8/6/2019 Dead Ends - Pilot Ep for returning series. Unmade & available to option by Ray & Des Brady
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8/6/2019 Dead Ends - Pilot Ep for returning series. Unmade & available to option by Ray & Des Brady
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EXT. BENSON NEIGHBOURHOOD. DAY
Early morning as the sun is rising over a leafy suburban
setting. We settle on one particular household.
CUT TO:
INT. BENSON RESIDENCE, LIVING ROOM. DAY
The living room is beginning to brighten as the sun peaks in
through the curtains. A succession of household scenes begins
of each room over which a soft hissing sound can be heard.
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN BEDROOM. DAY
A couple, Matty (Female late 30s) and Jake (Male early 40s)
Benson, lie perfectly still in bed. The electric alarm clock on
the table next to them shows the time at 6.30 Am.
CUT TO:
INT. BATHROOM. DAY
Stillness except a tap dripping.
CUT TO:
INT. CASSYS BEDROOM. DAY
A pale thirteen year old girl with jet black hair, Cassy (12year old daughter of Matty and Jake) lies in bed facing
towards us. She is not awake. Posters of Emo bands cover her
bedroom walls and mostly black clothes hang over her chair
and open cupboard.
CUT TO:
8/6/2019 Dead Ends - Pilot Ep for returning series. Unmade & available to option by Ray & Des Brady
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INT. KITCHEN. DAY
Light from the large back window is starting to gradually
brighten the room. There is an eerie stillness about the
place until we begin to pan sideways to the kitchen cooker
and slowly zoom into the hob. As we do so the hissing sound
gets louder and we see the air disruption as gas pumps out of
the cooking hob filling the air with gas and emptying the
house of oxygen.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK YARD. DAY
The Bensons small mongrel dog, Rio, paces back and forward
from his kennel to the back door as if agitated by something.
He stands up against the door and scratches manically whilst
yelping in hunger or distress.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRISS BEDROOM. DAY
A fifteen year old boy, Chris (Matty and Jakes oldest boy),
lies still on his bed. The room around him is a mess with
clothes, tissues, plates of half eaten food and empty cans of
soda liberally scattered around. Suddenly he snorts and
shuffles around in his quilt anxiously trying to find a more
comfortable spot. Still asleep, he frowns and opens and
closes his mouth as if tasting something unpleasant beforepulling the pillow over his face to hide from the light. We
pan around to the window where we see the curtains have been
left undrawn and are being blown softly by the breeze coming
through the fully open window.
CUT TO:
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INT. MAIN BEDROOM. DAY
Breaking the silence the alarm clock starts to chime an
electrical Cuckoo as the main display starts to flash. We
see Jakes eyes open blearily.
CUT TO:
INT. EN SUITE BATHROOM IN MAIN BEDROOM. DAY
Jake looks at himself in the bathroom mirror whilst turning
the water taps. He sighs deeply and tuts before bending over
to wash his face. But when he tries to splash water on his
face he somehow misses and throwing the water back he soaks
the back of his tea-shirt instead. Standing straight again,
he turns and looks at his reflection and his wet-through
back. Still tired and drowsy he doesnt dwell on it and
shaking his head tries again to clean his face, this time
more successfully.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM. DAY
Jake grabs a T-shirt from the back of a chair and leaves the
room as quietly as possible so as not to wake his wife. As he
leaves, we pan around the room from the door back to the bed.
Lying there we see Jake still motionless with his wife next to
him.
INT. KITCHEN. DAY
Jake enters the kitchen and filling the kettle, heads to the hob
to heat the water. There he hears the gas hissing and frowning,
turns the knob off.
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He sniffs in deeply and smells the air around him. Sensing
nothing but being cautious, he opens the window and unlocks the
back door. Looking out in to the back gardens adjacent to the
house he takes a drink from the carton of milk he has opened and
is surprised by Rio who rushes in and leaps up to him. Jake
steps back quickly and spills milk all over the floor. He curses
the dog as it barks repeatedly at him before starting to whine.
JAKE
Whats wrong with you lad!? Be quiet,
will you.
Jake tries to make a cup of tea but keeps spilling everything.
He has trouble even holding the milk at first. Finishing the teahe pauses for a moment before saying to himself.
JAKE (CONTD)
Whats wrong with you today Jake?
