SPIRITS OF NATURE By Alanna Fox Starks · SPIRITS OF NATURE By Alanna Fox Starks 6292 Spar Way...
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SPIRITS OF NATURE By Alanna Fox Starks 6292 Spar Way Paradise Pines, CA 95954 (530) 873-9777 [email protected]
Transcript of SPIRITS OF NATURE By Alanna Fox Starks · SPIRITS OF NATURE By Alanna Fox Starks 6292 Spar Way...
SPIRITS OF NATURE
By
Alanna Fox Starks
6292 Spar Way
Paradise Pines, CA 95954
(530) 873-9777
FADE IN
EXT. PRESENT DAY - MERTON VINEYARD - DUSK
We float a moment in a clear BLUE SKY, then down through puffy white CLOUDS and we turn down to look at the LAND of MONTEREY below.
DOWN SHOT where we FOLLOW the large open spaces of wine country in mid-Summer: the heart of Monterey, California.
As we move up the coast and get closer we begin to make out an image. It is SMOKEY, an energetic GOLDEN RETRIEVER running over the countryside, chasing a BUTTERFLY. We HEAR a WHISTLE and the YELLING of a woman’s voice.
CASSANDRA (O.C.)
Smokey! Hey Smokey!
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - SAME
CASSANDRA MERTON, a quite attractive redheaded woman in her late fifties, emerges from her stately house to look for Smokey. She calls his name about every 30 seconds.
Cassandra walks over to an old oak tree, sits down under it and begins to speak to herself
CASSANDRA
He’ll come back. If I sit here long enough, he’ll be back.
Cassandra closes her eyes for a moment, leaning against the tree.
Suddenly she HEARS a weird chirping LAUGHTER. Startled, she sits up and looks around. Nothing there. She shrugs, closes her eyes again.
She HEARS the nearby bush RUSTLE and more laughter. This time she gets up, obviously spooked, and heads back towards the house.
We HEAR a BARK and see Smokey sprinting from behind Cassandra. She reaches over and pats his head affectionately.
CASSANDRA
There you are silly boy! I’ve been calling you. Let’s go eat.
2.
INT. MERTON HOUSE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Smokey is laying down next to his empty food bowl, satisfied from his meal.
Cassandra pours herself a glass of wine. She takes a sip, rushes over to the sink and spits it out violently.
Disgusted, she searches her kitchen drawers and takes out masking tape and a marker. She puts a piece of masking tape over the wine label and writes, “SALAD DRESSING” on the tape and puts the bottle in the refrigerator.
INT. MONTEREY BANK - DAY
Cassandra sits across from a kind, distinguished man, also in his late fifties. Sitting behind the desk is JONATHAN FORRESTER, the bank manager. Smiling at Cassandra, he tries to hide his obvious attraction to her while speaking gently.
JONATHAN
Of course I don’t like to be the bearer of bad news, Cassandra, but I can’t approve-
CASSANDRA
But why not, Jonathan?
JONATHAN
Well, I for one, do not want to see your business go under-
CASSANDRA
But that is why I need the loan, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
I know, but with your land and house as collateral, I
(a beat, deep breath)
Look, it’s like this: you have been stuck on this organic kick for seven years. It’s already proven to be a bad risk. You yourself told me that there has been two recalls in the last two years that wouldn’t
have happened if you had used pesticides and preservatives.
CASSANDRA
I know that but I have faith this is a good idea. I have to pursue it. I need help.
3.
JONATHAN
You need more than faith.
CASSANDRA
I need money.
JONATHAN
Yes.
CASSANDRA
From your bank.
JONATHAN
No.
CASSANDRA
Well, this isn’t the last you’ll see of me.
JONATHAN
I certainly hope not.
CASSANDRA
You need more than hope.
JONATHAN
How about a date?
CASSANDRA
How about a loan?
JONATHAN
Maybe I should reconsider.
CASSANDRA
Our date?
JONATHAN
The loan.
CASSANDRA
How about dinner?
JONATHAN
How about Saturday?
CASSANDRA
How about my house?
JONATHAN
I have no better place to be.
CASSANDRA
Seven o’clock.
4.
JONATHAN
Should I bring anything? A bottle of wine, perhaps?
CASSANDRA
Don’t press your luck, Jonathan.
Cassandra stands up to leave. They shake hands longer than necessary. There is an obvious connection between them. It appears to be painful for them. When they part company, it is reluctantly.
EXT. BEACHSIDE CAFE PATIO - DAY
CONRAD MERTON and MARY MERTON BLACK are having lunch. Conrad is a refined looking, hot-headed blonde gentleman in his early thirties. He is very handsome, well dressed. Mary is in her mid to late twenties, a beautiful mother and ever-consistent family mediator.
CONRAD
So, where are my darling nieces today?
MARY
Don’t get off the subject, Connie.
CONRAD
Alright, alright. What do you want to know?
MARY
I want to know if you are up to something.
CONRAD
What do you mean, ‘something’?
MARY
You act as if you aren’t worried about Mom and our sales.
CONRAD
I admit, sales are down, but Mom says it’s normal for a state of transition.
MARY
What are you up to?
CONRAD
Why do I have to be up to anything?
5.
MARY
I’ve been asking you that for years.
CONRAD
Alright, I’ll level with you. I am worried. Sometimes I think Mom’s crazy ideas will be our ticket to the poor house.
MARY
That’s more like it. I agree. Did I forget to tell you about last week’s recall?
CONRAD
What?! Another one? Why this time?
MARY
Bad Sauvignon. Vinegar.
CONRAD
That’s nearly impossible. How could that have happened?
MARY
Well, Mom thinks it was due to her bottle recycling program.
CONRAD
Don’t tell me that-
MARY
Yep. One batch of the bottles destined for Sauvignon...
CONRAD
But how? I mean, the autoclave gets pretty hot.
MARY
Ernesto told mom that it may have been his fault.
CONRAD
What?!
MARY
An accident, of course. A possible mishap nearly 9 months ago. He wrote it down in his journal, hoping he’d never have to look it up again.
CONRAD
Well, what happened?
6.
MARY
After removing the labels, he set the tray of bottles to the left side, instead of the right.
CONRAD
Whoa.
MARY
A pure accident.
CONRAD
Well, of course it had to be. Ernesto is the best we’ve got.
MARY
I know. He felt so bad that he gave back a week’s pay.
CONRAD
Did mom take it?
MARY
Yes, but she’ll find a sneaky way to give it back.
CONRAD
This just takes it. This is insult to injury.
MARY
I know.
CONRAD
Our yields have been down, mom’s experimenting and now this.
MARY
I know.
CONRAD
Every winemaker knows that you’d have to be a damned fool to let something like this happen.
MARY
Mom is pretty embarrassed, but she won’t give up. The recycling program will go on.
CONRAD
What did Mom say?
MARY
These things take time to work themselves out.
7.
CONRAD
And?
MARY
We have to have faith.
CONRAD
That’s it?
MARY
Yep.
CONRAD
We may have more than that.
MARY
I knew it! You are up to something.
CONRAD
Am not.
MARY
Are too. Let me in on it.
CONRAD
Sorry, gotta go. Where are they, anyway?
MARY Who?
CONRAD
Kailee and Cassie.
MARY
Gramma Black’s house. Stop trying to change the subject, and don’t leave me with the check. Again.
Conrad hands her a twenty dollar bill.
CONRAD
Here’s a twenty. Should cover it. I miss the girls, Mary. I want to see them.
MARY
Let’s get together this weekend. Michael is wrapping up a deal this week and will get a few days off.
CONRAD
I look forward to it. Kiss them for me in the meantime.
8.
Conrad kisses his sister on the cheek and leaves. She puts the twenty with the check and leaves also.
INT. LOCAL GROCERY MARKET - DAY
Cassandra Merton is shopping for her big date. She makes it a point to purchase only organic produce and products. She appears happy, yet anxious. This changes when she runs into the local gossip mongers --other vintner wives. IRENE KLUGMAN is the one to speak.
IRENE
Well, well, well. If it isn’t Cassandra Merton of Merton’s Natural Vinegars.
CASSANDRA
Good afternoon, Mrs. Klugman. I see your husband let you out of your yard today.
The other women giggle. Mrs. Klugman is shocked, recovers quickly.
IRENE
Will you be joining us this year at the annual wine festival? I understand they’ll be having a new
category this year in your honor.
(a beat)
I bet you’ll win first prize in the ‘Salad Dressing’ category.
Women in background are giggling and carrying on.
CASSANDRA
Well, if I did win it, I’d hang that blue ribbon up on my mantle,
(a beat)
right next to your husband's picture. Merle’s blue eyes do so much for my new faux finish.
Cassandra smiles after swallowing the proverbial canary, gathers more organic vegetables and saunters off casually to the checkout line. The women just stand there, mouths agape.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DUSK
Cassandra is out checking grape vines. Smokey starts to BARK at seemingly nothing.
Cassandra turns and SEES a tiny ball of LIGHT. It flutters around the tiny newly-formed grapes. Cassandra hears laughter from inside the light, then a tiny garbled VOICE.
9.
VOICE
Cass...an...dra.
CASSANDRA
Who... who are you?
More laughter.
CASSANDRA
Wha- What do want with my grapes?
VOICE
What do want with my grapes?
CASSANDRA
Your grapes? Who... who are you?
VOICE
Who are you?
CASSANDRA
I’m Cassandra. I ah, Are... Are you God?
Hysterical LAUGHTER.
VOICE
Aren’t we all God?
CASSANDRA
You’re God?
VOICE
You are God. I am God. We are all God.
CASSANDRA
Who... we, who is ‘we’? They’re more of you? Oh God.
VOICE
We are everywhere, we help our grapes grow.
CASSANDRA
My grapes?
VOICE
My grapes!
CASSANDRA
Wait a minute, are you some kind of alien?
VOICE
Are you an alien?
10.
CASSANDRA
No.
VOICE
Neither are we.
CASSANDRA
We? Why do you say we? Why can’t I see the rest of you? How many of you are there?
VOICE
How many of you are there?
Cassandra starts to realize the apparent gravity of the situation.
CASSANDRA
Oh, God. I must be hallucinating. That’s it I’m hallucinating, and here I am asking to see more hallucinations.
(grabs her head)
Oh God, I need to rest.
Suddenly more BALLS OF LIGHT appear and dance around all over the Vineyard. Cassandra reels from the sight, afraid. She stumbles back and runs into the house.
INT. MERTON HOUSE LIVING ROOM - DUSK
Cassandra falls down onto the sofa and reaches for the phone on a nearby stand. She dials rapidly. She holds her head as she waits.
INT. BLACK HOUSE LIVING ROOM - SAME
A ruggedly handsome thirty-something MICHAEL BLACK is sitting on a sofa reading THE VERY HUNGRY CATERPILLAR to his daughters, five year old CASSIE BLACK, and three year old KAILEE BLACK. They are both adorable girls of bubbly youth and innocence.
MICHAEL
In the light of the Moon, a little egg lay on a leaf...
Mary Merton Black is sitting in a nearby chair reading a book when the phone RINGS.
MARY
Hello?
11.
MICHAEL
Who is it, Mare?
MARY
Okay, Mom, calm down and tell me everything.
(whispers to Michael)
It’s my mother.
MICHAEL
Oh. Tell her hello.
MARY
Mom, I need to ask you a couple questions. Oh, hold on a minute.
(to Michael)
Sweetheart, could you take the girls in to bed?
MICHAEL
Come on Girls, let’s finish our story in your bedroom.
CASSIE
Daddy, Can I talk to Grandma First?
KAILEE
Where’s Grandma?
MICHAEL
We can see grandma this weekend, Cassie. Kailee, Grandma is at her house. Come on, let’s go, girls.
MARY
Michael, help them brush their teeth first.
MICHAEL
Okay, sweetheart. Last one to the toothpaste is a rotten egg!
Michael starts to run down the hallway, the girls run after him.
CASSIE
Eee-yew, Daddy!
KAILEE
Daddy, what’s a rotten egg?
MARY
Alright Mom, I’m back. Now, what happened?
(a long beat)
Yeah.
(a beat)
12.Uh-huh.
(a beat)
Mom, have you been drinking that bad wine?
(a beat)
Did you hit your head?
(a beat)
Are you absolutely sure you saw those lights?
(a beat)
Well, do you want me to call the police?
(a beat)
Should I call MUFON? Was it a UFO?
(a beat)
Yeah, okay. Do you need me to come over?
(a beat)
Mom you get some rest. If you need me to drive you to the eye doctor, the regular doctor or the emergency room, I will.
(a beat)
Are you sure?
(a beat)
You’re sure you’re sure?
(a beat)
Should I drive you to a Psychiatrist?
(a beat)
Alright Mom, I believe you.
(a beat)
No, really I do.
(a beat)
Call me if it happens again, okay?
(a beat)
I love you Mom. Get some rest and I’ll talk to you soon. Can you come over tomorrow for lunch? Conrad will be here.
(a beat)
Good, we’ll see you then. I love you, too. Good-bye.
EXT. BLACK HOUSE - BACKYARD - LATE MORNING
The girls are playing, Michael is cooking on the Barbecue and Mary is talking to Conrad.
CONRAD
I know Mom isn’t as practical as she used to be.
MARY
Ever since Dad died, she has wanted to change.
13.
CONRAD
Everything.
MARY
Yeah, right. She hasn’t been logical either.
CONRAD
Well, organics may be the wave of the future, you know. She may be right there.
MARY
That isn’t what I mean.
CONRAD
Do you mean like when she tried to pray for her car to get better, instead of getting a mechanic?
MARY
Well, there is that.
CONRAD
Or the time she hired a Pet Psychic for Smokey, only to find out that he had fleas and wanted a new
flea collar?
MARY
And more cheese! Man, what was that about?
CONRAD
I don’t know. But Smokey loved the trip to Solvang, and all that cheese!
MARY
He was soooo sick after that! But that isn’t what I was talking about.
CONRAD
Okay, shoot.
MARY
Mom has this new thing-
CONRAD
What else is new?
MARY
This time it is different.
CONRAD
Different how?
14.
MARY
She heard something.
CONRAD
Like what?
MARY
A voice.
CONRAD
Like her conscience or something?
MARY
Well, no.
CONRAD
What then?
MARY
From what I could tell, it was coming from her grapes.
CONRAD
Her grapes?
MARY
Yeah, her grapes. She said they lit up.
CONRAD
They lit up?
MARY
Yeah.
CONRAD
You’re telling me that Mom saw her grapes light up.
MARY
And talk.
CONRAD
They talked and lit up.
MARY
Yeah.
CONRAD
Was Mom lit up?
MARY
Not according to her.
CONRAD
What should we do?
15.
MARY
Call a doctor maybe.
CONRAD
She has been stressed with two recalls this year.
MARY
Yep.
Cassandra arrives and walks up to them.
CASSANDRA
My ears are burning. Are you two talking about me?
MARY
Hi, Mom.
Mary and Conrad stand up to greet her, they both hug her in turn.
CONRAD
Hi, Mom. We were just talking about you.
MARY
Mom, would you like something to eat?
CASSIE
Grandma’s here! Grandma’s here!
KAILEE
Grandma! Grandma!
CASSANDRA
Hey you two, come give your Grandma a big kiss!
The girls run to Cassandra. They all embrace. Michael walks over and hugs her.
MICHAEL
Hello Cassandra, would you like anything to drink?
CASSANDRA
Sure, Michael. Do you have ice tea?
MICHAEL
Coming right up.
Michael disappears into the house. Cassandra joins Conrad and Mary and sits down. The girls return to play.
16.
CASSANDRA
So, what have you been saying about me?
MARY
Nothing, Mom.
CASSANDRA
Mary, you were always a bad liar. Got that from your Dad. He always lost at poker, except the times
he played with Charlie and Ernie Rosencrantz.
MARY
Why were those times different?
CASSANDRA
Well, as you might not have known, Charlie was legally blind.
CONRAD
I thought he wore glasses. Why would he need them if he was blind?
MARY
Mom said he was legally blind not blind blind.
CONRAD
What’s the difference?
CASSANDRA
A blind blind person can legally take his dog out to dinner.
MARY
Mom, please continue.
CASSANDRA
Well, Charlie’s astigmatism got worse at night, and the cigar smoke cut down on his ability to see everyone’s faces in the room besides.
CONRAD
What about Mr. Rosencrantz?
CASSANDRA
Ernie had cataracts. He couldn’t see farther than his cards and had to constantly ask how many chips had been played.
MARY
Didn’t they play with Harry too?
17.
CASSANDRA
Oh, yes. Harry wasn’t a problem though.
CONRAD
Why not?
CASSANDRA
He had been a Golden Gloves Boxer.
MARY
And?
CASSANDRA
He was punchy. Couldn’t remember a face, even a poker face. That is why your dad always played with those guys. He had a fighting chance to win.
CONRAD
Dad taught me how to play poker when I was eight.
CASSANDRA
He never told me that.
CONRAD
He tried to win back my allowance every week in a secret game.
CASSANDRA
I can’t believe that! You’re Dad was something else. Always up to something. Kind of like you.
MARY
I really miss Dad.
CASSANDRA
I know, sweetie. I do too. We all do.
CONRAD
Yeah.
Michael comes out of the house with drinks for everyone.
MICHAEL
Here’s tea for the adults and lemonade for my girls.
CASSIE
Thank you Daddy.
CASSANDRA
Thank you Michael.
18.
They have their drinks while Mary disappears into the house and returns with food on a platter. Michael gets the meat and corn from the barbecue.
They all sit down to eat.
CONRAD
So Mom, Mary tells me you’ve been seeing things.
Mary, shocked, spits out her drink. The girls think it’s funny and copy her.
MICHAEL
Girls! Stop it. That is impolite at the dinner table.
CONRAD
Yeah sis, stop being so impolite.
MARY
Oh, excuse me, I am sorry.
CONRAD
Well, Mom, aren’t you going to tell us your story?
CASSANDRA
What story is that dear?
CONRAD
You know, seeing things. Lights floating in the air.
CASSANDRA
They were near the grapes.
CONRAD
And?
CASSANDRA
That’s all.
CONRAD
How could that be all, what else happened?
MARY
Would anyone like dessert?
CASSANDRA
Nothing else happened. I just went into the house, end of story.
MARY
I made a nice cheesecake-
19.
CONRAD
Why would you go into the house if it was nothing?
MARY
New York style-
CASSANDRA
Maybe I wanted to go into the house.
MARY
With a strawberry cherry sauce-
CONRAD
Mom, you’re not telling me everything.
MARY
And coffee on the side-
CASSANDRA
Must I always tell you everything, Conrad?
MARY
With real cream-
CONRAD
Well, I am your only son.
MARY
And brown sugar.
EVERYONE (EXCEPT MARY) What?!
MARY
Aah, uhm... I uh... cheesecake anyone?
CASSANDRA
No thanks, dear. It was a wonderful lunch and I really must be going now. I have a big dinner to prepare.
MARY
But Mom-
CASSANDRA
I’m sorry dear, I should have told you earlier. I’m having a friend over for dinner.
CONRAD
Mom, I’m not even finish-
20.
CASSANDRA
I know, Connie. You can come over tomorrow and we’ll talk some more.
CASSIE
Grandma, are you leaving?
CASSANDRA
I’m afraid so, sweetie.
KAILEE
Grandma, you can stay the night in my bed.
CASSANDRA
Maybe I can do that sometime little one, but I have to go now so you girls give me a big kiss and big bear hug, okay?
GIRLS
(in unison)
Okay Grandma. Grrrrrrrandma!
Cassandra kisses the girls “growls” back at them, and gives hugs all around. She blows kisses to everyone as she leaves. They wave to her.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - FORMAL DINING ROOM - EVENING
Jonathan Forrester is sitting at the dining room table with Cassandra. They are eating, talking and obviously enjoying each other’s company.
JONATHAN
I have to admit it, Cassandra, I really needed a good home-cooked meal.
CASSANDRA
Glad to be of service. Which reminds me-
JONATHAN
I don’t get to eat like this much, being alone and all.
CASSANDRA
Jonathan, I’ve been thinking-
JONATHAN
So have I, Cassandra.
21.
CASSANDRA
I wonder if you would reconsider the loan.
JONATHAN
I wonder if you would go away with me, just for the weekend, sometime.
CASSANDRA
I have some savings, it’s not much but I-
JONATHAN
You know I’m not after your money,
CASSANDRA
I know, it’s just that, I could pay it back-
JONATHAN
I’m after you.
CASSANDRA
A little bit at a time, until til- WHAT?!!
JONATHAN
I’d like to take you away for a weekend.
CASSANDRA
My goodness, Jonathan! Are you trying to get me off the subject?
JONATHAN
No.
CASSANDRA
Then, why would you ask me such a thing?
JONATHAN
Because I am attracted to you. I enjoy your company. Neither one of us has anybody else.
CASSANDRA
But, I- I think-
JONATHAN
But what do you feel, Cassandra?
CASSANDRA
I think, uh, and feel that it is too soon for me.
22.
JONATHAN
It’s been seven years. How long will you wait before you say yes?
CASSANDRA
I haven’t been asked before, I don’t know.
JONATHAN
I am asking you now. Just think about it, please?
CASSANDRA
I don’t think I could think about anything else!
JONATHAN
Well, I didn’t mean to upset you, I just hoped-
CASSANDRA
This seems so sudden.
JONATHAN
You would be happy, could be happy with me.
CASSANDRA
I don’t know, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
I mean, we get along so well.
CASSANDRA
Yes. Yes we do.
JONATHAN
And we’re both unattached.
CASSANDRA
Unattached, I-
JONATHAN
Oh, I didn’t mean it like that.
CASSANDRA
I never thought about it quite like that, I feel so attached still-
JONATHAN
I am sorry, that was inconsiderate of me.
CASSANDRA
I have been attached for over thirty years.
23.
JONATHAN
Of course you were, you were devoted to-
CASSANDRA
He was my life, my very way of life.
JONATHAN
Of course.
CASSANDRA
I can’t right now, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
You can’t give me an answer, or you can’t go away with me?
CASSANDRA
I need time to sort it all out.
JONATHAN
Alright.
CASSANDRA
I don’t know if it is right. If it is proper for me to consider.
JONATHAN
I understand.
CASSANDRA
Oh, I didn’t mean that-
JONATHAN
It’s okay, really it is.
CASSANDRA
No. No, it isn’t. I can’t have you believing that I don’t want to, it’s just that-
JONATHAN
It’s been so long.
CASSANDRA
Yes.
JONATHAN
It’s okay, Cassandra, take your time.
CASSANDRA
Get used to the idea.
JONATHAN
Yes.
24.
They both get up and walk into the living room. Cassandra starts to motion for Jonathan to sit down, however, he ignores this and moves towards the front door. He stops and turns to her.
JONATHAN
I have just one more thing to say.
CASSANDRA
I’m almost afraid to ask what it is.
JONATHAN
I have decided to give you a loan.
CASSANDRA
Oh Jonathan!
JONATHAN
Not a bank loan, but a personal loan.
CASSANDRA
Personal loan? But, why?
JONATHAN
Because I want you to be happy. I want you to be secure and to succeed.
CASSANDRA
So, you approve of my organics?
JONATHAN
Not necessarily. It seems a bad risk, but I don’t mind helping out a good friend.
CASSANDRA
Oh, Jonathan, thank you.
Cassandra forgetting herself, hugs and kisses him, then stops suddenly.
JONATHAN
I better go now...
Embarrassed, Cassandra looks to the floor.
CASSANDRA
Alright.
JONATHAN
Thank you for dinner.
CASSANDRA
Thank you Jonathan, for everything.
25.
They embrace gingerly, stiffly. They both look uncomfortable. Jonathan makes a hasty exit.
Cassandra retreats back to the living room by herself. She looks relieved at first, then worried. Finally, she settles back on the couch, hugs a pillow and smiles. A lot.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Cassandra is dusting her furniture and tidying up. The DOORBELL RINGS. She answers it.
CASSANDRA
Conrad! You’re a little early, I was just tidying up. Come in.
He comes in, they hug, she kisses him on the cheek. They sit down across from each other. Conrad looks concerned.
CONRAD
Hi Mom. How are you doing?
CASSANDRA
Alright, dear. So, what did you want to discuss?
CONRAD
Well, Mom, Mary told me what happened to you the other day.
CASSANDRA
What did she tell you?
CONRAD
Mom, I’m worried about you.
CASSANDRA
Why, what did she say?
CONRAD
She told me that you saw something.
CASSANDRA
I did see something.
CONRAD
She said you saw lights, floating around.
CASSANDRA
Yes.
CONRAD
Well, Mom, that doesn’t seem right.
26.
CASSANDRA
I know, that is why I thought it was so strange, I mean, to see lights that don’t belong there.
CONRAD
What I mean is, I am worried about you.
CASSANDRA
Connie, I am fine. The lights didn’t harm me in any way. It was just strange, that’s all.
CONRAD
But what about the voices you heard, with the lights?
CASSANDRA
Yes, I heard some voices with the lights.
CONRAD
But, Mom, that doesn’t seem right.
CASSANDRA
I know, that is why I called your sister after it happened. It was supernatural.
CONRAD
Supernatural? Mom, it was unusual, illogical and irrational!
CASSANDRA
Oh, Connie, don’t be so dramatic. I just saw a strange, unusual phenomenon, that’s all, end of story.
CONRAD
But, Mom, you live here, all alone. Now you’re seeing and hearing things. You haven’t been acting normal since Dad died, and I’m worried about you.
Now Cassandra sees the big picture. She gets angry at her son for suggesting what it appears he is suggesting.
CASSANDRA
Oh, so that’s it? You think I’ve gone off the deep end, right?
CONRAD
Well, it appears tha-
27.
CASSANDRA
Appearances can be deceiving, unless you are only seeing what you want to see.
CONRAD
What’s that supposed to mean?
CASSANDRA
You want me to be crazy, don’t you?
CONRAD
Well, no, I-
CASSANDRA
You want me to admit that I’ve gone mad?
CONRAD
Not exactly, I’ve thought for some time now that, I just think that-
CASSANDRA
What do you think, Conrad? What are you trying to pull this time?
CONRAD
I think it’s time for you to consider seeing someone.
CASSANDRA
Someone? You mean like a counselor?
CONRAD
Yeah, like a counselor. A psychologist.
CASSANDRA
A psychologist! Conrad Merton, you know as well as I do that I am not crazy, that I am perfectly lucid
and perfectly normal.
CONRAD
You have been seeing and hearing things, Mom, things that might not really be there.
CASSANDRA
Not there! Not there! Now you are calling me a liar!
CONRAD
Not a liar, Mom.
CASSANDRA
Then just plain crazy.
28.
CONRAD
Not exactly crazy, either, Mom. I just want to know that you are fine, that you are normal and
that you’ll be alright to run the wine business.
CASSANDRA
Oh, now we get to the heart of the matter! You think I’m incompetent. Think I can’t run things.
CONRAD
I just want to know that you’re sane!
CASSANDRA
Sane! I am saner than you, Conrad. I don’t dismiss everything out of a belief in so-called rationality. I just keep an open mind about me,
that’s all.
CONRAD
Look, Mom, all I want is for you to see a psychologist and have a psychological evaluation done. For my sake, for my peace of mind.
CASSANDRA
Your peace of mind? What about me? My peace of mind? I was having a perfectly lovely day until you
had the nerve to show up here and accuse me of-of-of being crazy!
CONRAD
I’m not accusing-
CASSANDRA
Yes you are, and I think you better leave, before I really lose my top!
Cassandra pulls hard on his sleeve, leads him over to the door and points her finger towards outside.
CONRAD
But, Mom, I-
CASSANDRA
Out, Conrad!
29.
CONRAD
Fine, that’s the way you want it, Mom. Listen up. You get a psych eval, or I will have you declared incompetent and take over the estate.
CASSANDRA
Oh, don’t you worry, Connie. I’ll get the evaluation alright, and I’ll pass with flying colors!
Now get off my property.
CONRAD
Fine!
He leaves, spinning his tires and driving off quickly. Cassandra, still angry, stunned, and feeling ambushed by her children, retreats back into the house.
EXT. BEACHSIDE CAFE - PATIO - DAY
Cassandra and Jonathan are sitting across from one another, under an umbrella. They are already eating lunch and talk between bites. The OCEAN ROAR is the calming backdrop.
CASSANDRA
I’m so glad you could meet me here, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
I am surprised you called me up so quickly.
CASSANDRA
Well, it’s just that I could use a good friend right now and you were the first person I thought of.
JONATHAN
I am flattered. What’s on your mind?
CASSANDRA
Can I trust you? To keep a secret, I mean?
JONATHAN
Of course, Cassandra, haven’t you always trusted me?
CASSANDRA
Precisely why I called. I had a fight with Conrad.
30.
JONATHAN
A fight? What about?
CASSANDRA
Well, it seems that he doesn’t like my organic ideas. He doesn’t trust me to run the vineyards anymore.
JONATHAN
Well, I have told you I think organics are a bit risky, but you are more than qualified to run
the business.
CASSANDRA
I know, Jonathan, and I’m glad you see it my way, or at least, almost my way. But there is more.
JONATHAN
More? How?
The nosy MALE WAITER comes over to their table.
MALE WAITER Pardon me. Is everything to standard here?
JONATHAN
Oh, yes. We will be needing the bill and a bit more water, however. Thank you.
The waiter nods and leaves.
CASSANDRA
Anyway, Conrad has threatened me. Has threatened to take over the vineyards, unless I-
(hesitates, embarrassed)
JONATHAN
Unless you what?
CASSANDRA
Unless I get a-
(stammers through tears)
a-a-a-
(whispers quietly now)
a Psych Eval!
Again, the waiter interrupts. He looks strangely for a second at Cassandra. She looks away, completely embarrassed. He pours the water, then puts the bill down.
31.
MALE WAITER
Here is your bill, sir. Will there be anything else?
JONATHAN
No, thank you.
MALE WAITER
Very well, Sir. Thank you for dining with us.
He walks away slowly, as if to stay within earshot. Jonathan stares him down until he finally retreats quickly. Jonathan continues discreetly.
JONATHAN
A Psychological Evaluation?
CASSANDRA
Yes.
JONATHAN
But why? I mean, you seem perfectly normal to me.
CASSANDRA I know. I think he worries that I am getting old and well, senile.
JONATHAN
Oh, that’s just plain silly. Maybe he didn’t really mean it?
CASSANDRA
Oh, he meant it alright. He wasn’t making an idle threat here. He really means to take over unless I
find a, uh, well, you know.
JONATHAN
Yes, well.
(pauses a beat)
Say, there is a woman who just opened up an account at the bank a few days ago. She may be able to help you.
CASSANDRA
Really? Is she a-
JONATHAN
She’s a psychologist. Because she is new in town, she gave me some of her cards to drum up some clients.
CASSANDRA
Do you think she’d do it?
32.
JONATHAN
Absolutely. She is nice and seems very compassionate. I think you’ll like her.
Jonathan pulls out his wallet, and looks for her card. He also takes out money for the bill and places it on the table. He finds the card.
JONATHAN
Here it is, give her a call. It will all turn out alright.
CASSANDRA Thank you. Why is it that I knew I could count on you to save the day?
JONATHAN
I just have one of those superhero faces, I guess.
They both laugh. The waiter comes over and takes the bill with the money. They get up and walk together while talking. The waiter looks a bit miffed that they are leaving and he can no longer hear them.
CASSANDRA
Jonathan, I have something else to talk to you about.
JONATHAN
Alright. Go ahead.
CASSANDRA
About the other night...
JONATHAN
Yes?
CASSANDRA
I’m sorry that-
JONATHAN
Please don’t apologize. I was out of line. I’m afraid it was my fault for being so forward.
CASSANDRA
Well, yes. But I was acting so funny, so unlike me.
JONATHAN
I think we both were. Let’s just let it go.
