Different Shade

SCENE 1:

Late Afternoon, The Aisles.

[ Towards the end of his double

shift, Joh sneaks outside to

the employee parking lot.

Leaning up against the wall, he

shuffles in his coat pocket for

a small bottle.  Sighing he takes

a few, long & generous swigs. ]

[ Minutes later, he's settled in

a daze when a co-worker spots

him. ]

"Are you alright?"

[ Joh steadies himself before

starting to walk off. ]

JOH: I'm good.  I was just.

Leaving.

JENNI: Okay then.  See ya.

[ She meets Joh's glance as the bottle

falls out of his pocket, shattering

on the ground. ]

JOH: Can you do me a favor?

I already clocked out.

JENNI: Yeah, it's cool.  I got it.

JOH: Thanks.

[ Joh walks off slowly.  Climbing

inside his truck, he lays down

across the seat. ]

SCENE 2:

At Mark & Ski's house.

[ Ski, Jai, Chais, & Kiilyn are

lounging in the living room. ]

SKI: Did your Dad set up that

interview?

JAI: Yeah. It's next week 

with Hahn.

[ Jai gets silent. ]

SKI: He's a good guy.  You

should have no problem.

A little weird, but cool.

[ Chais starts to laugh. ]

CHAIS: I don't know why

you're so excited about

interviewing at TA.

JAI: To make my own money.

CHAIS: There's other jobs.

I wouldn't be caught dead

working for Mark.

SKI: Nice asshole.

CHAIS: I'm serious.

SKI: Anyway, you know what

tomorrow is?

[ He looks over at Jai.  Getting

his attention Ski starts to

jingles keys in the air. ]

KIILYN: What are those?

JAI: You got my bike?

SKI: It wasn't easy convincing

your Dad, but yeah it's in

the garage.

[ Before he can finish, Jai

& Kiilyn are gone. ]

SCENE 3:

Back inside Joh's truck.

[ He's talking to Stuu over

the phone. ]

JOH: Dude, I need you to

come pick me up.

STUU: Didn't you drive last

night?

JOH: Yeah but I'm not feeling

well.  Please.

STUU: Okay okay.  You don't

have to get on your knees.

[ His laughter causes Joh to

crack a smile. ]

STUU: I'll be there in 20.

[ Later, Stuu pulls up.  Seeing

Joh's state, he gets out & helps

him get inside. ]

STUU: Good thing you called me

considering you're wasted.  

JOH: It was a small bottle and

I don't need the lecture.  Just

the ride thanks.

I just got out of a double from

hell.  

STUU: You drink like this a lot

though.  Just saying, man.

Is something up?  I mean,

besides the usual registry

headache.

[ He looks down & Joh is

passed out, laying on the

middle seat. 

Stuu sits back, turning up

the radio. ]

SCENE 4:

Inside the garage.

SKI: I'll take you to get the

license when I get home

from work tomorrow.

Alright?

JAI: Yeah.  Thanks Dad.

[ Ski goes back inside. ]

KIILYN: I know it's sweet

but I think you've stared at

it long enough.  Let's go

watch movies.

JAI: I won't be staring at

it for long.

KIILYN: And what's that

suppose to mean?

JAI: It means that when

Ski goes to sleep we're

taking this baby out on

a little drive.

KIILYN: Are you deaf?  That's

exactly what Ski said not

to do.

JAI: Come on. just around

the block.  I'll let you sit

bitch unless you're scared.

KIILYN: Fine whatever.

SCENE 5:

In Joh's basement.

STUU: You sure you don't

want help up to your room?

JOH: No.  I crash down here

all the time.  You staying?

STUU: Why not.

[ Stuu sits down with his feet

on the table while Joh lays

near him under a blanket. ]

JOH: Thanks for getting me

home.

STUU: No problem but I'm

starting to get worried about

you. Weis may be your best

friend but you are mine and

I can't afford anything to

happen to your stupid butt.

[ Joh laughs. ]

JOH: I am pretty dumb.

STUU: Hey.  You know that's

not what I meant.

JOH: I got dumped by my religion

and by my only girlfriend.

STUU: Those things weren't meant

to be but you'll find something

or someone else to feel passionate

about soon enough.  I know it.

[ Joh sits up hugging onto Stuu.

Surprised Stuu sits back a little

but before he can move he's

shocked again by the presence

of Joh's lips on his own. ]

SCENE 6:

Outside of Mark & Ski's.

JAI: I told you we'd get it out.

Here, take the other helmet.