INT. TOP OF STAIRS. DAY
Jake has just got to the top of the stairs after very carefully
carrying his wifes tea up to her. There she exits the bedroom
with an expression of shock and confusion.
JAKE
What!?
Matty says nothing merely pointing her head behind her back
towards the bedroom. Together they open the door and peer into
the room. Their expressions both change to complete
bewilderment. Matty has opened the curtains and sunlightradiates the room as we see their POV for the first time. On the
bed lie their two bodies, silent and unmoving. Matty and Jake
look at each other completely speechless. After ten seconds of
stunned silence Matty almost shrieks as she pushes past her
husband.
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MATTY
Oh my God, the kids!
Matty runs down the hallway to the first bedroom belonging to
their youngest child Tim.
CUT TO:
INT. TIMS ROOM. DAY
Matty bursts through the door only to find Tim (10 year old
youngest child of Matty and Jake) sitting up in bed opposite the
form of his still supine body. He has a Nintendo game in his
hands in which he is completely immersed. Eventually he looks up
and says quite casually.
TIM
Were dead arent we. I knew it.
He shakes his head in a world weary manner and returns to his
game just as casually. Matty backs out of the room shaking her
head.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY. DAY
Matty is in denial and obviously not taking all this as well as
her son.
MATTY
This is a dream. Its alright Matty.
She holds her hand up in front of her face band pinches the skin
on the side of her arm. Feeling the pain she sighs sadly.
CUT TO:
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INT. TIMS ROOM. DAY
Jake is left staring at Tim as the truth slowly begins to dawn
on him and a pained resigned look takes hold of his face. He
kneels in front of his boy.
JAKE
You alright Timmy?
His son shrugs noncommittally and looks at him as if to say-
dont be stupid before returning to his game.
TIM
I knew this was going to happen.
Jake doesnt have time to react to Tims strange comment before
he hears a sound from the adjoining room and leaves hurriedly.
INT. CASSYS BEDROOM. DAY
Matty and her daughter stand looking from one another to the
dead body of Cassy still lying on the bed.
CASSY
What is happening!? Mum! Tell me what
the hells going on here?
MATTY
Calm down love. Im ...not sure whats
going on here but we all need to calm
down.
CASSY
Dont tell me to calm down mum! Im
stood here looking at my own body.
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Matty embraces her as Cassy starts to cry. Jake mumbles
something under his breath before rushing out of the room to
their oldest boys room. As he opens the door, Matty appears
behind him and they both stare in confusion. We see their POVagain as Chris is sitting up in bed holding his stomach.
CHRIS
Shit what time is it? Am I late for
football. (Looking from one to the
other of them) Whats wrong? Whatve I
done now? Jeez, was I blootered last
night. Totally off my chunk!
Chris stands and yawns theatrically before holding his stomach
again as his cheeks billow out. He covers his mouth to stop
vomit from coming out as he pushes past them and runs to the
toilet. Along with Matty and Jake we hear Chris violently being
sick and see their still confused expressions. Cassy joins them
turning up her nose in disgust.
CASSY
He is so gross! Will someone pleasetell me whats going on, this is
starting to really freak me out now.
Jake looks from his wife to the open window and billowing
curtains as he finally begins to put all the pieces together.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN. DAY
The family sit around the large kitchen table with mostly
untouched tea, egg and toast in front of them. All are silent
except for Chris who is busily munching into his breakfast
oblivious to the rest of them. Tim is still playing with his
Nintendo as Cassy, Matty and Jake look from one to the other.
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Cassy turns to look at Chris with a look of disgust as he turns
to her and says.
CHRIS
You not eating that?
She says nothing so he reaches over scrapes all the food off her
plate and starts noisily munching it. Cassy sneers at her
brother and slowly shaking her head turns away, as if too
disgusted to even look at him. Jake shakes himself out of his
reverie and tries to force himself to say some reassuring words
to his family. He sits forward and coughs as if announcing
something but finding himself unable to, sits back with a
resigned look. Finally Matty sits forward to address the room.
MATTY
Well it seems we have a situation
here.
CASSY
A situation!!?
JAKE
What your mothers trying to say is...
It appears were all... well, it
seems...
CASSY
We all died last night? Duh!!
CHRIS
Yeah, dont be stupid Dad. How can you
be dead? Youre sat here arent you?
Not floating in some cloud somewhere.
