MARKAYLA: THE TWEENAGE WUNDERKINDER "HER EPISODE OF EPISODES"
by
Dennis Yatsenko
(760) 810-3314 INT. MARKAYLA’S BEDROOM - MORNING
A BUBBLY SONG PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND AND COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS ARE STREWN OPENED ACROSS A STUDY DESK. BEDROOM IS ORGANIZED, VALEDICTORIAN-LIKE, YET HAS OVERTONES OF A GIRL WHO EXCELS IN ART: AN EASEL WITH A PAINTING RESTS AT THE WINDOW AND A XYLOPHONE STANDS BESIDE IT.
MARKAYLA, 12 1/2, MEDIUM IN HEIGHT, HAS BOTH BROWN HAIR AND SPRIGHTLY BROWN EYES. BOWL FULL OF CEREAL IN ONE HAND, BOOK FULL OF PRESENTATION NOTES IN THE OTHER, SHE PACES ROUND HER ROOM, SHAKING A BEAT, HER CENTER OF GRAVITY AT HER STOMACH: SHE LIPS SOME LINES TO HERSELF, AND SLURPS HER CEREAL WITH HER MOUTH; AND LIPS HER LINES TO HERSELF AND SLURPS AND CRUNCHES ON HER CEREAL. GLANCING BACK AT HER OPEN MATH BOOK BACK ON HER STUDY DESK, SHE STOOPS OVER, SCRAWLING AN ANSWER IN IT.
LATER
THE BUBBLY SONG NEARS AN END, AND MARKAYLA SETS EVERYTHING ON HER DESK. SHE BLASTS UP HER SMART PHONE, THE SOURCE OF THE MUSIC, AND DANCES TO IT LIKE ANY 12 1/2 YEAR-OLD WOULD, HER ARMS BEATING THE AIR. SUDDENLY THE BUBBLY SONG CONCLUDES, A SAD SONG PLAYS, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN, MARKAYLA LOOKS SAD.
INSERT - STUDY DESK
MARKAYLA SEES HER WORK-TO-BE-DONE: HER PRESENTATION LINES IN ONE BOOK, HER MATH BOOK LAID OPEN, HER OTHER COLLEGE TEXTBOOKS...
BACK TO MARKAYLA’S BEDROOM
MARKAYLA PLOPS DOWN ON EDGE OF HER BED.
BOLTING BACK UP, SHE RUNS FROM HER BEDROOM THROUGH THE HALL DOWN THE SPLIT-HOUSE LIVING ROOM STAIRCASE AND INTO THE BATHROOM. THE DOOR SLAMS IN. SOUND: FART 2.
ACT ONE
SCENE A
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY LINER - MORNING
MARKAYLA IS SEATED INSIDE A TRAVELLING CITY LINER ON HIGHWAY. MORNING LIGHTS FLICKER AT HER WINDOW.
INT. CITY LINER - SAME
THE LINER STOPS AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AND MARKAYLA SEES A CANARY SCHOOL BUS FULL OF TWEENAGERS CAPERING ABOUT AND GABBING BREAK PARALLEL TO HER LINER. MARKAYLA, THE BRIGHT CANARY COLOR REFLECTING INTO HER EYES, DAYDREAMS WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE IF SHE WERE A NORMAL GIRL ATTENDING JUNIOR HIGH INSTEAD OF JUNIOR COLLEGE.
PSSHH! THE LOUD BUS, GEARS SCREECHING, TAKING OFF, SNAPS MARKAYLA OUT OF IT.
FADE TO: 3.
SCENE B
FADE IN:
INT. COMMUNITY COLLEGE - COMMUNICATION CLASS - DAY
DR. RUTLEDGE, 55, GRUNGY-VOICED AND STUMPY WITH WOOLEN HAIR, PICKS UP AN UPTURNED STRAW HAT OFF HER FRONT DESK.
DR. RUTLEDGE
John Orderly!
STUDENT
(WHISPER TO FRIEND) What, is this a
circus?
DR. RUTLEDGE
Alright, everybody, listen up, I’ve
put everybody’s names in the hat to
see who presents first and so
forth.
DR. RUTLEDGE SHAKES UP THE SCRAP NAMES. AT DESK
MARKAYLA, ALTHOUGH AIRING ON SOPHISTICATION IN DRESS, STANDS OUT FROM THE REST OF HER PEERS IN AGE. 4.
SHE GLANCES OVER HER SHOULDER AT THE WHITE-WASHED WALL.
DR. RUTLEDGE DRAWS THE FIRST SCRAP PAPER.
