lemmy
I’m not yelling.
Moni begins to get a headache.
Lemmy
Go home.
Moni leaves. Lemmy grabs the phone and dials Michael.
Lemmy
Hey brother, it’s Lemmy… I have a favor
to ask.
Int. The apartment an hour later. Moni lays in her room with an ice pack on her head. The doorbell rings. The doorbell rings. The doorbell rings and Moni gets up to answer. When Moni opens the door she sees Michael.
Michael
Hi.
Moni shuts the door on his face. Michael knocks the door. Moni puts the door stop on so the door will only open a little bit. She opens the door.
Moni
What the fuck do you want?
Michael
Lemmy called me and said that I should come
talk to you.
Moni
I don’t need to fucking talk to you.
Michael
Please, Moni. Just let me talk, two
minutes, that’s all I’m asking.
Moni just stares at him and slams the door. She un hooks the door stop and opens the door again.
Moni
You have two minutes.
Michael
Can I come in?
Moni moves over reluctantly and Michael walks into the house looking around.
Michael
This is a really nice house.
Moni
You have a minute and 30 seconds.
Michael
Lemmy informed me of what happened at the
store today.
Moni
Yeah and what the fuck is that your
business?
Michael
Lemmy worries about you. I’ve been
helping people like the two of you for
some time now. I think if you listened,
I can really help you with your disease.
Moni
Disease?
Michael
Addiction is a disease. So what is it?
Crack? Prescription pills?
Moni
Get the fuck out of my house.
Michael
Meth? Heroin?
Moni
GET THE FUCK OUT!?!
Michael grabs Moni by her arms and holds her still.
Moni
(Quiet but completely pissed) Get the hell
off me.
Michael
Don’t you understand? I’m trying to help
you!
Moni
LET GO!
Michael
Don’t you understand! I can help you bitch!
Moni spits on Michael. Michael lets go of Moni and wipes the spit off his face. Moni curses and hits Michael out of her apartment, slams and locks the door and puts on the door stop chain. Moni falls at the door near crying. Michael bangs on the door in rage.
Michael
MONICA! MONICA OPEN THIS DOOR! YOU ARE
GOING TO APOLOGIZE FOR SPITTING ON MY FACE!
Moni covers her ears and begins to sing Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’ to drown out the sound til Michael is gone. As soon as the banging and yelling ends, Moni stops singing and gets up. She checks the peep hole in her door and notices Michael’s gone. She then lays her head on the door and sighs in relief. It cuts to the next scene.
Int. The Rock & Roll Emporium the next day. Lemmy is at the counter helping a customer and Moni is in the guitar section handing a guitar to someone to play. Moni looks over and walks up to James looking through some posters.
Moni
Hello again.
James
Hey, Moni right?
Moni
Yep. Josh?
James
James.
Moni
I’m sorry.
James
Honest mistake.
Moni
Can I help you with anything?
James
Sure. I’m getting a poster for my little
sister’s birthday. What would you suggest
for a 6 year old?
Moni
Well let’s take a look.
Moni flips through the poster and opens one.
Moni
Here’s a good one.
It shows a nude pin-up girl with the phrase, “Go get em’ boys!”
James
Interesting but a 6 year old girl not
a teenage boy.
Moni
Oh, sorry about that.
James
No problem at all.
Moni flips through the posters again and finds a Scooby Doo poster.
James
This’ll work.
Moni
Scooby Doo?
James
She’s obsessed with Scooby Doo. Personally
I’d rather her watch this instead of those
idiotic cartoons on TV now.
Moni
Then this’ll work.
Moni pulls out a copy of the poster and walks him over to the front counter. Moni stands next to Lemmy and rings up the poster.
Moni
That’ll be 9.95.
James takes out his wallet and hands Moni a ten dollar bill. Moni gives James 5 cents and James tosses it into the tip jar with another dollor.
James
Thanks Moni. See you around.
Moni
Bye.
James leaves and Lemmy looks at him as he leaves.
Lemmy
He seems nice.
Moni rolls her eyes.
Lemmy
I mean it. He doesn’t seem like your type.
He’s clean cut, no tats and for one thing
he’s not a woman.
Moni
Oh god.
Lemmy
Are you two… you know…
Moni
I’m not fucking him Lemmy. He’s just the
bartender from next door.
Lemmy
Okay, now it makes sense.
Moni
What makes sense?
Lemmy
He’s someone who can get you something you
want with ease.
Moni
Lemmy, don’t look into this.
Lemmy
Moni, you forget. I used to be in your
shoes. I did the same thing. I became
best friends with my dealer, I’d only
spend time with people who could provide
beer and drugs.
Moni
Just Drop It, Okay Lemmy?!
Lemmy just looks at Moni.
Lemmy
I just don’t want to see you get hurt.
Moni
I know Lemmy. I just need to be alone
right now… Okay?
Lemmy
Yeah, go ahead, go.
Moni walks into the back room and lays on the couch holding her head. She begins to get a terrible migraine. In the window rain begins to fall. It fades into another flash back.
Int. 4 Years ago, in Johnny’s home. Johnny opens the door and walks in with bags of groceries. He hears a girl singing Bob Marley’s ‘One Love’. He walks into his living room and finds Moni sitting against the couch crying and singing.
Johnny
Moni?
Johnny knees next to her.
Johnny
What are you doing here?
Moni
I used the spare key you gave me. I needed
to get away.
Johnny
What happened?
Moni is about to burst into tears.
Moni
My sister… She’s gone…
Johnny
What do you mean she’s gone?
Moni lowers her head to hide her crying. Johnny sits on the floor next to her and rubs her back to comfort her.
Moni
Whenever I was sad or if our parents would
fight, me and Christina would sing ‘One Love’.
When we would sing, the rest of the world
would disappear. It would be me and her,
and we wouldn’t need anyone else… and now…
she’s gone…
Moni begins to real weep. Johnny would see how she was truly hurt. He began to sing quietly.
Johnny
Let them all pass… all their dirty remarks.
There is one thing… I’d really like to ask
Moni looks up at him.
Johnny
Is there a place… for the hopeless sinners?
Who has hurt all mankind… just to save his own.
Moni begins to sing with him.
Moni & Johnny
One love, one heart. Let’s get together
and feel alright… Let’s get together and
feel alright.
They both stop and just look at each other. Moni lays her head on Johnny’s chest and wraps her arms around his body and he wraps his arm around her. It zooms out as it fades back to present time.
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Moni is sitting at the counter looking out into the store. It’s late in the night.
Moni
(Voiceover)
It’s been 4 years since I’ve last seen
Johnny. He was the kindest person I’ve
ever met. I was just a girl who would
break into his house to get away. But it
felt like he understood when I had
to. I don’t know where he is now, I don’t
know if he’s alive. But my memory of him
has affected me more than anyone I’ve ever
met. I’ve told Lemmy about him, and I’ve
told Brittany bits and piece whenever she
would listen. But other than that, no-one
knows about Johnny. He’s almost
like a ghost from my past. But since he’s
been gone, it’s felt like a part of me was
gone.
Lemmy walks up to Moni.
Lemmy
Moni, I’m closing up for the night.
Moni
Sure thing Lemmy.
They both walk outside where it is now pouring rain. Lemmy locks up the door and Moni walks across the street to get to her car. Lemmy turns to her.
Lemmy
Hey, the stores closed tomorrow so you don’t
have to come by.
Moni
Sure.
Moni gets to her car and gets in. Black Sabbath’s ‘Fairies Wear Boots’ begins to play. Moni tries to turn on her car but it won’t start. She tries again and it barely make a noise. She then tries several consecutive times without any luck. She then hits her dashboard and begins to curse at her car. She gets out and pops the hood to see what’s wrong. During which, James walks out of his bar with a coke. He takes a drink and, from the corner of his eye, notices Moni standing out in the rain trying to fix her broken down car. James runs over, putting the hood of his jacket up, to Moni to help out. Moni and James talk but we can’t hear over the rain and music. James gives Moni his jacket as she stands by the door. James moves something in the engine and jesters Moni to try it again. Moni tries to start the car but it still doesn’t work. They try again, but when there’s no hope for the car, James closes the hood and brings Moni into the bar.
