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EVERYONE HAS A LIFE By Sierra Badley 1. Reflection of the author 2. The Big secret 3. When a Hitman Fails 4. Always going a Rye

Reflective Essay A little about me I am: twenty–five, I work forty to sixty hours a week, and I raise and train dogs in my spare time. When I have a moment to myself, I enjoy writing and expanding on thoughts, dreams, conversations, and animals. I always had a creative mind ever since I was a child. Working out on a farm gave me a lot of inspiration for my creative mind. Our animals had their own lives, experiences, and thoughts on their day-to-day. The older I got I expanded a little more of my writing style, but I still enjoy personifying my animals and “their” struggles. In this portfolio, there is a variety of story types from drama to comedy and dash of life in between. These stories are all a slice of life that lets us separate from our own complicated lives and delve into someone else’s more complicated life. The Big Secret is probably my favorite screenplay out of all the other scripts. It is the one that I worked on the hardest, bonded with the character’s the most, and really missed when I was done writing the first act. I have never written or even thought about doing screenplay before this class and I have really enjoyed this style of writing. I think it makes you cut down on the fluff you put in novels, short stories, etc I don’t know if I would have really liked these stories as much in short story form as I liked them in screenplay format. This year has been a year of growth for me. This is my first semester returning to school after a six-year hiatus. I had to originally drop out due to a financial struggle. I moved out when I was sixteen and was living on my own. I was able to get through about two years before I had to drop out. I was so excited to have the opportunity to finish up my degree, even if it was later than most people. While it has been challenged and forced me to step outside of my comfort zone of writing and pursue other avenues. I have learned not only new writing styles, but I also received great feedback from my peers on how to improve and even the smallest tweak has made an impact on my writing. With the help of my peers, I think has easily been one of the nicest but most helpful classes I have taken. The critic is for small fixes, tweaks, rewords, and overall thoughts on the works in question and not just a destruction of one’s creative mind.

2. The Big Secret by Sierra Badley

FADE IN: EXT. OUTSIDE - DAY - SPRING - THREE YEARS PREVIOUS CHINOOK is a young woman in her mid-twenties, she has dark hair, blue eyes, pale. appears through the archway of flowers and is dressed all in white. She has on a beautiful crown of white flowers and holds a pink bouquet in her tightly grasped hands. She has a tentative smile as her dad leads her to the alter. The wedding is being held outside in a clearing in the forest, white garlands are strung around the tree, two archways are set up and covered in flowers. KOVIC is Chinook's intended he is a young male, with strawberry blonde hair, lightly tanned skin, and blue eyes. stands underneath the archway at the alter staring at his wife adoringly. Her face is flushed red with nerves and emotion as she approaches. Their friends and family are quite onlookers. Kovic offers her his hand, she looks up at him with big tear-filled eyes and takes his hand. They stand before their friends and family and recite their vows and exchange rings. After the I Do's are said the crowd breaks out in applause. The couple holds the reception in the same area as the wedding with a few adjustments. Kovic’s mother, BEAUTY, is a thin woman in her early fifties with dark hair, light skin, blue eyes. pulls Chinook off to the side, gives her a big hug. BEAUTY Honey, I have something to tell you. As his wife, I think it's important to know. (Her tone is gentle.) Beauty grips Chinook’s arm softly. Chinook just stares at her, worried. BEAUTY Kovic… When he was little accidentally had an x-ray pointed at his… She gestures to her groin. Kovic when he was little never brushed his teeth, naughty boy, and well when we went to the dentist, they wanted X-rays of his teeth. Which they got. But uhm, the tech that did it forgot to turn the machine off. She moved it away from his mouth and off to the side but, well, it was still in range of him, and it remained there for close to

4. twenty minutes before the dentist came in and realized the mistake... CHINOOK So... Did you guys take him to the doctor? BEAUTY Of course, we did, the doctors didn't see any damage, but they idn’t know if there would be issues until they arrived. CHINOOK Chinook runs her thumb over her lip in agitation forgetting she has makeup on. Was this ever discussed with him? Does he know? BEAUTY Well .... no, we didn't want to worry him, and when he met you there just never seemed to be the right time. Chinook stares at her for a moment but slowly nods her head. Unsure of what else to say. CHINOOK While this does seem to be an important conversation to have with him... I guess we will cross the bridge when we get to it. Kovic approaches from across the clearing and wraps his arms around his new wife with a beaming smile on his face. KOVIC What are you guys talking about? CHINOOK You. Chinook leans back into Kovic and kisses the side of his jaw. She stares admiringly up at her new husband. KOVIC Good things I hope?