DR. RUTLEDGE (CONT’D) Markayla.
YOUNG MAN
Yeah, go kick butt, McKae!
THE YOUNG MAN CLAPS BOLDLY.
MARKAYLA RECOGNIZES BY VOICE IT IS GEOFFREY STANTON, MACHO AND OBSTREPEROUS, 18, AND ONE OF MARKAYLA’S BFF COUSINS. LIKE MARKAYLA, HE IS BROWN HAIRED, BROWN EYED, AND EVEN SAME MEDIUM HEIGHT.
SHE WALKS TO THE FRONT OF CLASS.
MARKAYLA (V.O.)
How fortuitous.
DR. RUTLEDGE
What kind of presentation are we
doing here?
MARKAYLA
Screen presentation.
DR. RUTLEDGE
Okay.
THE LIGHTS SWITCH OFF. DR. RUTLEDGE PULLS DOWN THE PRESENTATION SCREEN. SHE WALKS OFF.
DR. RUTLEDGE (CONT’D)
When you’re ready. 5.
THE CLASSROOM SHADES OVER. SEPIA HAZE TONE FROM OUTSIDE FILTERS IN.
INSPIRED, MARKAYLA TAKES IN THE WARMTH OF THE SUN RAYS, BEHOLDS THE MAGICALLY FLOATING DUST MOTES AND SIMPERS.
HEART BEATS FAST.
MARKAYLA
(STAMMERS AT FIRST) If Classic kids
and family artiste, Walt Disney,
once said ‘adults are only kids
grown up,’ I don’t know what I am:
I’ve grown a long time ago and am
still considered a kid. My mother,
Natasha, is a big part of who I am
today. She had been a decorated
young gymnast who later with family
emigrated to America via Angel
Island, and had me here a few years
later making me a second generation
American. Mom knew how hard it was
to make ends meet. So she instilled
in me to work hard early to be
where I want to be in life later. (MORE) 6. MARKAYLA (CONT'D)
There began the journey of raising
the next child’s progeny:
FLASHBACK - YOUNGER NATASHA HELPS DISCOVER FOUR-YEAR-OLD MARKAYLA’S POTENTIAL
-- A BOOKSTORE -- WITH JUVENILE BOOKS ALL AROUND ON A COLORFUL FOAM CARPET, NATASHA, MARKAYLA IN HER LAP, HELPS HER READ AN EDUCATIONAL BOOK.
-- A PARK -- NATASHA, HOLDING MARKAYLA AT HER WAIST, HELPS MARKAYLA SWING ACROSS JUNGLE GYM RUNGS. MARKAYLA LOVES IT.
-- A GYMNASIUM -- MARKAYLA DOES THE SPLITS AT THE COACH’S PRESSURE.
-- A STUDIO -- WITH RIBBON, MARKAYLA DANCES RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS.
BACK TO COMMUNICATION CLASS, PRESENT DAY
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
And as I have aged innately from my
learnings both at school and at
gym, I’ve realized that age doesn’t
really matter. That people are
people. And, yes, even tweens can
think for themselves and can hold
stimulating conversations with
adults. Even so, life has not been
easy growing up a Wunderkinder. (MORE) 7. MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Because the more you know, the more
you know the foolish say they know
everything. And individuals can’t
learn everything in the world.
There is just too little time.
MARKAYLA GATHERS HER BELONGINGS.
MARKAYLA (V.O.)
Yes, I’m definitely a wonder. A
Wunderkinder.
MARKAYLA SMACKS ON SOME DR. PEP CHAP-STICK, AND CAPS IT BACK UP AND POCKETS IT.
CUT TO: 8.
SCENE C
INT. COMMUNICATION STUDIES DOORWAY - LATER
MARKAYLA POPS OUT HEADLONG THROUGH THE DOORWAY WITH GEOFF FOLLOWING.
GEOFF
Hey.
MARKAYLA
Hey. So, how’d I do cuz?
THEY WALK AROUND THE COLLEGE ATRIUM.
GEOFF
You kicked butt.
MARKAYLA
Why’d you do that?
GEOFF
What?
MARKAYLA
The kicking butt thing, in class.
GEOFF GRIMACES. 9.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Wipe that grin off your face. My
heart beat so fast, my face felt so
hot.
GEOFF GUFFAWS.
GEOFF
Oh, you’re not mad at that.
MARKAYLA
I can’t believe you’re laughing. I
can’t believe you’re laughing. But
thanks, Geoff. I did good?
THEY BOTH PUSH PAST DOUBLE DOORS TOWARDS THE OUTDOORS.
GEOFF
Great, for sure.
