Only Strangers ( Part 1 )

Early morning, TA Salon.

[ Pierre, Sascha, & Lorenzo

are talking outside. ]

PIERRE: Anything you want

me to do while you’re gone?

[ He kisses Sascha while Lorenzo

makes faces behind them. ]

SASCHA: No not that I can think

of.  And I saw that look ass.

[ Lorenzo starts to laugh. ]

LORENZO: You starting to feel

like a housewife yet?

PIERRE: Yeah. Thanks for the

reminder bud.

SASCHA: Oh please.  He likes it.

LORENZO: Anyway, what I have

planned for us tonight should

more than make up for it.

SASCHA: Really, should I be

concerned?

LORENZO: Relax.  It’s just drinks.

[ He gives them a sly look. ]

PIERRE: To start out with.

SASCHA: Of course.  The danger

always shows up later.  Or so

I’ve heard with you.

LORENZO: I plead the fifth.

PIERRE: Well, I better let you two

get inside.  I’ll be back around 5:30

babe.  See ya tonight Renzo.

Mirror; small town

outside of Magic Springs.

[ Airynn walks outside the

abandoned farm house & sees

Brian stretched out on the grass. ]

AIRYNN: It’s eleven-thirty.  Shouldn’t

we be heading out?  You’re always

complaining about the traffic.

[ He waits for a minute until Brian

opens his eyes & stands up. ]

BRIAN: We have plenty of time.

AIRYNN: What were you doing

down there anyway?

BRIAN: Having a conversation.

[ Airynn faces him, & they stop

walking. ]

AIRYNN: Talking to yourself

in the fields.  I knew you we’re

crazy.

BRIAN: Actually, I was seeking

guidance about the work we’re

about to do.  And you should

be doing the same.

AIRYNN: Yeah.  Prayer is not

really my thing.  And normally

work is something you get paid

for.  Just saying. 

BRIAN: It’s not about that.

AIRYNN: Half the people we

find don’t give us the time of

day regardless.

BRIAN: Right.  But they will.

[ He grabs onto Airynn’s shoulder. ]

BRIAN: Soon enough, it won’t be

 an option.  

Dial Complete center.

[ Tessa walks into the manager’s

office. ]

TESSA: Morning.  You wanted to

see me?

[ The female boss motions for

Tessa to take a seat. ]

MANAGER: Yes.  Your team is

doing some great work by

the way.  Just behind Monroe’s. 

Although that’s to be expected,

she has been here longer.

TESSA: Only a couple years.

[ The boss ignores her. ]

MANAGER: I have a few new clients

coming in next week.  I need you to

put up this flyer in the break room

for an assistant position.

TESSA:  That sounds like something

I would be interested in. What

does it involve?

[ She waits but the boss is busy

typing on her computer. ]

MANAGER: Sure.  Just sign the sheet.

[ Later Tessa is heading towards

the break room.  Standing inside

she opens the flyer, thinking about

her bosses comment.

Getting an idea, she hurries to the

bathroom but bumps into some-

one on the way. ]

Downtown, later that night.

[ Pierre & Lorenzo arrive outside

Species club.  Pierre goes to wait

in line but Lorenzo walks right up

to the door. ]

LORENZO: Come on!

[ Later inside, they are sitting at

the bar drinking. ]

PIERRE: So when’s the last time

you dated someone?

LORENZO: I don’t really date.  To

be honest with you. 

PIERRE: Okay.  What’s your type

then?

[ Lorenzo’s attention goes toward

the door as two attractive females

walk in. ]

LORENZO: Them right there.

PIERRE: Wonder how they got in

here.  They’re not exactly dressed

for this place. 

[ The girls join them at the bar. ]

LORENZO: Hello ladies.

PIERRE: Hi.

 LORENZO: Can I buy you

a drink?

[ He winks at them, waiting. ]

Earlier, at Dial Complete.

“Slow down ma’am.  You almost

ran me over.”