[ Kiilyn backs up. ]

KIILYN: No.  I changed my mind.

JAI: Chicken, I'm going.

[ Jai puts his helmet down, starting

up the motorbike.  Looking back he

signals his friend before pulling

off into the night. 

Five minutes later, Kiilyn is standing

in the road waiting for Jai to appear. ]

KIILYN: Hey, where did you go?

[ Kiilyn starts to yell his name as he

walks around the block.  Turning

the corner, he sees the bike laying

on his side with Jai no where in

sight. 

He takes off running now & can

see his friend laying a little ways

off on the ground. ]

KIILYN: Jai!

[ He doesn't respond. ]

Rule of None

SCENE 1:

Morning shift, TA.

[ Landyn cautiously enters the

store.  Looking down, he heads

quickly toward the break room

but instead bumps into Kristyn. ]

KRISTYN: Hey, I know you’ve been

busy running lines for our next

commercial but I figured after

the other night you would at

least call me.

LANDYN: You’re right.  We do need

to talk about things.  But right now

Mark needs me in his office.

KRISTYN: Oh, alright.  I’ll see you

later then.

[ Kristyn smiles at Landyn as he

walks by & waves. Moments later

Monica comes up to floral. ]

MONICA: That looked cozy.  Is

there something you’re not

telling me?

KRISTYN: Well let’s just say

Landyn becomes very bold

In private.

MONICA: Okay, and what does

that mean exactly?

KRISTYN: It means that he kissed

me.

MONICA: You’re kidding! 

KRISYN: No, I’m not.  And it was

long, hot, and extra extended.

[ Monica stares in surprise. ]

MONICA: Girl, you wild!

SCENE 2:

[ Marisa is driving downtown

when her phone rings. ]

“Hey, sorry it took me so

long to get back to you.”

MARISA: It’s cool, I’m glad that

you finally did. 

AIRYNN: We haven’t talked in

a long time.  What’s going on?

MARISA: I guess you haven’t realized

the damage your dumb dare has

caused your so-called friend.

Joh is facing serious charges

because of this.

AIRYNN: Hey, it’s not my fault.

I didn’t think he would do it.

MARISA: That’s not the point.

We’ve all three known each

other for most of our lives.

Through all of school &

even two years of college.

Are you ever gonna mature?

AIRYNN: I’m sorry.  It was just

a stupid joke.   Anyway, Stuu

told me how Joh has been

lately and maybe it serves

him right. 

So, what are you gonna do

now?

MARISA: I’ll take him to court,

 but If Joh doesn’t start acting

right I’m not going to stick

around.

SCENE 3:

Back inside TA.

[ Hours later, Kristyn meets

up with Landyn in the front

break room. ]

KRISTYN: Finally, we’re alone.

[ She gets closer to Landyn,

not noticing his expression. ]

LANDYN: Wait, just a minute.

[ Kristyn immediately backs up. ]

KRISTYN: What is it?

LANDYN: Look, the other night

when I kissed you.  I have no

idea what I was doing.  Literally.

KRISTYN: Well, it sure seems like

It.  You kept it going for an hour.

LANDYN: I know, I know.  And

It seems like I led you on.

Not to mention, it was

very unprofessional of

me to take it there in the

first place. 

KRISTYN: But I don’t care.

We can keep this just to

ourselves. 

LANDYN: I don’t think you

understand me.  The ex I

told you about.  That’s a guy

who works nights here.

 

I’m sorry.  I thought you

knew.

[ Kristyn stands there in shock. ]

SCENE 4:

Downtown at the Court House.

[ Marisa meets Joh inside. ]

MARISA: The security here is

tight.  I hate going in places

like this.

JOH:  Right, it sucks.  Bet

I know something else

that’s tight. 

[ Joh starts to laugh as people

begin looking in his direction. ]

MARISA: Knock it off.  I can’t

believe you smoked before

you got here.  What if the

judge realizes your high?

JOH: I’m sorry but I was

freaking out.  You would be

too, if you were in this

situation.  Trust me, it’s

no big deal.  Not like I do

it all the time.

MARISA: Fine, let’s just get

this over with.

[ Joh takes Marisa’s hand.  As

they attempt to walk into the

court room, an officer stops

them. ]

OFFICER: This is a closed session.

[ He points to Marisa. ]

OFFICER: She can wait out here.

SCENE 5:

A Café, near TA.

LANDYN: Thanks for meeting me,

man.  I had to get away from

Kristyn and her cold stares.

I feel so bad right now.

