Who Needs Enemies

Ep 1

By

Porsche Bradley

FADE IN:

INT. RILEY’S CAR - NIGHT

RILEY FOX, a 29 year old woman with auburn hair and

watchful, narrow eyes, speeds down the road, engine REVVING

in her small car.

Some water droplets cling to Riley’s windows, but it is not

raining.

On Riley’s left wrist, she wears a chain BRACELET with a

blue water drop charm.

EXT. HIGHWAY - NIGHT

It is steadily raining as a vehicle drives down the lonely

highway, traveling along side a guardrail that protects from

the sloping ground.

EXT. GAS STATION - NIGHT

Riley’s car turns sharply off of the rural road and into a

small gas station, pulling up to a pump.

Riley hastily exits her car and pulls out a masculine

billfold from her back pocket. She snaps it open and

fumbles, dropping it on the ground.

CLOSE ON Riley’s billfold open on the pavement, revealing

her name on her Tennessee driver’s license.

Riley picks up her billfold, takes out her debit card, and

swipes it. As she pumps her gas, she combs her fingers

through her hair. She returns the pump and takes the

receipt.

She looks at her receipt and sighs, dropping her haste as

she re-enters her car and drives off.

INT. DEAN’S CAR - NIGHT

In the rainy highway vehicle sits DEAN BLAKELY (early 30s),

clean shaven and sporting a suit and tie under his

"Masscraft" jacket. He does not appear to feel well.

Dean exhales mostly through his mouth in sighs. He rubs his

forehead. He picks up a soda can, takes a drink, and sets it

back down before placing his wet fingers on his forehead.

2.

EXT. RILEY’S HOUSE - NIGHT

A small, one-story house, lit from inside. It has a raised,

wooden porch and an empty gravel driveway leading to the

road. Two cars are parked just off the road and into the

yard, which is mowed, but lacks any decorations.

GWEN (O.S.)

To motherhood, and all the

restrictions that go along with it.

INT. RILEY’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Three hands clank drinks together: 2 beer bottles and a

glass of sparkling cider. The beer holders wear BRACELETS

like Riley’s except with a pink water drop, and the cider

drinker sports a matching blue one.

The three women sit in a small living room. A wooden coffee

table takes up the middle, surrounded by a mismatched couch

and recliner.

AMBER BLAKELY (30) holds the cider. She has straight, dark

hair and soft, womanly features. She sits on the couch

beside ELIZABETH (late 20s). On the recliner sits GWEN (late

20s).

GWEN

Welcome to my world.

ELIZABETH

You make it sound like it’s not a

world she’d wanna be a part of.

Gwen takes a drink and laughs.

AMBER

I just hope I can be a good mother,

even though I’m starting so late.

GWEN

You’re gonna be a great mom. Age

only makes you better. Remember all

those girls who got pregnant

during, or right after high school?

Some were okay, but most of ’em...

The three make disgusted sounds.

Amber sets her glass on the table and pulls out her phone.

She looks at it, then puts it back up with a sigh.

3.

ELIZABETH

Still nothing from Dean?

AMBER

No. I hope he’s getting close

though.

GWEN

My goodness, Amber. One weekend?

Text the man.

AMBER

I can’t. He’s probably driving, and

he’ll check it anyhow. And he knows

I don’t like that. I’m just

impatient.

Riley enters through the front door.

Amber holds her arms out.

Riley walks into her hug, patting Amber’s back. She squeezes

between Amber and Elizabeth on the couch, wriggling her butt

from side to side until they open up for her, giggling.

GWEN

I’m glad you’re home. Amber’s had

like three beers already. Stop her

before the baby becomes an

alcoholic just like the mom.

AMBER

(laughing)

That’s not true!

RILEY

Oh, Gwen. She doesn’t drink anyhow.

You don’t, right?

Riley holds her arm up and jangles her BRACELET in Amber’s

face.

AMBER

You know I don’t.

Amber chuckles and swats Riley’s arm away. She holds her own

BRACELET up and grins.

ELIZABETH

So Riley, you find anything worth

getting her?

Riley shushes Elizabeth.

4.

AMBER

What? What does she mean gettin’

me? Elizabeth?