MARKAYLA EXHALES.
MARKAYLA
Stevie out from High School yet?
GEOFF PUSHES STEVIE’S CONTACT IN HIS SMART PHONE FOR FACE TIME, AND STEVIE PICKS UP QUICK. GEOFF SHOVES THE PHONE, EASILY, IN MARKAYLA’S FACE.
STEPHEN “STEVIE” WILEY-STANTON, 15, GEOFF’S YOUNGER ADOPTED BROTHER, IS A STRING BEAN AND HAS FRONT BLUE-DYE GEL STREAKS OVER BLOND HAIR. NATURALLY, HE IS BLUE-EYED.
STEVIE
You coming to gym tonight? 10.
MARKAYLA
Serious, cousin? My love? Who are you kidding? But only after my interview with my school of my dreams.
CUT TO: 11.
SCENE D
FADE IN:
EXT. UNIVERSITY - LATER A SOPHISTICATED ARCHITECTURAL BUILDING WITH IN THE BACKGROUND AND SHRUBS IN THE FOREGROUND. FOUNTAINS JET.
INT. UNIVERSITY - ADMISSIONS OFFICE - SAME
OLD BIG-NOSED INTERVIEWER
(SERIOUS) Yes, you’re not a big
girl at all.
THE BIG-NOSED INTERVIEWER LOOKS AT HER IN AN IS-THIS-RIGHT FASHION.
OLD BIG-NOSED INTERVIEWER (CONT’D)
How old are you?
MARKAYLA
Twelve and a half.
THE BIG-NOSED COUNSELOR EXAMINES MARKAYLA, LIPS PRESSED, LOOKING HER UP, DOWN, THEN SIDE-TO-SIDE.
OLD BIG-NOSED INTERVIEWER
(suspiciously) Right. 12.
SHE TAKES A LOOK AT MARKAYLA’S TRANSCRIPT.
OLD BALD MAN INTERVIEWER
And you, Michaela, graduated from
where?
MARKAYLA
Charter. I’ll be graduating
Wilkshire College soon too. My
undergrad studies. And if I may
interject--it’s Markayla.
BALD MAN INTERVIEWER IGNORES HER REPLY, GLANCES AT HIS COMPUTER SCREEN, AND CLICKS ON THE MOUSE A COUPLE OF TIMES.
OLD WOMAN INTERVIEWER
And you wanted to go for a
Neurologist? You can still study
for Neurology, but for legalities,
you can’t actually practice until
you reach a certain age...there are
age restrictions.
MARKAYLA
I feel zoinked!
CUT TO: 13.
ACT TWO
SCENE E
INT. CLUB GYMNASTIQUE (GYMNASTICS SCHOOL) - LATER
A SLIM TEENAGE GIRL (12-13) CARTWHEELS FLUSH ALONG A BALANCE BEAM.
GEOFF IS POISED POWERFULLY IN A RINGS EXERCISE.
A STRONG TEENAGE BOY (14-15) JUMPS UP FROM A COMPETITIVE TRAMPOLINE, SOMERSAULTS QUADRUPLY IN MID-AIR, AND SNOWBALLS INTO A FOAM PIT.
KIDS ENJOY THEIR FREE-TIME IN THE CUTTING-EDGE GYMNASIUM. MAIN ENTRANCE
GUZZLING FROM A CHILLED RED SPORTS DRINK, STEVIE SEES MARKAYLA IS ABOUT TO COME INDOORS. WITH ONE HAND STEVIE POPS THE DOOR FOR HIS COUSIN TO COME IN AND WITH HIS OTHER GUZZLES FROM HIS SPORTS DRINK.
MARKAYLA ATTEMPTS TO BEE-LINE TO THE CHANGING ROOM.
STEVIE SLINKS HIS FAVORITE GREEN STICKY HAND AT MARKAYLA’S HAIR.
MARKAYLA GETS STARTLED, GRINS OVER HER SHOULDER AT HIM.
MARKAYLA
You carry that thingummy
everywhere.
STEVIE LOOKS AT HER, GAPED MOUTH, FURROWED FOREHEAD, KNITTED EYEBROWS, THAT SHE IGNORED HIM.
MARKAYLA WALKS UP TO STEVIE, GIVES HIM A FRIENDLY QUICK SIDE- PAT HUG. 14.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Stevie, you have red all over your
mouth.
STEVIE STILL LOOKS PUZZLED.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Oh, it’s not like that. I don’t
want you to get the wrong
impression. Sorry I snubbed you, I
have to really, really work out
though. I didn’t mean to not say,
Hi. Gymnastics rejuvenates me, it’s
like an electric shock to my heart,
and that’s what I really, really
need right now.