CHINOOK Your mom was just telling me every single embarrassing story she could think of. BEAUTY There was this one time he painted himself green with his markers. Then proceeded to run around screaming, at the top of his lungs, that he was the Jolly Green Giant. He would only eat vegetables, even though he didn't like them, and would make this ugly face.

6. Chinook, Kovic, and beauty all burst into laughter at the memory. INT.CHINOOK'S HOUSE - DAY - ONE YEAR PREVIOUS Chinook sits on the closed toilet, with her head pressed into her hands. A pregnancy test sits on the bathroom counter processing. The timer on her phone noiselessly ticking down. CHINOOK Please be positive. Please be positive, Please. (She pleads on the verge of tears.) Her alarm goes off and she is frozen in place listening to it dinging. With shaky hands, she silences the phone. CHINOOK CONTINUE'D With a deep breath, she picks up the test. Kovic knocks on the door softly. KOVIC Babe... Are you okay? CHINOOK The test reads negative, and she tries to stifle her tears. Yeah, I'm okay. I think my stomach has soured is all. I don't feel very well. KOVIC Can I bring you anything? CHINOOK No, I'll be out shortly. Wiping her face and rolling the pregnancy test in toilet paper and throwing it away. She plasters on a smile and greets her worried partner. KOVIC You look pale. He touches her face softly and stares at her in a concerned manner. CHINOOK I'm going to go lay down. (She says in an exhausted tone.) Chinook heads to the living room and lays on the couch. Kovic grabs a blanket from the back of the couch and wraps it around her and cuddles up behind her squeezing her softly.

KOVIC You'd tell me if there was something wrong, right? Chinook gives him a noncommittal gesture but doesn't say anything. INT.CHINOOK'S HOUSE - DAY - ONE YEAR PREVIOUS - LATER THAT DAY Kovic gets off the couch and kisses the side of Chinook's head. He stretches and twists trying to get the kink out of his neck. KOVIC My love, I need to go mow the lawn before it gets dark. The HOA chairperson already made a passiveaggressive remark about it being too tall. I'll be right outside if you need me, okay? Chinook rolls over to look at him and nods. CHINOOK Wear sunscreen and don't forget your water. Kovic gives her a warm look and nods, heading towards the bathroom. Chinook sits up and rubs the sleep out of her eyes. Picking her phone off the table and upon opening it notices a missed call from Kovic’s mom, Beauty. The sound of the lawnmower kicks off. Chinook returns Beauty's call. BEAUTY Nook, I’m so glad to hear from you. I haven't heard from you in a few weeks. How are you? (Her voice is warm and motherly.) CHINOOK Momma, I'm hurting today. (Her voice is thick with emotions.) BEAUTY Oh, baby, what's the matter? Did Kovic do something stupid? CHINOOK No, nothing like that. He is as perfect as ever. It's just... Do you (MORE) CHINOOK (cont'd) remember what you told me on our wedding day, about what happened to Kovic as a kid? BEAUTY Yeah, I remember.

8. CHINOOK Ever since you told me about him possibly being sterile, I have been trying to get pregnant. It's become a compulsion at this point. I find myself doing ovulation tests, pregnancy tests, holding myself in weird poses... After. Nothing has worked, it's been three years and today has just hit me. My test came up negative, obviously and I just felt this overwhelming sadness of what could be. Beauty listens patiently from the other side of the phone and nods her head. BEAUTY I understand. CHINOOK CONTINUE'D Now that my heart has been set on a baby, I just can't think of anything else. All I see are babies at the store and babies on TV and... What should I do Beauty? BEAUTY Well, Nook I think it's time we have that conversation with him. That way you guys can start looking into other options like INVITRO, or adoption. Or a doner or something. CHINOOK I... I guess so. I'm just so afraid of what this is going to do to him. (her voice is pained.) BEAUTY Kovic would give you the world. You just have to tell him how to give it to you. CHINOOK Thanks, momma, I love you. INT. HOSPITAL DELIVERY ROOM - DAY - ONE YEAR LATER CHINOOK Chinook lays in a hospital bed in active labor. Sweating, red-faced, and trembling in pain. The room is sterile white, with dirt fleck tiles, white counters lined with medical supplies. The doctor is in green scrubs. CHINOOK (Groaning and uncomfortable.) How much longer? I don't think I can do this. I'm done.