CASSANDRA
For now.
33.
JONATHAN
Alright. For now.
Jonathan puts his arm around Cassandra. She returns the favor. They quietly walk along the beach for a time.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - CASSANDRA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cassandra sleeps restlessly. Her eyes are moving rapidly.
We get a GLIMPSE into her DREAMWORLD, and see a YOUNG CASSANDRA sitting at the knee of her GRANDMOTHER, an elderly, charming Irish woman in a ROCKING CHAIR. They are sitting on the PORCH of an old AMERICAN FARMHOUSE.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Grandmother, please tell me again the stories of the wee people.
GRANDMOTHER
Ay, the wee folk. Ye always were interested in the strange tales, weren’t ye? What do ye want
to hear about today, lass?
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Mmmm... how about the brownies?
GRANDMOTHER
Ay, me. The brownies are some clever folk, they sure are. They are a wee bit on the shy side, I must say. If they are to come into your house, they sure don’t want nobody speakin’ of ‘em at all.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Grandmother, why would they come into my house?
GRANDMOTHER
They love to help the lady o’ the house with chores. They are hard workers and proud of it, so it’s best never to criticize their work.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Why, what would they do?
GRANDMOTHER
They wouldn’t take to kind to it and they would leave in an angry huff, leaving the poor old woman
34.o’ the house to tend her chores alone. And, you know what they say ‘Two shorten a road’.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
What about the pixies?
GRANDMOTHER
Ay now the pixies are a different story. They may come to the house and do some chores on occasion, but the work is not fun enough for them.
Her laugh turns into a little cough. She rocks a bit.
GRANDMOTHER
They would rather be outside, playing with the horses and dancing around their fairy circles.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Where can we find their fairy circles? Could we dance with them?
GRANDMOTHER
Oh, child! They would love nothing better than to lead ye astray and dance all night with ye around
their mushroom patches, which are their fairy rings.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Oh grandmother, could you tell me about the flower spirits?
GRANDMOTHER
My, aren’t you the inquisitive child today. I’ll be telling you one more story, and then it’s off to read your schoolbooks, alright?
Rocks momentarily.
GRANDMOTHER
You must always try to balance your flights o’ fancy with a dose of good book learnin’!
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Alright, Grandmother.
GRANDMOTHER
Now let’s see, the Flower Spirits... These wee folk are the sweetest of the bunch.
35.They spend all their time workin’ to make the flowers grow and smell beautiful for our pleasure.
Coughs while rocking.
GRANDMOTHER
They are kin to the fruit spirits also.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
The Fruit Spirits?
GRANDMOTHER
Yes, well, it is my name for them. You see, all growing, living things around us have Nature Spirits to guard and take care of ‘em.
Rocks.
GRANDMOTHER
You can always tell when the Spirits have a particular liking for ye.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
How can you tell?
GRANDMOTHER
When your potatoes are bigger and tastier than anybody else’s. Or when your apple trees produce
extra apples well after harvest time.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
How do you get the Nature Spirits to like you?
GRANDMOTHER
Well, I‘ll tell you the secret: love the Spirits by loving your plants with your whole heart,
compliment them and give them enough water to grow.
Rocks again thoughtfully.
GRANDMOTHER
Also, heed their advice at all times. They’ll never steer ye wrong. After all, Spirits of Nature are smarter than ye are when it comes to growin’ good plants.
36.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Their advice? But how can we hear them?
GRANDMOTHER
By being as still as ye can be, you will hear their tiny chirping voices on the whispers o’ the wind.
YOUNG CASSANDRA
Oh...
Cassandra wakes up from her dream startled. She looks around her room, then at the CLOCK which reads 3:00 am, takes a drink of WATER from her NIGHTSTAND, then rolls over and falls back asleep.
INT. PSYCHOLOGIST OFFICE - DAY
Cassandra is sitting in the waiting room, nervous and uptight. We SEE various NEW AGE ICONS: crystals, dreamcatchers, mini statues of Quan Yin and Buddha and pictures on the walls of Unicorns and Angels.
DR. ABIGAIL GODFREY, an attractive African-American, light spirited, “New Agey” psychologist in her mid thirties, emerges from the therapy room in peasant blouse, long flowing skirt, beads and all.
DR. GODFREY
Hello, Mrs. Merton, come and have seat in here.
CASSANDRA
Hello, Dr. Godfrey.
Cassandra gets up and follows Dr. Godfrey into the office. She wrings her hands nervously. Nearly missing the CHAIR, she finally sits down in.
DR. GODFREY
I apologize for not spending more time with you when you called.
(smiles politely)
I usually give a free consult over the phone. If you like, we can do that now at no charge.
CASSANDRA
That would be fine.
DR. GODFREY
Would you like to start by telling me why you’ve come to see me?
CASSANDRA
Well, it’s about my vineyards.
37.
DR. GODFREY
Yes?
CASSANDRA
I need to know what to do about the, um, the little people.
DR. GODFREY
The little people?
CASSANDRA
Yes, the workers, the ones who tend my grapes.
DR. GODFREY
You would like to know what to do about the grape workers?
CASSANDRA
(Feels heard, relaxes a bit.)
Yes.
DR. GODFREY
Are you having a specific problem with these workers?
CASSANDRA
Oh, no. They are doing a good job.
DR. GODFREY
So, what are you worried about?
CASSANDRA
Well, it’s just that, I...
(whispering)
don’t want to really see them anymore.
DR. GODFREY
You don’t want to see the workers?
CASSANDRA
It’s just that I don’t think I should see the little people at all.
DR. GODFREY
Do you think you should call them that? I mean, do they know you call them the “little people”?
Don’t they get angry at you?
CASSANDRA
My, no, they are used to it. I mean, after all, they are pretty little.
38.
Dr. Godfrey completely misunderstands her and she’s getting miffed at Cassandra’s apparent snootiness.
DR. GODFREY
I am not sure I quite understand.
CASSANDRA
I don’t believe it’s right to see them. I’m in charge of the business, and it is troubling to see them.
DR. GODFREY
(Adopting an attitude)
And just why is that? I mean, if they are doing the work for you, picking the grapes and everything-
CASSANDRA
Oh, they don’t actually pick the grapes, they just grow them for me.
DR. GODFREY
(confused)
What?!
CASSANDRA
You know, the little people that grow the grapes. I have been seeing them.
DR. GODFREY
(pauses to contemplate)
You have been seeing... them?
CASSANDRA
Yes. Several times this past week.
DR. GODFREY
And what do they look like?
CASSANDRA Well, at first, I just heard them, and a few days ago I saw them too. They look like little white balls of light. They float around my grapes.
DR. GODFREY
Oh... I see.
Dr. Godfrey stands up and walks to her WINDOW. She stares outside for a moment, takes a deep breath and blows it out loudly. She then bursts into hysterical laughter. Clapping her hands together, she spins around to look at a startled and alarmed Cassandra.
39.
CASSANDRA
What is it? Doctor, am I going crazy?
DR. GODFREY
No, Mrs. Merton, but I do believe that we have been having a misunderstanding.
CASSANDRA
(her turn to be confused)
A misunderstanding?
DR. GODFREY
Yes. I believe that you are actually having a natural and perfectly normal spiritual experience.
CASSANDRA
I am? I mean, I am! That’s what I told my daughter! I thought it was supernatural, but maybe it is natural, after all?
DR. GODFREY
That is what I believe. You see, Mrs. Merton, people have awakening experiences that are suited to
their own needs, according to what they know.
CASSANDRA
Oh...
DR. GODFREY
And the Little People, also called Nature Spirits or Faeries have been trying to communicate with you, to work with you.
CASSANDRA
You know about this? I mean, you have heard about this before?
DR. GODFREY
Well, yes. I have been familiar with the Findhorn Garden for many years. There are many books you
can find on the subject at the library.
CASSANDRA
Well, what do you know?
40.
DR. GODFREY
I’ll tell you what. I am not going to charge you for this session, because you don’t need a psychologist. What you need is a friend who understands you.
CASSANDRA
Well, that is harder to come by.
DR. GODFREY
Not anymore. What do you say, friend?
Smiling broadly, Dr. Godfrey holds out her hand for Cassandra to shake. Cassandra stands up and takes her hand.
CASSANDRA
Thank you so much. I am sure glad I came to see you.
DR. GODFREY
I am too. I have a little something for you. My first gift to you as a friend.
Dr. Godfrey hands Cassandra a box with a rose quartz necklace inside. Cassandra opens it.
CASSANDRA
Oh, I don’t know what to say. It’s lovely.
DR. GODFREY
How about ‘thank you’?
CASSANDRA
Oh, thank you very, very much. But how, did you happen to have it?
DR. GODFREY
Sometimes, I keep special gifts on hand that will help my clients heal. Rose quartz is good for
opening your heart to the higher good. I have a sneaky feeling it will help you communicate with
your Nature Spirits.
CASSANDRA
So, it is a good idea to talk to them?
DR. GODFREY
Absolutely. It is a beautiful gift they have given to you.
41.
CASSANDRA
You have such a positive way of looking at things, Dr. Godfrey.
DR. GODFREY
Well, I try my best. And please, from now on, you may call me Abigail.
CASSANDRA
And you can call me Cassandra.
DR. GODFREY
Cassandra, I like this. This is good. You are my first official friend since I moved here.
CASSANDRA
I’m just as happy as you are, Abigail. Oh, I do need something else, I’m afraid.
DR. GODFREY
What do you need?
CASSANDRA
My son has threatened to take over the business, unless I give him a psychological report.
DR. GODFREY
Say no more. I’ll send it to you in a couple days.
CASSANDRA
How about if you give it to me when we meet for lunch?
DR. GODFREY
Now that’s a splendid idea! Call me in a couple days. I’d love to have lunch with you.
CASSANDRA
Thank you for everything. I am so glad we met.
DR. GODFREY
I am too. I feel it was divinely inspired.
The women embrace and CASSANDRA leaves.
42.
INT. MERTON ESTATE - WINE STORAGE ROOM - DAY
Cassandra has gathered her 15 STAFF MEMBERS together. The walls in this old large BARN are made of wood. The staff members are surrounded by the LARGE OAK BARRELS in which the wine is fermenting. Some of the staff are sitting on stacked PALETTES, while others sit on old barrels. They all respect and trust Cassandra and thus, listen intently to her words.
CASSANDRA
I’m glad we can all gather together on this most momentous of days. Without your hard work and dedication to Merton Estates, none of this could have been possible. I thank you all for that.
ERNESTO, an energetic young man in his twenties speaks up. He is wearing a crisp white t-shirt, blue jeans and white sneakers stained purple from walking in fields of grapes.
ERNESTO
What’s this all about, Mrs. Merton?
CASSANDRA
Let me introduce you to some gentlemen. Perhaps, they can explain it all to you.
Cassandra motions towards the large open barn door. MR. FISHER and MR. SMYTHE walk in. Very conservative looking, dressed in suits and carrying clipboards, they both appear to lack a sense of humor. Clearly, neither one of these gentlemen are comfortable in front of a crowd. Their formality sparks a nervous edge in the staff.
CASSANDRA
This is Mr. Smythe, and this is Mr. Fisher. Go ahead, gentlemen.
MR. SMYTHE
After careful inspections in these past few years, we have discovered no amount of pesticide residues
on any of the grapes that we have tested, and thusly, they pass all inspections. Now, Mr. Fisher will give his MOG report.
MR. FISHER
I have completed the official MOG report and-
NITA, a serious dark-haired beauty, raises her hand. Mr. Fisher motions to her.
43.
NITA
What does MOG mean?
MR. FISHER
MOG stands for Material Other than Grapes. Now in this MOG Report, I’ve gathered information concerning-
NITA
What material?
MR. FISHER
All material parts of your plants, Miss...?
NITA
Nita.
MR. FISHER
Miss Nita. As I was saying, the MOG Report shows that...
NITA
Like the stems?
MR. FISHER
What?
NITA
Like the stems?
MR. FISHER
Excuse me, Miss?
NITA
Nita.
MR. FISHER
Miss Nita. I don’t understand.
NITA
Neither do I.
MR. FISHER
No dear, I don’t understand your question.
NITA
When you say Material other than grapes, do you mean the stems?
MR. FISHER
Yes, well, we do include in our inspection the vines, the leaves and the soil. This is all put into the MOG Report. So yes, Miss?
44.
NITA
Nita.
MR. FISHER
Miss Nita, we do mean the stems.
NITA
Oh. Okay. Thanks.
MR. FISHER
You’re welcome.
All the Staff sit waiting patiently for Mr. Fisher to now finish with his report. He doesn’t say anything. Nita raises her hand.
MR. FISHER
Yes Miss Neva?
NITA
Nita.
MR. FISHER
Oh, my apologies, Miss Nita.
NITA
Are you going to finish?
MR. FISHER
Finish what?
NITA
Your MOG Report?
MR. FISHER
Oh, yes. Upon several inspections of MOG Material, I conclude that there are no pesticide residuals above the amount of 10 parts per million. Thusly, this is a clean operation.
ERNESTO
Mrs. Merton, could we have this in English please?
CASSANDRA
Yes, Ernesto, what Mr. Smythe and Mr. Fisher have come to report is that we are now, officially
registered with the state of California a genuine, bona-fide organic winery!
In unison, the entire Staff hoot and holler their joy at this long-awaited good news.
45.
MR. SMYTHE
Congratulations, people. I know you all work hard here, and it has paid off. Mr. Fisher will be back again for another inspection.
As the two gentlemen walk away together, we hear their conversation until they are out of earshot.
MR. SMYTHE
That went rather well.
MR. FISHER
I don’t get it. Why do they always give me a hard time?
MR. SMYTHE
I don’t know. Perhaps it is that “kick me” sign on your back.
MR. FISHER
Yeah, very funny.
MR. SMYTHE
I think she liked you.
MR. FISHER
Who?
MR. SMYTHE
Miss Neva.
MR. FISHER
Miss Nita.
MR. SMYTHE
Oh yeah.
MR. FISHER
You really think so?
MR. SMYTHE
Oh sure. Definitely.
MR. FISHER
Huh.
After the inspectors are officially gone, Cassandra turns to address the Staff again.
CASSANDRA
Congratulations to all of you. I am pleased that we have finally pulled this off. Now, of course, I’ll be accepting your suggestions in regards to our new name, and our new organic label.
46.
ERNESTO
Mrs. Merton, you want to change the name?
CASSANDRA
Yes, Ernesto, I believe it is time to reflect all of our hard work and dedication to becoming organic by
changing our labels, including our logo and our name.
NITA
Will the vineyards still be called Merton Estates?
CASSANDRA
Naturally. The only name change will be on the bottles themselves. Now, Ernesto can take all of your suggestions in this box.
Cassandra hands Ernesto a purple SHOEBOX that has “SUGGESTIONS” written with black marker on a piece of masking tape on the side.
CASSANDRA
When Ernesto’s gathered your ideas he’ll deliver it to me. Whoever designs the best label will get a monetary bonus. Same goes for the name. Good Luck!
ERNESTO
Thank you, Mrs. Merton. We have to get back to work now.
They all get up to leave. Cassandra smiles at everyone sweetly as they leave. It is clear that she truly loves and cherishes all who work for her.
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Cassandra is having dinner with Conrad, Mary and Michael. The WINE STEWARD comes to the table with two bottles of wine which he proceeds to open and pour for all. He addresses Conrad, who has ordered this particular vintage.
WINE STEWARD
Merton Estates, Cabernet Sauvignon 1997. An impeccable choice, Sir. This award winner has a clean nose, full-bodied bouquet. Dry, yet
47.understated palate with just the slightest hint of fruit and shadow of oak.
CONRAD
Thank you.
WINE STEWARD
Very well, Sir.
The wine steward leaves. They all raise their glasses to Cassandra, expecting her to give the toast.
CASSANDRA
To all of you, my family, and to the memory of your father, the inspiration to us all.
Cassandra beams proudly through tiny tears.
CASSANDRA
Here is to our past, our humble beginnings and to the future of Merton Estates.
They raise their glasses amid tears and smiles, then all drink in unison.
ALL
Hear, hear!
CASSANDRA
Thank you all for being here tonight. I’m glad we are all together.
CONRAD
So am I. Mom, we’ve been meaning to talk to you.
CASSANDRA
And I, you. I need to tell you all that I have decided to change the wine label to reflect our new organic vision.
This unexpected bomb knocks the wind out of Conrad and Mary. Michael quickly gulps down his wine and pours more for himself and continues to indulge.
MARY
But hasn’t daddy’s label been alright? I mean, people are familiar with... they just
...they just... know it.
48.
CONRAD
Mom, why do you want to disrespect dad like that? Are we just supposed to forget him, his memory?
CASSANDRA
Of course not, Connie. Look, I do respect your father but we are doing things differently now.
CONRAD
I’ll say.
CASSANDRA
I have to change for myself, for the better.
MARY
What about us? What about our feelings?
CASSANDRA
I care about you both, I love you. I have to run my winery according to my vision, my-
CONRAD
Oh, are you seeing things again?
MARY
Conrad, stop it! You know that’s not fair.
CASSANDRA
Okay, look. I need to tell you kids something else, so can we forget about the label changes
for now?
They both brace up for another bomb. Michael pours himself another glass of wine, now from the second bottle.
CONRAD
Oh, alright. For now.
MARY
Yeah mom.
CASSANDRA
I am seriously thinking about dating Mr. Forrester again.
CONRAD
What?!
MARY
Again?
49.
CONRAD
What do you mean by ‘again’?
MARY
Mom, don’t you love daddy?
CONRAD
Did you cheat on dad?
Cassandra is now the one to looked shocked. She is hurt by all the insults and insinuations being hurled at her.
CONRAD
Well, did you?
MARY
Mom?
Cassandra takes a deep breath and drinks a long, deep sip of her wine. She addresses Mary first. Michael keeps drinking, oblivious to the others.
CASSANDRA
Of course I loved you father. I still do. But honey, he’s dead. He’s been dead a good long time too.
CONRAD
Where does Mr. Forrester come in?
CASSANDRA
Well, we’ve known each other since high school.
CONRAD
And?
CASSANDRA
And we dated for a while.
MARY
And?
CASSANDRA And we broke up when he went to the east coast for college.
MARY
Oh.
CONRAD
If you loved Mr. Forrester, then why did you marry dad?
50.
CASSANDRA
Because I loved your father. He didn’t leave and he was crazy about me.
MARY
Did he know about Mr. Forrester?
CASSANDRA
Oh, sure. They were friends. I think your dad was waiting in the wings all along for me. When
Jonathan went away, your dad convinced me that he was the one for me.
MARY
What did you think?
CASSANDRA
Oh I don’t know. I was just a school girl. I think I loved them both equally at the time.
CONRAD
What about now?
CASSANDRA
Well, I love your father more. I’ve spent a lifetime with him.
MARY
Then why is Mr. Forrester in the picture?
CASSANDRA
Because your father died. I didn’t.
Conrad and Mary are momentarily silent. Michael drinks the last of the second bottle of wine.
CONRAD
Well, I for one don’t like it.
CASSANDRA
Honestly, Conrad, I don’t care if you like it or not.
MARY
Then why did you tell us?
CASSANDRA
I wanted you to know. We’re going away for the weekend.
51.
CONRAD
You’re forgetting dad. You’re being disrespectful.
CASSANDRA
I don’t see it that way.
CONRAD
Of course not. First you’re seeing things, then you’re talking to thin air and now this.
MARY
Conrad! Stop this!
CONRAD
Did you see a psychiatrist, like I asked?
MARY
How dare you!
Michael signals for the wine steward, who is already bringing a third bottle of wine, as he can hear this argument from across the restaurant.
CONRAD
Stay out of this, Mary.
MARY
I will not. Our mother is not crazy, she’s eccentric sometimes, but she’s not crazy!
CONRAD
Well, mom, did you go?
CASSANDRA
Yes, I did as a matter of fact!
MARY
Mom?
CASSANDRA
I’m not eccentric or crazy! I’ll have you both know that I am fine, the evaluation turned out great. Here’s the proof...
She reaches into her purse, whips out the papers and angrily hands them out.
CASSANDRA
As you can see, I made a copy for you both.
52.
MARY
(sarcastically)
Oh, great mom. That’s just great.
CONRAD
Oh Fine! I’m outta here!
Conrad storms out in a huff.
CASSANDRA
So am I! Good night!
Cassandra storms out in a hurry. Mary bursts into tears and runs to the bathroom.
MARY
(wailing)
Ohhhh!
Michael looks up to see everybody gone. He pours the last bit of wine from the bottle and drinks it. Mary comes back, still weeping and angry.
MARY
May I have the keys to the car, Michael?
He silently hands her the KEYS and she leaves without him. He sits there, stunned and drunk. He pours the rest of the wine from all of their glasses into his own and drinks it.
MICHAEL
Check, please!
The WAITER comes over and hands Michael the BILL. He pays for it silently, then stumbles to his feet, walks out the door and yells...
MICHAEL
TAXI!
INT. PUBLIC LIBRARY - DAY
Cassandra is waiting for the LIBRARIAN to get back to the INFORMATION DESK. She is browsing through some BOOKS on the counter and is startled when the librarian finally approaches.
LIBRARIAN
May I help you?
CASSANDRA
Oh, yes. I would like to know where I can find books about fairies.
53.
The librarian looks at her up and down before replying sternly with disgust.
LIBRARIAN
Over there, third aisle from the right. That section is growing every year.
Cassandra follows her instructions and starts to read the titles on the SHELF out loud.
CASSANDRA
Giovanni’s Room. The Oscar Wilde Collection. Lesbians in Society. The Gay Male Voice. What the-?
More than a bit perturbed and embarrassed by this misunderstanding, Cassandra returns to the librarian.
CASSANDRA
Oh, I didn’t mean that! I mean fairies as in “Little People” or “Wee Folk.”
LIBRARIAN
Oh? Well, then you can find books on fairies in the second aisle on the left, third shelf down.
Cassandra again follows directions and walks down the aisle to the shelf. She finds herself in the Children’s section.
CASSANDRA
Fairy Tales! I should have known!
Again she returns to the librarian’s information desk.
LIBRARIAN
May I help you?
CASSANDRA
I don’t think you understand me. I need to find factual information about fairies. About Spirits of plants. Spirits of Nature.
LIBRARIAN
The poltergeists and ghost section is four aisles down on the left.
CASSANDRA
Not Spirits of people! Spirits as in, well fairies, leprechauns, gnomes and the like.
54.
The librarian regards her now as a crazy derelict and wants to rid herself of this crazy woman as soon as humanly possible.
LIBRARIAN
Follow me.
Cassandra follows her, certain that this woman still has no idea as to what she wants.
LIBRARIAN
Look, I think I know what you mean now. Here is what you want. This is all we have about fairies.
The librarian leaves Cassandra to it. Cassandra looks at the SIGN above the section. It says MYTHOLOGY. Reluctantly, she takes a couple of books and sits down to read at a nearby table.
CASSANDRA
(sighing)
Well, this is better than nothing, I guess.
Cassandra starts to look at Brian Froud’s BOOK, PRESSED FAIRIES in disgust. LUMINARIA, a beautiful LUMINOUS woman, appears at her right side. She glows as if from a Maxfield Parrish painting.
LUMINARIA
I think these books will be more sufficient for your needs.
Luminaria hands Cassandra a small stack of BOOKS. Cassandra is captivated by this woman’s radiance and beauty.
LUMINARIA
Well, aren’t you going to view them?
CASSANDRA
Uh, yes, I am. I will.
With surprise, Cassandra reviews the books: THE FINDHORN GARDEN, PERELANDRA GARDEN by Machaelle Small Wright and Rudolf Steiner’s BIODIVERSITY IN AGRICULTURE. Luminaria reaches over and points to Small Wright’s book. Cassandra notices the intricately formed CLUSTER of GRAPES on her RING. Luminaria pulls her hand away suddenly.
CASSANDRA
Perelandra: Gardening with Nature Intelligences! Why this is exactly what I was looking for!
55.
LUMINARIA
We know.
CASSANDRA
But how did you-
Cassandra looks up again but Luminaria has vanished. Cassandra takes the small stack of books with her to the CHECK OUT DESK.
LIBRARIAN
Would you like to check these out, Ma’am?
CASSANDRA
Yes, I would. But first, did you see where that woman went?
LIBRARIAN
What woman?
CASSANDRA
The blonde woman that was just here. She was wearing a long floral dress and had this ring-
LIBRARIAN
There wasn’t anybody here today save for you, and those kids over there.
Cassandra turns towards the children’s section and sees some middle school age children talking and playing quietly.
CASSANDRA
But she was just here, she was over there.
LIBRARIAN
I am sorry, I didn’t see anyone. Can I check these out now, please?
Cassandra is visibly spooked. The librarian opens the front covers of the books, then the back covers. She goes over to the COMPUTER and types something. She does this again.
Cassandra is getting tired of waiting. Both Cassandra and the librarian are getting frustrated. The librarian comes back, ruffles through several pages of each book and finally blurts out:
LIBRARIAN
Is this some kind of sick joke?
CASSANDRA
I don’t know what you mean.
56.
LIBRARIAN
You would like to check these out?
CASSANDRA
Yes, please.
LIBRARIAN
Where are the inserts and library cards?
CASSANDRA
What do you mean?
LIBRARIAN
You can’t check books out without them.
CASSANDRA
Well, this is how I found them.
LIBRARIAN
Well, for your information, these books aren’t even registered with this library!
CASSANDRA
So what are you saying, exactly?
LIBRARIAN These books do not belong to the library. I don't know where you found them, but you can have them!
CASSANDRA
Have them? You mean just take them?
LIBRARIAN
(irritated)
My gift to you. Just, please leave, now.
CASSANDRA
Oh. Well, thank you for your help.
LIBRARIAN
It’s my ple- ,
(stops herself)
It’s my job.
CASSANDRA
Good-bye.
LIBRARIAN
Good rid-
(Stops herself again)
Good Day, Ma’am.
57.
Cassandra leaves bewildered, clutching her newly acquired mysterious books.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - DAY
We HEAR FAIRY MUSIC and SEE little Fairies playing tiny INSTRUMENTS in every nook and cranny of Cassandra’s living room. Cassandra is in the middle of it, dancing with the KING of all Fairy folk: God PAN himself. Half elf and half goat, complete with laurel wreath on his head, PAN PIPES in his hand, he is full of merriment and revelry.
Suddenly, a LOUD KNOCK on the front door disrupts this party.
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - SAME
Mary KNOCKS impatiently on the front door. Finally, she RINGS the DOORBELL several times in a row, growing frustrated. She bursts in to the living room, not sure what she will find.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - FAMILY ROOM - SAME
CASSANDRA is asleep on her COUCH. The movie A FAIRY TALE is playing on her TV. All around her are books about fairies: art, photo essays, gardening books, and the books from the library incident. Mary notices everything Fairy and grows suspicious.
MARY
Mother! What on Earth are you doing?
Cassandra’s hands are floating above her. She is air dancing.
CASSANDRA
(sleep talking)
Dancing with the horned God, my dear.
MARY
What! Mom, wake up!
CASSANDRA
(still asleep)
Meet Pan, King of the Fair Fae Folk.
MARY
Mom, Wake up! What are you saying?
Mary shakes her awake, hoping for a normal answer.
58.
CASSANDRA
(yawning, getting up) I thought I was taking a nap.
MARY
I don’t mean that, Mom. I mean what are you doing with all this stuff?
CASSANDRA
Can’t a girl read a few books or watch a movie without being questioned?
MARY
I mean, why are you still focusing on all this fairy nonsense?
CASSANDRA
It isn’t nonsense.
MARY
Sure it is. It is a fantasy made up by folks with a good imagination.
CASSANDRA
There was a time when you had a good imagination.
MARY
What do you mean by that remark?
CASSANDRA
Once upon a time you believed in the wee folk.
MARY
I did not!
CASSANDRA
Sure you did. When you were a very little girl.
MARY
Well, you probably read me a story or something.
CASSANDRA
Oh, no child. There was one very stormy, a blustery cold sort of day. It began to snow outside.
MARY
It snowed here? That sounds impossible.
59.
CASSANDRA
I know, it was a strange year indeed. I held you up to see the snow falling. You weren’t yet tall enough to see out the window.
MARY
How old was I?
CASSANDRA
You must have been around two or three, just a toddler then.
MARY
Oh.
CASSANDRA
After you watched the snow fall awhile, you started laughing and waving happily.
MARY
Why would I do that?
CASSANDRA
That’s what I wanted to know. So I asked you, ‘Who are you waving at?’
MARY
What did I say?
CASSANDRA
You said, ‘I’m waving at the little snowmen.’
MARY
Little snowmen?
CASSANDRA
That’s what you said. I asked what they looked like. You said, ‘They are little men with little white sweaters and pants on.’
MARY
I did?
CASSANDRA
Yep. You also said that you were waving because they waved first.
MARY
That makes sense, I guess.
60.
CASSANDRA
You said you were laughing because they were dancing funny with the snowflakes.
MARY
I wonder...
CASSANDRA
What dear?
MARY
Every time I think of snow, I begin to laugh. It makes me giddy. Do you think I told you the truth?
CASSANDRA
I had every reason to believe you at the time, as you were so innocent then, so sweet, so wide-eyed in the world.
MARY
Like my girls are now.
CASSANDRA
It was one of those moments that I just knew would be frozen in time, a special little piece of your
young history that I would cherish for the rest of my life.
Cassandra is teary eyed now upon memory of the sweet reverie. Mary is moved, but remains silent as she grapples between conventional realism and her innocent childhood reality.
CASSANDRA
As I held you, I laughed and cried all at once for the love I felt for you. A treasure to behold, a tender moment for us on that cold, white day.
MARY
(now with tears also)
And you knew this little person in your arms wouldn’t last.
CASSANDRA
Precisely.
The women embrace, crying and laughing together. A beautiful moment between mother and daughter.
MARY
Mom, I am sorry I judged you.
61.
CASSANDRA
I forgive you.
MARY
I love you, Mom.
CASSANDRA
I love you too, Mary.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAY
Cassandra is just finishing lunch with Dr. Abigail Godfrey among her grapes.
DR. GODFREY
Thank you for inviting me here, Cassandra.
CASSANDRA
Not at all. I love your company.
DR. GODFREY
Your food is delicious and the wine-
CASSANDRA
Yes?
DR. GODFREY
Is fantastic!
CASSANDRA
So, um, Abigail?
DR. GODFREY
Yes?
CASSANDRA
Can you-
DR. GODFREY
What?
CASSANDRA
You know, see them?
DR. GODFREY
(whispering)
The little people?
CASSANDRA
Yes.
DR. GODFREY
Not yet. Maybe if I get centered.
62.
Dr. Godfrey arranges herself in a half-lotus yoga position and closes her eyes. Her hands rest upon her knees and she starts to chant.
DR. GODFREY
Ommm manee pad mee ommmm...
Cassandra watches her inquisitively. Dr. Godfrey continues to chant.
DR. GODFREY (CONT’D)
Ommm tat sat ommmm...
Dr. Godfrey sits in silence a couple beats. When she opens her eyes, she appears to be in an altered state. She peruses the Vineyards silently.
Cassandra eyeballs her.
CASSANDRA
Well?
DR. GODFREY
(hushed)
They’re here. I see wee people!
We SEE Fairies buzzing all over the Vineyards, down on the ground, among the grapes and even flying through the air. It is a magical fairyland.
CASSANDRA
(also hushed)
I wish I could see them.
Cassandra squints as she tries to see the fairies.
DR. GODFREY
Alright. I‘ll give you a few pointers.
CASSANDRA
Oh goodie!
DR. GODFREY
First you have to center yourself.
CASSANDRA Okay. How do I do that?
DR. GODFREY
Sit with your spine straight and chant the words I say.
CASSANDRA
Alright.