RILEY

Way to spoil it. Yeah, I was

wantin’ to go ahead and get your

shower gift, but... Well I’ve not

got it all yet.

AMBER

Aw, that’s sweet, but you’re all

jumping the gun with the

celebrations. I’m barely three

months.

GWEN

But we just found out. We can’t

help but be excited.

Riley leans over and takes Gwen’s bottle.

RILEY

Besides, we need every opportunity

we can get to celebrate.

Riley takes a sip from the bottle, sneering at the taste as

she returns it to Gwen.

AMBER

Don’t I just have the best friends?

Riley smiles.

INT. DEAN’S CAR - NIGHT

Dean continues down the highway. He rubs his eye and coughs

in the back of his throat. The coughs subside, and he rubs

his head again. He covers his mouth with his fist just as a

wet hack erupts. He wipes his mouth, groaning before looking

at his hand.

Dean’s hand is spattered with red froth.

Before he can comprehend the sight, Dean’s eyes flutter

closed and his head goes limp, falling forward.

5.

EXT. HIGHWAY - CONTINUOUS

Dean’s vehicle veers to the right and scrapes against the

guardrail.

A bridge approaches.

The guardrail begins to bend out. The vehicle SMASHES

head-on into the bridge’s concrete side, bringing it to an

abrupt halt.

The rain grows heavier until its sound overpowers all else.

DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. FUNERAL HOME - DAY

A small funeral home. Trees show signs of early autumn.

Several people stand in groups in the parking lot while

others get in their cars and drive away. The funeral is

over.

INT. FUNERAL HOME - DAY

Dean’s pale body is displayed in a casket.

On one side of the casket is a collage of pictures of Dean

with the words "In Memory of Dean Blakely" at the top. The

pictures (many including Amber and some with her three

friends) reveal that Dean was a lively man: He dresses as

Santa for Christmas; He sings karaoke at a bar; He grins

with two "Masscraft" factory co-workers; He stuffs his mouth

into a piece of wedding cake that Amber holds while covering

her blushing face; etc.

Amber sits in a chair on the other side of the casket. She

is not crying now, but she has been. Her eyes are red, and

she sniffles. She grips her hands together. She is not

wearing her BRACELET.

A man approaches Amber. This is BRIAN, an adult, but

obviously younger than the women. He has dark, combed hair

and a clean-shaven face.

Brian places his hand on Amber’s shoulder.

Amber looks up and forces a smile.

Across the room, Riley, Gwen, and Elizabeth stand by the

door. Riley wears her BRACELET.

6.

A FEMALE FRIEND shakes Riley’s hand and hugs Gwen before

leaving. Gwen closes the door after her.

Brian enters the women’s circle.

BRIAN

It just kills me to see her put

through this. And over a car

accident. Fell asleep at the wheel,

right?

GWEN

The doctors think it was cyanide

poisoning. Probably from the rat

poison at the motel. Makes you

wonder, though.

BRIAN

I can see that. I’m surprised

Amber’s handling everything so

well.

GWEN

C’mon Brian. You know she puts on a

brave face. I can’t even begin to

imagine how torn up she must be.

And there’s nothing we can do.

RILEY

We can still be here for her.

GWEN

Her husband is dead, Riley. It

doesn’t matter how long we’ve been

friends, we can’t replace her

husband.

Looking determined, Riley walks away.

Riley walks up to Amber, who sits with her head hanging.

Riley kneels down and hugs Amber.

Amber returns the hug.

RILEY

Why don’t I stay with you?

Amber pulls back.

RILEY (CONT’D)

At your house. So you won’t be

alone.

7.

AMBER

Oh Riley, I couldn’t ask you to do

that.

RILEY

You’re not. I’m offering. You’re my

best friend. I’d hate myself if I

couldn’t even help.

AMBER

I’ll be fine. I’m a big girl.

Gwen and Elizabeth walk behind Riley.

Riley stands to face them, placing her hand on Amber’s

shoulder.

GWEN

I think it’s a good idea. It’ll be

like a slumber party. Remember how

recharging those could be?

AMBER

Yeah. Maybe... If it’s only for a

while. I mean, you really wouldn’t

mind?

A smile spreads on Riley’s face.