MATTY
It appears your not dead Chris but Im
afraid we are.
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To demonstrate, Matty waves her hand up and down through the
solid kitchen table whilst looking at her son. Then looking at
her own hand she re-materialises it and rests it on the table.
Surprised and unsettled by the experience she shudders slightly.
CHRIS
Cool!
Even Tim looks up and joins the rest of the table in a
disparaging glance at his brother.
CASSY
But look. (She drinks some tea then
looks at her parents in turn) If Im
dead, and thats my body upstairs,
then wheres this going to?
Nonplussed Jake again tries to say something but is unable to.
Instead Tim answers without looking up.
TIM
It just disappears.
MATTY
And how do you know that Timmy?
TIM
Sam says no one knows where the food
and drink goes. It just goes.
Jake turns to Matty and mouths silently.
JAKE
Whos Sam?
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MATTY
His imaginary friend. Tim what have I
told you about Sam? Youre getting too
old for imaginary friends.
Tim looks up at her with a deadly serious stare.
TIM
Hes not imaginary.
Ignoring his son, Jake finally finds the words for his family.
JAKE
Well, theres nothing we can do aboutall this so we might as well just
carry on and get on with things.
Theres an awkward silence around the table only interrupted by
Tim tutting loudly at just losing on his game. Cassy is slyly
taking bits of food off her plate and giving them to Rio on the
floor next to her as Chris wipes his plate clean with the last
piece of bread.
JAKE (CONTD)
What I mean is, your Aunt Miriam is
coming round for Sunday lunch in a
couple of hours and its the one thing
she has to look forward to in the
whole week and... its the least we
could do for her after all shes done
for this family.
CHRIS
So we all just have to pretend
nothings happened? Thats mental.
What about Judy? Can I tell her?
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MATTY
We dont tell anyone anything until we
work out just what has happened..
Alright?
Matty is trying to be strong but the strain and weirdness of the
situation is getting to her and Jake senses she is about to
crack. Not wanting the kids to see her like this he stands up
quickly.
JAKE
Right.. Chris, no football today. Get
peeling the spuds; Tim, you help
washing the rest of the vegetables;
Cassy make your special Yorkshire
pudding mix and start to sort the
chicken out until me and your mum
finish having a little chat in the
front room.
Jake quickly looks at each of his kids in turn with an
expression that suggests it wouldnt be a good idea to give himany back chat. They all get up and start to prepare the dinner
with varying degrees of enthusiasm.
CUT TO:
INT. FRONT ROOM. DAY
Jake follows Matty into the room and as he closes the door
behind them she turns suddenly to embrace him. They hug as shesobs quietly whilst he tries to calm her.
JAKE
Cmon girl. Its alright now.
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When his eyes settle on the smallest shape he can barely contain
his anguish and turns away so Chris cant see his face. His son
senses this and says nothing for a few moments.
CHRISCmon dad. We better get this done.
Jake pulls himself together and they start to drag the bodies
into the freshly dug holes. They are heavy, taking some effort
and when they have finished, Jake puts his hand on Chris
shoulder.
JAKE
Its alright son. Ill take it from
here.
Jake watches as his son walks away and enters the house and
turns back to look at the bodies of his family. He thinks for a
moment then clears his throat and begins a quiet and solemn
eulogy.
JAKE (CONT'D)
No father should have to bury his own
family. No man should have to bury
himself but... The Bensons were a
good family, well they tried. They
fought sometimes but there was always
love there. Their time was cut
short...
Jake cannot continue for some time. As he remembers his family
he starts to well up but reigns the emotion in. He looks around
him then looks at his hands and body then cant help but smile.
He shakes his head then begins to laugh uncontrollably.
CUT TO:
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8/6/2019 Dead Ends - Pilot Ep for returning series. Unmade & available to option by Ray & Des Brady
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INT. KITCHEN. DAY
The rest of the family are busy cutting and peeling the
vegetables for lunch. As Matty places bacon strips on the
chicken she pauses for a moment and looks at her children. The
very normality and routine of their actions is reassuring to her
and she allows herself the smallest of smiles. Cassy looks up
catching her and they both share a moment with neither saying a
word. Then slowly they both turn to Tim who is in his own world
cutting up the carrots and the uncertainness returns to Mattys
expression. The boys return from their work in the garden to a
chorus of barking from Rio who has been trapped in the kitchen.