She is trying to hold back a scream as she a contraction hits her. She is griping Kovic’ s hand trying to break it. He has an uncomfortable look on his face, but he is more worried about his wife. Kovic strokes her hair reassuringly as Chinook squeezes his hand. DOCTOR Just a few more pushes Chinook and we will meet your new baby. Chinook pushes as instructed and her screams fill the room. Kovic murmurs to her reassuringly. DOCTOR It's a girl! The doctor whirls the baby away to get her cleaned up, weighed, and cut the cord. The room is filled with the baby wailing as Chinook looks up at Kovic with tears streaking down her face. He leans down and whispers to her kissing her head. The Doctor returns to Chinook's side with a clean baby in a bundle. The doctor has an odd expression on his face as he looks between the baby and new parents. CHINOOK A very healthy pink baby is placed on Chinook's chest. The baby’s grey eyes squint as she looks at her mother. Kovic leans over Chinook to stare into the eyes of his new daughter. KOVIC Look at that tan pretty girl. (He says in an admiring tone.) CHINOOK Look at her beautiful grey eyes. (She says softly.) She strokes her baby’s cheek with tears in her eyes. CHINOOK She's here. My sweet, Elil. My little fox is here. (She happily sobs.) INT. CHINOOK'S HOUSE - DAY - ONE YEAR LATER Chinook's house is modestly decorated with cream walls, leather furniture, and family pictures all over the walls and tables. Yellow party decorations cover the house. The family is gathered around the highchair where Chinook's daughter sits with a sunflower smash cake just out of reach as the family sings happy birthday. Beast Kovic's older brother. He is tall, muscular, darkly tanned, with steely grey eyes is standing next to Elil. BEAST Elil, look at me! Look at uncle Beast. Elil looks at her uncle Beast and quickly looks away again.

10. BEAST Come on, let’s get a picture to be reasonable. Beast is using baby talk trying to get the toddler’s attention, snapping his fingers, and making silly noises. An irritated look comes over Kovic's face as he sees a striking resemblance between his brother and his daughter. He runs an uncomfortable hand over the back of his head as he and Chinook make eye contact. Chinook gives him a warm smile and leans forward and kisses Kovic on the cheek. He gives her a weak smile as she breezes through the party greeting people and hugging their friends and family. Beast begins handing out drinks to everyone with a big cheerful smile across his face. Chinook stands behind Elil and gathers the family behind Elil. CHINOOK Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you. Happy birthday dear Elil, Happy birthday to you. She sings the birthday song in the happiest tone with the family joining in. The toddler is presented with the smash cake and with a squeal of joy her fingers grip the spongey material and happily rip it apart. Making a mess. Chinook beams in joy. Beast takes a photo after a photo capturing the moment. Kovic stews off to the side of his daughter. INT.NIGHT- CHINOOK'S HOUSE - SAME DAY - NIGHT - BEDROOM Kovic lays awake that night feeling this uncomfortable feeling in his chest and rubs a hand over his chest. He sits up in bed and gives up trying to sleep. Looking over Chinook is fast asleep and drooling. INT.CHINOOK'S HOUSE - SAME DAY - NIGHT - DOWNSTAIRS Exiting his room, he looks in on his daughter and notices that she too is fast asleep and dreaming. Having finally crashed from all the sugar she had today. He smiles to himself and slowly shuts the door again. He walks to the kitchen to get a glass of water and stops on his way to the kitchen and stares at a photo of him and Chinook in their teens together hanging on the wall. His fingers touch the photo. KOVIC We were so young then. I was so scared to talk to you. EXT. SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOOD - DAY - PAST Chinook is in her late Teens. She has Pixie short black hair with blonde highlights. She kneels in her front yard, angrily pulling weeds. Her skin is sunburnt from the summer sun, but she works tirelessly. Her jeans and white shirt are now covered in dirt. Kovic and his brother stand across the street watching her. Talking inaudibly to one another. They look unsure. Kovic scratches the back of his head before crossing the street and stands over Chinook awkwardly. Kovic takes a deep breath

