Laurie 10, Melissa 7 – A screenplay
EXTERIOR – NEBRASKA – A BARN W/ THE SUN BEYOND IT – VERY LONG SHOT
SUNRISE
We see a beautiful panorama of fields, stables, tracks, and horses in Center of Frame, with rich countryside surrounding. The camera starts low and slowly ZOOMS IN and MOVES UP toward the barn with the rising sun on the horizon. As the camera moves into the second-floor door, we can see the sun rising through the open door at the other end. Blocking the opening, are several bales of randomly stacked hay. The camera slowly ZOOMS IN and passes over the barn, REVERSING THE ANGLE and focusing on the other side of the hay. ZOOM IN on Marielle, sitting with her knees pulled up to her chin, staring with tear-stained eyes at the morning sun.
DISSOLVE TO:
INT. – LIZABETH AND KEVIN – BEDROOM
LIZABETH
I think we need some time to sort out all the different pressures on us and to see if we can cope together.
KEVIN
Lizabeth, I know we can! I don’t need ••
LIZABETH
But I do! I need to find my way back from wherever I’ve just been. I’m not even sure I know how I got there.
KEVIN
Do you … do you love me?
LIZABETH
Yes, I do. If I know what love is, I do.
KEVIN
I love you more than you realize.
LIZABETH
Then let me go and try to find my way back to you. (Pause)
KEVIN
I’ll be right here waiting for you.
LIZABETH
I was hoping you’d wait for me somewhere else.
KEVIN
That’s a little old-fashioned isn’t it? You’re the one who wants to separate. Why should I leave?
LIZABETH
This from the man who loves me?
KEVIN
Well, I’m mad, dammit! First, you want to separate, then you want me to leave my house and the memories of my children with it! This from the woman who loves me? Why don’t you take a knife and be done with it?
LIZABETH
I’m just trying to be practical. You can afford to live somewhere else for a while. I can’t.
KEVIN
On forty-five K a year, you can’t afford it? Lizabeth, you’re the one who wants a separation! There’s a price you pay for that.
LIZABETH
I don’t believe this.
KEVIN
You don’t believe it? I’m the one who came home with a new determination to make our lives work. Now you want me out because you think I don’t love you.
LIZABETH (Calmly)
What’s the reason for your new determination?
His anger at being sent away just when he is ready to come back puts him more at ease with this confession.
KEVIN
There’s no easy way to say this. (Pause) I’ve had an affair.
He pauses for reaction and gets none.
KEVIN (CONT’D)
I didn’t mean for it to happen, but I needed someone and you weren’t there for me. (Still nothing) It’s over. I realize now what it was all about for me and it’s over. I love you, Lizabeth. And I need you. I’ve needed you for a long time and I want to work our problems out together. She seems almost satisfied to know.
LIZABETH (Coolly)
How long has it been going on?
KEVIN
It went on for about 3 weeks and ended when you tried to kill yourself. I’m sorry, Lizzy. I’m hoping you’ll forgive me.
LIZABETH
Who was it?
KEVIN
There’s no need to involve anyone else further here. It’s over.
LIZABETH
Why? Because I tried to kill myself? Why should that change anything?
KEVIN
Lizabeth, when I heard what you had done, I decided on the spot what I wanted in this life. Maybe it took almost losing it to make me see, but I did, so I ended it. I needed you and she was there. I still need you and I’m willing to work to keep us together.
LIZABETH
How hard were you willing to work a month ago?
KEVIN
I don’t know. Where were we a month ago?
LIZABETH
I don’t see any point in this, Kevin. I think even more now that you should leave.
KEVIN
And I think we need to talk more and work-things out.
LIZABETH
I can’t. If you won’t leave, I’ll move in with Marielle.
KEVIN
I don’t think that’s a good idea.
LIZABETH
Why? She’s at her mother’s, I have a key, she couldn’t possibly …
Here comes the dawn.
LIZABETH (CONT’D)
Oh, my God. You didn’t! Not …
KEVIN
Lizabeth …
LIZABETH (CONT’D)
Oh, my God! Kevin! You … I … Oh, God! How … ?
KEVIN
It’s over, Lizabeth. I don’t love her!
LIZABETH
I don’t care whether you love her or not! You made love to her!
KEVIN
I knew this wouldn’t be easy, but I’m prepared to accept your anger. I know you love me, and my love for you has been confirmed by …
LIZABETH
CONFIRMED! This is how you confirm your love? With someone else, just to see how it stacks up?
CONTINUED: