Script rekindled - draft 1
- 1. Created using Celtx EXT. SHOP. EVENING SCOTT CARTER (early 30's, Slight facial hair, casual clothing) pulls down the metal door and locks up the shop. He drops the keys. SCOTT (under his breath) F*ck sake, stupid keys. SCOTT picks up the keys, pulls his baseball cap down further over his face and slowly makes his way home. EXT. APARTMENT BUILDINGS. EVENING SCOTT turns the corner onto his apartment block to see a small crowd and a mix of panicked voices. EXTRA 1 (Raised voice) No, don't jump! EXTRA 2 (Panicked) Someone call the ambulance, quick! HARLEY (calmed ramble) Miss, I know things are hard right now but this really isn't the way. Jumping will just hurt ya more. I mean you probably won't even die, you'll most likely just fall and paralyse yourself. SCOTT looks up to see a woman with long brunette hair standing on the roof top of the apartment complex. The mixed voices of the public gets drowned out by the thumping of his heart. FLASHBACK START. INT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. AFTERNOON SCOTT finally walks off from the plane with Thomas (late 30's, worn skin, scruffy beard) joking and laughing, after a long flight home. SCOTT I'll be seeing you next month then Tanker, don't miss me too much buddy.
- 2. 2. Created using Celtx THOMAS You wish, now go on your missus is waiting. SCOTT turns to see ELOISE (late 20's, casual floral clothing, light jewelery) standing there, time seems to slow as he takes in her beauty. ELOISE'S smile seems to light up the whole place. ELOISE (With Excitement in her voice) Scott! You're flight got in early, I wasn't expecting you back until- SCOTT cuts her off as he picks her up and spins her around, her laughter fills the room. FLASHBACK ENDS. INT. APARTMENT. NIGHT SCOTT jolts awake in a feverish sweat. HARLEY quietly enters the bedroom with a glass of water and some food before setting them down on the bedside cabinet. HARLEY Ah- you're awake, how're ya feeling? SCOTT rises quickly of the bed and stumbles. SCOTT (with roughness in his voice) Who the hell are you? HARLEY puts out his arms to help steady SCOTT. HARLEY Woah there, steady... I think you hit your head. After sitting Scott back down and checking his head HARLEY continues to speak. HARLEY I'm Harley, worlds best behaviourist at your service. Saw ya fall so I helped ya back to my place, figured you might need a quiet place to stay since they're sorting out that lady. HARLEY gestures to the window and SCOTT notices the
- 3. 3. Created using Celtx flashing lights below from the emergency services. SCOTT'S eyebrows furrow as he sees her being escorted into the ambulance. HARLEY Shes okay by the way, just a little shaken. I'm more worried about you... Looks like you had a panic attack down there... SCOTT'S attention snaps back to HARLEY and eyes him up and down. SCOTT slowly starts to speak as if in thought/ choosing his words carefully SCOTT I'm fine, just got a little lightheaded. Not good with heights is all. HARLEY (Scoffs and shakes his head) Told ya I'm a behaviourist right? I know you're lying but up to you if ya wanna tell the truth. I don't think you're afraid of heights at all, in fact don't look like you're scared of much mister. But that lady up there did something to ya and I'm curious as to what. Well whatever it was caused ya to be out cold. SCOTT leaves the bedroom and looks around for the front door whilst continuing the conversation. HARLEY gestures to the front door. SCOTT Look kiddo, I appreciate the concern but I can handle myself. I don't need no help. HARLEY (exasperated) ...I'm not even 5 years younger than you and I know what I'm doing. All I'm saying is come see me if ya want to sort these 'panic attacks' out, okay?
- 4. 4. Created using Celtx SCOTT I'll think about it... SCOTT walks to the door of HARLEY'S apartment and is about to leave, he looks back at HARLEY. SCOTT Thank you for your help, I suppose I owe you now. SCOTT leaves HARLEY's apartment and realises his own apartment is just down the corridor. He makes his way inside and gets into bed. INT. SHOP. MORNING SCOTT returns the next day to work, stocking the shelves. The in store TV can be heard as the news channel as it covers the latest details of the war. NEWS REPORTER - LOUISE BELL We take you now to our onsite reporter, Alan Reed, for more details. NEWS REPORTER - ALAN REED Thank you Louise, yes as you can see here the war is just getting worse. No one knows when this war will ease up, let alone stop. You can hear the ear ringing explosions happening all around- SCOTT looks up at the TV as the sound of explosions grabs his attention, his eyes go wide in shock as this news story triggers another flashback. He collapses and loses consciousness. FLASHBACK START. INT. ARMY VEHICLE. AFTERNOON Gunfire and deafening explosions can be heard all around as SCOTT and the rest of his squadron drive to the evacuation point. TANKER looks at SCOTT with rage clear in his eyes. TANKER This went so f*cking wrong... I can't believe those b*stards turned against us.