before he lightly jogs across the street headed towards Chinook. KOVIC Whatcha' doing? Turns her head to glare at him. Her blue eyes are intense and her face is scrunched in irritation and covered in streaks of dirt. CHINOOK I'm pulling weeds and you are blocking my light, now move. She gestures with her hand in a shooing motion. KOVIC Why are you pulling weeds? He rubs the back of his head and kicks at the ground with the toe of his sneaker. She throws her gloves off in a huff and stands up to continue glaring at him. CHINOOK Because... (She snaps at him.) Kovic looks at her hopefully. Almost puppy dog-like. She sighs at him heavily. CHINOOK I had a bad day today and... She catches herself and clamps her mouth shut, deepening her glare at him. CHINOOK None of your business. Who are you anyway? She crosses her arms over her chest KOVIC Oh Well, I'm Kovic, that's my brother Beast. He points to his brother across the street who waves with a silly grin on his face as he enters the brothers' house. KOVIC CONTINUE'D Did we meet in biology last year remember? You were my lab partner until I got kicked out for licking one of the frogs. His wide grin is shameless. CHINOOK Well, why are you over here bothering me?

12. Her glare softens slightly as she is sucked in by his warm nature. He scratches the back of his head, uncomfortable. KOVIC Oh, umm, well I just wanted to see if I can help maybe? You look sunburnt and ... Sad. She rolls her eyes at him and sighs. Defeated by his pestering. CHINOOK Do whatever you want. She puts her gloves back on and begins pulling weeds. He gives a small smile as he leans down and begins pulling weeds from the garden with Chinook. He keeps giving her sideways glances, trying to gauge her mood to initiate conversation. KOVIC So... Am I doing this right? Chinook looks over and gives him an irritated but hopeless smile. CHINOOK No, you shouldn't be pulling the flower's petals off. Just the things that don't belong in the garden. Kovic flushes red as he casually throws a pulled flower off to the side, hoping she won't notice. He sits back on his legs as he watches what she is pulling. KOVIC So, why are you having a bad day? CHINOOK My boyfriend moved away and didn't tell me he was leaving. I went to celebrate his birthday at his house and their house was all packed up. No forwarding address. Nothing. They are just gone. Although, I don't know why I'm telling you any of this. She continues to weed without looking at him. KOVIC He pauses his weed pulling and shrugs. Everyone tells me that I am easy to talk to. But I'm sorry to hear about your

boyfriend. How long had you been seeing him? CHINOOK Like six months. (She is nonchalant but is noticeably upset.) CHINOOK CONTINUE'D My mom died three years ago today too. It's like a slap in the face. I've decided that I don't need to rely on it for my happiness. Kovic remains quiet, a thoughtful expression across his face. KOVIC What a dick. I'm sorry. I can't imagine not having my mom around. She's the best. She always knows how to fix things for me. What was your mom like? Chinook is quiet for a long time. Her lip trembles slightly. Chinook She was the best. She had this saying that blood made you family, but love connected you. It didn't matter what it was. My mom was raised on a reservation as a kid, so she had a close connection with the native tribe back home. Kovic listens to her intently. Nodding that he was paying attention to her. CHINOOK CONTINUE'D She would always say that no matter how thin the connection, blood, or love, that you should always cherish it. I wish she was here to pat my head and tell me not to worry about him. KOVIC leans over and pats her head. KOVIC Don't worry about it. Chinook rolls her eyes. She stands up quickly dusting the dirt from her gloves and heads around the back of the house. Hiding her embarrassment from him. Kovic follows her wordlessly as she leans down to grab the mulch. Kovic incepts her and grabs the bags for her. He almost falls backward as the weight adjusts, a small look of panic coming over his face. He gives her a small reassuring smile. Chinook rolls her eyes. Grabbing the flowers and headed back to the front of the house. KOVIC So, why gardening? Do you like to garden? I'm going, to be honest, I

14. can't tell you anything about flowers. Except what I learned in Biology. CHINOOK No, not really but my dad said I needed to do something constructive and said gardening would make me feel better. KOVIC Well, do you think it's helping? (He asks genuinely.) CHINOOK I guess so. A shy expression comes over her face as she shrugs her non-chance. The sun begins to set as the pair finishes gardening together. The neighbors are returning from work to their daily lives. The pair sits in the grass of her front yard close together, nearly touching shoulders. CHINOOK Thanks for helping me I guess, even if I didn't ask for your help. KOVIC He smiles a warm smile at her. Brushing his hands on his now dirt-covered jeans. He bumps his shoulder into hers. Anytime. CHINOOK She looks at him from the corner of her eye. You know you are a weird guy, right? KOVIC My brother and I had a bet on whether you'd beat me up or not. CHINOOK What side did you bet on? She gives him a warm smile. KOVIC That you wouldn't. CHINOOK Why wouldn't I? KOVIC Just a feeling. Anyway, you wanna come over and play board games with my brother and me? I know it's been a weird