[ LeeVigh smiles at her & they kiss. ]

TESSA:  Is it that late already?  I’ve

lost track of time today.

LEEVIGH: Yeah, I just got here.

Has it really been that busy?

[ Tessa stays silent for a moment. ]

LEEVIGH: Is something wrong?

TESSA: Not at all.  I don’t want

to jinx things but I’m going after

this promotion.  I guess I’m just

nervous about it.

LEEVIGH: You’re the hardest worker

In the building.  I’m sure you will

get it.

TESSA: I don’t know.  The boss didn’t

seem to thrilled with the idea

LEEVIGH: No offense, but when is

she ever?

[ Tessa starts to laugh. ]

LEEVIGH: I’m serious.  The woman

has two settings.  Busy and discipline.

Anyway, I gotta get going.  See ya

on break.

[ He leaves for his desk. ]

Back downtown.

[ Many drinks later; Pierre, Lorenzo,

Madeline, & Sunshine are walking

to Lorenzo’s car. ]

PIERRE: What’s with that guy down

there?  I think he’s been watching

us since we left the bar.

SUNSHINE: Yeah, where did you

say you parked again?

[ The girls start to walk faster

In the opposite direction &

the guys follow close. ]

LORENZO: Do you know him?

[ His question is soon answered

when they hear the guy calling

their names. ]

MADELINE: Alright.  He’s kind of

our boss but he’s not exactly

a nice person.

PIERRE: Well, he’s starting to

come this way.

LORENZO: What do I do?

[ The stranger picks up his pace

& starts running toward them.

In view now, they can see some-

thing long and thin in his hand. ]

PIERRE: Run!

[ They find Lorenzo's car & quickly

speed off. ]

Back at the call center.

[ Tessa is smiling, walking back

from the bathroom.  Sitting at

her desk now, a fellow supervisor

approaches her. ]

MONROE: How’s it going?

TESSA: Good, how are you?

[ Tessa looks up, spotting her fake

smile. ]

MONROE: I heard were going to

be having a lot of new clients in.

TESSA: That’s what the email said.

[ Tessa starts typing on her computer. ]

MONROE: Yeah.  Maybe the boss

might need some help with that.

I was thinking of talking to her

about it.

TESSA: I was just in her office earlier

and she didn’t mention it.  Doesn’t

she normally put up a flyer?

MONROE: That’s true.  Well I talk

to you later hun.

[ She leaves & Leevigh comes up. ]

LEEVIGH: Ready for a late lunch?

TESSA: Sure am.  Let’s go.

Put That Woman 1st

SCENE 1:

Late Night, at TA. . . . .

[ Ski walks in, seeing Amber

standing at the front end. ]

AMBER: Is it ten yet?

SKI: Not quite.  I came in a little

earlier.

[ She sighs, then smiles. ]

AMBER: You still need to

tell me about what happened

on your first night in London.

SKI: Oh yeah. 

[ Ski looks away. ]

AMBER: What is it? Don’t be

silent now. 

SKI: It’s just.  How do you feel

about every once in awhile

involving a third party in

things?

AMBER: You mean, a threesome.

SKI: Yeah, I met a guy there. And

Mark just kind of went with it.

Next thing I know I was waking

up between them.

AMBER: As long as it’s something

you both agree on.  Just don’t

let something else cause a break

in your relationship again.

SKI: Yeah, I know what you mean.

AMBER: Well, I should get home.

Have a good night.  I’ll text ya. 

[ She exits TheAisles. ]

SCENE 2:

At Jeszyca & Larrie’s.

[ Jeszyca is sitting in a

chair with Larrie & Tiesun on

the couch across from her. ]

JESZYCA: You two look cozy.  If I

didn’t know better I’d say you

we’re dating. 

[ Tiesun sits up, smiling. ]

TIESUN: Nah, we’re just friends.

JESZYCA: Uh huh.  Well, whatever

you are you both need to come

out with me tonight.

[ Larrie gets up, heading toward

the kitchen. ]

LARRIE: Sorry.  I’m making dinner

and we’re watching movies. 