63.
Dr. Godfrey speaks the words to Cassandra and she chants them in turn.
DR. GODFREY
Om Manee Padmee Om...
CASSANDRA
Ommmmm Maneee Padmee Oooommmmm
DR. GODFREY
Om Tat Sat Om
CASSANDRA
Ommm Tat Sat Ooommm
DR. GODFREY
Chanting like a professional already.
Cassandra opens her eyes and looks around smiling. A couple beats later, her smile deflates.
CASSANDRA
Nothing.
DR. GODFREY
It takes time, practice and patience.
CASSANDRA
Oh, is that all?
DR. GODFREY
And you have to see through your third eye.
CASSANDRA
My what?
DR. GODFREY
Your third eye. Here.
Abigail touches Cassandra’s forehead.
CASSANDRA
Oh.
DR. GODFREY
You imagine seeing out of this invisible eye in your forehead.
CASSANDRA
Okay.
64.
DR. GODFREY
Eventually you’ll open up a whole new dimension inside of yourself, see?
CASSANDRA
Not yet, but I will.
DR. GODFREY
That’s the spirit, Cassandra.
They both laugh together, enjoying the energy of the Vineyards.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY
Cassandra opens her front door and Conrad enters.
CASSANDRA
Conrad, this is a surprise.
CONRAD
Hi, Mom. About the other night, I-
CASSANDRA
Come to yell at me some more?
CONRAD
No Mom, I-
CASSANDRA
Well, I appreciate that.
CONRAD
Mom?
CASSANDRA
Yes?
CONRAD
(stumbling a bit)
I wanted...to say-
CASSANDRA
Yes?
CONRAD
Well, I...I’m-
CASSANDRA
Spit it out, dear.
CONRAD
(deep breath)
I’m sorry.
65.
CASSANDRA
Thank you, Connie.
They hug, relieved.
CASSANDRA
Sit down, stay awhile.
They sit.
CONRAD
Mom you’ve been granted Organic status, I mean, officially?
CASSANDRA
Why yes, I told you that I’m changing the label to reflect our new status.
CONRAD
But, could you maybe put it off for awhile?
CASSANDRA
What? Why should I do that?
CONRAD
Because organic wines these days, well, they can be considered unstable.
CASSANDRA
So? Why would I fit that category?
CONRAD
Well, not you, I mean, the wine.
CASSANDRA
Is unstable?
CONRAD
Well, the recalls, they’re hurting business.
CASSANDRA
Exactly why we should change the label now, officially.
CONRAD
I was thinking maybe we should just drop this whole idea, go back to what works.
CASSANDRA
What works? What works! Conrad, do you have any idea-
66.
CONRAD
Mom, why fix it if it never broke in the first place?
CASSANDRA
Look, there is something I have been meaning to tell you.
CONRAD
Okay.
CASSANDRA
I’ve been thinking about your dad.
CONRAD
But you still want to date Mr. Forrester?
CASSANDRA
Yeah, but I was saying-
CONRAD
Yeah.
CASSANDRA
I have been thinking about how your dad died.
CONRAD
Heart attack, right?
CASSANDRA
Well, yeah, but the reason he had a heart attack.
CONRAD
Yeah, he was old, right?
CASSANDRA
No! Not that old!
CONRAD
Was it because he ate that cheese stuff from a can?
CASSANDRA
No, not at all. I don’t think so.
CONRAD
All those potato chips, with the onion dip?
CASSANDRA
Goodness no, Connie. Please, listen to me.
67.
CONRAD
Okay, Mom, shoot.
CASSANDRA
Your dad didn’t want to worry you kids but-
CONRAD
Never did.
CASSANDRA
Yes, well, he didn’t want you to know about his condition.
CONRAD
You, mean, his heart problems, right?
CASSANDRA
No, his other condition.
CONRAD
His other condition?
CASSANDRA
Yes. Oh, God. There is just no easy way to say this.
CONRAD
I’m here, Mom, I’m listening. Just say it.
CASSANDRA
Okay. Conrad, your dad had lung cancer.
CONRAD
What? He didn’t even smoke!
CASSANDRA
No, no he didn’t.
CONRAD
But, how? I mean, that’s impossible? How?
CASSANDRA
Well, he had that, lung cancer, and we had to go away for a couple weeks.
CONRAD
Oh, you mean on your second honeymoon. A couple months before he died, right?
68.
CASSANDRA
Well, it wasn’t exactly a honeymoon. We actually went to a specialty clinic.
Some time passes while Conrad weighs out in his mind what he’s being told. In slow motion it seems, he begins to grasp it. When he speaks again, he is fighting back the emotions.
CONRAD
Oh, mom. I, I uh, I didn’t know.
CASSANDRA
I know, your father didn’t want you to know.
CONRAD
Why not? I could have been there for him. It was such a shock seeing him there on that day, holding his chest, I just thought-
Conrad is very emotional now. Cassandra leans over and puts an arm around her son.
CASSANDRA
I know, I did too. I am sorry, Connie.
CONRAD
Mom, I think I better go now.
CASSANDRA
Well, we can talk later, dear. Call me tonight, alright?
CONRAD
Alright, Mom.
He stands to leave and hugs her, harder than usual. He walks outside.
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - FRONT YARD - SAME
As Conrad is leaving, Mr. Jonathan Forrester is just pulling up. Conrad meets him at his car.
JONATHAN
Hello Conrad, how are you?
CONRAD
Uh, fine. I’d like to talk to you about something.
69.
JONATHAN Alright, I’m a few minutes early anyway. Go ahead.
CONRAD
Why are you dating my mother?
JONATHAN
Well, I just, I like her.
CONRAD
Yeah, but why now?
JONATHAN
Why not now?
CONRAD
There’s something you should know about my mom. She loved my dad very much.
JONATHAN
I know that, Conrad.
CONRAD
Very much.
JONATHAN
What are you getting at?
CONRAD
I just don’t want my mother to get hurt, understand?
JONATHAN
Yes, I don’t either. I would never-
CONRAD
I just feel that she is still in a weakened state of grief. She doesn’t know what she is doing, you know?
JONATHAN
Forgive me if I’m wrong, Conrad, but I have known your mother a long time and that does not sound like Cassandra to me.
CONRAD
Well, I think I’d know my own mother better than you would, now wouldn’t I?
70.
JONATHAN
Would you? If she was still grieving, she wouldn’t have agreed to go away this weekend with me.
Conrad pumps his chest out, on the offensive.
CONRAD
Look, I don’t want you seeing my mother anymore.
JONATHAN
You have no say in who your mother dates.
CONRAD
I want you to cancel the weekend trip.
JONATHAN
Why should I?
CONRAD
Because I said so. Cancel the trip or-
JONATHAN
Or what?
CONRAD
Or else.
JONATHAN
Conrad, it’s been a real treat, but I have a date.
Jonathan gets out of his car and walks boldly past a stunned Conrad towards the house. Gathering himself, Conrad runs up to him and grabs him hard by the arm.
CONRAD
Why are you doing this? Why are you coming on to my mom?
JONATHAN
Coming on to her? I’ve been a perfect gentleman the whole time.
CONRAD
Then why the weekend? Why go away unless you want her money?
Jonathan laughs at this preposterous thought. Cassandra hears him and comes out of the house.
CASSANDRA
What’s going on here, Conrad?
71.
JONATHAN
He was just testing my resolve.
Conrad lets go of his arm.
CASSANDRA
Conrad, I think you better go home. Now.
CONRAD
Mom, I-
CASSANDRA
Conrad, just go.
CONRAD
(to Jonathan)
This isn’t over.
They all hear Conrad’s truck engine start and see it roll on its own down the driveway.
CONRAD
What the-
Conrad runs to catch his truck, confused as to what just happened. He catches up and a weird chirping LAUGHTER is heard on the wind from many tiny voices. Cassandra is the only one who seems to hear it and she smiles at this.
Jonathan just wants to change the subject.
JONATHAN
Want to hear about Carmel? I booked a lovely bed and breakfast.
CASSANDRA
Certainly. It’d be a nice change of pace.
They walk inside, arm in arm, smiling at each other.
INT. FANCY RESTAURANT - NIGHT
Jonathan and Cassandra are in Carmel. The restaurant is lit by dim chandeliers and candles from every intimate table. They drink wine and enjoy sparkling conversation.
CASSANDRA
(laughing)
That’s a funny one Jonathan.
She takes another sip of wine. He pours her more. They clink glasses and drink deeply. Jonathan’s eyes soften as he looks at Cassandra.
72.
JONATHAN
Cassandra, I have a confession to make.
CASSANDRA
Really? This ought to be good.
JONATHAN
It is something you may have already known, actually.
CASSANDRA
Alright.
JONATHAN
Do you remember when we graduated from high school?
CASSANDRA
God, I’m not that old, Jonathan!
JONATHAN
Oh, I didn’t mean it like that.
CASSANDRA
I know, I was just joking. Go on.
JONATHAN
Remember that I went away, to college, in New York?
CASSANDRA
N.Y.U. wasn’t it?
JONATHAN
Yes. Well there was a big reason why I was able to go away.
CASSANDRA
Because of the scholarship in the Business department?
JONATHAN
Oh, well, yes, but that wasn’t where I was going with this.
(sighing)
Oh, this is so hard to talk about.
CASSANDRA
I’m sorry, Jonathan, please go on. Please.
JONATHAN
Alright. Here goes.
(a breath)
I really liked you.
73.
CASSANDRA
Oh, I know, Jonathan. But you went away anyway.
JONATHAN
But don’t you see, Cassandra, I went away because I felt tied to you.
CASSANDRA
But that doesn’t make any sense.
JONATHAN
But it does. You see, you were like a-
CASSANDRA
Yes?
JONATHAN
I was like a kite on a string and that string was tied to your wrist.
Cassandra just smiles at him, curious and eager to hear this.
JONATHAN
No matter how far I flew, I felt it, knew it was always there.
CASSANDRA
That string?
JONATHAN
Yes, that string. Do you see?
CASSANDRA
I’m not sure.
JONATHAN
Your being there, your touch upon that string grounded me, it was solid, our connection.
Cassandra blushes at this.
JONATHAN
I felt stronger and I flew higher because of that. I trusted that.
CASSANDRA
But, you left.
JONATHAN
But I knew I’d come back because I was always tied to you.
Jonathan strokes Cassandra’s wrist gently.
74.
JONATHAN
Right here.
CASSANDRA
Well, I uh...
JONATHAN
I never lost that trust, that connection, that hope.
CASSANDRA
I don’t quite know what to say.
JONATHAN
Say you never let go.
CASSANDRA
But I moved on, I married-
JONATHAN
And I flew with you. I was happy for you, for both of you.
CASSANDRA
But you left, I moved on.
JONATHAN
You didn’t trust.
Jonathan takes a drink of his wine, wipes his mouth with a linen tidily before continuing.
JONATHAN
That’s the difference between us.
CASSANDRA
But I couldn’t see you, you didn’t even write-
JONATHAN
I had heard through the grapevine about Thomas. I thought you‘d made your decision, so I bowed out. Gracefully, I might add.
CASSANDRA
Cowardly, I might add.
JONATHAN
I honored your decision.
Cassandra takes a long deep drink from her wine glass and empties it. She stares at him a moment.
CASSANDRA
But what about the kite?
75.
JONATHAN
I’m still here.
INT. BED AND BREAKFAST - CASSANDRA’S ROOM - NIGHT
Cassandra and Jonathan are in her room, standing by the door, locked in a sweet kiss. Jonathan is the first to break.
JONATHAN
Cassie?
CASSANDRA
Yes, Jonathan?
JONATHAN
Would you like me to go now?
CASSANDRA
What on Earth for?
JONATHAN
Shall I stay?
CASSANDRA
I think you shall.
She kisses him again, this time very passionately. He responds in kind. Losing all sense of manners and decency, Jonathan starts removing his shirt. Cassandra reaches for his pants.
JONATHAN
Cassie, I-
CASSANDRA
Yes, Jonathan?
JONATHAN
I want you to know that-
Cassandra again kisses him, sloppy and wet.
CASSANDRA
Me, too, Jonathan.
JONATHAN
I’ve always loved you, Cassandra.
Cassandra eyes him fiercely, passionately.
CASSANDRA
I love you Jonathan.
Taking off her clothes now, she runs towards the LAMP, turns it off and the room is plunged in darkness. They laugh loudly like schoolchildren.
76.
EXT. THE CITY OF CARMEL - DAY
MONTAGE - Jonathan and Cassandra have a great weekend.
A Park - Cassandra and Jonathan ride a tourist 4-wheel bike together, laughing.
The beach - Cassandra and Jonathan play in the Ocean spray. He picks her up, she struggles and laughs while he drops her into the water. She pulls him into the water with her. They kiss as a wave crashes over them.
Downtown - they stroll by shops, arm in arm, ecstatically happy.
Outdoor Cafe - Cassandra shares her food with Jonathan. He feeds her. They kiss over the table, interrupted by the waitress. They laugh.
Courtyard - Street Musicians perform to a lively crowd. Dancing, Jonathan twirls Cassandra around in the center of it all. They are truly happy and carefree.
Rose Garden - They sit cozily together watching children play. Cassandra is leaning on Jonathan, who has his arms around her. Both are contented.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAY
Cassandra faces the Sun, eyes closed in meditation, sitting cross-legged on the ground.
A bright white LIGHT appears before her. As she opens her eyes to behold it, it speaks to her in a crystal clear and melodious, heavenly voice. This luminous being now standing before her is the Deva of the Vineyards. She is very beautiful, young with very long hair. Dressed in white flowing robes.
DEVA
We’ve been watching you Cassandra.
CASSANDRA
Yes, I- you have?
DEVA
Yes. We are pleased with your interest.
CASSANDRA
I’m interested. Who are you?
DEVA
I am the Deva of the Vineyard.
CASSANDRA
The Day-va?
77.
DEVA
Yes.
CASSANDRA
What can I do for you?
DEVA
We have instructions.
CASSANDRA
Please, tell me.
DEVA
First you must mulch.
CASSANDRA
Oh, okay.
DEVA
Add a Genesa Crystal.
CASSANDRA
A what?
DEVA
Your friend will know. Abigail.
CASSANDRA
Okay.
DEVA
Keep focusing your attention.
CASSANDRA
Alright.
DEVA
Keep in the light.
CASSANDRA
By chanting?
DEVA
Yes. You will be rewarded if you pay attention to us.
CASSANDRA
How will I know what to do?
DEVA
Follow your heart. This is where we shall speak to you.
CASSANDRA
My heart?
78.
DEVA
Yes, trust your intuition. You will hear our whispers in the stillness.
With this last advice, the Deva disappears and again the full Sun shines upon Cassandra’s bewildered countenance.
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAY
The staff are busy running in every direction. Cassandra is wearing a big floppy HAT and a WHISTLE. She is holding a CLIPBOARD and pointing and shouting her instructions happily throughout all the action.
MONTAGE - The employees carry out Cassandra’s wishes.
The GENESA CRYSTAL - Ernesto erects the large copper sculpture of intertwining metal rings in the center of the vineyard. All stop a moment and clap.
A PYRAMID - a few of the workers erect a very large copper pyramid in another section of the Vineyard. Ernesto and Nita roll a couple of oak barrels beneath it.
MULCH PILE - Cassandra cheers as all the workers dump large piles of old food into the pile. Lettuce, potatoes, apple cores, banana peels, etc.
The grape vines - The workers add several inches of rich black dirt around the bottom of every vine.
Center of the vineyard - Cassandra holds up a large BOOMBOX and pushes play. The staff check their watches a moment. All at once as if synchronized they start spraying the grape leaves from bottles marked, “ORGANIC SONIC BLOOM FORMULA”.
Edge of the vineyard - Cassandra pours water through a strange looking contraption: a John Ellis Crystal Clear water machine. Nita catches the water in large buckets and hands them to the workers, they water the vines.
Center of the vineyard - all workers, now exhausted and dirty, stand in a circle. Cassandra leads them in prayer, and they pray for the grapes. They all sit in a circle now and we can see that they are all chanting OM...OM...OM...