Int. James’s Bar. James and Moni walk into the bar. James is soaked and Moni put down the hood of the jacket James gave her. The music is now background music and now we can hear people.
James
Just stay here, I’ll be right back.
James walks behind the bar to grab his keys and talk to the other bartender.
James
(To other bartender) Hey, I’m going to go
on an extended break. You mind taking the
bar on your own?
Bartender
Yeah, no problem.
Moni looks around the bar and notices a middle aged man at the bar looking at her strangely. James walks back up to Moni.
James
Hey, if you want, I can bring you home.
Moni
I don’t wanna trouble you.
James
No problem at all.
Moni
What about my car?
James
Brian is going to put a label on your car
saying it’s registered to the bar. That’ll
allow it to say over night. We’ll have a
better chance figuring out what’s wrong
when it’s not raining.
Moni
You don’t mind?
James
Just direct me to where you need to go.
James smiles. Moni smiles back. James opens the door for Moni. She puts up the hood of the jacket and then they leave.
Int. James’s car. James is driving and Moni is in the passenger seat.
Moni
You’re going to want to turn on Harbor.
James
Thanks… So, what do you think is wrong
with your car?
Moni
I have no clue. My car is a piece of crap,
it could be any number of things.
James
When was the last time you changed the oil?
Moni
I have no idea…
James turns on Harbor.
Moni
Right on Nutmeg… but thank you for the ride
and the jacket.
James
Sure thing, I know what it’s like to have
a broken down car in the rain.
James turns on Nutmeg. They reach the apartment. James turns his car off.
James
Is this it?
Moni
Yeah, thanks… Would you like to come in?
James
Oh, that’s okay.
Moni
Come on, I think I’ve got a dry shirt you
can take.
James
… Sure, why not.
Moni and James get out of the car and walk up the stairs to Moni’s apartment. Moni notices the little girl hiding under the stairway again but again decides to not intervene. Moni opens the door and they both walk into the apartment.
Int. When they enter the apartment, Moni takes off the jacket and hands it to James.
James
Thank you.
Moni
I’ll be right back. I’ve got a shirt in
my room I’ll give you.
James
Alright, thanks.
Moni walks down the hall to her room. James looks around and notices a picture of a younger Moni and another picture of her and Brittany about a year ago. James hears a noise and turns to Moni’s room. In the sliver of door opening, James sees Moni take off her shirt. James looks away to not be a perv. After a moment, Moni walks back wearing a new shirt and holding a shirt for a man.
Moni
Hopefully this will fit.
James takes off his wet shirt and puts on the dry shirt Moni gave him.
Moni
Can I get you anything to drink?
James
Water sounds good.
Moni
I’ll be right back.
James
Thanks.
Moni walks into the kitchen and James puts on his jacket. James turns and notices Moni’s CD collection. When he walks over to check it out, Brittany walks in. She sees a strange man in a black coat looking through Moni’s stuff and quietly takes out her pepper spray and sneaks up on James. James turns back and notices Brittany.
James
Holy shit.
Brittany
Stick em’ up.
James puts his hands up.
James
Look, I can explain.
Brittany
Tell me why you’re in my house or I’ll
spray you!
James
You don’t want to do that.
Brittany
Why not?
James
Because if you spray that at me, we all
get sprayed!
Moni walks into the room with a glass of water.
Moni
What the hell is going on?
James
This chick is going to spray pepper spray
in an enclosed area.
Moni
Brit, put the pepper spray down… Now!
Brittany
This fucker broke into our house and was
going to rob us!
Moni
I invited him in!
James
Yeah and I was just looking through your
music selection.
Brittany looks over at Moni.
Brittany
He’s with you?
Moni
Yes!
Brittany lowers her pepper spray.
Brittany
Who the hell is this?
Moni
James.
James
I see you almost every night at the bar.
Brittany
The mother fucking bartender?
James
Yes, yes, the mother fucking bartender.
There’s this rough feel in the room.
James
I think I should go.
Moni
I’m sorry James. Thank you again for the
ride.
James
Yeah no problem. I’ll see ya.
James leaves and Moni closes the door. She sets the glass of water on a table and crosses her arms.
Brittany
What?... how was I supposed to know he
wasn’t going to rob or rape us.
Moni walks into the kitchen to close the cabinets.
Brittany
Why was he here anyways?
Moni
My car broke down at work and he gave me
a ride.
Brittany
Your car broke down? Why didn’t you just
call me?
Moni
I don’t know, he was like on his break or
something, and when he saw me, he offered
a ride.
Brittany
And you just said yes? You don’t even
know the guy.
Moni
I trusted him.
Brittany
You don’t trust anyone.
Moni
Yeah because you never know when they’ll
pull out fucking mace!
Moni goes in her room and slams her door.
Brittany
Shit.
Int. Moni’s room. Moni sits on her bed and moves the hair out of her face out of frustration. Moni takes a cigarette and smokes it to calm her nerves. The camera backs as we see Moni on her bed get smaller and smaller.
Ext. 4 years ago. In Johnny’s bedroom. Moni is sitting up by Johnny’s bed. Johnny is kneeing next to her.
Moni
So what is it like?
Johnny
It’s unlike any feeling you’ve ever had.
Johnny puts some heroin on a spoon.
Johnny
When you take it, every problem in your
life, all stress you’ve gone through, it all
disappears.
Johnny turns on his lighter and heats up the heroin to a liquid.
Johnny
Take that belt and tighten it around
your upper arm. Make it as tight as you
can.
Moni does so. Johnny takes a needle and injects the heroin in the needle. Johnny brings it towards Moni. Moni flinches at the sight of the needle.
Johnny
Hey, hey it’s okay.
Johnny grabs Moni’s hand and positions it for the needle.
Johnny
Do you trust me?
Moni looks at Johnny in the eye.
Moni
Always.
Johnny
Okay.
Johnny sticks the needle in the vein. Moni freaks out a little.
Johnny
Moni, Moni look at me. Keep your eyes on
me. It’s almost over.
Johnny injects the heroin in Moni’s vein. Moni feels it immediately and makes an ‘O’ face, yet still keeps her eyes on Johnny. Then Johnny takes out the needle and takes off the belt from Moni’s arm and the Heroin flows through Moni’s blood and she feels this orgasmic sense through her entire self. She doesn’t truly understand what she’s feeling but one thing she does know is she likes it. The scene expands to showing Johnny injecting himself and going through the same feel as Moni. They both end up laying on the floor and Moni reaches Johnny’s hand, then holds it. Just the touch of the hand feels like the most amazing thing right now. The two look at each other and it fades to the next scene.
Int. Present time, Moni & Brittany’s apartment the next day. Moni is in the kitchen making a tuna sandwich. After she makes one she walks to the couch and begins to watch TV. Brittany walks in just woken up. She is again not made up and looks hung-over. Brittany wears only a really long pajama shirt and socks.
Brittany
Morning Roomie.
Moni’s mouth is full of tuna sandwich but waves at Brittany. Brittany walks into the kitchen and pours a cup of coffee. She then walks over and sits next to Moni and leans her head on Moni’s shoulder. She then smells something funny.
Brittany
Eww, is that tuna?
Moni
Tuna and mayonnaise.
Brittany
I don’t know how you can eat that stuff.
I can’t even get passed the smell.
Moni just continues to eat and watch TV. Brittany really thinks.
Brittany
I’m sorry.
Moni
Don’t apologize. Some people just don’t
like tuna.
Brittany
No I mean about the Bartender.
Moni
His name is James.
Brittany
Right, James. Well I’m sorry about how last
night ended. I just wasn’t used to you
bringing someone over.
Moni
… It’s okay. I should have called and let
you know.
Brittany
Have you talked to him yet?
Moni
I didn’t get to give him my number before
he left.
Brittany
Now I really feel like a bitch… well… I do
know one thing…
Moni looks at Brittany.
Brittany
He’s a bartender.
The two laugh. There’s a knock at the door.