KYLE: I can’t believe you kissed

a chick.  Huge surprise for this

time in the morning. 

LANDYN: Right.  Leave it to me

to mess up again.  Hope

she’ll talk to me soon.

KYLE: I wouldn’t stress too much.

Kristyn’s pretty chill.  I’m sure

she’ll forgive you.  I’m the real

idiot though.

LANDYN: Why? Don’t tell me

you regret quitting TA now?

KYLE: Not at all.  I love what I

do, man.  It just.

LANDYN:  You also love Monica?

KYLE: Yeah, exactly.  I wish there

was some way to have both.

[ Suddenly Kyle receives a text

message on his phone & stops

talking. ]

KYLE:  Shit man, I gotta run.

LANDYN: But we haven’t even

eaten yet.

KYLE: It’s Ace.  Something’s wrong.

He needs me to drive him to

the hospital.

SCENE 6:

[ Marisa hears people talking

in the court room & she waits

for Joh to come walking out

Finally in sight, Marisa notices

the drained expression on his

face. ]

MARISA: What happened?

What did the judge say?

[ Joh looks up at Marisa. ]

JOH: Say hello to the newest

soon-to-be registered

sex offender.

MARISA:  If you’re playing games

with me, I promise Johsef.

JOH: Babe, I’m not.

[ He sits down on the bench. ]

JOH: For once today, I’m not.

MARISA: Well, what can we do?

This isn’t fair.  We have to fight

this.

[ Joh stands up facing her. ]

JOH: Maybe this was someone’s

plan to snap me back into reality.

Show me that unless I do what

I was taught from birth my life

will always go wrong, right?

Well, it didn’t work. 

MARISA: Wait, are you talking

about God?

You made the bad choice!

I can’t handle you like this

anymore.  You can’t even

own up to your own crap.

Joh, I’m done!

[ Marisa drives off with Joh 
still standing inside the 
court house. ]

 NEW PREVIEW: 11/27 ! 

(Updated 11/24)

306 Innocence Has Ended

( T&T/#5)

[ Downstairs in a small
room of the Fraternity
house Joh and 3 other
pledges are sitting at
a table ]

[ walks up ] ‘Let me
start by introducing
myself. . .I’m Mike,
and I’ll be guiding
your through our
initiation week. . .’

‘I’m going to be
asking you a series
of questions just so
we can get to know
each other better,
everyone cool?’

[ They all four nod ]

‘Who would you say
is the most important
person in your life?’

MAC: My girlfriend

‘Where do you see
yourself in five years?’

LEEVIGH: In five years,
I hope to be using
my degree at a
computer software
company. . .

‘What is your greatest
fear?’

STUU: I’ve always
had a problem with
. . .being alone

‘How do you think
being a fraternity
brother will help
you as a person?’

JOH: Well, um
Up until a few
months ago I was
living a pretty
structured life with
my parents
And I hope that
if I get in. . .it
will help me relax
and not be so
serious all the time


[ Minutes later, Joh gets
his stuff and exits
the Fraternity house/
Outside he starts walking
toward his dorm. . . ]

‘Hey, Joh!’

[ He turns around
and sees Airynn ]


AIRYNN: What’s up?

JOH: You serious?
Your just gonna
casually walk up
to me and say hi
AIRYNN: Oh, sorry
we can’t talk? I
mean, we did use
to be best friends
JOH: Yeah sure. . .
What is it you
want anyway?

AIRYNN: Man what
are you doing?
Honestly, pledging
a fraternity?
JOH: Yeah, is there
a problem with that?

[ He starts to walk
away, but Airynn
stops him. . . ]

‘Do you really think
they’re gonna let
you in?’

JOH: Why wouldn’t
they?
AIRYNN: Come on
Joh, if you couldn’t
even bend the rules
to make out with
a girl last year
How is this gonna
end up any different?
JOH: What does
that have to
do with anything?
AIRYNN: You’ll see
They will search
until they find
the one thing that
will test you the
most. . .And then
what will you do?

[ Airynn looks at him
and then walks away
shaking his head ]


[ The front office of
TA Mark just
finished meeting with
the managers. . . ]

HITHE: As usual Mark
not only was that
informative. . .But it
was also quite
entertaining [ smirks ]

[ He pats him on
the back on his
way out the door ]

‘Hey Ace, I wanted
to talk to you about
something. . .’

ACE: Yeah, what’s up?

MARK: Well, I was
thinking of bringing
your name up to
manage the new
store addition
ACE: Your serious?
MARK: Yeah, but
lately it seems like
you’ve lost your
drive. . .
What’s going on?