day today, but I figured it would make you feel better than sitting out here alone. My parents said I should make some neighborhood friends anyway. A blush creeps over his cheeks as his gaze flitters from the ground to her face. CHINOOK Well, first what was the wager over me beating you up or not? KOVIC I had to write his next history paper for free. It's over the cause and effects of the Great Depression. While fascinating, a very boring piece to write. Kovic shrugs and clamps his mouth shut, realizing that he was rambling. CHINOOK Hmmm. Only if we can play Catan? Monopoly sucks. KOVIC Deal! I'll see you later then. I must go shower and I figure you do too? He gives her a huge smile as he turns to jog away. Give her a small once over. CHINOOK Yeah, I'll see you soon. I'll let my dad know that we are having a family game night at your house. KOVIC My brother owes me fifty bucks. (He says quietly to himself in glee.) Chinook watches him go with her lips pressed together. INT. CHINOOK'S HOUSE - NIGHT - PRESENT - LIVING ROOM He rubs his hand over his chest and sighs. Looking at the photo longingly. KOVIC There's no way she is cheating on me. Especially with my brother. I don't think she even really likes him. We are still happy together. Right?

16. Kovic pulls on his hair as he paces around his house trying to relieve his anxiety. He goes to the bookshelf to grab a book when a bill that's sitting on the table catches his eye. He picks it up and reads where it's from, it is from a fertility specialist office. Opening it up he is taken aback when he sees the total bill is close to ten thousand dollars. Looking over the itemized statement. The itemized statement includes collection, implantation, and follow-up exam. He takes a seat on the couch in shock, gripping the bill in his hands he reads it over and over. KOVIC What the fuck is this? (He says quietly to himself.) CHINOOK'S HOUSE - NIGHT - BEDROOM He softly runs upstairs and sits next to Chinook on the bed and shakes her gently. She jerks awake groggily. CHINOOK What's the matter? She is half asleep as she peers at him through the dark. KOVIC What is this? (His voice quavers in anger.) He hands her the bill in question while touring a bedside lamp on. She blinks a few times and slowly it starts to register what it is. Her face goes pale, and a shocked expression comes over her face. She is struck speechless. Heryes dart from the paper to him. KOVIC Well? He makes a throwing gesture with his hands as he paces the room. He paces by the door and shuts it quietly. CHINOOK Kovic... I ... (She stumbles over her words.) He throws his hands up in confusion impatiently waiting for her to explain. CHINOOK I used invitro to get pregnant with Elil. I ... I. We kept trying for a baby and we just couldn't get pregnant and I. I was tired of the heartache. So, I went and did an invitro to get Elil. Kovic looks taken back like he has been hit by a car. He slowly runs a hand through his hair and the air wooshes out of his lungs.

KOVIC So, you went out. Did all these hormones, these doctor visits, treatments, and injections ... Without me? Chinook doesn't say anything as she looks down at her hands. Which are curling and uncurling in the blankets. KOVIC CONTINUE'D Is this what you meant when you said you had been going to help your dad? You lied to... (His voice cracks.) Kovic stares at Chinook with mixed emotions in his eyes. His hand rubs absently over his chest. KOVIC CONTINUE'D Why didn't you want to go with me? Why didn't you want her to be mine? Since she isn't mine who's is she? Chinook presses her lips together as she takes in the sadness in her partner's gaze. CHINOOK My love. I never meant to hurt you. You were never supposed to know. Chinook stands up on her knees and shuffles to the edge of the bed. She grabs his hands and clutches them tightly. CHINOOK CONTINUE'D After three years of trying, I didn't want to you feel bad or feel like you weren't enough. I wanted a baby. I wanted a baby so bad, and it seemed like the only way I could have it all. So, I ... Asked your brother if he would be willing to be my donor. I wanted him to do it so that Elil looked like you. I ... Chinook chokes up as the truth comes out. With each line out of her mouth, Kovic looks more and more like he has been stabbed in the chest. Kovic can't help but get overwhelmed by emotion. He is fighting back tears as it all comes crashing into him that his daughter isn't his. His brother knew about this and chose to leave him in the dark. He rubs his hand over his face and stares up into the ceiling. KOVIC Chinook, how did you think this was a good idea? What am I supposed to do now? My entire family knows and is laughing behind my back because I can't give my wife a baby and she is so independent that she must go and do this life-changing shit on her own. What the fuck am I supposed to do?