Brittany
Do you think that’s him?
Moni
I don’t know.
Moni gets up to answer the door and Brittany gets up and leaves the room.
Brittany
I can’t let him see me without my face.
Moni opens the door and Michael stands by the door. Moni shuts the door immediately.
Moni
Shit, are you serious?
Michael knocks the door again.
Michael
Moni, I wanted to tell you in person, I’m
sorry. Last time we met we were really
heated and it didn’t end up as good as I
wanted.
Moni
What, you were disappointed you didn’t get
to fuck me?!
Michael
Moni it’s not like that.
Moni
Is that so? Then tell me you piece of
shit, what is it like?
Michael
I just want to help you out, will you let
me help you?
Moni
Let me think…
Moni opens the door and throws her sandwich at Michael’s face getting tuna all over him and his suit.
Moni
Fuck Off!
Moni locks the door. Michael leaves. Moni kicks the door out of anger. Brittany walks back.
Brittany
Who was that?
Moni
Some asshole.
Moni and Brittany sit back on the couch.
Moni
Why would Lemmy give that shit head my
address?
Brittany
Your boss?... Why would your boss give
someone your address?
Moni
Lemmy was a drug addict and that guy
was his sponsor. Lemmy thinks I
need help.
Brittany
… Do you?
Moni
I just need someone to trust. And I do not
trust that asshole.
Brittany holds Moni and Moni holds Brittany.
Moni
I don’t trust that asshole.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. James’s Bar later that night. Moni walks into the bar and walks up to the bartender, whose not James.
Moni
Excuse me sir.
The bartender walks up to her.
Bartender
What can I do for you ma’am.
Moni
I’m actually looking for James, the other
bartender. Is he here?
Bartender
I’m sorry ma’am, he’s taking the day off
to be with family.
Moni
Oh… he has a family.
Bartender
Yeah, he sees his sister as much as he can.
Moni
Sister… you mean his immediate family.
So he doesn’t have a wife?
Bartender
We’re talking about the same James right?
Moni
Yeah, thank you sir.
Bartender
No problem ma’am. Anything else I can do
for you?
Moni
No, but thank you again.
Bartender
Have a nice night.
Moni walks out of the bar and walks down the street to a deli.
Int. A local deli. Moni orders a sandwich. After she pays and gets her recite, she turns and notices Lemmy sitting at a table reading a book. Moni walks over to Lemmy.
Moni
Hey boss.
Lemmy looks up.
Lemmy
Moni, what are you doing here?
Moni
Buying a car… What do you think? I’m
getting a sandwich.
Lemmy
Wanna seat?
Lemmy gets up and pulls another seat out for Moni. Moni takes a seat then he sits.
Lemmy
So how are you enjoying your day off?
Moni
Boring.
Lemmy
You say it’s boring in the store.
Moni
It is.
Lemmy and Moni smiles. Moni notices the book Lemmy is reading.
Moni
Taming of the Shrew?
Lemmy
Yeah, it’s one of my favorites… why didn’t
you tell me someone wrote a play about you?
Moni
What?
Lemmy
Never mind.
A waiter brings Moni her sandwich.
Moni
Thank you. (To Lemmy) So why did you have
the store closed today?
No response.
Moni
It’s obvious you didn’t go out of town…
No response.
Moni
Well, what is it?
Lemmy
I needed the day to spend with family.
Moni
Did you just get back from visiting?
Waiting to visit them?...
No response.
Moni
I’m sorry, if you don’t want to talk about
it…
Lemmy
No… No, don’t be sorry… I’m just not that
up to talk about it right now.
Moni
Sure, sure no problem.
Lemmy
So, how’s you roommate?
Moni
Lemmy… no.
Lemmy
What? I’ve still got a little mojo tucked
away up in here.
Moni
Oh my god, I do not need to hear this.
Lemmy
Back in the 80’s, I was a beast.
Moni
Jesus Crist.
Lemmy
Did I tell you about the time I lived in
Hollywood.
Moni
Lemmy please don’t.
Lemmy
So much poon.
Moni
I’ve got to go.
Moni gets up and begins to leave.
Lemmy
See you at work tomorrow.
Lemmy smiles, takes a drink of his hot tea and continues to read his book.
Ext. James is walking down the pier with his little sister hand in hand. James’s little sister, Ana, is Hispanic 6 years old and is eating an ice-cream cone. As they walk down the pier James notices Moni leaning against the wooden ledge looking out into the beautiful ocean.
James
Moni?
Moni looks over.
Moni
James? Hi! How are you?
James
Good, good.
Moni looks down at the little girl.
Moni
Who’s this? Is this your… daughter?
James
(Laughs) No, this is my baby sister Ana.
Ana
I’m notta baby anymore.
James
Right sorry. Ana, this is my friend Moni.
Moni bends over to get level with Ana.
Moni
Nice to meet you Ana.
Ana
Nice to meet you Mani.
They shake hands. Moni sees how small Ana’s hands are to hers.
Moni
She’s so adorable.
James
Yeah, she’s cute on the surface. But she’s
really a fart.
Ana
You’re a fart.
Ana continues to eat her ice-cream.
James
So hey, what are you doing on the pier all
by yourself?
Moni
Oh you know, just having one of those days.
I’ve always loved the pier. It is a calm
and beautiful place… after you get past the
fishermen. How about you? What are you two
doing here?
James
Ana loves the ice-cream parlor at the end
of the pier. We usually come here once a
week.
Moni
I was actually wanting to talk to you
about last night. I’m SO sorry about my
roommate. She’s really paranoid when
she’s around strangers while sober.
James
It’s fine, honestly, I just didn’t want
everyone to be blinded for a week.
Moni smiles.
Moni
Well I’ll let you two enjoy the rest of
your day.
James
We were actually going to see that new
Scooby Doo movie.
Ana
Scooby Doo!
James
She loves it. Would you like to join
us?
Moni
Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your brother-
sister time.
James
Ana, do you wanna hang out with Moni.
Ana
Yes!
Moni smiles.
Moni
Well how can I say no to that.
Moni walks with James and Ana down the pier.
James
The movie’s on me. (To Ana) But you Ana, I
don’t know how you’re getting in.
Ana
Ha-ha very funny.
Everyone laughs.
Int. A small theatre near Main Street. The theatre is showing a special screening of an old Scooby Doo film. Panning through the theatre we see (in this order) Moni, Ana, and James watching the movie. Ana is holding a big bucket of popcorn and would hide her head behind it when she was scared. Moni looks over at Ana, when she hid her head, amazed that she finds this scary. But after a while everyone is really into the film. Moni reaches for some popcorn as does James and their hands would touch. They looked at each other. Ana then reached for popcorn and touched both of their hands. Ana then moved their hands away from each other so she could get to the popcorn. Moni and James smile, and Ana fills her mouth with popcorn.
It then shows Moni, James and Ana going to different places across town:
1. James driving everyone around.
2. The group at an Arcade or Chuck-e-Cheese to play games.
3. SkyHigh- A trampoline place where they all jump around and jump into foam pits.
4. Eating pizza at a pizzeria or at the Chuck-e-Cheese.
This all happens with Rancid’s ‘Fall Back Down’ playing. It ends up at James’s apartment Ana is sitting by the table in the living room drawing and Moni and James sitting on the couch next to Ana with the TV on showing the news. The song dies out and Moni rest her head on James’s shoulder. James puts his hand on Moni’s knee.
James
Thanks for being with us today.
Moni
Thanks for having me. It was really fun.
James
Oh yeah?
Moni
Yeah.
James
Well, we usually do this every Friday. I’ll
give you my number if you wanna join us
sometime.
Moni
I’d really like that.
Moni takes a good look at Ana.
Moni
Hey, I didn’t want to say anything earlier,
but is Ana your adoptive sister? Or…
James
Half-sister. We have the same mom.
Moni
Wow, your mom had kids far apart.
James
Yeah, my dad died when I was young. Then
my mom married an illegal so
he could get a green card. When the
government didn’t give it to him, he and
my mom had Ana, and used her as an
anchor baby to get his legal status here.