EXT. AMBER’S HOUSE - DAY

Amber’s is a two-story house surrounded by neighbors. Her

yard is small, but decorated with plants. A car sits in the

carport. Riley’s car pulls in behind it.

INT. AMBER’S HOUSE - DAY

MONTAGE:

1)Amber opens her front door to Riley, who brings in a

suitcase and duffel bag.

They struggle with pulling the suitcase up the stairs.

2)UPSTAIRS GUEST BEDROOM -- Riley hangs her clothes in the

closet as Amber puts sheets on the full sized bed.

Before Amber finishes, Riley flops down on the bed. Amber

puts her hands on her hips.

Amber pulls Riley’s arm, but Riley pulls her down instead.

The two laugh.

8.

3)INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT -- The two eat pizza and

watch a movie. The room consists of a medium-sized

entertainment center, an L-shaped couch, and a glass coffee

table.

4)INT. BATHROOM - DAY -- The two stand in front of the sink.

Amber dons a long nightgown and brushes her hair.

Riley wears a ratty T-shirt and jeans, brushing her teeth.

Riley turns to Amber and puffs out her cheeks, letting

toothpaste foam out of her mouth. Amber notices and pushes

Riley’s face away. They laugh.

5)INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT -- Amber pours a can of green beans

into a pot on the stove as Riley stirs steak strips in a

pan.

6)INT. AMBER’S ROOM - NIGHT -- Amber cries on her bed while

Riley hugs and rocks with her.

MONTAGE ENDS

INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY

Riley showers, still wearing her BRACELET. She looks more

womanly now than ever.

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Amber eats cereal at a table. She picks up a bottle of

prenatal vitamins, opens it, and turns it over in her hand.

The rattle indicates that few pills remain.

She places the pill in her mouth and takes a drink of water.

The phone RINGS.

Amber walks to the wall phone behind her and answers.

AMBER

Hello?

ROBERT (O.S.)

Amber? It’s Robert.

Amber frowns, crossing her free arm.

AMBER

Robert.

9.

INT. ROBERT’S KITCHEN - DAY

ROBERT, a blond man in his mid 30s with stubble lining his

jaw, sits at a bar in his expensive apartment. He holds his

cellphone to his ear and plays with a beer bottle on the

bar.

ROBERT

I, uh. I heard about Dean. How...

How’re you holding up?

Amber turns and leans her side against the wall.

INTERCUT AS NEEDED AMBER AND ROBERT’S KITCHENS - DAY

AMBER

Now you’re concerned about me? Not

so good, Robert. And not to be

rude, but you calling doesn’t help.

ROBERT

I know, and I’m sorry. I never

wanted to hurt you. I know that’s

hard to believe-

AMBER

It’s been four years. You up and

leave me out of nowhere, and... And

you call now? That does hurt. I’d

prefer if you’d just go back to not

calling. Goodbye.

Amber begins to hang up the phone.

ROBERT (O.S.)

How’s Riley?

Amber halts. She returns the phone to her ear, placing both

hands on it.

AMBER

What?

ROBERT (O.S.)

It’s just... What has Riley been

into?

AMBER

Actually, she’s been staying with

me. She’s been the biggest support

I’ve had. I wanted to tell you, she

was right about you. She’s stuck

(MORE)

10.

AMBER (cont’d)with me through everything. That’s

true companionship.

ROBERT (O.S.)

Just take care of yourself, Amber.

That’s all I wanted to say. I’m

sorry about Dean, and... Take care

of yourself. Goodbye.

INT. ROBERT’S KITCHEN - DAY

Robert hangs up and sets his phone on the bar and rubs his

eyes. He twists the cap off the beer bottle and turns his

head far back to drink.

INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - DAY

Amber hangs the phone up as Riley enters. Riley wears a

white smock and jeans, and her hair remains damp.

Amber leans back against the wall with a sigh.

Riley lifts Amber’s bowl and sets it back down before going

to the fridge.

RILEY

Who was it?

Riley pulls a slice of pizza from the fridge, sets it on a

paper towel, and sticks it in the microwave. She starts it.

AMBER

You won’t like it.

Riley turns to Amber

RILEY

Why? Who was it?

AMBER

Robert.

Riley scoffs, smacking her hand on the counter.