JESZYCA: Lame.  Your suppose to

be my wingman, you know.

TIESUN: There is one more person

you could ask.  He’d be more than

willing to help out. 

[ She smirks at Jeszyca. ]

JESZYCA: Knew that was coming.

SCENE 3:

Outside Amber’s.

[ She arrives home &

Dyminic is reading in the

living room. ]

AMBER: Are you making me

dinner?

[ Dyminic smiles at her. ]

DYMINIC: Yes.  You caught me.

[ She sits down next to him. ]

AMBER: Thanks but you didn’t

have to do that.

DYMINIC: I know.  I figured you

had a long day though.

AMBER: It was.  What did you do?

DYMINIC: Nothing.  I didn’t have

any cases to work on.

I’ll be right back.

[ He disappears into the kitchen &

Amber notices his phone has slid

out of his pocket onto the couch.

Suddenly it lights up, without thinking

Amber grabs it as a conversation

comes into view. ]

“Making my girlfriend dinner.  Talk

soon. “

SCENE 4:

Downtown, local Bar.

[ Jeszyca & Vendor Q return

from the dance floor to sip

drinks at a nearby table. ]

VENDOR Q: Thanks for the invite.

Random as it was.

JESZYCA: Right.  Thanks for showing

up.  After that fiasco before I

wasn’t sure.

VENDOR Q: You mean when you

made out with me and then I

didn’t hear from you.

[ Q laughs. ]

VENDOR Q: It was a test and I failed.

JESZYCA: Hey, it wasn’t you.  It was

your gender. 

VENDOR Q: It’s cool.  We’re friends.

So, has any chick in here caught

your interest?

[ Jeszyca looks around while

Q takes another drink. ]

JESZYCA: Look, over there.

[ Q slowly turns around. ]

SCENE 5:

Back at Amber’s.

[ Her & Dyminic are at the

table finishing their meals. ]

AMBER: Can I ask you something?

[ Dyminic stops & looks up. ]

DYMINIC: Of course.  Anything.

AMBER: Okay.  Do you consider me

your girlfriend? 

DYMINIC: No.  I mean, we’ve never

talked about that.

[ He takes a sip from his water. ]

AMBER: Why did you tell someone

in a text then?

DYMINIC: You saw that?

AMBER: Yes sorry.

DYMINIC: I don’t mind.  It was my

Mom.  Ever since Syria and I

divorced, she’s been concerned.

I told her we’re dating so she’d

think I moved on. 

AMBER: Oh.  I guess that makes

sense.

[ She continues eating & they

are silent for awhile. ]

DYMINIC: I’m just curious.  If you don’t

have an interest in me.  What made

you pick up the phone?

SCENE 6:

[ Vendor Q is watching from the

side as Jeszyca approaches a

brunette on the dance floor.

He calls out, rooting her on. ]

JESZYCA: Sorry.  I don’t know him.

[ The stranger laughs & moves

closer to her. ]

JESZYCA: I’ve never seen you

around here before.

BRUNETTE: Yeah, I just moved

here last weekend from Maison

City.

JESZYCA: Really, I love it there.

Why would you wanna move?

BRUNETTE: It’s a long story.

[ She looks away from Jeszyca

as they continue to dance. ]

NEW PREVIEW . . . . .

309 FAKE I.D.

‘One more week
of freedom and
then I’ll be back
to class. . .’

[ Weis sits up in
bed/ Joh and Lee-
vigh are across from
him on the couch ]

LEEVIGH: That’s
a sad thought!
JOH: Yeah, your
vacation was over
before it even
began. . .

WEIS: I know, and
that’s why we
need a plan. . .
for tonight!
JOH: Like what,
dude?
It’s not like we
can get in any-
where downtown

LEEVIGH: You can
if you have one
of these

[ He hands Joh
an I.D. saying
he’s twenty-two ]

JOH: Wow, first cheat-
ing on a exam and
now a fake I.D. . .
You’re out of control!