Moni
Wow.
James
The day he got his green card… he
disappeared. He left my mom and Ana with
no help since.
Moni
Oh my god, I’m sorry.
James
It’s okay. At times it’s hard, but I lend
my time whenever I can. I actually keep a
little saving from the bar for Ana’s
college fund. My mom works hard, but she
needs help at times you know?
Moni
Yeah… yeah I know.
James
I guess that’s why I never really got into
the drug or party scene. I’ve never really
needed it. Just being around family and
loved ones, that’s my drug.
Moni
You own a bar and you don’t drink?
James
I have a drink every once and a while. At
special events, birthdays, but I usually
don’t drink with friends. I’m usually the
DD.
Moni
I can’t afford to be a DD… I’m also never
a designated driver.
James smiles and laughs lightly.
Moni
You’re laughing.
James
I’m not laughing.
Moni
You’re laughing at me.
James
No, I would never do that. You’re beautiful
the way you are…
James realizes what he just said and Moni looks at James in shock.
James
I’m… I’m sor… (To Ana) Hey Ana…
As James moves over to and talks to Ana, Moni looks over to the TV and sees a thing on the news of ‘Caught Drug Dealer on Main Street’. Moni notices the mug shot of Chad, her drug dealer from before. It also shows a girl Moni’s age being arrested for buying drugs from Chad. Moni then looks at James and Ana and sees how happy they are just being with someone. Then a sudden flash of Johnny’s face goes through her mind. Later that night, Ana is passed out on the couch. James pulls a blanket over Ana and Ana snuggles in it. James walks over to Moni.
Moni
I’ve been holding this in all day. She
is fucking adorable.
James
Yeah, I guess.
It cuts to Moni and James outside of the apartment. James closes the door behind them. Moni takes off James’s jacket to hand it to him.
Moni
Thanks again.
James
Keep it, you need to stay warm. I’ll
just pick it up next time I see ya.
Moni
You sure?
James
Yeah, yeah no problem.
Moni puts the jacket back on.
James
Look, Moni, about what I said…
Moni
Don’t worry about it.
James
I just wanna say… I wasn’t lying. You
are really beautiful, I just want you to
know that.
Moni smiles.
Moni
You’re not too bad yourself.
James
If Gary Busey and Tom Sizemore had a baby…
Moni
(Laughing) Shut up.
James
Do you need a ride?
Moni
No, I’m good.
James
Are you sure? It’s late.
Moni
I already called Brittany. But thank
you.
After a moment Moni gives James a kiss.
Moni
Now get in there, you’re tired and you
need some sleep.
James smiles at Moni.
James
Good night Moni.
Moni
Good night James.
James gets back in the apartment and Moni walks to the sidewalk to wait for Brittany. When Moni reaches the sidewalk Moni smiles and gets the giggles because she’s so happy.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. The next day at the Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Moni is in a happy mood at work as she puts price tabs on items in the store. Moni then walks up to the front counter to help Lemmy with customers. Moni bags items for an elderly lady.
Moni
Have a nice day. Do you need help with
your bags?
Old Lady
No, but thank you young lady.
The old lady leaves and Moni continues to smile. It shows Lemmy with a ‘What the fuck?’ look on his face.
Lemmy
Are you high?
Moni
No.
Lemmy
Why are you so jolly all of a sudden?
Moni
I’m just happy.
Lemmy
Well stop it… It’s freaking me out.
Moni
Whatever.
Moni leaves the front counter to help with other customers. When she glances over at Lemmy who has a depressed look on his face
Later that day Moni walks by the back room and hears light crying. Moni knocks on the door.
Moni
Lemmy? Are you in there.
Moni then hears some noises coming from the room. Lemmy opens the door.
Lemmy
What?
Moni
Can I come in?
Lemmy
Yeah…
Lemmy opens the door completely so Moni can enter. Lemmy walks over to his desk.
Lemmy
Who’s watching the store?
Moni
I put a sign on the door saying ‘out to
lunch’ and locked the door.
Lemmy
What do you want?
Moni
I want to know if you’re okay.
Lemmy
I’m fine.
Moni
Are you sure?
Lemmy
I Said I’m Fine!
Moni notices Lemmy’s eyes.
Moni
Why are your eyes red?
No response.
Moni
Are you high?
Lemmy
I’m not fucking high!
A second of silence.
Moni
Were you crying?
No response.
Moni
Look Lemmy, if you want to talk about it.
Lemmy
You want me to talk about it? You want to
know what I’m crying? You want to know
why I’m pissed off!?
Moni looks at Lemmy confused and scared.
Lemmy
… I was married. I had a little boy. I
was also a fucking addiction. I took it
all for granted, I didn’t know what I had.
And three years ago from yesterday… I took
some coke and then had to drive my family
to the movies or some shit… Then, I lost
it. I crashed and wrecked the car.
Paramedics got me out in time to save my
life, but I found out my wife and my son
both died the next day. So whenever this
day comes around, yeah, yeah I get
pissed because I’m a piece of shit drug
addict who killed his family…
When I met you, you reminded me of myself,
my good self. And that’s why I get angry,
and scared for you when you do the same
stupid shit I did to ruin my life.
Through this year, you’ve been like
family to me. And I don’t want to see
you tare your life apart. But nothing
will change unless you change. That’s
what I’ve learned… Now get back to work…
Moni getting teary eyed wipes her eye and leaves Lemmy’s office. Lemmy turns his chair around to hide him silently cry.
Moni walks up to the front counter and takes a deep breath.
Int. Moni’s apartment. Moni walks into the bathroom with the paper bag Chad gave her earlier. Moni takes the needles out of the bag and tosses them in the trash. Moni then pours the heroin from the bag into the toilet and flushes it down. Moni then throws out the bag. Moni then walks into her room with a loaf of bread, some cheese and meat in a cooler and a lot of water bottles. As all this happens, Moni’s voiceover speaks.
Moni
(Voiceover)
After seeing the pain of what drugs do to
people’s lives, and the happiness that
comes without it… I decided to quit and
make something better with my life.
There’s been so many stories of what
happens to people in rehab and 12 step
programs, fuck I’ve even tried once or
twice. But if I were to truly take drugs
out of my life entirely and not have to
deal with assholes like Michael, I knew
there was only one way… going cold turkey.
Moni shuts the door and locks it. Social Distortion’s ‘Road Zombie’ plays while Moni goes through her sobering.
Moni
(Voiceover)
The hardest stage when quitting drugs
without medication is the first 48 hours.
I need to keep myself away from all
temptations for the next two days and the
only way I can make sure is to put myself
on house arrest. I have access to a
bathroom, food and water. If I can make
it through this, it’ll all be downhill
that point forth.
It shows all the pain and Moni goes through when her body goes through withdraw. Colors begin to disappear as Moni’s world turns slowly to black and white. We see her trying to eat but her body rejecting the food. Moni drinks water because her throat is drying out. She begins to scratch her scabs and the scars on her arms from the heroin shots begin to bleed. In bed she begins to sweat obsessively. One day passes. The next day Moni calls Lemmy.
Moni
Lemmy, hey I know it’s Monday but I can’t
come into work today… No I understand but…
yeah… yeah I’ll be there.
Moni hangs up.
Moni
Fuck.
As the music continues, Moni stands at the front counter. Moni begins to see illusions. From her perspective everyone is shooting heroin. She even see a mother helping her son inject heroin. When she turns, she sees a little girl offer up a full vile of heroin. Moni begins to sweat again and runs to the restroom where she begins to puke. Moni’s mind begins to race and the music stops as soon as she passes out on her bed later that night.
Ext. 4 years ago. Moni riding her bike to Johnny’s house. When his house is in sight Moni notices a cop car in front of the home. The cop is talking to different neighbors. Moni speeds up and drops her bike when she gets to the house.
Moni
What happened?
Officer
(Talking to another neighbor) And how
often did you see him leave his house?
Neighbor
He would leave early every morning but
would stay in at night…
Moni
WHAT HAPPENED!?
Officer
Did you know Jonathan Romero?