RILEY

Seriously? What does he think he’s

doing calling you now? I can’t

believe that son of a bitch. Sounds

like he’s trying to do some sort of

horrible rebound thing. How

pathetic can you get?

11.

Amber takes her seat back at the table. She stirs her

cereal, hearing Riley’s familiar rant.

RILEY (CONT’D)

If he calls again, I’m gonna drive

to Florida and punch him in the

face. As much as I ragged on Dean,

he was way better than that guy. At

least Dean wasn’t chicken shit.

The sound of the microwave ceases Riley’s rambling.

RILEY (CONT’D)

Have you taken your vitamin?

AMBER

Yes. You always know what to say.

RILEY

You ought to finish your breakfast.

Amber takes a bite of her cereal.

EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL - DAY

Riley’s car pulls into the gravel parking lot of the log

cabin styled dentist building. Stop blocks separate the

parking lot from the front of the building.

Amber steps out of the passenger side.

Riley leans toward the open door.

RILEY

Are you sure you wanna go in today?

AMBER

Three weeks is break enough.

Besides, all I do is type stuff

into a computer. I can still do

that at least.

RILEY

Well if you change your mind or

need or want anything, you call me.

AMBER

I know.

Amber closes the door.

12.

EXT. STRIP MALL - DAY

The strip mall lines the edge of a large parking lot. A sign

dubs it "Tellihollow Square." This includes a dollar store,

a grocery store, a pharmacy, and a diner.

Between the grocery store and pharmacy stands Brian smoking

a cigarette in a pharmacy uniform.

Riley approaches the grocery store.

Brian brightens up.

BRIAN

Mornin’ Riley. How’s it goin’?

RILEY

Hey Brian.

Riley throws a red apron over her smock and continues toward

the door. Before she can enter, Brian jogs over.

BRIAN

So... How’s Amber doing?

RILEY

Better. Things have been rough, but

I think she’s pulling through

strong.

Riley attempts to tie the back of her apron as she speaks.

Brian tries to help.

Riley turns her back away and manages on her own.

Brian rubs his hands together.

BRIAN

Glad to hear it. I’ve not seen her

since the funeral. You tell her

that if she needs anything, she can

talk to me.

Riley nods and smiles shortly before entering the grocery

store.

13.

INT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL LOBBY - DAY

Amber sits behind the front counter and gazes at her

computer screen.

MAN (O.S.)

Excuse me... Excuse me, Ma’am.

Amber looks up.

AMBER

I-I’m sorry. Can I help you?

MAN

I need to schedule my next

appointment.

AMBER

Oh, right, one second.

Amber types on her computer, shakes her head, and rubs her

face before looking up again.

AMBER (CONT’D)

Sorry about that. Does April

twelfth work?

MAN

Yeah. Thanks.

Amber prints out an appointment card and hands it to the

man.

He takes it and eyes Amber as he walks away.

PAULINE, a plump woman in her late 40s, walks behind the

front desk and sits at a second computer.

PAULINE

Are ya certain ya ought to be

forcin’ yourself here?

AMBER

All I do is-

PAULINE

Push yourself too much. There ain’t

no reason for you to be here with

everything you’re goin’ through.

AMBER

I don’t need to be takin’ any more

time off, Pauline.

14.

Pauline crosses her arms.

AMBER (CONT’D)

Honestly, I’m fine. Just a little

under the weather is all. I can

tough it out.

PAULINE

I don’t doubt that. But you’ve got

a life in you that might not be so

tough.

Amber looks down.

INT. GROCERY STORE BACK ROOM - DAY

A room of white and gray tiles. Several men in smocks and

red aprons work with meat.

Riley stands at the end of a counter, wrapping cuts of meat

as her male co-worker passes them down. Her hair is tied

back and held in a hairnet. She does not wear her BRACELET

at work.

MANAGER (O.S.)

Riley!

Riley looks up from her work.

The manager stands at the double doors.

MANAGER

Phone call.

INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

Riley follows the manager into the bright and colorful store

area.

Country music plays softly over the speakers as they cross,

walking past a busy checkout aisle where a TEEN GIRL scans

items.

The manager and Riley enter a small office.

15.