18. Chinook begins to cry. he had never really thought it through on what would happen if he found out and how he would feel. Kovic curses but reaches for his wife and brings her close. She hugs him desperately. CHINOOK Are you going to leave me? KOVIC I... I don't know. You lied to me Chinook. I just don't understand your logic. You have always been selfishly independent but, how could you do this to me? She says nothing. KOVIC Did you sleep with him? She looks at him in shock. CHINOOK No! I'd never do anything like that. He raises his eyebrow at her and throws his hands wide in a "look at this situation gesture." KOVIC How do I know that Chinook? You just revealed that you lie about where you go, what you do, and at this point who you are with? How am I supposed to know? Kovic begins to crumble. His knees lock up and he all but melts to the floor. His head resting in Chinook's lap. She runs her hands over his head softly. CHINOOK I know it's no excuse. I just ... Didn't see another option. I love you so much that I wanted us to be complete. When I took that last test… It felt like the day my exboyfriend left me all those years ago. I just felt so powerless and I just. Chinook shrugs. CHINOOK CONTINUE'D I felt so out of control, and I didn't want to feel like that. After I was pregnant. You were so happy. You loved Elil. How could I tell you that she wasn't technically yours? KOVIC Why did Beast agree to do this?

CHINOOK Because he loves you as much as I do, and he wanted you to be happy. Kovic emotionally overwhelmed finally lets the tears run down his face into his wife's lap. She swallows hard as she comforts her partner. CHINOOK I'm so sorry Kovic. KOVIC I'm going to go stay with my parents for a few days. Clear my head. Kovic pulls his suitcase from the closet and begins to pack his stuff. Chinook watches from the bed with her mouth agape and a heartbroken expression on her face. Kovic looks over his shoulder as he exits the room but says nothing. Chinook breaks down into an ugly sob as she hears the door quietly shut. End of act 1.

20. When a Hitman Fails by Sierra Badley

Fade IN : INT. - BAR - NIGHT The bar is dim, with a large light wood bar sitting off to the side. Seedy looking patrons fill the stools and tables around the bar. Smoke fills the room from patron’s cigarettes. Music plays quietly from speakers hanging off to the sides of the bar. CAMERA FOCUSES TO THE MAN SITTING IN A DARK CORNER OF THE BAR. He has short black hair, a sun aged face, and a cold demeanor. A lit cigarette is placed between his lips. A glass rests in his hand filled with amber liquid. A BUISNESS MAN in a nice suit walks through the door. His face scrunches up in distaste. He looks around the room as if he was looking for someone. The man in the corner raises his hand without looking up from the table. The man walks over to him and sits across from him. BUISNESS MAN Are you Matt? MATT Yeah, you Wilson? WILSON Yes, did you get my message? MATT Yep. (His is very disconnected and unphased.) WILSON Wilson stares at Matt waiting for him to continue, when he says nothing, Wilson is unsettled and taken aback. And? MATT And I got your message. You asked me if I got it, I said yes. What's your next question? Matt rolls his hands in a get on with it gesture. WILSON Wilson is flustered. Well, are you going to work on the house? I mean, I have a high insurance on the house. Wilson scrunches his face trying to send a signal to Matt. MATT Don't worry, no one gives a shit what we talk about in here.

2. Matt waves his hand dismissively as he takes another sip from his drink. WILSON Well, I'd like for you to take care when doing work, but should an accident happen, I have a good insurance plan. (He is audibly nervous.) MATT I want two hundred thousand now and I want two hundred thousand after. WILSON You can't be serious? That much? (His voice is rising in pitch.) Matt raises an eyebrow in irritation. MATT Matt pulls a tape recorder from his pocket and waves it towards Wilson. Pay me or go to jail. I don't like my time to be waisted Mr. Wilson. (Matt's voice is still eerily calm.) WILSON So, you are black mailing me now? Wilson is taken aback and leans back in his chair, his mouth hanging open. Matt rolls his eyes and gives a devilish smile, while leaning in towards Wilson. Matt You are working with a professional what did you expect? My time is worth more than your life, if you don't want to pay that demand then you shouldn’t have come. WILSON Okay,okay,okay I agree. These are already activated, and you can call to confirm. Matt pulls out a stack of prepaid visas and slides them over to Matt. Matt takes the cards and puts them in his pocket. Matt gets up and leaves the bar without saying another word to Wilson. Wilson throws his hands up in the air in