As they enter, he escapes from the house as father and son
stoically start to wash their hands. Jake and Matty look at each
other expressionlessly and say nothing as Cassy takes a long
drink from her glass of orange juice.
CASSY
Its weird. Im not hungry and I
havent eaten all day.
TIM
Me neither.
All the other dead family members nod in puzzled agreement.
JAKE
Maybe we wont ever get hungry again?
CASSY
And when I do eat or drink... I canttaste a thing. Like when youve got a
really bad cold or something.
Jake takes a couple of small chilly peppers from a basket on the
side and pops them into his mouth without a thought.
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The whole family look on in shocked amazement, watching as he
starts to chew the normally burning chillies.
JAKE
Nothing!
Disbelieving, Chris takes a couple also and throws them into his
mouth before starting to munch voraciously. Within seconds his
eyes widen as he leaps towards the sink with a burning mouth. In
pain he turns on the cold tap and starts to wash out his mouth
rubbing inside with his fingers. With no sympathy whatsoever,
the family burst into fits of laughter with Tim nearly falling
off his chair. Cassy can hardly breath as she points at her
brother. The shared laughter momentarily relieves the tensionthat had been building all morning and the family are together
again.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK OF GARDEN. DAY
Rio the dog is sniffing around the newly dug earth at the side
of the shed where the bodies are buried. He whines and yelps a
bit before starting to paw at the clay. Then he quietens as he
starts to dig in earnest.
CUT TO:
I/E. TAXI CAB. DAY
Aunt Miriam and Ali, the Asian Taxi Driver, are having a heated
but convivial conversation. She sits forward in her seat to hear
his words more clearly.
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ALI
With all due respect Madam, you dont
understand or appreciate our
traditions and you dont understandour laws.
AUNT MIRIAM
I understand Sharia Law very well but
dont you think its unreasonable to
expect the people of this country to
allow another law to supercede their
own. You would never allow that in
your country, would you? And Iwouldnt even be allowed to be talk to
you in this manner would I?
ALI
Ha ha! That is where you are
mistaken...
AUNT MIRIAM
Im sorry Ali, but we will have tofinish this conversation another time
Im afraid. Were nearly there.
Ali nods and says nothing as if used to her idiosyncracies. As
Miriam sits back she seems to shrink and age. Her eyes go from
quick and alert to distant and confused as she assumes the
required traits and somehow changes into a completely different
looking woman.
CUT TO:
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INT. FRONT ROOM. DAY
Cassy and Tim sit at the windowsill looking out anxiously.
Suddenly Tim jumps up and runs to the doorway to the kitchen and
shouts excitedly.
TIM
Shes here!
Matty enters the room and looks out to where Cassy is pointing.
MATTY
Remember everyone... not a word to
Miriam or Judy when she gets here. And
try to eat something will you!
CUT TO:
EXT. ON THE DRIVEWAY OUTSIDE THE BENSON HOUSE. DAY
The taxi cab pulls up as Cassy runs to open the passenger door
excitedly.
CASSY
Nanny Miriam!
Matty extricates Cassy from Aunt Miriam and helps her out of the
taxi whilst Jake fishes in his pockets for money to pay. Unsure
if he can even be seen by the driver he approaches him gingerly.
JAKE
Um... hello there?
Ali looks at him with weary indifference as if every single
customer hes had that week has been a weirdo.
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Meanwhile Jake is moving about strangely, looking into his eyes
still trying to ascertain if he can be seen or not by anybody
but his family or another living being.
JAKE (CONTD)Could I pay for the ride please?
ALI
.... Yes, that is the customary
practice in such situations.
Jake smiles with relief and gives him an extra large tip to
which Ali looks at, but says not one word of thanks about,
before winding up his window and driving away. Tim has joined
his mother and Cassy in greeting Miriam and bringing her into
the house. Miriam seems a bit overwhelmed by the fanfare and
as the family all chat to her at once we get the impression
that she is slightly dotty and not all there mentally. Never
the less, the children hold onto one of her hands each and
both vie for her attention as she is bustled through the
front doorway.
CUT TO:
EXT. WOODS NEAR HOUSE. DAY
Chris and his girlfriend Judy are leaning against a tree and
kissing. Judy is fifteen years old with long brown hair and is
extremely pretty. The kissing gets more intense as Chris
attempts to take Judys jacket off her shoulders. Judy stops
suddenly and pulls away.