LEEVIGH: Hey, just
because I’m smart
doesn’t mean I’m
some prick prude

WEIS: Yeah, besides
you two have a
real reason to
celebrate
JOH: Oh, we do?
WEIS: Uh, yeah
Did you forget
about getting into
the Fraternity?

JOH: Oh right, thanks
to someone else’s
helping hand. . .

[ They just look at
him not knowing
what to say. . . ]

WEIS: Anyway, I will
figure something out

See you two later

[ He walks out ]

LEEVIGH: Speaking
of that. . .Have you
even seen your
offender lately?
JOH: Nope, not
since that night
LEEVIGH: Well, he
can’t hide from
us forever


[ Weis is inside
Joh’s truck talking
to his boyfriend
on the phone ]

‘So let me guess
You’re probably in
some secluded area

Parked, and getting high?’

[ Weis starts to
cough. . . ]

WEIS: Yeah, you're
probably right
LANDYN: See, I
know everything
about you. . .
So, are you still
coming by tonight?
WEIS: Actually me
and my friends
we’re wanting to
check out Version
LANDYN: Version, huh?
WEIS: Yeah, too
bad we’re under-
age
LANDYN: I can get
you in. . .that's no
problem!
WEIS: Your serious?
LANDYN: Yeah, just
meet me downtown
around nine. . .
And I’ll take care
of everything else
WEIS: Great! See you
later then


[ Outside of TA, Kyle is talking
to Monica & Kristyn ]

MONICA: Come on,
you sure you don’t
wanna come?
KRISTYN: Yeah, I’ll
drag Hithe along
and we’ll make a
date out of it

KYLE: I’m really
tired. . .I’m just
gonna go home
and crash
I'll call you though

[ He waits for them
to leave and then
walks over to Amber’s
car/ She rolls down
the window. . . ]

‘Hey stranger’

KYLE: Hey, I know
we haven’t exactly
been cool since
you dumped me
But I was thinking,
maybe we could
try and at least
be friends
AMBER: Of course
we can [ smiles ]

KYLE: Cool, you
got any plans
for later on?
AMBER: Nope, Jesz
is working. . .
KYLE: What about
your friends?
AMBER: I don’t know
Hithe’s been M.I.A.
and Ski’s practically
married now, so
KYLE: Well, this
new place just
opened up downtown
called Percussion. . .
Coffee, live music
Wanna check it
out?
AMBER: Sure, sounds
fun. . .I gotta go
but call me and
I’ll meet you there

KYLE: Alright great!


[ Later that night Joh,
Leevigh, and Weis
are standing outside
the club. . . ]

JOH: Dude, where
is your boyfriend at?
LEEVIGH: Yeah, lines
moving pretty fast
WEIS: Who knows,
He isn’t answering
my texts

‘Looking for me?’

[ Landyn walks up
behind them. . . ]

WEIS: Yeah, is your
phone broken or
what babe?
LANDYN: No, I’m
sorry bud. . .Here

[ He hands Joh
and Weis I.D.s ]

JOH: Wow, these
are pretty solid
LANDYN: Yeah,
apparently, there’s
famous models
who look just like
you two [ smirks ]


[ Inside Version, Landyn
gets a whole tray
of shots and brings
it over to the table ]

‘Here you go boys!’

[ Everyone takes a
couple and drinks
them. . . ]

‘Alright, now you’re
coming with me
Mr. . .’

[ Weis takes Landyn’s
hand and drags
him out on the
dance floor. . . ]


[ A few blocks down,
Amber sees Kyle
through the window
of the coffee house
and waves. . . ]

AMBER: Wow, this
is very nice
KYLE: Yeah, the
band should be
on anytime now
Can I get you
a drink?


[ Back at the club
Joh and Leevigh
are still watching
them dance. . . ]

‘Dude, I think I’m
already drunk!’

[ laughs ] LEEVIGH:
Ok, light weight!
JOH: I know,
wanna finish off
the last two?