ACE: I’m sorry. . .
It’s a family issue
My cousin is
getting kind of out
of control and I’m
the closest to him
MARK: I understand,
It’s alright. . .
I really think you
should push for
this promotion though
it could open a lot
of doors for you
ACE: Well, thanks
Mark
But I don’t think
I could handle
that responsibility
right now. . .

[ He walks past Mark
and out of the office ]


[ Back at the dorm,
Joh is laying in bed
when Weis walks in ]

JOH: Wow, you
finally cleared the
room of the tsunami
attack that was in
here earlier
WEIS: Yeah, well
I happen to have
a important date
tonight
JOH: See, I knew
there had to be
a reason [ smiles ]

WEIS: Uh huh, so
how’s pledging
going?
They make you do
any sick shit yet?
JOH: Nope, nothing
so far. . .
WEIS: Ok, then
why do you look
so stressed?

JOH: I don’t know

WEIS: Well, I’m gonna
take off to the
shower room. . .
And you could have
some. . .time
to yourself maybe
JOH: Yeah right,
even if I wanted
to I couldn’t

[ He throws a pillow
at him as he walks
out the door. . . ]


[ A few hours later,
it’s Night shift at
TA and Ski
walks up to Larrie ]

‘Hey, I’m not trying
to be a dick. . .
But you gotta stay
awake at work’

LARRIE: I know,
I’m up now. . .
Sorry, I just haven’t
been getting much
sleep lately

I’ll be right back

[ He quickly leaves
and Ski’s left there
looking confused ]


[ Joh walks into his
dorm room. . .
Turning on the
light, he looks
around then takes
off his robe. . . ]

[ Walking over
to the mirror he
looks at himself,
flexing his muscles
and making faces ]


[ Across town Weis is
sitting on a couch
with his date Landyn ]

WEIS: I can’t believe
you use to model
LANDYN: Thanks, it’s
just some catalog
work though. . .
WEIS: I know, but
why didn’t you
pursue it?
LANDYN: Oh, I’m
not sure
Just sort of lost
interest after
awhile, I guess
WEIS: Oh, I see
So, what are you
interested in now?
LANDYN: You mean,
besides you? [ laughs ]


[ Early the next morning
Joh and the 3 pledges
are back in the Frat-
ernity basement. . . ]

MASTER MIKE: Tonight
the Fraternity will
be holding a party
here at eight. . .
So I expect you
four to be here
on time, Got it?

[ Outside after the
meeting Joh is sitting
on the steps. . . ]

‘Yeah, I’d like
to get him!’

[ Turns around ]

JOH: What did
you say?
STUU: Uh, nothing
See you later

[ He hurries off ]

LEEVIGH: Ready
for tonight?

[ Stands up and
they start to walk ]

JOH: Yeah, why?
LEEVIGH: I heard
we’ll have some
big task to do
JOH: Like what?
LEEVIGH: No clue. . .
Whatever it is
Good luck though!


[ The party is going
on and Mike’s talk-
ing to the pledges ]

‘This is the mystery
punch bowl. . .
Rule is as long
as you’re here
you have to keep
drinking it. . .’

MASTER MIKE: So,
everyone get a
glass, do some
mingling. . .

And uh, Mac. . .
Can I talk to you?

[ They walk off and
Joh takes a drink
from his glass ]

‘This stuff’s pretty
good. . .’

LEEVIGH: Yeah, I bet. . .
It’s probably spiked
JOH: What?
LEEVIGH: See, I told
you. . We’re being
set up man. . .


[ In the back room ]

‘What is this?’

MASTER MIKE: It’s
time to prove to
me you’ll be a
loyal member to
this Fraternity

So as your final
test I brought
in a girl, she’s
blindfolded. . .

I’ll leave you two
alone and all you
have to do is get
a picture of one
kiss’

[ 5 minutes later, Mac
exits and Stuu enters ]

MASTER MIKE: In order
to be a leader in life
you have to learn
to rely on yourself

So, I’m gonna leave
you in here and
we’ll see if you can
figure the way out

[ Leaving him inside
he locks the door
behind him. . . ]


[ Leevigh is talking to
Joh when Mike taps
him on the shoulder ]

MASTER MIKE: Hey,
can I talk to you
over there?
LEEVIGH: Yeah, actually
I have a test early
in the morning. . .
So, I was wondering
Is it ok if I leave?
MASTER MIKE: Yeah,
it’s Economics. . .
right? Here, it’s
the answer guide

I’m afraid you won’t
get much studying
done tonight

[ The door opens to
the back room and
Joh is pushed in,
stumbling around ]

‘Joh, you alright?’