3. irritation. A waitress comes by with Matt's tab upon seeing him leave. Exasperated, Wilson hands her his credit card. EXT. WILSON'S HOME - DAY - MORNING Matt sits across from WILSON's home in an inconspicuous blue Toyota corolla watching Matt's wife, BRANDI, in her normal routine. They live in a classic upscale suburban neighborhood. Matt is taking notes on a pad with time and date over the last few days it has been the same routine - Gets up by eight to let the dog out. He notes it's a big dog,Pyrenees, and it would attack him. By nine she showers, makes breakfast, eats, and settles in to work on her laptop. Come noon she goes out to get lunch, eats, goes for a walk around the neighborhood when she gets back with her big dog, returns to work. By four she starts dinner, does some chores around the house, and settles down to watch TV. By six dinner is ready and she sets it in the oven to stay warm and walks the dog again. Wilson sighs and scrubs his face. She takes that big dog with her everywhere except when she gets in the car. That's when he makes his plan. EXT. WILSON'S HOME - DAY -EARLY MORNING NEXT DAY Matt climbs under Brandi's silver Rav 4 and fiddles with something underneath of it. Sliding out from underneath of it in the cover of dawn, he jogs back to his Toyota parked across the street. The sun slowly rises, and Brandi goes through her normal routine. Twelve rolls around and Wilson starts his car ready to follow her and report back to Wilson with his success. Brandi backs out of her drive and drives to go get lunch. INT.MATT'S CAR - DAY - MOVING Wilson follows multiple car lengths behind anxiously awaiting for her car to break down. They stop at a red light. WILSON What the hell is going on? She shouldn't be able to stop. He sighs and slams his hands on the steering wheel. Pulling a gun from his glove box, equipped with a silencer, he waits until the light is green and aims for her tire. The car in front of him breaks without warming causing him to drop the gun as Brandi drives away. He again slams his hand on the steering wheel with a curse. Wilson out of frustration ends his attempts for the day and heads home. His cellphone begins to ring, the caller ID flashes Wilson. MATT What? (Matt barks out in irritation.) WILSON What the hell is taking you so long?

4. MATT Things aren’t going as planned alright? Her accident is happening for some reason. You can't rush home repairs alright? WILSON What do you mean her accident isn't happening? You are supposed to be a professional. What the fuck did I pay you for? MATT Shut up alright! I didn't say I was done, I just said it wasn’t working out how I had originally planned. Give me a break this is like, my first hit. WILSON Well, I need you to get this over with. My mistress is giving me an ultimatum to either leave my wife or she was leaving me. Wait, your first hit? MATT Look, right now I don't have the patience to deal with you. I will call you when it's done. Don't call me again. Wilson slams his finger over the end button and throws his phone into the floorboard of his car, frustrated. EXT. WILSON'S HOME - DAY -EARLY MORNING NEXT DAY Matt is climbing over the fence in the back yard again, in the break of dawn. He walks around the outside of the house looking for the dryer exhaust vent. The sound of the back door opening is loud in the quiet morning. Matt freezes as Brandi's large dog comes trotting around the corner. The dog bee lines for Matt with its large white teeth exposed, a deep growl rumbles from the dog’s chest as it starts running towards him. Matt frantically looks from side to side, delayed in his terror. His mind finally catching up with his body he sprints for the fence as the large dog chases behind him. He is up and over the fence in the time it takes the dog to let out an actual bark. He hits the ground hard and feels a twinge in his ankle. With a grunt of pain, he limps to his car on weak ankles and knees. INT.MATT'S CAR - DAY - PARKED Matt is pounding his head on the steering wheel in frustration. A knock sounds on his window and he looks up to see two policemen in uniform knocking on his window. He rolls the window down.

5. MATT Can I help you? POLICE OFFICER #1 Do you live around here sir? MATT Why do you ask? POLICE OFFICER #1 A young woman reported a strange man in her backyard. She stated that her dog chased him off, but she saw him run down the street. So, I ask again do you live around here? MATT No officers I don't. I received a rather bad phone called and pulled off into this neighborhood to process it. (Matt says sincerely.) POLICE OFFICER #1 Can I see your Driver's license please? MATT Matt hesitates for a second before handing it over. Police Officer #1 returns to his car to run his ID as the second stay to the rear of the car watching him. Hand on his gun. The first police officer steps out of his car, gives his partner a look and reapproaches Matt. POLICE OFFICER #1 Mr. Matthew Killmeyer I need you to step out of the car please. You have an outstanding warrant. Matt squeezes his steering wheel tightly for a moment before he releases it, takes his seatbelt off, with hands slow and visible he exits the car. Upon exiting he is cuffed and read his rights. On the floorboard of his car his phone chimes with a text message from Wilson. It reads don't worry I took care of the housework myself. End of Act 1