Moni
Yeah, he was my neighbor. What happened?
Officer
Did he ever mention anywhere he would
have gone?
Moni
Why? What happened?
Officer
Mr. Romero is wanted by the California state police
for drug possession and selling. He
skipped town and is on the run. We don’t
know where he could be.
Moni is at shock that Johnny is gone.
Officer
What was the last thing he spoke to you
about? Did he say where he was going?
Moni begins to cry and walk into her house.
Int. Moni runs up the stairs by her dad who is nearly passed out on the chair watching TV. Moni runs into her room, shuts the door and begins to cry loudly. Moni sits on her bed and notices a box. Moni grabs it and reads the note. She sees it’s from Johnny. Moni opens the box and freezes when she looks inside.
It fades to the next scene.
Int. Present day, Moni’s apartment. Moni is with James on the couch and Brittany sits on her new dates, Chris’s lap, on a chair. Everyone’s laughing as they play the card game ‘Guess Who?’
Brittany
Alright Moni, it’s your turn.
Moni
Fine, fine, calm your tits.
Moni picks a card out of a bowl on the table and puts it on her head without seeing what is on the card. The card is blank.
Chris
You need to flip it.
Brittany
It’s on the wrong side.
Moni flips it without looking at it. The card says, ‘Bugs Bunny’. Everyone lightly laughs.
Moni
Alright. Am I real or made up?
James
Made up.
Moni
Ok… am I from a movie or TV show?
Chris
TV show.
Brittany
Yeah but he’s been in movies before.
Moni
Am I a person or an animal?
James, Chris & Brittany
Animal.
Moni
Have I been around for a while or am I
relatively new?
Brittany
Old.
James
But it’s not like ancient, but it was
popular when our grandparents were our
age.
Moni
So… I am a made up animal whose been
around for about 50 years and have been on
TV and in movies… Am I Mickey Mouse?
James, Chris & Brittany
No.
Moni
Daffy Duck?
James, Chris & Brittany
No.
Moni
Ma Cak.
Brittany
Haha no.
Moni takes a moment.
Moni
Bugs Bunny?
James, Chris & Brittany
Yeah!
Brittany and Chris clap their hands. Moni & James kiss. It cuts to an hour or two later. Brittany and Chris are making out on the couch. James and Moni are in Moni’s room. Moni closes the door.
Moni
This is my room.
James looks at the writing on her walls, literally. There are different quotes and drawings on the walls of Moni’s room. They are done by different paints, pens, markers, ect.
James
I really like your custom wall paper.
Moni
Thanks. They’re quotes I live my life on.
There’s also some stuff my friends and
Brittany wrote here.
James reads one of the writings.
James
The path of the righteous man is beset on
all sides by the inequities of the
selfish and the tyranny of evil men…
Pulp Fiction?
Moni
Technically the bible, but yeah, Pulp
Fiction is one of my favorite films.
James then looks down at a table and sees a Bob Marley album.
James
Bob Marley?
Moni
Do you like Marley?
James
He’s good, he’s not like Led Zeppelin
but he’s my favorite Reggae artist.
Moni
He’s a rock legend.
James
Reggae legend.
Moni
He’s got one of the most beautiful voices
in music history.
James just looks at Moni.
Moni
Okay, listen and learn.
Moni takes the record and puts it on. Bob Marley’s ‘Redemption Song’ begins to play. Moni smiles listening to the music. James sees how happy the music makes Moni. James gets up and holds Moni. Moni sets her head on James’s chest and they dance slowly to the music. Moni then looks up and begins to make out with James. They both fall on the bed and Moni pins James down to the bed and takes her shirt off. James then takes his shirt off and they begin to go at each other. As they do the dirty deed, the scene fades to black as the music continues.
The next morning Moni is awake with her hand on James chest. She smiles as she looks to James waking up and looking back at her. They hold each other nice and close.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium later that day. Moni walks up to the front counter and gives Lemmy an envelope. She then continues to her work. Lemmy opens the envelope and takes out a ticket for an upcoming MotorHead concert. Lemmy smiles and looks back up at Moni who smiles back. Lemmy salutes to Moni and puts the ticket in his pocket.
Int. The sandwich shop down the street later in the day. Moni is on her break and eats a sandwich. She takes a break on goes to the bathroom. When Moni opens the door, Michael pushes her in and then enters himself. He locks the door and Moni tries to get franticly get out. Michael holds her by her wrist.
Moni
HELP!
Michael holds Moni against the wall and covers her mouth with his hand.
Michael
Look, I’ve tried to help you but it’s
obvious you’re not going to take it
easily. Also you saying I’m trying to
get into your pants shows me you actually
want it. So here I am.
Michael with one hand takes off his pants.
Michael
Don’t worry, this is for your own good.
I’m just here to help you.
Michael bites Moni’s neck. Moni knees his crotch and lets go of Moni. Moni pushes Michael into a stall and he falls and hits his head on the toilet rim. Moni runs out of the bathroom and continues to run to her car and gets in and locks the door. Moni then begins to cry and shiver. Moni, while shaking, calls James.
Moni
James, are you at the bar?... Can I please
come by?... I really need to see you…
Ext. From across the street from James’s bar. James stands in front of the bar waiting for Moni. Moni runs up to him crying and holds him close. James walks Moni into the bar.
Int. Rock n’ Roll Emporium near the end of the day. Lemmy is at the front counter doing the Sudoku puzzle in the paper. Michael walks in with a black eye. Michael walks up to the front counter.
Michael
Hey Lemmy.
Lemmy looks up at Michael.
Michael
Hey, Moni isn’t here is she?
Lemmy just looks at Michael.
Michael
I just really need to talk to her.
Lemmy puts the paper down and looks under the table.
Michael
There’s just something I need to explain
to her… something personal.
Lemmy puts a shot-gun and box of shot gun shells on the counter. Michael’s eyes widen up.
Michael
I’m guessing you talked to Moni.
Lemmy opens the barrel of his shot-gun.
Michael
Look, I don’t know what she told you but
I believe there was a sense of
misunderstanding between her and I.
Lemmy loads the shells into his gun.
Michael
Lemmy, you know me, would you seriously
believe a drug addict over your friend?
Lemmy cocks his gun and points it at Michael. Michael puts his hands up.
Michael
Wow! Lemmy, what the hell!? Get that out
of my face!
Lemmy
Here’s your choices. You can either
A: Leave and never return here. Or
B: I shoot you and then call the cops
telling them you were trying to rape a
girl in my store. Moni will testify to
this. So why don’t you wise up boy and
get the fuck out of my store.
Michael with his hands still up slowly walks out of the store and as soon as they get out run for his life. Moni uncocks his shotgun and puts it back under the counter, and then he picks up the paper and continues his Sudoku puzzle.
Int. James’s apartment later that night. Moni is holding James in James’s bed while they watch a Kung Fu movie. James moves Moni’s hair out of her face.
James
Are you sure you don’t want to talk about
it?
Moni
It’s fine. It’s taken care of… but thanks
for caring.
James
Are you kidding? If there’s anything wrong
just call me. I’ll be here for you.
Moni kisses James. They relax and look at the TV. The film shows a man’s arm being broken.
Moni & James
OHHHHHHH!!!
James
GOD!
Moni
Can we watch something else?
James
Yeah, no problem.
James changes the channel.
Moni
What do you want to do?
James
… umm when you say do…
Moni playfully hits James’s chest.
Moni
Not like that. I meant what do you what
to do in life? What’s your dream?
James thinks.
James
I wanna travel. I want to go all around
the country. I mean being stuck in that
bar for 3 years strait makes me feel
almost trapped.
Moni
Yeah.
James
But I also want a family. I don’t know, I
know those two worlds don’t usually go
together but I think it’s being around my
little sister really makes me realize how
much I would really enjoy being a dad. I
basically was Ana’s dad I helped raise her
so much.
Moni really listens to James.
James
What about you?
Moni
Hmm?
James
What do you want to do with your life?
Moni thinks.