STEVIE WIPES THE RED THAT STAINED ROUND HIS MOUTH.
MARKAYLA WALKS OFF AGAIN.
NAZAR
(CURLS R’s SLIGHTLY)
Markayla.
MARKAYLA GETS STARTLED AGAIN. SHE TURNS TO HER LEFT AND SEES HER COACH WHO HAD JUST CALLED HER NAME.
NAZAR, 5’ 8”, SLAVIC FEATURED AND HERCULEAN BUILT, HAS HIGH- WATER LIGHT BLUE GYM SHORTS ON ALONG WITH A COMPLEMENTING LIGHT YELLOW WORK-OUT SHIRT. 15.
NAZAR NOSHES ON AN APPLE.
MARKAYLA
You startled me, coach. What’s
happening?
NAZAR
Markayla, where have you been?
Except for your aesthetic
convolutions at free-time, and
please, Markayla, we’ve know each
other for so long. Please call me
Papa or Nazar. We’ve been here so
long we’re family.
MARKAYLA LIGHTS UP BY WHAT THE COACH SAYS.
MARKAYLA
(GLINT IN EYE) No, I know. Family,
everybody wants.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Okay, (CURLS R) Nazar, how’s that?
NAZAR
(IN UKRAINIAN) Wonderful. 16.
MARKAYLA
I’m just piled up, barely plowing
away.
NAZAR
Yes, I know you Markayla. I just
wish you would take some time off
teaching the young ones about
gymnastics. They’re having fun free-
time, but are having hard time
applying instruction, wisdom. I
think, from a girl your age they
will accept it more. Truth I tell
you, they might be scared of me
because I look like this big bad
bear.
NAZAR FLEXES LIKE A BEAR.
NAZAR (CONT’D) Ahaha.
MARKAYLA
You didn’t scare me. Alright, need
to get pumped. I need to change and
limber up. 17.
MAIN GYMNASIUM
GEOFF SPRINTS AND VAULTS SUPERABLY TO KINETIC SOMERSAULTS.
BOY
Nice salto!
GLASSED-OFF EXPANSE
A FABRIC BUBBLE GUM--ELECTRIC SONG PLAYS. MARKAYLA, DONNING FABRIC NEON-RED GEAR, PRACTICES RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS, IMPLEMENTING THE HOOP.
MAIN GYMNASIUM
5-8 YEAR-OLD GYMNASTS IN TOW BEHIND NAZAR OGLE AT MARKAYLA’S SUPER-ABILITIES AS THEY MOVE ALONG.
ON THE HIGH BAR, STEVIE FLIPS THROUGH AMAZING REVOLUTIONS AND RELEASES.
GLASSED-OFF EXPANSE
MARKAYLA DANCES AND HER COUNTENANCE BECOMES INTENSE AT CRESCENDO INTO THE TECHNO BEAT PART.
THE SONG HITS THE MORE BUBBLE GUM SLOWER PART AGAIN; HER COMPLEXION REVEALS SHE LOOKS GLUM.
MARKAYLA HAS A PANIC ATTACK: HOPPING OVER AND INTO HER HOOP, SHE HAS A FALL-N-TUMBLE WITH IT, CHIPPING A NAIL THROUGH IT.
MARKAYLA’S NAIL, SLOWLY, BREAKS AWAY FROM HER HAND TO THE HARD FLOOR. 18.
THE 5-8 YEAR-OLD GYMNASTS CLAMOR FOR MARKAYLA.
GEOFF AND STEVIE RUN TO HER.
STEVIE
Kayla, you okay?
MARKAYLA
(PALM-ON-CHEEK EMBARRASSED) I’m
fine, I’m fine. Just chipped a
nail. At least it’s not like when I
was competing and had the ball slip
from my grip and roll away.
GEOFF
You sure, McKae, you’re alright?
MARKAYLA
Yeah, I’m just...
GYMNASTS, PARENTS, AND THE COACH REACH THE DOORS. EVEN THE LITTLE TOTS WHO WERE WATCHING HER THROUGH THE STUDIO EXPANSE COME UP TO THE DOOR.
A CUTE LITTLE GIRL PEEKS FROM BEHIND THE DOOR.
LITTLE GIRL
Are you okay, Mownk-kay-wla? 19.
MARKAYLA
Awe, yes, sweet heart. I’m okay.
Get back to your training for me
though, K? Go out there, give ‘em
your best, and make mom ‘n pops
happy for ya.