- 5. 5. Created using Celtx TANKER shakes his head and SCOTT lays a comforting hand on his shoulder. SCOTT Trust me I know, I feel your hatred too but don't let it get to you. We all need to stay focused if we are to get out of here safely. SCOTT turns to the other men in his squad. SCOTT You ready to get out of hear?! COLLECTIVE SQUAD Yes sir! SCOTT Lets go, lets go! Just like in training boys. SCOTT nods to one of his squad members as they reach the evacuation point and he opens to door. The squadron piles of of the Ground Mobility Vehicle and gets in their formation. SCOTT Move out boys, the chopper will be here soon. A grenade falls close by to two of the new additions of the squad, they try to scramble away. In the commotion SCOTT runs towards them and helps to pull them away. The grenade goes off and SCOTT falls to the floor, the ringing in his ears is all he can hear combined with the distant shouting of his squad mates. TANKER Scott! Scott! Sco- FLASHBACK ENDS. INT. SHOP. MORNING The shop manager, JEREMIAH, shakes SCOTT awake. Concern is clear on his face. The 70 year old manager helps SCOTT sit up. JEREMIAH (panicked rush) Scott! What happened, are you okay?
- 6. 6. Created using Celtx Susan! Go call for an ambulance. Did you hit your head? SCOTT (Groans) No I'm okay, don't need no ambulance. Just give me a few minutes and I'll get back to work. JEREMIAH Scott, I know you don't like the hospital but I cant allow you to keep working. At least let me check you over and then go home to rest. SCOTT begrudgingly nods his head in agreement and goes into the staff area with JEREMIAH. SCOTT sits in a nearby chair whilst JEREMIAH searches for the First Aid Kit. JEREMIAH walks back to SCOTT, First Aid Kit in hand and crouches next to SCOTT to start looking him over. JEREMIAH Damn legs, getting too old for all this bending and lifting. JEREMIAH checks over SCOTT with experience and ease. SCOTT sits still as he goes through all the checks, they make small talk. JEREMIAH Well Scott everything looks fine. Just a mild concussion I'd say, make sure you go home and rest... Oh and take tomorrow off as well. I'll call you tomorrow afternoon to make sure you're okay. SCOTT lays a hand on JEREMIAHS shoulder as an act of friendship. SCOTT Thank you Jeremiah, don't know what I'd do without you. JEREMIAH (nods and smiles warmly) Anytime, you know you're like the son I never had. Now go on and get yourself home.
- 7. 7. Created using Celtx JEREMIAH calls a taxi for SCOTT and see his off the premises. The taxi takes SCOTT back to the apartment, taking longer than usual because of the traffic. INT. TAXI. MORNING SCOTT looks out the window onto the busy streets, his eyes follow a young couple pushing a pram. He furrows his brows in thought. SCOTT (mumbles to himself) Theodore... TAXI DRIVER What did you say mate? SCOTT Nothing, here is perfect thank you. TAXI DRIVER Alright then, that'll be $20.80 please mate. SCOTT takes out his wallet and looks through for the money, he hand the driver a few notes. SCOTT Here, keep the change. TAXI DRIVER Ah thank you very much. EXT. STREET. AFTERNOON SCOTT starts to walk away and then suddenly turns when he hears the taxi driver. TAXI DRIVER (Raised voice) Hey mate! You accidentally gave me this. SCOTT slowly makes his way back to the taxi in confusion and takes the picture back from the driver. SCOTT Oh thank you, I didn't even realise. Have a good day.
- 8. 8. Created using Celtx TAXI DRIVER (Nods and smiles) You too. As the taxi drives off SCOTT looks down at the picture of a woman with long brown curled hair. SCOTT (Mumbles) Just who are you... HARLEY Hey Scott! You're back early. SCOTT raises his head as HARLEY waves and walks towards him in a relaxed manner. SCOTT tenses, hurriedly puts away the picture and looks at HARLEY with suspicion. HARLEY smiles when they get closer to each other. SCOTT (questioning tone) Yes, I am... HARLEY Hey now don't get all panicked. I just usually hear you come back at 7, walls are thin and I hear ya swear about the door lock being broken... SCOTT looks at HARLEY in scepticism. HARLEY wiggles his eyebrows and continues talking. HARLEY (Emphasises the word 'great') Plus I have great hearing. SCOTT (shakes his head and laughs) And I thought Tanker was the weirdest guy I knew. HARLEY Who's this Tanker guy then, he my competition? SCOTT stiffens and HARLEY raises his eyebrows. HARLEY You okay there?