[ They drink them as
Weis and Landyn
come back. . . ]

LANDYN: You guys
having fun?

LEEVIGH: Yeah, he’s
totally gone
LANDYN: I see that
Just be careful,
alright man?
LEEVIGH: Sure, I’ll
watch him

WEIS: Well, we’re
gonna take off
see ya later
JOH: Ok, bye
guys

[ They leave, then
Joh starts to walk
off. . . ]

LEEVIGH: Hey, where
are you going?

‘Be right back,
gotta pee!’

[ Joh opens the
bathroom door and
sees someone
standing over the
sink scratching their
head. . . ]

‘. . .Stuu?’


[ Outside the coffee-
house Kyle is walking
Amber to her car ]

AMBER: That was amaz-
ing Kyle, thanks
for inviting me
KYLE: You’re welcome

AMBER: Well, it’s late
and I have to open
tomorrow
KYLE: Ok, I’ll see ya

[ Amber turns around
and Kyle is right there
about to kiss her/ She
steps back. . . ]


[ Joh and Leevigh
are walking down
the street. . . ]

‘You’re serious?
He just ran off’

JOH: Yup!
Oh well, you
know what I’ve
always wanted
to do, dude?
LEEVIGH: What?
JOH: Ever seen
the movie Old
School?
LEEVIGH: Yeah
Wait, are you
talking about. . .
JOH: It’s late,
no one’s around
Might as well

[ He starts taking
off his clothes
one by one. . . ]

[ laughs ] LEEVIGH:
Now whose out
of control?

[ He stands there
as Joh runs off ]


[ At Landyn’s, he’s
sitting at the table/
Emptying out a bag
he takes a card from
his wallet as Weis
comes in the room ]

‘What the hell?’

LANDYN: Oh, hey

[ He looks right
at Weis. . . ]

Oh, it's nothing
Just something
I like to do
after I club

[ He pulls out a
rolled up dollar
bill and puts it
up to his nose ]

304 Illustrations Whore

( T&T /#11 )

[ Jeszyca walks into the
store and Amber is
waiting for her. . . ]

JESZYCA: Isn’t
this a rarity?
AMBER: I know,
the first time
I see you in
days would be
at work
JESZYCA: I know,
and I’m sorry. . .
I’ll make it up
to you tonight
though
AMBER: Sure, can’t wait

[ She stops and looks
at Jeszyca. . . ]

JESZYCA: What?
AMBER: Nothing,
you positive you’re
fine?
JESZYCA: Of course,
well I better go clock
in. . .

[ They kiss and when
Amber turns around
Larrie is standing there ]

‘Nice!’

[ Amber ignores him and
walks out/ He passes
Jeszyca staring at her ]


[ An hour later Monica
is getting groceries and
sees someone walk
ahead of her. . . ]

‘Kyle?’

[ He turns around ]

KYLE: Hey, we would
be the only two
insomniacs here
shopping in the
middle of the
night
MONICA: Right
KYLE: Not that
I’m complaining
or anything [ smiles ]

[ She just looks at
him weird. . . ]

[ Back up front Jeszyca
sees Kyle and Monica
coming and turns away ]

[ She looks at Kyle. . . ]

MONICA: Ready to get
your chips and salsa
on? [ laughs ]
KYLE: Hey, you can’t
blame a man
for getting hungry
MONICA: Yeah, you
sure you’re not
just baked?
KYLE: Nah, just
a couple hours of
intense working
out courtesy of
my Wii fit. . .
MONICA: I see
Well, I have to
get home. . .
KYLE: Ok see
you
tomorrow

[ Jeszyca turns around
after she walks away ]

JESZYCA: Hey Kyle
[ surprised ]KYLE: If
it isn’t Jeszyca?
You know, I almost
forgot you work here

[ She rolls her eyes
as he gets his bag
and walks out. . . ]


[ A few minutes later
she’s cleaning the
lanes and her phone
vibrates. . . ]

‘Hey, figured out where
were going. Can’t wait
to see you! Love, Am.‘


[ Much later that night,
Jeszyca is standing
in front of the mirror
wearing a tiny, black
dress. . . ]


[ Sitting on the bed
she looks at the
collections of bills
next to her and
the doorbell rings ]


[ Inside Amber’s
car. . . ]

JESZYCA: So,
where are you
taking me?
AMBER: I thought
we’d go check out
Scandals. . .you know
that place downtown?
JESZYCA: Really, I
figured we go
to Version. . .It’s
all you can drink
AMBER: Come on,
we always go there.