JUDY
No...
CHRIS
Whats wrong?
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JUDY
Nothing... (Long pause which implies
something is wrong).
CHRIS
Judy! We said no secrets.
JUDY
I know. Its just... Your mum wont
like us being late for lunch...
Sometimes I feel she doesnt like me
and I want her to like me but I think
she thinks Im just another one of
your girlfriends.
Chris remains silent and pulling away from her looks up at the
clouds, both sexually frustrated and unable to deal with the
emotional directness of the conversation he can sense unfolding.
He holds back a sigh and puts on his best listening face.
JUDY (CONTD)
I mean, just how serious are we Chris?
You say you love me but what does that
mean. Would you ever want us to live
together? Start a home together?
(Considered pause)... Maybe have a
baby together?
Chris reacts to this with an almost contemptuous snort.
CHRIS
Hold on baby! Dont you think its a
bit soon to be talking about houses
and babies and stuff..?
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Judy looks around the room sensing something is untoward but
having no comprehension why everyone has reacted do strangely to
Miriams comment. Miriam smiles knowingly but in an innocent
tone replies.
AUNT MIRIAM
The gas, from the cooker. Its like
the turkey at Christmas. It always
takes a bit longer to cook a meal on
Sunday afternoon because everyones
cooking at the same time.
The family are still a bit taken aback, unsure if their Aunt
somehow knows something and is having a laugh with them or is
merely spouting random, borderline senile statements. Jake
clears his throat in a vague attempt to clear the air.
JAKE
Miriam? You like the soft white meat
and a good bit of stuffing dont you.
AUNT MIRIAM
Oh yes. That sounds lovely. Any wine
at all?
CASSY
Theres your wine there in front of
you Nan. Here you are.
The family are used to Miriams laspses of reason so say nothing
and try to act as normal as possible. Jake turns to Judy and
somewhat overcome by her beauty, doesnt even realise he is
flirting with her.
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JAKE
And you Judy? You like the crispy skin
dont you and plenty of bacon. Is that
right dear?
Judy blushes and almost stammers.
JUDY
Thats right Mr. Benson.
JAKE
Please, please call me Jake. Its Jake
and Matty to you.
Mattys eyes narrow as she looks at her husband then turns to
Judy.
MATTY
Thats a lovely top youre wearing
there Judy.
JUDY
Thank you Mrs... Matty.
MATTY
It looks old. Where did you get it
from? A charity shop? Jumble sale?
Judy tries to ignore the undertones of bitchiness in Mattys
comment and answers her politely though slightly embarrassed
still.
JUDY
No, my Aunty gave it to me before she
died. She didnt have much but she
used to take care of her old clothes
and gave them all to me.
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MATTY
Lucky you were the same size... And
Chris? Where are you today?
Chris snaps out of his daydream and looks around the table in
confusion then to his mother.
CHRIS
Wha..?
JAKE
You like lots of everything dont you
Chris.
Jake piles the meat on the plate before handing it to him. Chris
doesnt even wait for the vegetables or the others to start
eating before attacking his food.
MATTY
Use a knife and fork darling please.
Matty smiles a tight smile at Judy leaving the girl confused and
a little hurt. After a few moments of strained silence, AuntMiriam leans forward and takes hold of Judys hand warmly
smiling to her.
AUNT MIRIAM
Dont worry love. Everythings going
to be alright.
Miriam then returns to placing carrots on her plate with no more
word of explanation. She whispers something under her breath
then appears surprised when she looks up and finds the room
staring at her. Judy blushes again as Chris and her look to each
other as if to say- how the hell does she know? Matty eyes them
both suspiciously but says nothing.
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TIM
You know, Im not particularly hungry
but it would be nice if someone here
noticed me once in a while. Maybe gaveme some food sometimes.
Jake and Matty realise they have not been trying hard enough to
appear normal, so jump into action, dishing out food and
generally being over polite to everyone.
MATTY
Sorry love, here you go.
TIM
Can I have some extra dark meat for
Sam?
His parents sigh resignedly but to keep the peace capitulate
just this once.
JAKE
Whatever Samuel wants, Samuel gets.
Aunt Miriam looks up and stares strangely at the space next to
Tim.
CASSY
Sams just Timmys.. (Quietly)
imaginary..(louder again) friend.