Moni
I want… to help people. I’ve gone through
a lot in my life and I am still going
through some tough stuff but I think
things would have been easier if I had
someone to help me along the way. Like
after I met you, I’ve felt like someone
actually wanted to help. I would like to
be that person… to help people. I also
want to live in Big Bear.
James
Big Bear?
Moni
Yeah, you know the town in the mountains up north.
James
Yeah I know Big Bear but why Big Bear?
Moni
I love it there. When I was really young
my family would go to my uncle’s cabin
during winter and I would see the snow
fall. That was my favorite place I’ve
ever been… But it’s been so long since I’ve
been there… My family fell apart, so all
the traditions sort of died out with it.
James sees how happy Moni is thinking about the good things in her past.
Int. A doctor’s office the next day. Brittany is sitting in the office waiting to hear some important results. She looks around the room and sees pictures and diplomas all over the walls. The doctor walks in reading a file, and when he reaches his desk he takes a seat continuing to read the file. Brittany just looks at the doctor. When the doctor sets down the file he begins to talk to Brittany. The scene is completely silent and we only see the reactions of the characters. Brittany listens to the doctor and her smile quickly turns into a frown. She begins to tear up, then takes her bag and leaves sobbing.
Int. At the same time at a grocery store. Moni is getting food and supplies for the apartment. As she moves her cart a middle aged lady looks over at Moni. Moni notices her and moves to a different lane. The lady follows her to the other lane.
Heather
Moni? Moni that is you, hello.
Moni takes a deep breath.
Moni
Hi mom.
Heather
How are you? I haven’t heard from you in
a while.
Moni
Yeah, sorry, I’ve been real busy.
Heather
Your grandfather is in the hospital. He
says you haven’t visited him… I’m just
wondering what’s more important than
family.
Moni takes a box of cereal and puts it in her cart.
Moni
Bye mom.
Moni walks away from her mom. It cuts to the next scene.
Int. Moni opens the door and sets the groceries on the table. She notices Brittany’s bag on the middle of the floor. Moni brings it to Brittany’s room where Brittany lays on her bed fully clothed. Moni knocks on the open door.
Moni
Hey Brit. Are you okay?
No response.
Moni
What’s wrong?
No response.
Moni
Brittany?
Brittany
Why don’t you just leave me alone.
Brittany gets out of her bed and bumps Moni out of her way.
Moni
Brit, what they hell? I was just
wondering if you were okay!
Brittany
Save it! Like you actually care about
what happens to me.
Moni
What are you talking about?
Brittany
You, you don’t understand shit do you?
Moni notices Brittany’s eyes are really red and her hands shake. A little blood comes from her nose.
Moni
What are you doing?
Brittany
What?
Moni goes back into Brittany’s room and Brittany follows.
Brittany
Where are you going?... Stop, I said STOP!
That’s my room! YOUR NOT ALLOWED IN MY
ROOM!
Moni finds a blade on Brittany’s desk in her room and a small bag of cocaine.
Moni
Brit, what the hell is this?
Brittany
…I don’t know.
Moni
Brittany… What The Hell Is This?!
Brittany
What the fuck do you think it is?!
Moni
Why Are You Doing This!? You Know What
This Shit Does To You!
Brittany
Yeah it turns people into dumb twats like
you!
Moni take the bag of coke into the bathroom, Brittany fights with her.
Brittany
What The Fuck Are You Doing!?
Moni throws the bag in the toilet. Brittany is scratching, punching, pulling hair to get to the coke but Moni flushes it.
Brittany
NO!!!
It immediately cuts to an hour later. Brittany has calmed down and is lying on the couch. Moni is sitting on the chair with an ice pack on a scratch on her face.
Brittany
Are the peas still cold?
Moni tosses a bag of peas to Brittany. Brittany sets it on her forehead.
Moni
So are you calmed down yet?
No response.
Moni
Where did you get those drugs?
Brittany
A guy on Main Street. I saw him dealing
some drugs on a corner and felt like I
needed an escape.
Moni
Why did you do that? Why did you need to
have drugs?
Brittany begins to tear up.
Moni
Brit?
Brittany
You were right… You were always right…
I’m a whore.
Moni
No you’re not.
Brittany
Yes I am.
Moni
No you’re not.
Brittany
Yes I Am!... I got back from the doctors
and found out… I’m HIV positive… I’ve got
AIDS.
Moni doesn’t know what to say.
Brittany
As soon as I got home I had to call
everyone I’ve been with in the past six
months, and I realized… how much of a
slut I am.
Moni
You’re not a slut. And you don’t need
drugs. I’ve gone through hell and back
on that shit and the last thing I need
is to see someone else ruin their life.
Brittany
But what do I do?
Moni
I would find someone to bring support.
Brittany
Like your bartender?... See I don’t have that.
Guys only want one thing from me.
There’s a moment of silence.
Brittany
I think I’m going to visit my mom for a
few weeks.
Moni
… I saw my mom today.
Brittany
Oh shit… how did that go?
Moni just looks at Brittany.
Brittany
Well I’m sorry about earlier. About your
face, your hair. I literally lost my
mind. I made a mistake and I’m sorry.
Moni gets up and hugs Brittany.
Brittany
Is my life over Moni?
Moni
Not unless you quit… If you fight through,
this’ll just be a bump in the road.
Brittany begins to cry in Moni’s arms.
It fades to the next scene.
Ext. The next day. Green Day’s ‘Last of the American Girls’ plays in a montage. Moni is driving Brittany who looks out the window, and James meeting a man at the bar. Lemmy is at the store helping customers. Moni drops Brittany off at her mom’s house. Moni sees the long embrace and decides to drive off and leave this moment to Brittany and her mom. James is looking through papers the other man gave him. Lemmy organizes the albums and pulls out a MotorHead album. Moni looks out her window while driving back and sees the world in a brighter view.
Int. James’s bar. Moni is waiting at a table. James walks up.
James
Sorry for the wait.
Moni gets up and hugs him.
Moni
No problem.
They both sit.
Moni
So what’s the big news you were telling
me about?
James
Well, I met with a friend of mine who
works in real estate.
Moni
Yeah and?
James
He informed me that there was a bar owner
in Arrowhead who is looking to move to
Orange County.
Moni
Arrowhead?
James
Yeah a town that’s about a 10 minute
drive from Big Bear… The owner was
willing to trade the deeds to the
buildings. And he’s willing to move
whenever I sign the papers.
Moni is dumbstruck.
Moni
Wow.
James
I know you have a job here, this is your
home. He said the offers open for the
year so we don’t have to do this now.
And if you don’t want to do this at all
I’ll tell him to find another buyer.
Moni thinks and takes James’s hands.
Moni
Let’s see how these few months go. I love
the idea of escaping and leaving my past
behind me… but Brittany really needs me
right now. And it would be unfair to lay
this on Lemmy after all that he’s done for
me. I’m not saying no, I’m saying let’s
wait. Then when the two of us do leave,
we can have a clean conscious.
James kisses Moni.
James
You’re the kindest person I know.
Moni
You bring it out of me… It confuses a lot
of people.
They both laugh.
It cuts to the next scene.
Ext. Late that night at the MotorHead concert. The opening band is playing. Lemmy is drinking a soda in his seat. A group of aged metal-heads walk by. One turns back to Lemmy.
Rocco
Lem-Boy?
Lemmy
Rocco?
Rocco
You got to be shitting me, guys check out
this mother fucker over.
Lemmy gets up and shakes hands with Rocco. The group walk over.
Rocco
Guys this is an old friend who is so
fucked up in the head he
changed his name to Lemmy.
Kenny
No shit?
Rocco
I shit you not. (To Lemmy) Lemmy, this is
Kenny, Seth & Zoid.
Lemmy shakes all their hands.
Lemmy
Nice to meet ya’ll.
Rocco
Where the fuck have you been? I haven’t
seen you at many shows lately.
Lemmy
I’ve been busy with my business.
Rocco
Oh yeah, how’s the Emporium anyways?
Lemmy
Getting the business I can, the way
record stores have been going lately.
Rocco
Yeah, it’s a rough time. Well hey, we
we’re going to go smoke some over by the
back of the Amphitheatre… you down?