INT. MANAGER’S OFFICE - CONTINUOUS

The manager rounds his desk and sits down, nodding to the

phone lying off the hook on his desk.

Riley sits in a metal chair and picks the phone up.

RILEY

Hello?

EXT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL - DAY

Amber sits on a stop block as Riley’s car pulls in beside

her.

Amber stands and enters the passenger side.

INT. RILEY’S CAR - DAY

AMBER

I’m sorry.

RILEY

For what?

AMBER

I thought I could handle going to

work, but... My mind keeps

wandering. I feel bad for making

you take care of me.

RILEY

Don’t.

Riley begins to back her car out, wrapping her arm around

Amber’s seat as she turns herself around. Riley wears the

BRACELET.

RILEY (CONT’D)

It’s what I’m here for.

Amber props her elbow on the door and rubs her stomach. Her

face contorts with discomfort.

INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Amber lounges on her couch, half covered with a blanket

while reading a book for expectant mothers. A glass of juice

sits on the coffee table.

16.

Riley enters from the front door. She carries four plastic

bags.

RILEY

I’m home. You hungry yet?

Riley sets the bags on the coffee table. She crouches down

and digs into one.

Amber reaches for another bag.

AMBER

Did you go grocery shopping?

Amber grabs the bag with her fingers. She pulls just enough

for black cloth to show.

Riley lays her hand over the bag.

RILEY

That’s my underwear.

Amber pulls away.

AMBER

You’re embarrassed?

RILEY

They’re my period panties. And no,

I didn’t go shopping, but look what

I had at home.

Riley pulls out a box of noodles and a can of sauce.

Amber beams.

RILEY

We have meat, right?

AMBER

Yeah. And you’re gonna cook this

tonight?

RILEY

Sure am.

Riley sets the food back in the bag. She takes the other

three bags and stands up, heading for the stairs.

17.

INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - NIGHT

Amber sits at the table as Riley sets a plate of spaghetti

and bread in front of her.

AMBER

Thanks so much. It looks really

good.

Riley sets her plate across from Amber and sits down.

RILEY

I dunno about really good, but

let’s hope it’s not bad. I don’t

wanna upset your stomach more.

AMBER

How’d you know my stomach was

bothering me?

RILEY

Amber, I’m your best friend. What

do you take me for?

Amber laughs and scoops some spaghetti onto her fork. She

takes a bite, slurping the noodles with a smile.

Riley twirls the noodles around her fork, then drops her

hand.

RILEY

I’m sorry for not being here for

you more. I’ve not lived up to my

word.

AMBER

That is not true at all. Just you

being here helps so much. I’m the

one who’s sorry for being a

nuisance.

RILEY

You could never be a nuisance.

AMBER

And the food is fantastic. I know

I’m not the only one loving it.

Amber leans back and frames her belly with splayed fingers.

AMBER (CONT’D)

Keep eating like this, and I’ll be

showing in no time. It’s almost

like a part of Dean never left.

18.

Amber takes a bite of her bread and nods. She locks eyes

with Riley and giggles.

Riley gives a weak smirk. Her eyes drift as she takes a bite

of spaghetti.

INT. MOUNTAIN SIDE DENTAL LOBBY - DAY

Amber and Pauline sit at their computers.

Amber reaches into her desk and pops a piece of granola into

her mouth and grins.

Pauline writes in a notebook, but stops to watch Amber.

Amber notices.

AMBER

What?

PAULINE

Well somebody has been in a much

better mood as of late.

Amber giggles.

AMBER

I’m feeling a lot better, too.

PAULINE

Probably cause you’re eating a lot

better. Or at least a lot more.

Pauline swirls her finger at Amber’s desk.

PAULINE (CONT’D)

Don’t think I can’t see you poppin’

that stuff into your mouth like a

pill head.

Amber sets her bag of granola mix on the desk.

AMBER

It’s Riley. She’s fattening me up.

She started cooking supper every

night. I mean, this is store

bought, but she keeps me well fed.

PAULINE

Aw, that’s precious. That baby’s

gonna think it has two mommies.

19.

AMBER

Hey, as long as she keeps this up,

she’ll have to be a mommy.

EXT. STRIP MALL - NIGHT

The stores are closed, only emergency lights remaining.