AUNT MIRIAM
(Almost sneering) Yes, I know who he
is and hes not welcome here.
Miriam holds the stare into space for a moment then returns to
her food smiling again as if nothing had been said. Matty
quietly sighs as if it was all getting a bit too much for her as
Jake smiles back at her bravely.
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JAKE
More wine anyone?
A chorus of glasses are over-enthusiastically raised as if
everyone is sensing the strangeness of the situation and wanting
some relief.
TIM
Sam says youre not welcome here. Sam
says youre not even part of the
family.
MATTY
Tim! How dare you talk to Aunt Miriam
like that!
Just then Cassy accidently spills her glass of milk over Tim.
Tim stands up quickly and we can see the milk has somehow not
touched his arm and passed straight through onto his chair and
the floor.
TIM
Its alright Cassy, you missed me.
Judy is now open mouthed, sure that the milk couldnt have
possibly missed him and shocked by the previous exchange of
words.
MATTY
Apologize to your Aunt this instant
then clean up that mess.
Appearing genuinely sorry whilst seeming confused as if it
wasnt really him that said the words that came out of his
mouth, Tim lowers his head and in a trembling tone mumbles.
TIM
Sorry Aunty Miriam.
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Miriam looks up from her plate completely bewildered. She
appears to not even know where she is.
AUNT MIRIAM
Whats that? Whos sorry...? Have we
had dessert yet?
Cassy strokes Miriams hand to calm and comfort her and the rest
of the room descend into silence. Chris appears to have missed
the whole incident though and after scraping his plate clean
looks up.
CHRIS
Any more of the breast left?
CUT TO:
EXT. GARDEN. LATER THE SAME DAY
The family are spread out sitting on chairs and blankets around
the patio and garden at the back of the house. Nearest the house
are Miriam and Matty, sat at the table drinking tea. Lying on
the grass away near them are Chris and Judy, ostensibly
sunbathing but really chatting and canoodling. Further from them
are Cassy and Tim playing tennis on a stick, whacking the ball
back and forth to each other. Then at the end of the garden we
can see Jake with his back to the house.
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK OF THE GARDEN. DAY
Jake pretending to be looking at the state of his hedges but is
really having a sneaky fag out of sight from the kids. He looks
tired and a bit stressed out at the days events and inhales on
his cigarette deeply.
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EXT. BACK OF THE GARDEN. DAY
Jake turns suddenly in surprise and stamps out his cigarette.
TIM
Smoking fags again? Mum wont be too
happy.
They look at each other for a while each waiting for the other
to speak first.
TIM (CONTD)
But she doesnt really need to find
out does she?... Does she?
A look of realisation dawns on Jakes face.
JAKE
No she doesnt Timmy. Now, what do I
have to do to make sure that doesnt
happen?
Tim smiles innocently then looks heavenward for inspiration.
TIM
Well....
CUT TO:
EXT. MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN. DAY
Chris and Judy are lying in a huddle whispering to each other soas not to be overheard. Judy keeps pulling at the hem of her
skirt as they speak.
CHRIS
I know my family are weird but theyre
not bad people.
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Well, Tim can be really nasty
sometimes but thats not him, thats
Sam.
Judy looks at him askance.
JUDY
What his imaginary friend!?
She realises her volume increase so starts to whisper again.
JUDY (CONT'D)
I mean, how weird is that? And whys
your mum so off with me all the time?
Whatve I done to her? And Cassy
doesnt even look at me never mind
speak to me. And your Dads just...
too friendly. And what was all that
with your Aunt? Its like... I dont
know. Its just freaky.
Chris looks back to the house to see if anyone can hear them.
CHRIS
Aunt Miriams always been weird. Well,
shes not really an Aunt. Or even
related to my mum, shes just always
been around. But since she went a bit
funny in the head over the last couple
of years, you never know whats going
on with her. Sometimes its like shes
away with the fairies and other times
its like... she can see into your
soul.
Judy looks at him slightly surprised by his eloquence and smiles
at him proudly.
29.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
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JUDY
See, nobody knows you like I do. The
sensitive side of you that sees
things. I think youd make a greatdad.
Chris flashes a look of worry then recovers in time as Judy
turns her face to look at him again.
CHRIS
Whatever it takes, we can do this
together.
They stare into each others eyes for a moment then their faces
closen and they kiss.