WALKING AWAY, THE CUTE LITTLE GIRL CHANGES HER MIND, RUNS UP TO MARKAYLA AND GIVES HER A HUG.
MARKAYLA SIMPERS, AND HUGS THE CUTE LITTLE GIRL TOO.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
I feel famous. (TO FRIENDS) I love
her. She’s gonna be a gym star
someday.
THE CUTE LITTLE GIRL RUNS OFF BASHFULLY FROM MARKAYLA TO THE MAIN GYMNASIUM AS THOUGH MARKAYLA WERE REALLY SOMEONE FAMOUS.
GEOFF
(TO LOOKY-LOOS) She’s fine.
EVERYBODY LEAVES THE DOORS EXCEPT FOR COACH NAZAR.
NAZAR
(THUMBS UP) Markayla, everything
good? 20.
MARKAYLA
(THUMB UP) Yeah, everything’s fine,
Nazar. Just chipped a nail, that’s
all. Can you make sure to close the
doors on your way out though?
NAZAR
Yeah, no sweat. Take care of
yourself.
MARKAYLA
Thanks.
STEVIE
What’s wrong, Kayla?
STEVIE AND GEOFF SIT DOWN ON THE FLOOR BESIDE MARKAYLA. THEY NOTICE THAT SOME PARENTS ARE NOSY, AND ARE WATCHING THEM TALK FROM THEIR SEATS.
MARKAYLA
I want to be sport.
STEVIE
Oh, come on, Kayla.
MARKAYLA
I don’t want to burden you guys
with melodrama. 21.
GEOFF
I don’t care about the next KO. Or gnarly party story. True friends take the up-n-down coaster with their friends til they upchuck, and then, think back on the good old times.
STEVIE
We get it. I get it. Well, no matter Markayla, I’m here for you, rain or shine.
MARKAYLA
I’m in a spot.
CUT TO: 22.
SCENE F
FADE IN:
EXT. APARTMENT HOUSE - NEXT DAY
A GREEN ALAMEDA LINES THE APARTMENT HOUSE’S STREET. THE APARTMENT HOUSE IS MODERN, SPRAWLING WITH MANY APARTMENT UNITS, AND MADE MOSTLY OF GLASS, OF BUSINESS BUILDING ILK. IT GLISTERS IN THE DAYLIGHT.
INTO THE MIDDLE-STORY UNIT.
INT. APARTMENT HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
IN A SPLIT-HOUSE STYLE LIVING ROOM, RONI, A RAMBUNCTIOUS PEACHY RUG-RAT CRAWLS RAPIDLY AROUND THE LIVING ROOM CARPET.
NATASHA, MARKAYLA’S STRIKINGLY YOUNG MOTHER, CAUCASIAN AND SVELTE WITH EBONY LONG HAIR THAT RUNS BELOW HER SHOULDERS AND CONTRASTIVELY PIERCING BLUE EYES, CHASES HER AROUND.
NATASHA
(OUT OF BREATH) Good, exercise is
healthy. Younger you start, the
healthier.
A DUMP TRUCK IS HEARD OUTSIDE DOING DAY-TO-DAY BUSINESS. 23.
NATASHA (CONT’D)
(CALLS) Markayla, can you come
here, please?
MARKAYLA, IN PAJAMAS AND DISHEVELED HAIR, EMERGES FROM THE HALL. A NEON-RED BRUSH IS STUCK IN HER HAIR, AND SHE TRIES TO BRUSH PAST THE KINKS.
MARKAYLA
(TIREDLY POLITE) You wanted
something, mother?
NATASHA
Markayla, you walked straight into
your room last night. Haven’t
spoken with me last night. And now,
you don’t get out of your room till
now?
MARKAYLA SLIDES AN ARM UNDER HER OTHER AWKWARDLY, DOESN’T SAY A WORD, AND LOOKS AT RONI; SHE THINKS FOR A MOMENT.
MARKAYLA
I’ve been hibernating with half-
open eyelids. Studying is life. My
only life right now. Mom,
honestly... 24.
NATASHA AND MARKAYLA SEEM TO CONNECT, AND MARKAYLA WANTS TO BE READY TO TELL HER THE TRUTH OF HER CIRCUMSTANCE, BUT SHE SHUTS HER LIDS TIGHT FOR A FEW SECONDS, HOLDING BACK.
NATASHA FEARS FOR MARKAYLA’S CAREWORN FACE.
NATASHA
By the way, I did notice, if you
didn’t know, that you had chipped
your nail sometime last night, the
minute you walked in last night.
MARKAYLA
Um, really?