- 9. 9. Created using Celtx SCOTT (Stammering turns to a broken rage) I-I don't... I don't know who he is, or who Theodore is. Or this stupid woman in my dreams! SCOTT takes out the picture, rips in half and throws it on the floor. He marches past HARLEY and into the apartment building. HARLEY looks at SCOTT in shock, picks up the ripped picture and tries putting the pieces together. His eyes widen in realisation, turns and runs to follow SCOTT. By the time HARLEY reaches SCOTT his is unlocking the front door to his apartment. INT. SCOTT'S APARTMENT. AFTERNOON HARLEY Scott, I think I know what's going on. Let me try to help ya. This isn't healthy or safe. You could deteriorate, hurt yourself and others... Scott listen to me god damn it SCOTT turn to look at HARLEY, vulnerability clear on his face. SCOTT (Exasperated) I don't know who these people are... I do but then I don't... they haunt me. HARLEY Let's change that for ya then. You clearly know of them, so let's start there. SCOTT slowly nods in agreement. HARLEY makes his way to the kitchen. HARLEY First things first, let's get a some coffee. This is gonna be a long evening. HARLEY starts to search the kitchen cupboards for mugs and coffee to find most of the cupboards bare. He looks around and realised most of SCOTT'S apartment is also the same. SCOTT wanders in and rubs his face with his hands,
- 10. 10. Created using Celtx determination clear on his face. He helps HARLEY prepare the drinks in silence. After both entering the main living space they start to piece back together the picture of the woman. HARLEY This is coming together quite well... HARLEY turns to look at SCOTT and wiggles his eyebrows. HARLEY ...tape works wonders wouldn't ya say. SCOTT (rolls his eyes and chuckles) You know all about that don't you Harley... HARLEY No comment... Now lets get on with sorting this all out. HARLEY now turns to SCOTT with seriousness in his face. HARLEY That lady from the roof... she reminded you of her right HARLEY then points to the repaired picture. SCOTT nods and looks ashamed. SCOTT I see her in my dreams most nights, I don't know who she is. I must have known her, I was in the dreams with her. Shes important to me I think... Same with Tanker, I know him from somewhere too. HARLEY Tell me what you remember about them. We'll start there, see if there are any important details that could help us. SCOTT (In thought, slower speaking)
- 11. 11. Created using Celtx Okay well... I think I know Tanker, I mean Thomas, from somewhere... We got off a plane together, we must be close we joked a lot. We were in an airport, there was a girl there. I hugged her. Thomas mentioned about her being my "missus" SCOTT rubs his ring finger whilst in thought. HARLEY Can you remember what the airport was called or where you were coming from? SCOTT (Exasperated) No I can't, I'm sorry. This was a waste of time... HARLEY No no no. Come on, I didn't think you were the type to give up so soon. SCOTT turns to HARLEY, conflict etched on his face. Scoots looks down at the picture and carefully picks it up. SCOTT I just don't know how I can remember the important stuff. HARLEY Ah- that's where I come in my good friend. Now I need you to trust me and not to panic but it'll be worth it, okay? SCOTT Okay, I'll trust you... What do you need me to do? HARLEY Get comfortable and control your breathing. Breath in for four seconds and out for five, now keep doing that... SCOTT does as he say and gets comfortable on the couch, SCOTT then breaths in for four counts and out for five.