CUT TO:
EXT. PATIO OF BACK GARDEN. DAY
Aunt Miriam is enjoying sitting in the sun drinking tea with
Matty who is looking at Chris and Judy thoughtfully.
AUNT MIRIAM
Weve started a bridge club at the
residential home.
MATTY
Yes, I know Miriam. With Suzanne and
Tom and whats her face?
AUNT MIRIAMYes, Whats her face. (Trying to
remember) Whats her face is very
friendly. Very nice. She lent me her
piano one time.
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Matty looks at her aunt with a combination of sadness and
tenderness, with a hint of a wry smile as if trying to work her
out.
MATTY
Miriam... Aunt Miriam? What did you
mean earlier when you told Judy it
would all be alright? And what was
that about Tims imaginary friend? It
was like you knew him or something.
But Miriam has gone again, lost in the daze of her fragmented
memories. She eventually turns back to Matty, smiling without a
worry in the world.
AUNT MIRIAM
I must get back soon. Its Coronation
Street omnibus on a Sunday night with
bakewell tart. Can you call my taxi
man. It is Sunday isnt it, dear?
Matty knows shes not going to get anything else out of her aunt
today so smiling, picks up her mobile from the table.
MATTY
Its on speed dial.
Matty waits as her mobile dials the number and looks again at
Judy and Chris.
CUT TO:
EXT. MATTYS POV OF MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN. DAY
Judy and Chris are kissing and giggling. They are obviously very
much in love.
CUT TO:
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EXT. PATIO OF BACK GARDEN. DAY
Matty breathes out then slowly allows herself to smile. There is
a click as the phone is answered on the other end of the line.
MATTY
Hello. Can I have a taxi please...?
CUT TO:
EXT. BACK OF GARDEN. DAY
Tim and Jake stand facing each other.
TIM
So its agreed then?
Jake takes his time before nodding slowly, looking like hes
been had at the wrong end of a hard bargain. Tim spits on his
hand and they both solemnly shake hands before Tim turns and
runs back to his sister and the tennis pole game where she has
been waiting impatiently. Immediately, Jake turns around andpeers upwards at the window where the woman had been smoking. He
sighs unhappily and we know she has gone. He waits for a few
seconds just in case she reappears until his wife calls him.
MATTY
Jake! Jake! Miriam has to go now!
He pops a mint in his mouth before heading to her.
CUT TO:
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I/E. FRONT DOOR OF HOUSE. DAY
Matty, Cassy and Tim wave goodbye to Miriam as the taxi pulls
off. Matty heads out into the drive and mouths to Miriam that
she will visit her during the week.
CUT TO:
INT. CHRISS BEDROOM. DAY
Chris is on his hands and knees and pushing cans and bedroom
rubbish out of the way. Pulling up the rug in front of his bed
he picks at a loose floor board and finally managing to pry it
open, pulls out a plastic bag. Then with his back to camera we
see the movement of his arms as he appears to be filling it with
something. He then replaces the floor board and rug and stands
to head downstairs again.
CUT TO:
EXT. PATIO OF BACK GARDEN. DAY
As Jake, Tim and Cassy play further down the garden Matty
watches Chris and Judy as she gathers her things to leave.
MATTY
Judy! Are you going love?
Judy simply nods wary of Matty.
MATTY (CONTD)Come sit here for a minute before you
go.
Nervously Judy sits next to her and says nothing at first.
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MATTY (CONTD)
See you soon.
CUT TO:
EXT. DOORWAY TO HOUSE FROM GARDEN. DAY
Judy and Chris are holding hands walking away from Matty.
CHRIS
What the hell was all that about?
But Judy feigns ignorance and shrugs her shoulders as they enter
the house.
CUT TO:
INT. FRONT ROOM. NIGHT
The family are watching a wildlife program on TV together having
a cup of tea. Tim is asleep leaning against Matty as Jake looks
at the TV guide and Cassy texts someone on her phone. The front
door opens and Chris walks in and says nothing.
MATTY
Well, hello to you too.
Still he says nothing and grabbing the biscuits from the floor,
collapses down onto the sofa next to Cassy who groans at the
intrusion. Thirty seconds pass and Jake looks up at his wife.
While the rest of the family are occupied they stare at each
other for some time. At first with uncertainty until they both
slowly begin to smile, knowing that everything will be alright.
END
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36.
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