JOH: Dude, what
was in that stuff?
STUU: I don’t know
What did Mike say?

[ Joh comes over and
lays on the floor next
to him. . . ]

‘I have to masturbate’

STUU: What, why?
JOH: Because I’m not
allowed to. . .it’s
my religion
STUU: Fuck him.
You don’t have to
do anything you
don’t want to
JOH: Yeah, I do. . .
He’s watching us
STUU: How?

[ Joh passes out on
the floor and Stuu
notices a string
inside his waistband ]

[ Pulling on it he
feels something and
starts to unzip Joh’s
pants. . .Seeing a key
he takes it and goes
toward the door ]

‘Hey, maybe if I just
I mean, you wouldn’t
be doing any wrong’

[ Kneeling over, he removes
Joh’s pants and begins
to stroke him
through his underwear ]

104 & 105 . . .DONT WANNA STOP!

[ At Hithe’s apartment/Amber, Ski, & Hithe decorating…]


HITHE: Two more hours…can anyone stand this excitement?
AMBER: Wow! I would say you need to get out more,
But you’re still not actually going anywhere. [smirks at him]
SKI: Well, I definitely can’t wait to get my drink on…
AMBER: …And your two step? [laughs]
SKI: Something like that…

HITHE: OK…tables set, cakes here, music…
Wait! Where’s the DJ I hired?
SKI: I don’t know…call him! [Hands him the phone]
AMBER: Well boys I’m going to go get ready…
I’ll be back!

SKI: OK

[ Amber leaves, Ski sits on couch & Hithe comes over. ]

HITHE: No answer…what am I gonna do?
I can’t have a party without any music!
SKI: Chill out! I’ll wait here by the phone you go get ready…
HITHE: Alright, OK…I’ll go shower
SKI: Good! It’ll help you relax…


[ Ski sits back down, gets up & walks upstairs…
Hears water running, knocks on door. No answer…comes in. ]

SKI: Hey Hithe, I’m just getting dressed…OK?

[Calls from the bathroom] HITHE: Yeah, that’s fine…


[ Ski puts bag on the bed, slowly lays out clothes…
changes his pants & removes shirt, Hithe comes out in a towel. ]

HITHE: Nice pants!
SKI: Really? I cut the design in them myself [looks up at him]
HITHE: Yeah, you should’ve done mine…
SKI: Oh well, what are you wearing?

HITHE: Just these khakis and a button down
SKI: Oh no…what else do you have?

[ Ski looks through his closet. ]

SKI: Put on this shirt, with these jeans… [lays out on bed]
HITHE: OK, if you say so
SKI: I do! Now hurry up people will be here soon

[ Turns around, starts to leave…Grabs his shirt. ]

HITHE: Wait!

[ Ski turns around & sees Hithe standing in his underwear. ]

HITHE: What about the DJ?
SKI: Don’t worry! I know the music…
I’ll do it
HITHE: You sure?
SKI: Yeah, now get dressed!

[ Puts on shirt, looks down & adjust his pants before walking downstairs. ]


[ Downstairs, music playing & doorbell rings. ]

SKI: Who is it?
AMBER: It’s me, I’m back!
[opens door] SKI: Wow! You look hot girl!
AMBER: I know [smiles], nice pants…
So, where’s our star?

[comes downstairs] HITHE: Right here!
AMBER: You’re looking good, Mr.!
SKI: I know, right?
HITHE: Thanks, so do you….
SKI: OK, so we have to do a shot before everyone gets here

[ Pours out three & hands them out. ]

HITHE: I’m ready! Let’s go!
SKI: Hold it, alchie! [clears throat]
This is to Hithe, our friendship, and having the party of the year!

[ All down the shot. ]

AMBER: Happy birthday, baby!


[ Doorbell rings, Ski goes behind table & Amber gets the door/
Music starts again as people are crowding in. ]

HITHE: Hey everyone!
There’s food and drink in the kitchen… [drowns off in the music]

[Amber comes over to Ski] AMBER: Here you go, Ski! [hands him a drink]
SKI: Thanks [takes a sip]
I see you looking…
AMBER: What?
SKI: Never mind, just save me a dance!


[ Amber sees Hithe sitting down talking, she sits near him. ]


CLICK TO CONTINUE THIS STORY (PART ONE)

& AFTER . . .EXTENDED VERSION (PART TWO)