NATASHA
Really. And...i’ve decided...you
work hard, and you’ve put a lot of
effort to be where you’re at in
life...so, I’ve decided...to get
your nails redone in whatever color
and fashion you want. We’re gonna
manicure this weekend!
MARKAYLA
Are you serious? Oh, my, mom!(3X
FRENETICALLY) Thank you. (MORE) 25. MARKAYLA (CONT'D)
You know how bad I waited for those
cute fingernails?
NATASHA
Yeah, well, you’ve worked towards
them, with your hard work and
dedication. I’m very happy with
you.
MARKAYLA, ECSTATIC, HOPS UP AND DOWN GRABBING A HOLD OF HER OWN SHIRT RETIREDLY, AND ACTS LIKE THE 12 1/2 YEAR OLD GIRL THAT SHE IS.
EUPHORIC, SHE HUGS NATASHA AND STARTS TO PACE OFF (IN AN OUTGOING FASHION) TOWARDS THE DIRECTION OF HER ROOM.
NATASHA (CONT’D)
Look after Roni for a bit. Lunch’s
almost ready. I just need to mix in
the cheese sauce to the macaroni.
MARKAYLA
Of course, mother.
NATASHA
Roni, her favorite color’s orange.
MARKAYLA
How’d you find that out? 26.
NATASHA
She only eats anything orange. From
apricot puree to cheese sauce I
gave her to try.
NATASHA LEAVES FOR THE KITCHENETTE.
MARKAYLA PICKS UP RONI FROM THE CARPET AND SITS DOWN ON SOFA. SHE SETS RONI ON HER LAP.
NATASHA (CONT’D)
(FROM KITCHENETTE) And Markayla, I
am really proud of you you got into
the university of your dreams. I
know, and have always said, you
will be a well minted doctor.
BABY RONI CUTELY DROOLS.
MARKAYLA PROCEEDS TO CHANGE RONI’S FULL DIAPER.
MARKAYLA
Yeah, I did. I am happy too, I
just...
NATASHA
You what?
MARKAYLA
Nothing. 27.
NATASHA
And I am too, happy.
HEAD OVER RONI, MARKAYLA FONDLES HER.
MARKAYLA FULLY DRESSES RONI BY NOW.
MARKAYLA
There we go.
RONI PLAYS AND PULLS HARDLY ON MARKAYLA’S HAIRBRUSH STILL HANGING IN HER HAIR.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Ow, ow.
CUT TO: 28.
SCENE G
INT - APARTMENT HOUSE - MARKAYLA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
THE TELEVISION BLIPS IN THE BACKGROUND.
MARKAYLA, ON HER SIDE IN BED PORES OVER HER MUSIC COURSE TEXTBOOK. A NOVEL AND A DICTIONARY LIE BESIDE HER.
MARKAYLA
(INSPIRED) William Grant Still was
a music composer who happened to
have left med school for music.
MARKAYLA HIGHLIGHTS THE FACT IN HER TEXTBOOK.
NATASHA
(SOFTLY) Don’t mind me.
NATASHA ATTEMPTS TO TURN OFF THE TV.
MARKAYLA
Mom, actually, no, can you leave on
the TV, please? Makes me feel I’m
not alone, studying.
NATASHA
Okay, whatever helps. 29.
MARKAYLA’S PHONE RINGS. SHE PICKS UP.
MARKAYLA
Hello?
STATIC.
FOR NO APPARENT REASON, LIVI, 12, AVERAGE GIRL WHO ATTENDS CLUB GYMNASTIQUE AND ATTENDS A NORMAL JUNIOR HIGH INSTEAD OF JUNIOR COLLEGE ALWAYS TRIES TO BEFRIEND MARKAYLA.
INTERCUT - MARKAYLA’S BEDROOM/ LIVI’S BEDROOM
ON BED ON TUM, LIVI OPENS AN INDIVIDUALLY-SIZED GUMMY BAG.
LIVI
And, oh my goodness, he is so cute.
MARKAYLA
Who are we talking about again?
LIVI
David.
MARKAYLA
Whatever happened to Fred?
LIVI POPS A GUMMY IN HER MOUTH, CHEWS. 30.
LIVI
Oh, he cheated with my best
friend’s friend, who knows
Jonathan, who knows Jessica’s
cousin, who’s Fred. I mean David.
Isn’t that crazy interesting?
MARKAYLA
(SARCASTIC) Fascinating. It’s like
Who’s Who.
LIVI
I’ll text you a snap of him.
MARKAYLA
No, that’s alright.
LIVI
How could you not? He is so yummy.
MARKAYLA
I don’t care, Livi. I’m twelve.