I’m ready to get a
little wild and crazy

You can afford to
escape
sainthood for one night


[ Downtown Jeszyca & Amber
enter Scandals taking
seats near the bar. . . ]

AMBER: You relax, I’ll
get us some drinks

[ Jeszyca sees an older
women coming towards
her and quickly turns
away ]

‘Jeszyca?’

JESZYCA: Hi. . .
WOMAN: I haven’t seen
you
in what, eight months?
JESZYCA: Yeah [ looks
around her ]
Something like that
WOMAN: So, where you
been?
JESZYCA: Just away. . .
And actually, I’m on
a date so
WOMAN: Oh, sorry dear
[ walks away ]

[ Amber comes back and
hands Jeszyca a drink ]

AMBER: Ready for the show?

[ A female stripper is on
stage and Amber’s moving
towards her. . . ]

‘Oh yeah, work it!’

[ She puts some ones
inside the girls’s thong ]

AMBER: You having fun?
JESZYCA: As long as you
are [ smiles ]

[ The girl on stage comes
over by them. . . ]

‘Hey, you seem familiar. . .
Do I know you?’

JESZYCA: No, I don’t think
so

Be right back Am, I’m
gonna
find the bathroom

AMBER: Ok

[ She goes back to the
show/ Jeszyca’s not paying
attention bumps into someone ]

‘Jess. . .you’re back?’

[ She turns around. . . ]

JESZYCA: Clyy, just
the guy I was hoping
to see [ rolls eyes ]
CLYY: Really, you should’ve
called Jesz. . .I would have
found a place for you

JESZYCA: I’m not here
to work. . .I told
you when I walked
out of here eight months
ago I was done
CLYY: You’ll be back,
Do you not remember
five or so years you
worked here?
I recall you loving
to live the high life
JESZYCA: Well, I have
a real job now. . .
And someone I care
about and that’s way
more important then
money
CLYY: Good for you

[ She walks into the bathroom
and Amber comes up. . . ]

CLYY: Hey, you must
be Jeszyca’s girlfriend
AMBER: Yeah, who are
you?
CLYY: I’m Clyy, the owner
Nice to meet you
AMBER: You too
So, how do you
know Jeszyca?
CLYY: Oh, we go way
back
She didn’t tell you?
AMBER: Tell me what?
CLYY: Your girlfriend
use to be my main
girl here
AMBER: You’re kidding
CLYY: Nope, for six
years
AMBER: That's shocking.
Thanks for the
information. . .

[ She walks into the
bathroom where Jeszyca
is washing her hands ]

‘Why didn’t you tell me
you use to work here?’

[ turns around ] JESZYCA:
I’m sorry Am, I didn’t
know how to and you
were so excited about
coming here
AMBER: So much for
sainthood, I guess
JESZYCA: Listen, it was
something I needed to
do to get me through
school
But now I have TA
and your in my life
I wouldn't go back.
AMBER: Ok, I trust you
JESZYCA: Let’s just get
out of here
AMBER: Good idea,
I'll pull up the car

[ She leaves and as Jeszyca
is walking out Clyy runs up
to her. . . ]

‘Hey!’

CLYY: You’re just gonna
walk out without sayinggoodbye
JESZYCA: Yup, you don’t
own me and
I’m not one of your girls


[ He grabs her arm and
pulls her toward him/ Jeszyca
yanks from his grip hard and
slaps him in his face ]

‘Don't fucking touch me! ...Creep!’

(Edited 0924)