Lemmy
No thanks, I’m off the shit.
Rocco
You serious?... well hey good for you.
But hey, you mind watching our backs.
Lemmy thinks.
Lemmy
Fuck it, sure.
Rocco
Alright.
Lemmy leaves with Rocco and the group.
It cuts to the group of old metal-heads smoking pot. Lemmy is looking out for security guards. Lemmy begins to smell the smoke from the pot. He decides to block it out by smoking a cigarette. MotorHead’s ‘Overkill’ begins to play in the background. We see the crowd mosh in the pit. Lemmy decides to join the metal-heads and get high. It keeps cutting in-between the pit and Lemmy doing drugs with his old buddy and his friends. He ends up doing heroin. As soon as he does the music stops and the scene goes black.
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium the next day. Moni is at the front counter. Moni rings up a customer and the customer leaves. Lemmy is in the guitar section with the customer he sold the guitar to last week.
Customer
Come on I just want my money back.
Lemmy
Look asshole, I’m not trying to bust your
balls, let’s just talk about this.
Customer
I paid $450, it broke within a month, I
want my money back.
Lemmy
Look let’s just talk about this.
Customer
There’s nothing to talk about. Give me
my fucking money!
Lemmy pushes the customer down.
Lemmy
Get the fuck out of my store!
Customer
I’m going to make sure this place gets
shut down.
Lemmy
Get The Fuck Out!
The customer runs out of the store with his guitar.
Moni
Lemmy, are you okay?
Lemmy
What the fuck do you care? Get out here
and do your god damn job.
Moni leaves the front desk to organize the inventory. Lemmy sits at the front counter. Moni is noticing how on edge Lemmy is. It cuts to the next scene.
Ext. Later that night on the pier. Moni walks with James who has Ana on his shoulders.
James
Are you sure about this? Maybe he was
just angry that day.
Moni
No James, you didn’t see the look on his
face. I know that face, and I’m worried
about him.
James
How’s Brittany?
Moni
I don’t know, I’m visiting her in a few
days.
Everyone’s quiet.
Moni
How are you Ana.
Ana
Pretty good. There’s this one girl in my
class whose been a total bitch to me.
Moni laughs from shock.
James
What?! Where did you learn to talk like
that?
Ana
David Latterman.
James
(To Moni) Lettermen.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. Brittany’s mom’s house. Moni is in the living room with Brittany who wears no make-up and is wrapped in a blanket. The two are laughing.
Moni
So, how are you liking it back at home?
Brittany
It’s not half bad. There’s sometimes I
just wanna kill my mom but hey that’s
normal isn’t it?
Moni
Definitely.
Brittany picks up an extremely large cup of coffee and takes a drink.
Brittany
So how’s the bartender?
Moni
Shit Brittany it’s been 5 months and
you still can’t remember James’s name?
Brittany
Sorry, I don’t usually remember names of
people I don’t think I’d need to know.
Moni
Well he is a person you’ll need to know.
Brittany
Really?
Moni
… he asked me to move to Arrowhead with
him.
Brittany
Shit, you’re kidding.
Moni
Nope, I swear.
Brittany
What did you say?
Moni
I told him to wait a couple months and
I’ll give him an answer.
Brittany
Why?
Moni
I couldn’t just leave you or Lemmy.
Brittany
With all due respect, I’m not your worry.
Moni
Your one of my only friends to be there
during the rough time in my life, shit I
lived with you for a year.
Brittany
I’m your friend?
Moni
Yeah.
Brittany smiles and takes another sip of her coffee.
Brittany
Wanna sip?
Moni
I’m good, you can keep your fish bowl.
They both smile. Brittany takes another sip of her coffee.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. Lemmy’s office in the Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Lemmy is at his desk smoking a cigarette. The phone rings. Lemmy lets it go to voicemail.
Michael
(Voicemail)
Hey Lemmy, this is Michael. I just
wanted to call to see how you were doing.
I know there was a little mishap last
time I was over there but I still care
about your sobriety… Call me back.
Lemmy rolls his eyes. He then looks over to a picture on his desk. The picture shows him with his wife and his son. Lemmy picks it up and touches the picture. Lemmy begins to get teary eyed. Someone knocks on the door.
Lemmy
Yeah?
Moni
Can I come in Lemmy?
Lemmy takes a deep breath.
Lemmy
Yeah fine.
Moni opens the door and walks into Lemmy’s office.
Moni
Hey Lemmy… how are you doing?
Lemmy sets down the picture.
Lemmy
I’m fine… what did you want?
Moni
I just want to make sure you’re okay.
Lemmy
I already told you I’m okay.
Moni
I just know, ever since you went to that
MotorHead show, you haven’t been the same.
Lemmy
Look I give you a job, I pay you to sell
music memorabilia. Not to look after me.
Moni
But I thought we were more than just
employer and employee.
Lemmy
Well were not and I’m got your fucking dad.
Now get out there or you’re fired.
Moni
Okay.
Moni leaves. Lemmy looks back at his family picture. Lemmy is so angry he throws it across the room breaking the frame and ripping the picture. Moni walks out into the main room.
Moni
(Voiceover)
I truly care for Lemmy. I know something’s
wrong but he won’t let me in. I guess I
know how he’s felt for the past two years.
It’s been almost 4 months since I took drugs
and I thought I’ve been seeing the world
clearer. Instead I’m seeing how
complicated life really is. We all have
friends you want to be with, but they’ve
got their own challenges to fight. You’ve
got family you’re supposed to keep in
touch with, but you just can’t stand to
be in the same room as them. Then there
are those in your life who truly care
about you who you’ve just forgotten about.
It shows Moni in the hospital visiting her grandfather who is asleep in bed. Moni rubs his head and kisses him.
Moni
(Voiceover)
Those are the people who get the worst
end of the stick. I’ve been that person
so many times in my life but I didn’t even
realize how many people I’ve forgotten
about. I want to help people and I still
haven’t dealt with my own problems yet.
Sure I made a good start but there’s still
a long road ahead.
The scene fades to black.
Moni wakes up in the hospital room where her grandfather is sleeping. Moni gets up to say good bye to him.
Moni
I’ve got to go grandpa… Thank you for all
that you have done for me in my life. I
know I haven’t visited you as much as I
should have. But I went through a rough
time in my life. That’s no excuse though.
I should have seen you more and as soon as
you get batter, I plan on seeing you more
often… Even if that means having to see
my mom more… Also, I know I don’t say
this enough but… I love you grandpa…
Moni kisses her grandpa’s forehead but then notices her grandfather isn’t breathing.
Moni
Grandpa?
Moni puts her ear to his chest.
Moni
Grandpa!? Doctor! Doctor! Anyone Help!
He’s Not Breathing!
A nurse runs in and checks Moni’s grandfather.
Nurse
I’m sorry but your grandfather must have
passed away some time last night.
Moni begins to cry and covers her mouth from making any loud noises but it doesn’t work. Moni falls to her knees sobbing.
It cuts to the next scene.
Ext. The pier later that night. Moni stands on the pier looking out into the ocean. Her cell phone begins to ring. She checks it and sees it’s James. Moni doesn’t answer it. She wipes tears from her eyes. A man walks up from behind her.
Johnny
Moni?
Moni turns around and sees Johnny standing looking at her. Johnny has aged a few years. He now has a beard and mustache and wears clothes similar to what he would wear before.
Moni
Johnny? Is that really you?
Johnny
Yeah. Wow, you’ve grown up…
Moni walks closer and touches Johnny to make sure he’s real.
Moni
It is you.
Johnny
It’s really me.
Moni
How did you find me?
Johnny
I just got back in town and decided to
walk down the pier, then I saw you… I
almost didn’t know what to do.
Moni
What happened? Why did you leave?
Johnny
The cops wanted to send me to jail.
I had to beat it. I
didn’t mean to leave you behind, I just
thought it was best for you to stay. If
they caught you with me they would have
arrested you as well. I was just looking
out for you… and I returned as soon as I
felt it was safe. I did want to see
you.