A TEXT MESSAGE POPS UP OF A VERY STUCK-UP BOY, SOMEONE WHO DOES NOT EVEN LOOK TO LIVE UP TO THAT STUCK-UP POISE.
MARKAYLA SCRUNCHES HER NOSE IN DISGUST. 31.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Livi, honestly, I’ve better things
to do than just banter about Junior
High guys. I’m sure there’ll be
plenty more fish in the sea later.
Even for me. And I don’t mean to be
mean. Goodbye.
MARKAYLA HANGS UP.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
One reason I don’t hang with girls
my age. And if I could make any
concession, I would. MARKAYLA SWITCHES OFF THE TV WITH REMOTE. MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
(CALLS OUT) Hey mom, you mind if I
go for a little sortie with the
cousins? Please?
SOMEWHERE FROM THE LIVING ROOM A BRAIN DEVELOPMENT BABY SHOW PLAYS IN THE BACKGROUND FOR RONI. 32.
NATASHA (V.O.)
(TO RONI) There we go. There we go.
(TO MARKAYLA) You have more
freedoms than most girls your age,
but that’s because of where you’re
at in life.
RONI IN HER ARMS, NATASHA IS AT MARKAYLA’S DOORWAY.
NATASHA
Congratulations, my girl!
CUT TO: 33.
ACT THREE
SCENE H
FADE IN:
I/E. JUICE JUG’S - NIGHT
COLORFUL JUICE, IN PELLUCID PLASTIC TUBES, RUNS ALL THROUGHOUT THE WOOD BEAM CEILING IN SQUIGGLES IN THIS FUN KID- FRIENDLY SPIRIT HANGAR-TURNED-FAMILY-HANGOUT-JUICE-BAR OPEN- FACED TOWARDS A DOWNTOWN PLAZA.
CLERK
Did you bring your Juice Jugs?
MARKAYLA LIFTS HER JUG.
MARKAYLA
Yes, I did.
SHE HANDS IT TO THE CLERK.
STEVIE
We left ours.
CLERK
Oh that’s okay. You just save with
the jug. It’s just gonna be a
charge of 50 cents. Is that fine
with you all? 34.
GEOFF
Well, I’m getting the Rootbeer in a
Barrel, so it comes with the barrel
jug.
STEVIE
Mmhmm, no, that’s okay. BAR LOUNGE
MARKAYLA, STEVIE, AND GEOFF ARE SEATED OVERLOOKING THE CITY AND THEY GAB; THEY HAVE A SOCKO TIME IN THE SOCIETY OF ONE ANOTHER.
MARKAYLA
Hey, Stevie, can I try your
Wintergreen Mint?
MARKAYLA STICKS HER STRAW INTO STEVIE’S WINTERGREEN MINT AND TAKES A SIP.
STEVIE
Can I try your Georgia Peach Float?
MARKAYLA
Dig in! It’s really good.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
I love their Wintergreen Mint, it
makes me feel so refreshed, so
sophisticated. Something about
mint. 35.
STEVIE SCOOPS UP SOME OF MARKAYLA’S FLOAT WITH A PLASTIC SPOON AND TRIES IT.
STEVIE
(SLIGHTLY-OPEN CHEWING) Mmm, that
is really good.
MARKAYLA
Geoff, want to try some of mine?
GEOFF
Thanks, McKae. You...
CLERK
How’s your Rootbeer in a Barrel?
GEOFF Great, homemade, it’s my favorite.
MARKAYLA
Guys, it’s been such a long day!
And I feel so relaxed with you guys
chillin’ over juice at Juice Jug’s.
That I gotta say, we are
perpetually friends.
MARKAYLA QUICKLY DRAWS OUT HER SMART PHONE.
MARKAYLA (CONT’D)
Photobomb.
MARKAYLA DRAPES AN ARM ROUND STEVIE--AND STEVIE AND GOEFF QUICKLY GET INTO FRAME. 36.
SHE SNAPS A SHOT OF THE THREE OF THEM: STEVIE SMILING TO ONE SIDE, GEOFF WITH A SERIOUS FACE, AND MARKAYLA WITH A WARM FULL SMILE, HER PEARLY WHITES GLOSSING.
CUT TO: 37.
SCENE I
INT - SALON - NEXT DAY
THEIR FEET SOAKING, NATASHA AND MARKAYLA ARE GETTING THEIR MANICURES DONE; THEY LOOK LIKE THE BEST OF GIRLFRIENDS WITH BOTH OF THEIR LEGS CRISS-CROSSED.
NATASHA
Jeez Louise, weekend already huh?