- 12. 12. Created using Celtx HARLEY Yup, just like that you're doing great. Now I want you to put some earphones on, it will help with the scenario recreation. SCOTT starts to open his mouth to speak. HARLEY It's fine, you can use mine. SCOTT looks bewildered but nods his head slowly. HARLEY reaches in his pocket, pulls out his earphones and phone. He connects them together and searches for generic airport noises. Afterwards HARLEY turns to SCOTT and passes him the earphone to put in. HARLEY Now I'm going to play generic airport noises to help get you back in that memory. I'll keep the volume down as I'm going to talk to you throughout. Now close your eyes, focus on your breathing and try picture the airport... the sounds, the smells, the people... MEMORY STARTS. INT. LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. AFTERNOON SCOTT looks around and sees a younger looking self walking next to who can only be Tanker. The past version of SCOTT and TANKER are walking and joking, snippets of their conversation can be heard. SCOTT - PAST That was an intense recovery mission, my body is gonna ache for a while. TANKER - PAST Yeah tell me about it, don't forget we've gotta go back to Marine Corps Centre in a month. Don't go slacking on your workouts. SCOTT - CURRENT (mumbles under breath) The Marine Corps... HARLEY - V.O What did you say Scott? Come on
- 13. 13. Created using Celtx buddy, I need to know what you see and hear. SCOTT - CURRENT (louder) We were talking about the marine corps. HARLEY - V.O Who? SCOTT - CURRENT Me an' Tanker, we had to go back there in a month. Just came back from a recovery mission from somewhere. HARLEY - V.O Okay good now carry on, you're doing great. HARLEY'S voice seemed to fade out at that moment in time, the colours and noises from the airport becoming louder and more vibrant. SCOTT follows his part self and looks around the airport, he stops when he sees the words LAX. SCOTT - CURRENT Harley whats LAX? It says LAX on the walls inside... HARLEY - V.O Err let me look.. Seems like you're in the Los Angeles International Airport. SCOTT - CURRENT (mumbles) Los Angeles... SCOTT is pulled from his thoughts when he witnesses his past self run to the woman. He gets closer, hears her soft giggles and his past self chant her name over and over. SCOTT - PAST Ellie! Oh god Ellie, I can't believe you came to pick me up I thought- MEMORY FINISHES. INT. SCOTT'S APARTMENT. EVENING
- 14. 14. Created using Celtx SCOTT is suddenly pulled out of his memory and turns to HARLEY. SCOTT Ellie! Her name is Ellie and she's my wife... Oh my god I have a wife! As the realisation sinks in SCOTT starts to shake. SCOTT I-I need to find her, I must find her. Is she still alive? Does she remember me? HARLEY We will find her, don't ya worry. I'd say that's enough memory recreation. Lets get ya another coffee and we will talk more then. SCOTT nods in agreement and watches HARLEY disappear into his kitchen once again. His eyes flicker back to the picture of Ellie and he picks it up carefully. SCOTT (Whispers to himself) I will find you Ellie, I will remember... HARLEY walks back in with too fresh mugs of coffee and sets them on the table. He picks up his notes from the recent session and SCOTT'S eyebrows are raised in wonder. HARLEY notices. HARLEY Thought I'd take notes so we didn't forget any information. SCOTT That's smart of you HARLEY I know, now then lets get started. HARLEY pulls out his phone once more and loads up google. He starts typing in the LAX airport. HARLEY I'm guessing you lived in Los Angeles if that's where she came to pick you
- 15. 15. Created using Celtx up, considering you're married and all. HARLEY started jotting down more notes as he was talking. HARLEY Now if we also think along those lines it would make sense for you to go to a Marine Corps nearby. Lets have a look at the ones in the area, see if you remember anything. SCOTT Sounds good to me. HARLEY starts a google search for Marine Corps in LA. SCOTT shakes his head at every option, becoming more and more annoyed for not recognising any. HARLEY rests his hand on SCOTT'S shoulder. HARLEY It's okay, we just might not have found the right one yet. Lets look at some around LA. SCOTT stays silent and rubs his hands over his face, scratching his growing beard in thought. SCOTT After this I'm going to bed, I'm exhausted from all this remembering. HARLEY Yeah you will be, lets rule of LA completely then so we know where not to look next. HARLEY adjusts his google search for bases around LA rather than in it. HARLEY (Almost talking to himself) Okay, so we have the... Lincoln Military Housing, Marine Corps Communication/ Electronics School, err there's just one left.. HARLEY turns to take a quick look at SCOTT. SCOTT nods for him to continue.
- 16. 16. Created using Celtx HARLEY Twentynine Pa- SCOTT cuts HARLEY off mid sentence. SCOTT Twentynine Palms Marine Corps, that's it. SCOTT grins at HARLEY, and hugs him. HARLEY awkwardly pats his back in return. HARLEY (Awkwardly) Oh err... no problem. Told ya we would.. HARLEY pulls away slowly and starts putting his notebook, phone and earphones away. HARLEY stands and looks down at SCOTT. HARLEY Right then, I'll take these. You need to sleep and so do I. See ya after work tomorrow. SCOTT Yeah sounds like a plan... Oh and I forgot to say. I'm not working tomorrow, boss told me to take it off. SCOTT also stands up and walks HARLEY to his front door. HARLEY In that case I'll come see ya tomorrow around midday if that's cool with you. SCOTT Yeah just knock, I should be around. HARLEY nods and leaves the walk down the hallway. SCOTT watches him until HARLEY enters his own place. SCOTT locks the door and checks it twice. He then goes to wash the mugs and has a quick shower, before turning off the lights and climbing into bed.