6. Always Going a Rye by Sierra Badley

7. EXT - BOOKSTORE DUSK People casually walk past BELLA as they enter the bookstore in singles and groups. Through the glass front you can see shelves scattered around the room with books, people milling about, and sipping coffee. Cars pull in and out of the parking lot. Bella is a young woman in her late twenties. She is of average build with brown hair and blue eyes. She is wearing a stunning little black dress with small heels and gold jewelry. She stands in front of the bookstore anxiously waiting on someone. She rubs her hands together, checks her hair, her makeup, and her dress over and over as she waits for her date. They have been out a few times before and it has ended in mishap. BELLA I forgot what time we were supposed to meet. I hope this goes well this time. (She says in a worried tone.) MAX is in his early twenties, he is tall, and traditionally handsome with black hair and brown eyes. He is wearing a black button-down shirt, dark jeans, and dark shoes. He approaches from the parking lot. MAX Hey Bella, I didn't keep you waiting long, did I? Sorry traffic was a mess. He rubs the back of his head with a bashful smile on his face. BELLA Oh no, I got here early. She waves a dismissive hand at him and shakes her head. Max gives her a warm smile. Her voice is high and her cheeks flush. MAX Oh good! So, you wanna go in? He motions for her to lead the way as he holds the door open for her. INT. BOOKSTORE - EVENING Shelves are scattered around the building stuffed with books. People mill around with coffees in their hands talking with their companions. MAX So, I had this idea. Let me know if it's not a good idea.

2. MAX CONTINUE'D I know we don't know each other very well, but what if we went and found books that remind us of each other? Max gives her a charming smile as they go and sit a table outside of the cafe in the bookstore. BELLA Oh. yeah. okay. (Her tone is unsure.) MAX We can meet back here in like ten minutes or so? We can explain why the books remind us of the other person. Assuming this date goes better than the last, we could read the books and report back on if they were accurate or not. He nervously shrugs a shoulder. Bella gives him a soft smile and nods her head at him. BELLA Sure, it'll be fun. They both get up from the table and head in different directions. Bella heads towards the young adult section, running her fingers over the spine of the books as she passes. She chooses a book at random, cracking it open she beings to read a random page. Book reads "Howl's moving castle" BELLA He's a mess. (She says with a small chuckle as she reads from the book.) A loud bang echoes around the store. She jerks her head up to see Max toppling over a bookshelf. The bookshelf topples into other shelves causing a domino effect. Max is desperately flailing as he is wedged in the shelves of a bookcase. He looks around wildly searching for a way to escape. Bella rushes from her spot to the main aisle where a group of people are standing in shock. Max speed walks towards her, a look of horror and embarrassment in his face, he grabs her hand and rushes her from the bookstore. MAX We gotta go.

3. BELLA Oh, wait Max, My book. (She says in a breathless tone as he rushes her out.) MAX Fuck it. They can send me a bill later. (His tone is panicked.) EXT.BOOKSTORE - PARKING LOT - NIGHT Max is dragging Bella by the hand into the parking lot. He is frantically digging in his pocket for his keys. Finding them he unlocks the car, opens her door, then rushes around the other side. They peel out of the parking lot. INT. CAR - NIGHT - MOVING Max's hands are shaking from the adrenaline as he drives down the street away from the scene of the accident. The mood is awkward and tense as the silence prevails. BELLA Soooo, are we going to talk about what happened or are we just going to ignore it? MAX Umm. Is forgetting about it actually an option? BELLA No. She gives him a narrowed glare of disbelief as she crosses her arms over her chest. Max's neck flushes with color as does his face as he looks over at her with an awkward and uncomfortable smile. MAX Some guy bumped into me and when I turned around and said, "Hey buddy watch out," he pushed me a second time. That second time took me more off balance and well, that’s when I went into the shelve, Wouldn't you know those things aren’t bolted down? He shakes his head and pulls the car into an apartment parking lot. Her Apartment Parking lot. BELLA Oh, why are you dropping me off?

4. MAX Well, I figured after I ruined another date after this stunt. She gives him a soft smile, leans across the car and kisses his cheek. BELLA You always keep our dates entertaining. Even if they don't go as I imagine them in my head. FADE OUT The End

5.