Markayla, is there anything you
want to let me know about? Your
nails, your sleeping in, you eating
mac ‘n cheese...mother’s can smell
this kind of stuff off your skin. MARKAYLA LOOKS ANXIOUS AND EXHALES.
MARKAYLA
I want to be straight with you.
It’s hard to hide things from you
when you’re like my girlfriend. 38.
NATASHA
Now, is this just bad news? Is this terribly grave? Should I brace myself?
MARKAYLA
Mom. I can’t practice Neurology until I reach a required age.
But...
NATASHA
What? But what? Tell me there’s a glimmer of hope.
MARKAYLA
...I could still go to the school of my dreams. It’s just gonna kinda set me back, you know?
NATASHA
Yeah? I’m sorry honey bun. I really am. I didn’t mean for it.
MARKAYLA
I just, don’t know what I’ll do with that time gap once I do, if I do finish school. 39.
NATASHA
You will finish. You will.
MARKAYLA
Nothing’s guaranteed.
NATASHA
Why didn’t you let me know?
MARKAYLA
I just didn’t know what you’d say-- about future mortgage payments...I don’t want you to worry mom. I know
Dad’s been having issues, but mom,
I really wish Daddy could congratulate me on my entrance into the school I prayed and hoped for of getting into. I wish you guys could set aside your differences.
NATASHA
Markayla, love’s a tricky beepin’ thing. We were High School sweethearts. But what could I say?
I was just a girl myself and I had a girl of my own. 40.
MARKAYLA, STICKING HER HAND IN A CANDY TRAY ON COUNTER BESIDE HER, UNWRAPS AND POPS A STRAWBERRY HARD CANDY IN HER MOUTH. MARKAYLA Want one mom? Cause you’re gonna need some sweetness for Dad. NATASHA It’s gonna be hard when he’s so sophomoric. Your father acts like he’s still in the tenth grade.
CUT TO: 41.
SCENE J
EXT. PARK - PARKING LOT - DAY NATASHA AND HER SEPARATED HUSBAND, ROB, VERY YOUNG, ARE IN THEIR CARS IN A PARK PARKING LOT. THEY SEE EACH OTHER FROM THEIR WINDOWS, BUT DON’T CARE FOR BEING PERSONAL. PARENTS AND THEIR CHILDREN ARE ENJOYING THE PARK.
NATASHA
Hi Rob, your daughter’s going to
university.
ROBERT
Yeah, and you want me to support
that my twelve-year-old’s had no
life?
NATASHA
She’s your daughter. You realize
one of us is going to have to move
in with her. I found an affordable
split-house apartment house for
rent. 42.
ROBERT
I wanted her to be normal, to do what ordinary kids do. You’ve psychologically destroyed her: she’s going to grow up to hate you for not giving her her childhood and at the same time wonder why she isn’t an adult when she feels like one. And later--it’s just a mess.
She’s--I don’t even know what to call it--something between a kid and adult.
NATASHA
She’s a Wunderkinder. She truly, genuinely is.
ROBERT
How do you know if she could tackle university life?
NATASHA
She’s survived junior college thus far hasn’t she? 43.
ROBERT
Do you even know if she’s a natural or if she’s just book-smart, you force-feeding education on our daughter? What about all the guys around her? You’re not concerned?
NATASHA
(CHUCKLES) She mixes with Stevie and Geoff--both older than her.
She’ll do fine.
ROBERT
They’re her cousins. And they won’t be there. I know young men well. I was one.
NATASHA
At least a Congratulations.
ROBERT
Tasha, wanting to thrust your dreams on your own daughter, not living up to your own, congratulations. 44.
NATASHA
I guess we’re not mutual...at all
any longer. Rob, I’m trying for our
daughters. If you fell out of
affection for me then at least
empathize with your daughters.
ROBERT
No, why don’t you at least give one
of their lives back? Just let a kid
be a kid--at least little Roni,
before it’s too late.
NATASHA
Rob, I worry for her too, Markayla.
I really do. Especially that the
school of her dreams won’t let her
practice once she finishes.
NATASHA BOTH HEARS AND SEES ROBERT HANG ON THE LINE FOR A FEW SECONDS. HE HANGS UP.
HER COUNTENANCE LOOKS CAREWORN.
ROBERT HANDS RONI OVER TO NATASHA. HE TAKES OFF IN HIS AUTO, KICKING UP A PLUME OF DUST. NATASHA PICKS UP BABY RONI AND STROLLS TO THE PLAYGROUND WHERE KIDS ARE PLAYING. SHE WIPES HER DEWY EYES ON RONI’S SLEEVE. 45.
FADE OUT.