Moni kisses Johnny. Johnny kisses back. All of Moni’s flashbacks and recent events flash quickly and when they finish Moni wakes up in her bed naked with Johnny. Moni gets out of bed and puts on Johnny’s shirt which is large on Moni. Moni then sees Johnny’s wallet on the middle of the floor. She picks it up and puts it on the counter with his pants. She then sees a picture hanging out of Johnny’s wallet. Moni checks it and sees a picture of Johnny with a wife and daughter in a big city. Moni covers her mouth. She hears the front door unlock and looks out to see James looking back at her. He notices Johnny in Moni’s bed and storms out of the apartment slamming the door behind him. Johnny wakes up from the loud sounds.
Johnny
What the fuck’s going on?
Johnny gets out of bed, scratching his beard and puts his arm around Moni.
Johnny
What sounds good for breakfast?
Johnny walks into the kitchen. Moni sits at the table and covers her face.
It cuts to the next scene.
Int. At the same time at the Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Lemmy is in the restroom, by the sink and snorts drugs off of the sink. Lemmy has an extremely hectic migraine and the drugs don’t help.
Ext. Outside of James’s apartment. Moni knocks on the door.
Moni
James, James I need to talk to you!
Please let me explain! James!... Please…
please just answer the door. I’m sorry…
I’m so sorry.
Moni lays her head on the door crying. After a while Moni leaves. Moni then drives home but cries in the car.
Int. Moments later at Moni’s apartment. Moni walks in and closes the door behind her.
Moni
Johnny?… I need to talk to you…
Johnny?
Moni checks the bathroom and then walks into her room where she sees a box. Moni slowly walks up to the box hoping she doesn’t see what she thinks she’ll see. Moni picks up a note and reads. We see the bottom of the note saying ‘Sorry, with love, Johnny Romero.’ Moni then opens the box. As soon as she sees what’s inside she begins to fill up with rage while holding back tears. She throws the box across the room hitting the wall causing broken needles and bags of heroin to fall all over the floor. Moni collapses on the floor in anger and sadness at herself. Moni screams.
Int. The Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Lemmy’s head is lying on the counter with foam coming out of his mouth. He has overdosed on drugs. A young child is trying to talk to Lemmy.
Child
Sir, are you okay mister?… Mister?… Mom,
why is he sleeping?
Mother
Sir… sir?… Oh my god, sweetheart, stand
back.
The mother calls 911.
Mother
Yes hello! I’m at the music store on
main street. There’s a passed out man
whose foaming at the mouth!… Yes thank
you… yes I’ll stay on the line.
It cuts back to Moni.
Int. Moni’s room at her apartment at the same moment. Moni has stopped crying but she is still sitting on the floor trying to collect herself. The phone begins to ring. As it continues to ring, Moni reaches up to answer.
Moni
Yeah… what?
The song ‘Holy Water’ by Big & Rich begins to play as Moni listens to the person on the other line. Moni drops the phone and runs to her car.
Int. At James’s bar. James signs the papers with his real estate friend.
Ext. Moni drives to the Rock n’ Roll Emporium. Moni gets out of her car and runs to the front of the crowd. The paramedics pull out Lemmy’s body. Moni pushes her way to the body. The cops stop her. She convinces the cops she’s his daughter and gets in the ambulance with Lemmy and the paramedics. The paramedics try to do what they can but eventually give up when his heart won’t start. Moni panics and starts pounding on Lemmy’s chest. The paramedics hold her back.
Ext. James walks on a bus, walks pass Johnny who looks out the window, and sits near the back of the bus.
Int. The hospital. Moni watches as they take Lemmy’s body covered with a sheet to the morgue wing. The doors close on Moni. The scene cuts to black and the song ends.
Int. Moni’s apartment later that night. Moni is in her bed mentally lost and depressed. She looks all over her walls for answers but fails to do so. As she looks around she sees the broken needles and drugs on her floor. She thinks she sees something and gets out of bed to check. She knees by the pile and finds one unbroken needle and a small baggy of heroin. Thoughts run through her mind and she sees seconds of being with James and other seconds of Lemmy smiling before his relapse. Moni takes the box and puts all the needles broken or not in the box along with the drugs. Moni takes the box outside and throws it in the trash bin outside. Moni walks back to her apartment and notices the little girl in-between the steps. Moni sees the girl has a black eye. An argument can be heard from the little girls home which is located underneath Moni’s up-stairs apartment.
Moni
Was that an accident?
The girl shakes her head ‘no’.
Moni
Are you okay?
The girl shakes her head ‘no’.
Moni
Come here… It’s okay, I won’t hurt you.
The little girl walks around the steps making sure her parents don’t see her. She takes Moni’s hand and walks up stairs to Moni’s apartment.
Moni
You can go ahead and take a seat.
The little girl sits on the couch. Moni walks up to her phone and calls the police.
Moni
Hello, 911… my names Monica Leopard, I
live in building C in the Mesa Verde
apartment homes. My downstairs neighbors
are having a domestic fight and their
daughter has a black eye… Yeah I have her
with me in my apartment… (To the little
girl) What’s your name?
Hanna
Hanna.
Moni
(On the phone) Her name’s Hanna… okay,
thank you.
Moni looks over at the girl still sitting on the couch and looking out the window. Moni sits by her. The little girl wipes her nose. Moni puts her hand on the girl’s shoulder. The little girl holds Moni for protection. Moni is not sure what to do but ends up holding the girl as well. The little girl tears up.
Moni
… One love… One heart… let’s get together…
and feel alright…
The little girl takes comfort in Moni’s singing. Moni continues to sing ‘One love’. At one point cop cars can be heard from outside and the argument downstairs gets louder. To drown out the sound, Moni and Hanna sing together loudly. The scene fades to black.
Int. Brittany’s mom’s house almost a month later. There’s a knock on the door. Brittany answers the door.
Brittany
(Happily) Moni.
Moni
Hi Brit.
Brittany
It’s so good to see you. Come on in.
Moni
I can’t stay for long, I just wanted to
say hi, see how you were doing and give
you this.
Moni hands Brittany a present bag. Brittany takes it and takes out a picture frame with a picture of her and Moni earlier that year.
Brittany
Aww, Moni, this is so sweet, thank you!
Brittany hugs Moni.
Moni
I can’t believe you’re going back to
school.
Brittany
Yeah, I thought this would be a good first
step.
Moni
Fucking A.
Brittany
How’s the store?
Moni
I don’t know, there’s some people
interested in the spot but I don’t know
if Lemmy would have wanted that you
know?
Brittany
Yeah… and have you heard back from
James?
Moni
No… some say he moved north. I don’t
think I’ll be seeing him anytime soon.
Brittany
That’s too bad… I finally remembered his
name.
Moni laughs.
Moni
Yeah, it’s totally useful now.
They both laugh.
Brittany
So what are you going to do now?
Moni
I don’t know… But I do know this… If I
ever see Johnny again I’ll cut his balls
off and throw him in the river channel.
Brittany
That’s what I’m talking about.
Moni smiles.
Moni
I should be going… Good luck with school
Brittany.
Brittany
Thanks Moni. And good luck with you.
Moni leaves. Brittany closes the door.
Moni
(Voiceover)
I used to think the world was out to get
me. I thought I would always be alone.
I thought I would never be truly happy.
But now, although I am alone, I now know
that life can’t change… It’ll never
change… unless you make it change.
Moni gets in her car and drives down the road. The Rolling Stones’ ‘You Can’t Always Get What You Want’ plays as the credits roll.
The End.
Track List:
1. Meredith Brooks- “Bitch”
2. The Damned- “Love Song”
3. Bob Marley- “One Love”
4. Black Sabbath- “Fairies Wear Boots”
5. Rancid- “Fall Back Down”
6. Social Distortion- “Road Zombie”
7. Bob Marley- “Redemption Song”
8. Green Day- “Last of the American Girls”
9. MotorHead- “Overkill”
10. Big & Rich- “Holy Water”
11. The Rolling Stones- “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
................
................
In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.
To fulfill the demand for quickly locating and searching documents.
It is intelligent file search solution for home and business.