Edge of the vineyard at the small APPLE TREES - Cassandra picks juicy red apples and hands them off to all present. They eat the apples happily. When they are done, we can see them throw the cores into the mulch pile. Cassandra looks on, proudly.
79.
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAY
It is the first week of October, the grapes have formed well on the vines and the surrounding landscape is filled with the serene, golden amber hues of Autumn.
The happy staff are busy watering, adding mulch, praying over vines, etc. Cassandra sits on the ground in the thick of it all, with art pad and colored pencils in hand.
ERNESTO
Whatcha doin’ there, Mrs. Merton?
CASSANDRA
Oh, hello, Ernesto. I’m trying to work out a new label idea.
ERNESTO
Yeah, I can’t really think of anything.
CASSANDRA
I was so hoping you would, too.
ERNESTO
I know, but maybe it has all been done before?
CASSANDRA
I know we can think of it. Keep trying.
ERNESTO
I will, but first, I have to play more music for our vines.
CASSANDRA
Alright. See you later.
Cassandra continues to draw on her pad: grapes, wine bottles, etc. While she does so, she starts to hum gently to herself. With this, the Deva of the Vineyards appears, luminous as ever.
CASSANDRA
Ommmmmm...
DEVA
Cassandra. We are here to help you.
CASSANDRA
(surprised)
Oh, my Deva.
DEVA
The answer is on its way.
80.
CASSANDRA
For my label?
DEVA
As such.
CASSANDRA
How will I know it?
DEVA
Trust, Cassandra. You will know.
CASSANDRA
But Deva-
Mary approaches Cassandra and catches her talking to what appears to be nothing.
MARY
Mom! Who are you talking to?
CASSANDRA
Mary, hi. I didn’t hear you.
MARY
Mom, who were you talking to?
CASSANDRA
When, dear?
MARY
Just now, mom. I saw you talking to thin air.
CASSANDRA
Thin air?
Cassandra laughs hard at this, trying to cover herself.
CASSANDRA
Please, Mary, don’t be so silly.
MARY
I’m not being silly. I saw you, just now, talking. I even heard you.
CASSANDRA
Well, my dear, you don’t always believe what you hear, do you?
MARY
What? Mom I demand to know, who you were conversing with?
At this, Ernesto approaches, to the rescue.
81.
ERNESTO
To me. She was talking to me.
MARY
Oh. Really.
CASSANDRA
Yep, that’s right. I was talking to Ernesto. Why have you come dear?
MARY
I just wanted to know if you’ll need any extra help with the harvest late next month?
CASSANDRA
Oh, that’s so sweet of you dear.
MARY
Because Michael’s company has discount tickets to Hawaii and-
CASSANDRA
Oh, dear, by all means, go to Hawaii, we’ll be fine.
MARY
Really? I, mean, I’ve always been here to help with the harvest and all, I-
CASSANDRA
No, really, Michael deserves a break and the kids would have a great time on the islands.
MARY
Well, if you’re sure.
CASSANDRA
Of course I’m sure. Bring me back a grass skirt and macadamia nuts, alright?
MARY
Okay, mom it’s a deal! Maybe we can go early, if Michael gets first priority.
CASSANDRA
Either way dear, just have fun.
Mary hugs Cassandra, shoots Ernest another suspicious look and trots off.
82.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - CASSANDRA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cassandra lays dreaming in her bed. We enter her dream, a misty bluish-purple place. An older woman appears to her. It is her grandmother.
GRANDMOTHER
Cassandra, dear. What a pleasure to see you.
CASSANDRA
Grandmother, it’s been so long.
GRANDMOTHER
I know, they keep me busy, here on this side of life.
CASSANDRA
Really? I had no idea.
GRANDMOTHER
Listen, dear, I don’t have much time.
CASSANDRA
Okay.
GRANDMOTHER
I must tell you about the label. Look to the broach I gave you.
CASSANDRA
The broach?
GRANDMOTHER
Yes, the one I left you, when I died.
CASSANDRA
You left me a broach?
GRANDMOTHER
Yes, dear, it was in the will.
CASSANDRA
Oh, grandmother, I-
GRANDMOTHER
Say no more. Looks like I have to do some more visiting tonight.
CASSANDRA
Oh, okay. I was hoping we could talk more.
83.
GRANDMOTHER
Maybe later, dear. Oh, and Cassandra?
CASSANDRA
Yes, grandmother?
GRANDMOTHER
I am so proud of you.
CASSANDRA
Thank, you grandmother. I’m glad you are there to look in on me.
GRANDMOTHER
Oh, yes, from time to time.
CASSANDRA
I’ll have to remember that.
GRANDMOTHER
Oh yes. Remember also the Wee Folk are happy to work with you. Follow their advice and they’ll keep coming ‘round.
CASSANDRA
I miss you.
GRANDMOTHER
I miss you too, sweetheart. Just remember to keep meditating and always follow your heart!
CASSANDRA
I will.
At this, Cassandra wakes up in her bed and sits up quickly.
CASSANDRA
What broach? What on Earth is she talking about?
INT. MERTON HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Cassandra is having breakfast while reading WINE SPECTATOR magazine. Mary comes in with a brown PACKAGE for Cassandra. She is also holding a large GIFT BAG from Hawaii. Mary is very tan.
MARY
Good morning, mom!
CASSANDRA
Mary, you’re back!
84.
Kailee and Cassie run inside. Both are tan and wearing Hawaiian outfits.
CASSANDRA
Girls! Come give me a hug!
They all hug in unison, complete with bear-like growls all at once...
CASSIE
Grrrrrandma!
KAILEE
Grrrrrandma!
CASSANDRA
I missed my girls. Did you like Hawaii?
KAILEE
I loved it, grandma! I got to touch a starfish!
CASSIE
Grandma, I got to see a shark!
CASSANDRA
What? Mary?
MARY
From the glass bottom boat, mom. Don’t worry!
CASSANDRA
Whew! Well, I am glad you both are back here in one piece!
KAILEE
Me too, grandma.
CASSIE
I want to live in Hawaii when I grow up!
CASSANDRA
We’ll see, dear. I bet Smokey would be up for a good game of fetch!
CASSIE
Okay grandma.
KAILEE
I’ll get his ball!
85.
The girls get a fresh TENNIS BALL from a can in Cassandra’s cupboard. Smokey hears the can opening and cheerfully follows the girls outside.
CASSANDRA
So, Mary, you look great! Nice tan!
MARY
We did have a good time. Sure glad to be back though.
CASSANDRA
I know what you mean. I always need a vacation from my vacation when I get back.
MARY
I ran into your mail lady and she gave me these. Oh, and before I forget, these are for you.
Mary hands her a stack of MAIL and the brown box, followed by the Hawaii bag over to Cassandra.
CASSANDRA
Well, I’d say you shouldn’t have, but I’m so glad you did.
MARY
Mom, how could I forget you?
CASSANDRA
First things first.
She grabs the brown box.
CASSANDRA
This is weird.
MARY
I know. I noticed it was from Aunt Nettie.
CASSANDRA
Nettie. Why she hasn’t talked to me since-
She tears open the box suddenly.
MARY
What is it mom?
CASSANDRA
Oh my God!
86.
MARY
Mom, tell me.
CASSANDRA
I don’t believe it!
MARY
What is it?
CASSANDRA
It’s a broach.
MARY
Oh, look there’s a letter with it.
CASSANDRA
Read it, will you?
MARY
(reading)
Dear Cassandra, It has been years I know, but the other night I had the strangest dream.
CASSANDRA
Oh, my lord.
MARY
I should have known that I’d never get away with it, what with my sister always being such a snoop and all-
CASSANDRA
Oh my word.
MARY
Mom, what is she talking about?
CASSANDRA
You’ll see. Read on.
MARY
-but as you already know, this is rightfully yours. I am sorry to have kept it so long.
CASSANDRA
What a sneak!
MARY
I had always wanted it for myself, but well, I guess it wasn’t meant to be.
CASSANDRA
I guess not!
87.
MARY
Well, I should go and get this off to you before my sister comes around here to haunt me again. Love, your devoted Aunt Nettie.
CASSANDRA
Well, well, well.
MARY
Mom, what is this all about?
CASSANDRA
A dream I had dear.
MARY
What?
CASSANDRA
Let’s just say your Great Grandmother has been very busy lately.
MARY
Okay. It is beautiful, isn’t it?
She walks over to the door, and holds the broach up to the light. We SEE it is FAIRY sitting on top of a BUTTERFLY.
CASSANDRA
Yes, and it will make a perfect wine label.
MARY
Oh, mom! You’re so right!
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - SAME DAY
Cassandra and Mary watch the girls play with Smokey. Cassandra is now wearing her new broach on her shirt, a GRASS SKIRT, FLORAL LEI, and playing her new UKULELE while Mary feeds her macadamia nuts.
CASSANDRA
Aloha oy...aloha oy..la la la...
Ernesto walks up and notices the broach.
ERNESTO
Say...Mrs. Merton...
CASSANDRA Yes?
88.
ERNESTO
I really like your broach.
CASSANDRA
Really?
ERNESTO
Yeah. You know, it would make for a great label, don’t you think?
CASSANDRA
Ah, Ernesto! I knew you could do it!
ERNESTO
Well, you know me, always working.
CASSANDRA
Mary, go get my purse.
ERNESTO
Why, Mrs. M?
CASSANDRA
I think you deserve a prize.
ERNESTO
What for?
CASSANDRA
The label idea.
Mary returns with her purse. Cassandra reaches in and grabs a white envelope and hands it to Ernesto.
ERNESTO
But, Mrs. M., this is the money I gave you!
CASSANDRA
And it also happens to be the prize money. Congratulations, Ernesto. You‘ve earned it!
ERNESTO
Gee, thanks, Mrs. Merton.
Ernesto walks away in a daze.
MARY
You’re a sly one, Mom.
CASSANDRA
I know. Don’t tell him that.
89.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - NIGHT
Conrad rolls up to the Vineyards in his truck, engine turned off. He gets out and puts on a black knit cap, and grabs a walking SPRAYER machine and straps it to his back.
As Conrad walks towards the grapes, we SEE the skull and cross bones label: it is pesticides.
Conrad approaches the grapes cautiously. He raises the sprayer and we HEAR a loud CLICK. The machine has jammed.
CONRAD
Damned thing!
At that moment, Conrad’s truck engine turns on, apparently by itself. The truck starts to roll away, Conrad turns towards it.
CONRAD
Shi-not again!
He tries to run after his truck and we SEE Fairies flying all around. On the ground, two fairies tie Conrad’s shoelaces together. As he tries to run, he trips and falls. Smokey is now alerted from inside the house and starts to bark.
CONRAD
What the heck?
Conrad quickly unties his laces and runs, completely spooked, towards his truck. As he catches up to it, Cassandra’s porch light comes on. He rushes away, tires screeching.
Cassandra cranes her sleepy head out the door and looks around, eyes half shut.
CASSANDRA
Hello? Anybody there?
Deciding there isn’t, she turns to Smokey.
CASSANDRA
Smokey, it was just the wind, silly dog. Let’s go back to bed.
The porch light goes out. Conrad runs back out to the Vineyards, grabs his sprayer and slaps it a few times. It sputters a bit then works, finally.
CONRAD
I’ll show you who is right, mother.
Conrad sprays a couple of grape vines, but is interrupted when a fairy pulls his hat off and two more fairies jerk a clump of his hair out by the roots.
90.
CONRAD
Ouch!
Ten more fairies fly at full force at his back and push him down. The sprayer crashes against the ground beside him. He picks it up and tries to spray the fairies, but to no avail as he can’t really see them. He leaves in a huff.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - EARLY MORNING
Cassandra investigates her Vineyards. She notices that two of the vines look withered. She also sees a couple of fairies laying on the ground coughing weakly.
CASSANDRA
Oh my. Deva! Where are you?
A tiny man appears instead of the Deva. He appears cute and comical which is in direct contrast to the serious look on his face.
CASSANDRA
Hello. Who are you?
WINSTON
I’m Winston. The Deva had to attend to other matters.
CASSANDRA
What happened here?
WINSTON
That is what we want to know.
CASSANDRA
Why are these vines withered?
WINSTON
Had to. Procedures, you know.
CASSANDRA
You mean you did this?
WINSTON
It is customary when a human crosses the line.
CASSANDRA
The line?
WINSTON
The line of trust. Haven’t you learned anything?
CASSANDRA
I still don’t know how-
91.
WINSTON
One of your kin was allowed to get through our barrier.
CASSANDRA
What? My kin?
WINSTON
Yes. The tall one. As is procedure, we had to return these vines to the Mother.
CASSANDRA
What happens to them?
Cassandra points to the near dead fairies on the ground.
WINSTON
After a short break, they will be reassigned. To another Vineyard, of course.
With this, Winston disappears in a wisp of white energy.
Cassandra storms towards the house but stops suddenly. Through tears, she sits down and tries to focus.
CASSANDRA
Deva? Can I talk to you?
She looks around, nothing. All is eerily quiet. She says a quick prayer then looks around. Nothing.
CASSANDRA
Deva, I am sorry this happened. I didn’t know, I-
Cassandra stops herself with another fit of angry tears.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAWN
Cassandra and Smokey traverse the property quietly together. They stop under the copper pyramid and Cassandra sits to pray quietly. Smokey trots off.
CASSANDRA
Deva, forgive me and heed my prayer. Show me your world.
She meditates with her eyes closed. After several moments have passed, Cassandra opens her eyes.
CASSANDRA
So mote it be.
92.
To her astonishment, she sees Nature Spirits everywhere. Her beloved fairy wonderland! The Sun glows through every leaf and dances off of every head, every wing, every sweet face.
CASSANDRA
Deva, thank you.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - CASSANDRA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cassandra is startled awake by a loud CRACK of THUNDER and Smokey barking wildly.
She throws on her BATHROBE, RUBBER BOOTS, grabs a FLASHLIGHT from her dresser and races out the door, Smokey in tow.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - SAME
Cassandra and Smokey run into the Vineyards just as the large HAIL starts to pelt down.
As Cassandra reaches her grapes, all of the workers are already out there, putting large canvas sheets over the grapes in an effort to protect them.
ERNESTO
Mrs. Merton, we’ll do this. Go back inside, where its safe.
CASSANDRA
No, I have to help!
She grabs an end of canvas and heaves it. Her foot gives out in the mud underneath her and she falls into the mud.
ERNESTO
Go inside, really!
CASSANDRA
I can’t. I have to save them!
Torrential rains and hailstorm continue furiously. They work quickly while batting away golf ball-sized hail.
Cassandra looks up to see through the downpour Conrad racing towards her. They yell above the noise of the storm.
CONRAD
Mother! I’m here to help!
CASSANDRA
How dare you show up here-
CONRAD
Mom, stop, let’s just-
93.
CASSANDRA
No! Conrad you tried to ruin me!
CONRAD
Mom, I was-
CASSANDRA
Forget it Connie, I know it was you.
CONRAD
I tried to help, to-
CASSANDRA
You went against my wishes, you disrespected me.
CONRAD
No, mom it was you who disrespected dad.
CASSANDRA
Don’t you dare tell me about your father.
CONRAD
Why the hell not?
CASSANDRA
Because you don’t know everything.
CONRAD
I know you don’t care about his ways, about-
CASSANDRA
I am doing this because I care.
CONRAD
How could you, after-
CASSANDRA
Conrad, your father died because of his ways.
CONRAD
He had a heart attack.
CASSANDRA
No, I told you he had cancer.
CONRAD
But-
CASSANDRA
The pesticides gave him cancer, Connie.
94.
CONRAD
I don’t believe that. They are safe.
CASSANDRA
Believe it Conrad. I was trying to save you, I don’t want you to-
Cassandra yells at him while shaking with anger, grief and cold. She clutches her robe tightly.
CASSANDRA
I don’t want anybody else to die!
The grapes are all covered. The workers retreat back to their modest homes in the far end of the Vineyards.
ERNESTO
Mrs. Merton, we’re done. You get some rest. We’re going back to the bungalows.
Ernesto stares hard at Conrad a moment before moving to shelter. Conrad ignores him and again yells at his mother.
CONRAD
Mom, I don’t believe you. You are lying.
CASSANDRA
How dare you!
CONRAD
You are lying to get your way.
CASSANDRA
Get out of here.
CONRAD
Fine. I’m leaving.
CASSANDRA
Get out and never come back.
CONRAD
Go to hell.
Conrad storms off into the night. Cassandra turns and motions to Smokey who is taking shelter underneath the thick grape vines. They start towards the house together.
CASSANDRA
That boy is so stubborn! He makes me so-
Cassandra is hit in the head by hail. As she grasps her head in pain, she slips in the mud.
95.Landing hard, she hits her head on a large ROCK and is knocked out cold. Her body rolls over and she lands face down in a puddle of muddy rainwater. Smokey BARKS at her, to no avail.
INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL EMERGENCY UNIT - DAY
Jonathan Forrester is running down the hall alongside Mary who explains the bad news.
MARY
Face down, in a puddle, unconscious.
JONATHAN
Who found her?
MARY
Ernesto, luckily. But she’s had serious damage due to the hypothermia.
JONATHAN
Can we see her?
MARY
She’s still unconscious but the doctor said that we should try to call her back.
JONATHAN
Call her back?
MARY
She might not make it, Mr. Forrester, that’s why I called you immediately.
They stop running.
MARY
This is it.
JONATHAN
Can I see her?
MARY
You go sit down, I’ll ask.
Mary goes to the nurses station while Jonathan paces nervously outside the room. An ashen faced doctor emerges.
JONATHAN
How is she?
96.
DOCTOR
Right now its touch and go. If she lives through this evening, she might just pull through.
JONATHAN
Can I see her?
DOCTOR
Are you her husband?
JONATHAN
I’m her, uh, fiance.
DOCTOR
Well, alright then. Only a couple minutes though.
The Doctor walks away and Jonathan goes into Cassandra’s room. There are tubes up her nose and in her arms. She doesn’t look good. She is covered with several blankets.
Jonathan approaches cautiously. A nurse emerges behind him.
NURSE
We already gave her two treatments. Her body temperature is stable, but not warm enough yet.
JONATHAN
Will she-
NURSE
Live? Well right now she’s at a crucial stage. We just don’t know yet.
JONATHAN
Can I?
He motions towards a chair.
NURSE
Yes. I’ll be right outside.
Jonathan takes Cassandra’s hand gingerly in his holds it under the blankets.
JONATHAN
Cassandra, I hope you can hear me.
He chokes a bit.
JONATHAN
I’ve known you most of my life, and-
He chokes harder on these words, fighting the emotion.
97.
JONATHAN
Well, I want to marry you, Cassandra. I love you more than anything.
Mary walks in and he quickly stops and wipes his eyes.
JONATHAN
Cassandra, just come back to us.
He gets up to leave.
MARY
Pray for my mom, Mr. Forrester.
JONATHAN
I will, Mary. Don’t worry.
INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - NIGHT
Mary and Michael are sitting nervously with the girls, anxious to hear any news about Cassandra. Cassie and Kailee are playing quietly on the floor.
MICHAEL
Did Conrad answer your message yet?
MARY
No, not yet. I wonder why not.
MICHAEL
Maybe he’s scared?
MARY
I don’t know. I have a feeling he had words with mom again.
MICHAEL
Any evidence of that?
MARY
No, just a feeling. Isn’t like him to not answer my calls.
MICHAEL
I think I hear someone coming, maybe-
Jonathan walks in with a very large teddy bear and bouquet of roses. He looks apprehensive.
JONATHAN
Any word?
98.
MARY
Not yet. Just waiting.
JONATHAN
Oh, I see.
MARY
Doctor said they’d know more by 7:00 p.m.
JONATHAN
But it is 7:30 now.
MICHAEL
We know.
Jonathan sits down to wait with them. No one speaks a word.
INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL - CASSANDRA’S ROOM - SAME
The Doctor and nurse discuss her case while Cassandra lay still in a coma.
NURSE
Her vitals are looking normal, Doctor.
DOCTOR
Yes, I can see that.
NURSE
What should we tell the family?
DOCTOR
Let’s hold off another hour.
NURSE
Doctor?
DOCTOR
I just want to make sure there is no permanent brain damage.
NURSE
The test results are due back now.
DOCTOR
Fine. Sure don’t want to lose this one.
NURSE
I know.
They leave the room.
99.
Cassandra lays still except that we see her closed eyes moving a bit, as if she is dreaming. We enter her dream with her.
Cassandra is in an unusual space, a bluish-gray sort of void. It appears foggy, like the Monterey Coastline in the wee hours of the morning.
CASSANDRA
Hello? Anybody here?
A robed spirit approaches her. We do not see the face, but the voice is that of a kind, older woman.
ROBED SPIRIT
I am here to greet you.
CASSANDRA
Greet me? Have I- Am I-?
ROBED SPIRIT
Dead? No, not exactly. You are in the in-between place.
CASSANDRA
Oh. Will I-
ROBED SPIRIT
Live? Well that is up to you.
CASSANDRA
Do I have a say?
ROBED SPIRIT
Yes. It is always up to you.
CASSANDRA
Then I want to go back.
ROBED SPIRIT
Very well. You will wake up when it is time. First, we need to review your life.
CASSANDRA
What? Is this a judgement?
ROBED SPIRIT
You will come. Here, look.
The robed spirit points at a very large round basin filled with blue water.
ROBED SPIRIT
Scenes from your life, Cassandra.
Cassandra watches silently as the water turns to a viewing screen. As she watches, she speaks to the people she is seeing.
100.
CASSANDRA
I am so sorry, Mom. I didn’t mean to lie to you.
The light continues to flicker on her face as she watches.
CASSANDRA
I’m sorry. Please forgive me.
The light flickers as the screen again changes.
CASSANDRA
Sorry, I ‘m so sorry. I didn’t know how much I had hurt you.
As Cassandra feels the pain from the perspective of every person she has ever hurt, her tears of pain flow generously.
CASSANDRA
Conrad, oh Connie, I-
She cries harder now. The Robed Spirit puts a robed arm around Cassandra’s shoulder.
ROBED SPIRIT
Do you forgive them?
CASSANDRA
Yes.
ROBED SPIRIT
Do you forgive yourself?
CASSANDRA
I do, yes.
ROBED SPIRIT
You have done well. And now, your reward.
The Robed Spirit waves a robed arm over the basin. Water in the basin now flickers a golden and pinkish light across Cassandra’s face.
CASSANDRA
Oh, how I love.
Her face fills with joy and ecstacy of love.
ROBED SPIRIT
The love you have caused people. Even the smallest kindness is appreciated and rewarded.
CASSANDRA
I had no idea, I-
101.
She cries again now, tears of sheer joy.
ROBED SPIRIT
It is done. Your guides await to take you back.
INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM - NIGHT - SAME
Mary, Michael, Cassie, Kailee, and Jonathan are still waiting to hear any news. Conrad walks in with a card in his hand and a bouquet of wildflowers. His face is very red as if he has been crying for hours.
MARY Conrad! Where were you? I tried-
CONRAD
I know, Sis. I wasn’t up to it.
MARY
I know when you’ve been up to something. What gives?
CONRAD
Mom and I had a fight.
MARY
Oh no.
CONRAD
Oh yes. I told her to-
He breaks into tears.
MARY
What?
CONRAD
To- to go to Hell.
MARY
Conrad, how could you?
CONRAD
I know.
JONATHAN
Well, there isn’t anything we can do about that now, Conrad.
CONRAD
Mr. Forrester, I didn’t see you.
JONATHAN
It’s okay, Conrad. This has been hard on everybody.
102.
CONRAD
Can I say that I’m-
JONATHAN
Sure. No hard feelings.
They shake hands. Jonathan motions for Conrad to sit down. They both sit to wait. The Doctor walks in.
DOCTOR
She has no sign of brain damage and her vitals are all normal.
MICHAEL
What should we do now?
DOCTOR
The best thing to do is to let everyone in, one at a time to see her.
MARY
Is she awake?
DOCTOR
No, but it would be a good idea. Maybe you can call her back.
CONRAD
She’s in a coma?
DOCTOR
Yes. There’s no telling how long this can take.
JONATHAN
How should we do this?
DOCTOR
You decide. The persons closest to her will have a better chance.
The doctor leaves.
MARY
Well, we all love her so much, how will we decide?
CONRAD
I know it shouldn’t be me. I made her so mad.
MICHAEL
Maybe her new love would like to give it a shot first?
They all stare at Jonathan.
103.
JONATHAN
Well, I will give it a go.
INT. MONTEREY HOSPITAL - CASSANDRA’S ROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
Jonathan is by Cassandra’s side, holding her hand. The family paces just outside the door, out of earshot.
JONATHAN
Cass, the whole family is here. Conrad is here, too.
Jonathan looks out the door and watches as Conrad paces by the door.
JONATHAN
He is so sorry he had a fight with you. He loves you. We all love you.
Jonathan puts his head down on her hand, not wanting to be here, in this situation. We see Cassandra’s eyes fluttering again, as if she is merely sleeping.
Again, we enter her dream with her. She is walking down a large, dark blue tunnel with two figures on either side.
CASSANDRA
So, the vineyard was destroyed?
DEVA
Yes, all but one third.
CASSANDRA
But this will work?
DEVA
You have faith, Cassandra. Remember: Trust.
CASSANDRA
I will, Deva.
GRANDMOTHER
Now, Cassandra you be careful.
CASSANDRA
I will, Grandmother.
GRANDMOTHER
We don’t want you up here again, until it’s time.
CASSANDRA
Alright. Grandmother.
104.
She hugs her grandmother.
GRANDMOTHER
Now you go on back now. Remember, I will be here again, when the time comes.
CASSANDRA
I will.
GRANDMOTHER
Oh, and you have to go answer that boy. He’s asked you to marry him! Will you?
CASSANDRA
Yes.
GRANDMOTHER
Go on and tell him then.
The Deva and Grandmother disappear. Cassandra starts to run down the tunnel and sees the light ahead.
CASSANDRA
I will! I will!
Jonathan looks up at Cassandra’s face and realizes that now her eyes are moving.
JONATHAN
(calling out the door)
She’s moving her eyes! She’s moving.
CASSANDRA
I will!
Everyone rushes in as she speaks these words.
JONATHAN
You will what, Cassandra, what?!
CASSANDRA
I will. I will-
JONATHAN
What, what?
CASSANDRA
I will marry you.
JONATHAN
Oh, thank God!
105.
Jonathan hugs her and kisses her cheek. Everyone stands there, astonished. Cassandra opens her eyes and gives Jonathan a weak smile. All smile, relieved.
KAILEE
Oh grandma, we knew you’d come back!
The little girls hug her now, and all take turns.
MARY
Welcome back, mom!
CONRAD
Mom, I’m sorry.
CASSANDRA
I forgive you.
Conrad hugs his mom hard. The nurse and doctor come in.
NURSE
Welcome home, Mrs. Merton.
Cassandra smiles, too weak to talk.
DOCTOR
I think we are out of the woods now. But she does need her rest.
NURSE
(smiling)
Alright, everybody out.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - ONE WEEK LATER - DUSK
Cassandra is lying down on her couch resting. Jonathan is sitting at the end of the couch, holding her hand.
JONATHAN
Cass, there was a short time when we thought-
CASSANDRA
That you’d lost me?
JONATHAN
Yes. Right before you came back, they said you’d had a cardiac arrest.
CASSANDRA
Really?
106.
JONATHAN
They said your heart just stopped unexpectedly.
CASSANDRA
Wow.
JONATHAN
And of course, they revived you within minutes. But it didn’t look good, because you were in a coma at the time.
CASSANDRA
That explains it then.
JONATHAN
What?
CASSANDRA
The near death experience.
JONATHAN
What? Really? What was it like?
CASSANDRA
Well, it is complicated to explain but coming back was interesting.
JONATHAN
Really?
CASSANDRA
Yes. My grandmother and the Deva walked me back.
JONATHAN
The Deva? What’s that?
CASSANDRA
The head Fairy in my vineyard.
JONATHAN
Excuse me?
CASSANDRA
You know, the one who has been helping me and guiding me.
JONATHAN
You never told me about this.
CASSANDRA
Oh I am sure I have mentioned it.
107.
JONATHAN
No, I am certain I would have remembered.
CASSANDRA
Why the serious tone, Jonathan? I told you about this. I passed my psychological evaluation you know.
JONATHAN
That is why you had to go? Why Conrad insisted? If I had known-
CASSANDRA
What, exactly, Jonathan?
JONATHAN
I’d have insisted too, I’m afraid.
CASSANDRA
I don’t like your attitude. Just because I bring up something that you don’t believe in doesn’t mean that it isn’t real.
JONATHAN
But, fairies? Come on, it is a bit hard to believe.
CASSANDRA
You don’t see because you don’t believe.
JONATHAN
What is that supposed to mean?
CASSANDRA
It means that if you knew it to be true, you would see them. But you are a skeptic.
JONATHAN
A rational one, I might add.
CASSANDRA
You know what? I really don’t need this right now.
JONATHAN
I think you may need to see the doctor again. I mean, after all, you did hit your head and-
CASSANDRA
I’m not sure that I can live my life with a man who thinks I am crazy.
108.
JONATHAN
But I didn’t say that, I said-
CASSANDRA
I think you need to leave.
JONATHAN
I don’t understand.
CASSANDRA
Look, if you don’t believe in me and in my ideas, I can’t go through with this.
JONATHAN
With what?
CASSANDRA
Marrying you.
JONATHAN
But, Cass, I-
CASSANDRA
You doubt me, my very sanity. I am sorry I ever went with you. I’m sorry I ever thought this could work.
JONATHAN
But, Cassandra you can’t mean that.
CASSANDRA
Yes I can. It’s over, Jonathan. Good bye.
Jonathan gets up reluctantly and sadly makes his way out the door.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - CASSANDRA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Cassandra is dressed for sleep. She picks up the PHOTOGRAPH of MR. MERTON, her late husband.
CASSANDRA
Oh, Thomas, I am so sorry. I think I may have ruined everything.
She stares hard at the picture.
CASSANDRA
If only you were here to give me advice. I wonder if you understand why I went organic?
She wipes at a small tear.
109.
CASSANDRA
I wish you were here, I miss you terribly.
She returns the picture, turns off her light and goes to bed. She falls asleep quickly.
Cassandra is dreaming and as before, we are allowed to enter her dreamworld. Thomas Merton is with her and they are speaking softly.
THOMAS
I’ve learned some things since I died.
CASSANDRA
You have? Like what?
THOMAS
I’m sorry that I followed my head instead of my heart.
CASSANDRA
But you married me, and-
THOMAS
Oh, I did follow my heart on that one. I just didn’t follow through when I first realized I should have gone organic.
CASSANDRA
So you do understand!
THOMAS
Of course. You learned from my mistakes. That’s my girl.
She smiles at her late husband.
CASSANDRA
I’ve missed you so much.
THOMAS
Me too. I get to watch you often.
CASSANDRA
You do? Then you know about Jonathan?
THOMAS
Yes. I’m happy that you found him.
CASSANDRA
What? I thought you’d be mad!
110.
THOMAS
No. I could never be mad at you. You loved me and were always faithful to me.
CASSANDRA
But not now.
THOMAS
Yes, you are. Don’t worry. I know a secret.
CASSANDRA
What secret?
THOMAS
About Jonathan.
CASSANDRA Oh?
THOMAS
Yes. My darling, he is your soulmate.
CASSANDRA
Really?
THOMAS
Yes. And I think you should give him a second chance.
CASSANDRA
But he-
THOMAS
It’s all ego, my dear, all ego. He will get over it and so will you.
CASSANDRA
I’m not so sure.
THOMAS
Remember that the most important thing in this world is love. You need it like the grapes need the rain.
CASSANDRA
But what he said-
THOMAS
I know. He just worries about you. He will make a great husband.
111.
CASSANDRA
Husband? Are you sure? He could never compete with you.
THOMAS
Well, we were different. But he needs you and you need him. I know that and I really am alright with the whole arrangement.
CASSANDRA
You are?
THOMAS
I am. I give you my blessing.
With this news, he hugs Cassandra tightly. They both cry a little.
Cassandra wakes with a start. She sits up quickly and feels the tears on her cheeks.
INT. BLACK HOUSE - MASTER BEDROOM - SAME
Mary is sound asleep next to Michael who is snoring. We enter her dreamworld and see that she is with her father, Thomas Merton.
THOMAS
I am so proud of you, my little girl.
MARY
I’m not a little girl anymore.
THOMAS
I know, but you will always be my little girl.
MARY
That’s how I feel about Cassie and Kailee.
THOMAS
Please give them my love. They are turning out so beautiful.
MARY
I will daddy.
THOMAS
Remember what I told you about your mother, alright?
112.
MARY
I will. I won’t doubt her ever again.
THOMAS
And?
MARY
And I promise to support her marriage to Mr. Forrester. But dad?
THOMAS
Yes?
MARY
It’s okay that I don’t call him ‘dad’ isn’t it? It’s a bit weird.
THOMAS
Honey, I am the only one you should ever call dad. I will always be your father.
MARY
Oh daddy. I love you so much. I miss you.
THOMAS
I am always here Mary.
He points to her heart and her head. They hug.
INT. MERTON HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING
Cassandra opens a very large BOX. It is a pink KITE from Jonathan. On the kite in very large letters are the words, “I’m Sorry.” She reads the attached note out loud.
CASSANDRA
‘I want to be your joy on cloudy, blustery days. Fly with me, Cassandra. Will you marry me?’
Cassandra laughs at this.
CASSANDRA
Oh honestly! How could I stay away from this man?
EXT. MERTON HOUSE - FRONT YARD
Cassandra walks outside with a watering BUCKET in her hands to water the FLOWER BEDS.
113.
Jonathan is kneeling on her front lawn with a very large bouquet of long stemmed red ROSES. In his other hand he holds a KITE STRING, attached to a flying kite.
CASSANDRA
Oh, Jonathan!
She races to him. They embrace and french kiss passionately.
JONATHAN
Cassie, I had the strangest dream last night.
CASSANDRA
I know, Jonathan, me too.
They kiss again.
JONATHAN
So, do you have an answer for me?
CASSANDRA
Yes. I do.
JONATHAN
That’s good, that’s very good.
The kiss again, falling to the ground.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - GRAPE VINEYARDS - DAY
The vineyards are a magical wonderland. Fairies are buzzing all around the grapes and the workers are harvesting the grapes.
ERNESTO
Mrs. M, I don’t know how this all worked, but it did.
CASSANDRA
It’s a miracle. A real live, honest to God miracle.
They walk over to a vine and see that all of the grapes are as large as plums!
ERNESTO
Who’d ever thought that this would be our year?
CASSANDRA
I told you, I have help.
She smiles and looks up at the Deva flying overhead.
114.
ERNESTO
These are the sweetest grapes we’ve ever grown.
Nita comes over pushing a large barrel on a cart.
NITA
And the largest! Look here, Mrs. M at these.
CASSANDRA
We’ll get two-thirds more juice out of these.
NITA
And we only had one third of the usual harvest.
ERNESTO
Yep. A true miracle.
EXT. MONTEREY COUNTY WINE FESTIVAL - ONE YEAR LATER - DAY
Cassandra is anxiously awaiting the announcement of the winners in the Monterey County Wine of Excellence Awards. They are outside, in a wonderfully scenic park: a perfect Monterey postcard day.
Her entire family is at her side: Conrad, Mary, Michael, Cassie, Kailee, Jonathan and Smokey. Also attending are several of the staff, including Ernesto and Nita.
ERNESTO
We did it, Mrs. M, we pulled it off.
NITA
And after such a hard year last year.
CASSANDRA
Thank you all. I could not have gotten this far without all of you.
Cassandra happily holds a copy of her new label, which matches the broach on her hat.
CASSANDRA
This is the start of something big, I can just sense it.
CONRAD
There goes mom again, with her sixth sense.
115.
MARY
Stop it, Conrad!
They all laugh.
CASSANDRA It’s okay. We made up a year ago, didn’t we, Connie?
CONRAD
Thankfully, yes.
MICHAEL
Hey, it looks like they are getting ready to announce the winners.
A crowd of 7 JUDGES are forming at the CENTER STAGE. The Mayor of Monterey goes to the microphone to speak.
MAYOR
May I have your attention, please?
The crowd turns silent.
JONATHAN
Here goes, keep your fingers crossed.
Cassie and Kailee both cross their fingers really tightly. Smokey lays down, groans and puts his paws over his ears.
CASSANDRA
This is it. Wish me luck.
MARY
Good Luck, Mom.
All look tense as the Mayor awaits the arrival of the envelope. The HEAD JUDGE hands her the envelope.
MAYOR
Thank you. We have the results of today’s Excellence in Wine Awards.
Cheers from the audience.
MAYOR
Following announcement, the top three winners of each category will please take their place on this stage.
JONATHAN
The suspense is horrible.
CASSANDRA
I do wish she’d get on with it.
116.
MAYOR
In the category of ‘white’ wine we have in third place a light hearted Sauvignon Blanc with hint of apple-
She smiles slyly to drag out the suspense.
MAYOR
-Come take your bronze medal, Mr. Anderson of Anderson Vineyards.
The audience claps as MR. ANDERSON takes the stage.
MAYOR
And in second place, taking the silver medal this year, we have a mesmerizing delicacy-
As if hypnotized, the audience barely breathes.
MAYOR
A fine wine, especially for a Zinfandel, come to the stage, Mr. Bertrand of Flying Eagle Winery.
Applause from the audience.
MAYOR
And in the Gold medal position, we have a surprising entry. A smokey, yet fruity Chardonnay-
Cassandra waits tensely with fingers crossed on both hands, arms crossed too. The children follow her example and do the same.
CASSANDRA
I entered a Chardonnay!
MAYOR
-a very complex palate that has delighted our senses.
The Mayor holds up a gleaming gold medal on a red white and blue ribbon.
-This Gold medal goes to the organic stylings of Cassandra Merton of Merton’s Natural Spirits.
The audience goes wild with applause. Everyone congratulates Cassandra by hugging, cheering and patting her on the back.
Cassandra takes her place on the stage and the Mayor places the medals on the necks of all the winners.
117.
MAYOR
Congratulations to all of you for a job well done.
They all leave the stage and the Mayor continues.
MAYOR
And now in the category of ‘Red’. The bronze medal will be awarded to a gorgeous Bordeaux created by a fine man. Will Mr. Regaliere of Regal House Wines please take the stage?
MR. REGALIERE advances to the stage.
MAYOR
The silver medal deservedly goes to a chocolatey Merlot, an organic and very sexy wine if I do say so myself-
The audience laughs. Conrad looks questioningly to Cassandra. She shakes her head ‘no’, she didn’t enter a Merlot.
MAYOR
-please give a round of applause to Mr. Rojas of Rojas Vineyards.
The Mayor begins again as MR. ROJAS approaches the stage.
MAYOR
And the Gold Medal goes to an unlikely source. This winery had a recall of this very wine two years ago.
A hush falls over the audience. Mary turns excitedly to Cassandra.
MARY
Oh my god, Mom, it’s you!
CASSANDRA
(nervous)
Maybe, maybe.
MAYOR
The ever popular Cabernet Sauvignon also with a slight hint of chocolate has become a big hit already this year, Cassandra Merton please take the stage again.
The crowd again goes wild.
118.
CONRAD
Alright! Two gold medals, Mom!
JONATHAN
You did it, sweetheart!
Jonathan kisses Cassandra before she takes her place again on the stage to receive her gold medal.
MAYOR
My hearty congratulations you all.
They leave the stage while the Mayor prepares to announce the next category. Cassandra returns to her family and friends.
CASSANDRA
What a day! Let’s go home and have a party.
CONRAD
Not yet, Mom.
MARY
Why not?
CONRAD
Well, I have to see who won in this category.
CASSANDRA
I didn’t put any other bottles in-
She glances quickly at Conrad. He smiles mischievously.
CONRAD
Yes?
CASSANDRA
Why you little-
MARY
Mom! Watch your language!
MICHAEL
Conrad?
CONRAD
It was your Gerwurtztraminer. I just had to, its the best you’ve ever done.
MARY
Oh, Connie, always up to something.
They laugh.
119.
JONATHAN
Why is everybody staring at us?
The crowd indeed is staring. The Mayor repeats herself.
MAYOR
Will Cassandra Merton please take the Silver Medal for her Fantastic Gerwurtztraminer?
CASSANDRA
What?! I won? Again?
MAYOR
Holding out for another Gold, are we?
The crowd laughs at the Mayor’s joke. Bewildered, Cassandra jogs to the stage.
MAYOR
Getting your exercise today, aren’t you, Cassandra?
Again, laughter from the crowd.
MAYOR
Now, the gold medal. Will you give it up for the sweet and tart Zinfandel Blush of Wonderful World Winery. Mr. Johnson, please come get your gold!
MR. JOHNSON runs to the stage.
MAYOR
A warm congratulations to all of our winners in the Dessert Wine category.
Applause from the crowd as they receive their medals. Again, they leave the stage. Cassandra is stopped by a man with a camera. A few moments later she returns to her group.
JONATHAN
Who was that man?
CASSANDRA
I can’t believe it! That man is from Wine Spectator Magazine. They want to review my winery for the Spring issue.
MARY
Fantastic mom!
120.
CONRAD
That’s great. Merton’s Natural Spirits will really take off with that kind of support.
CASSANDRA
By the way, thank you, Connie. I really thought that wine needed work, so I didn’t enter it.
CONRAD
It does need work.
CASSANDRA
What?
CONRAD
It didn’t take the gold.
Cassandra play punches Conrad.
JONATHAN
My love is always gold.
He leans down to kiss Cassandra.
MARY
You two sure look good together.
CONRAD
Maybe they should get a room.
CASSANDRA
We will, after our wedding.
Her children look at her, a bit surprised but definitely happy for their mom. Abigail Godfrey appears.
DR. GODFREY
Congratulations, Cassandra!
CASSANDRA
Thank you! Everybody, this is Abigail. Abigail, everyone.
They all say hello and exchange niceties.
DR. GODFREY
Nice to meet all of you. Well, I have to get home, much to catch up on before Monday.
They smile at her. Conrad is very taken with her and can’t stop smiling even when she walks away.
121.
EXT. MERTON ESTATE - CASSANDRA & JONATHAN’S WEDDING - DAY
The vineyards have been transformed with fresh FLOWERS, extravagant DECORATIONS, and beautiful MUSIC being played live by a STRING QUARTET.
The pyramid is covered in white ribbons and two large white KITES, united with a single BOW. At least 200 GUESTS are seated and waiting. The REVEREND stands at the front of the WEDDING GAZEBO.
The WEDDING PARTY of bridesmaids arm in arm with groomsmen make their way down the aisle, including Cassie as the ring bearer and Kailee as the sweet flower girl. She drops ROSE PETALS along the path as they proceed. Jonathan walks down the aisle, a happy nervous groom.
The familiar song HERE COMES THE BRIDE begins and the crowd stands at attention. Unexpectedly, Smokey runs down the aisle to the gazebo and sits down near the girls. The guests laugh.
Cassandra emerges in a gorgeous wedding gown and makes her way down the aisle, smiling amidst her tears of joy. The Reverend begins as she takes her place.
REVEREND
You were born together and together you shall be forevermore. You shall be together when the white wings of death scatter your days.
Cassandra looks at Jonathan. He smiles weakly.
REVEREND
Ay, you shall be together even in the silent memory of God.
(a couple of beats)
But let there be spaces in your togetherness, and let the winds of the Heavens dance between you.
A GUST of WIND rushes through suddenly and nearly blows off Cassandra’s VEIL. She smiles, knowingly.
REVEREND
Love one another but make not a bond of love: Let it rather be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.
At this, Ernesto appears with a BOTTLE of CHAMPAGNE and a TRAY with two CHAMPAGNE FLUTES. The crowd watches him as he opens the bottle. He hands the bottle and the flutes to Cassandra and Jonathan.
122.
REVEREND
Fill each other’s cup but drink not from one cup.
They take turns pouring the champagne into each other’s flute. They turn to the crowd and raise their glasses to them, they turn to each other raising the glasses to each other before drinking deeply.
Ernesto collects the glasses when they are finished.
REVEREND
Give one another of your bread but eat not from the same loaf.
Nita appears with two loaves of FRENCH BREAD on a TRAY. Cassandra and Jonathan take the loaves, break bread from each and take turns feeding one bite to each other. Nita retreats with the tray when they are finished.
REVEREND
Sing and dance together and be joyous, but let each one of you be alone, Even as the strings of a lute are alone though they quiver with the same music.
Softly now, the string quartet plays.
REVEREND
Give your hearts, but not into each other’s keeping. For only the hand of Life can contain your hearts. And stand together yet not too near together-
Mary cries a bit too loud. They pause a moment for her to contain herself and blow her nose.
-For the pillars of the temple stand apart. And the oak tree and the cypress grow not in each other’s shadow.
Mary cries again. Michael comforts her as the Reverend continues.
REVEREND
These words first written in 1923 by Kahlil Gibran have much wisdom today. You have written your own vows?
123.
JONATHAN
Yes. Cassandra, I promise to walk with you always with freedom and passion. I promise to always be by your side, no matter what. I promise to always love you.
Cassie comes forward with the RINGS. Jonathan places the ring on Cassandra’s finger.
CASSANDRA
Jonathan, I promise to walk with you knowing that you always were and always will be my friend. I promise to be first your friend, always your wife and forever your soulmate.
Cassandra takes the ring and places it on Jonathan’s finger.
REVEREND
May these rings signify to you the eternal quality of Life and Love everlasting.
They both smile at him.
REVEREND
I wish for you both a long and happy life filled with love and joy and wisdom. I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. Please, go on and kiss your bride!
The crowd cheers, the string quartet plays lively, upbeat. From behind the Reverend, a flock of WHITE DOVES are released and fly heavenward. Jonathan takes Cassandra in his arms and kisses her passionately.
EXT. MERTON VINEYARDS - FORRESTER RECEPTION - LATE SAME DAY
Cassandra and Jonathan sit at the head TABLE with Conrad, Mary and Michael. They are eating and talking in happy celebration.
CASSANDRA
Conrad, at what point did you start to believe me?
CONRAD
I don’t really-
CASSANDRA
Excuse me?
124.
CONRAD
Well, I trust you and your instincts now. I’m still not convinced about... them.
He takes another drink of wine. We see the vineyards light up with surreal light and fairies dancing, whizzing by and floating lazily in the breezes appear everywhere. Conrad, for the first time, notices them.
CASSANDRA
Not even now?
CONRAD
They’re everywhere! But I don’t believe in-
CASSANDRA
I know, dear.
Cassandra laughs and turns back to Jonathan. Conrad catches a glimpse of Abigail at a nearby table.
CONRAD
Mom, I’m going to go say hello to someone.
Cassandra ignores him. Conrad pours two glasses of wine and carries them over. As he approaches, Abigail notices him, very interested. Cassandra does notice this, approvingly.
Everybody at the reception CLINKS their glasses with their forks. Cassandra and Jonathan engage in a deep soulful kiss.
As they kiss, we see her Grandmother’s Broach on her wedding dress. We turn to the new label on her bottle. It is the same as the broach: a fairy riding on the back of a butterfly.
Smokey runs by the table chasing something. As we FOLLOW him, we see it is a real butterfly. As we get closer, we see a real fairy riding the butterfly with one victorious hand in the air.
BUTTERFLY FAIRY
Whooooo-Hooooo!
We go up through puffy white clouds and into the blue sky beyond.
THE END