Three cop cars occupy the front of the pharmacy, and Brian

chats with the cops.

A car pulls into the lot near the grocery store. Gwen exits

the driver side,

Amber exits the passenger side and rounds to the front of

the car.

GWEN

Is that Brian?

AMBER

What do you think happened?

Riley exits the grocery store in her work clothes, eying the

cops as she walks.

GWEN

Riley!

Riley’s head snaps to her friends. She jogs to them.

RILEY

Hey, hey. What’re you doin’ here?

GWEN

I heard the cops were here. Always

gotta make sure my girls are okay.

RILEY

Aw, I’d hug you, but...

Riley motions to her apron.

GWEN

Oh, I don’t care.

Gwen gives Riley a quick but full hug.

GWEN (CONT’D)

I deal with little kids all day.

Feces couldn’t bother me. Besides,

I don’t really care about your

safety. We were just bored.

20.

Riley scoffs.

AMBER

Any idea why the police are here?

Brian enters the group. He holds a vitamin bottle at his

side.

BRIAN

What’s everybody standin’ around

for?

AMBER

Why were you talking to the cops?

BRIAN

Oh, my boss was talking to an

officer, and you know how cops here

are. So bored, they see one car

stopped somewhere and they all

gotta check it out. Apparently some

stuff got missing.

RILEY

Probably some stupid teenagers

trying to get high. Need to get

their asses busted, but the cops

won’t do crap.

Brian laughs.

BRIAN

You’re probably right. It’s the

perfect town for criminals. Which

is why you live here, right?

Riley deadpans.

BRIAN (CONT’D)

Uh, oh yeah. Here Amber.

Brian hands the vitamin bottle to Amber.

AMBER

Thank you so much. I didn’t even

realize I took so many already.

Amber takes the bottle and hugs Brian.

RILEY

I didn’t know you needed more. I

woulda picked ’em up for you.

21.

AMBER

I didn’t wanna burden you.

Especially with everything else

you’ve done for me.

RILEY

I wouldn’t have cared. I’d have

gotten a hug out of it.

BRIAN

How ’bout next time, I give ’em to

Riley at work. Keep taking care of

yourself. I’ll know if you don’t.

Brian points between his and Amber’s eyes as he backs away.

He gives a wave before spinning around and walks off.

GWEN

(to Riley)

You should laugh at his jokes.

Riley looks in Brian’s direction.

INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - DAY

Amber sits on her couch reading a different book for

expectant mothers.

A KNOCK comes to the door.

EXT. AMBER’S FRONT PORCH - DAY

Amber opens the door to a smiling Gwen and Elizabeth.

INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - DAY

The three take a seat on the couch.

AMBER

Sorry the house is kinda a mess. I

told myself I’d clean today, but...

GWEN

Are you kidding? Why don’t we ever

party here? Speaking of which, what

are you and Riley doing weekend

after next?

22.

AMBER

Probably nothing. Why?

GWEN

Awesome. We’re having a party.

ELIZABETH

It’s not really a party so much as

getting a bunch of people at my

house for a movie night.

GWEN

My daughter is kicking me out of

the house for her party, so dammit,

I’m gonna call it a party if I

want.

AMBER

That’s cool. We’ll definitely come

if we can. And wear our bracelets.

GWEN

Great. Well, we’d stick around, but

we gotta get. But first, Elizabeth,

don’t you have something?

ELIZABETH

Oh, I forgot.

Elizabeth pulls a CELLPHONE out of her pocket.

Amber gasps.

AMBER

Dean’s old phone?

Amber takes the CELLPHONE and grips it against her heart.

ELIZABETH

Well, I owe him an apology I guess,

cause he was right. It was at my

house.

Amber embraces Elizabeth, clutching the CELLPHONE.

AMBER

Thank you so much, Elizabeth.

GWEN

Do you still have the charger?

23.

INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - DAY

Amber opens her nightstand drawer and pulls out a phone

charger.

The three women sit on Amber’s bed as Amber cradles the

powering CELLPHONE. It lights up, and they smile.

CLOSE ON CELLPHONE screen. In the wallpaper, Dean wraps an

arm around Amber as they sit in front of a Christmas tree.

GWEN

Got any pictures on it?

Amber pushes keys.

CLOSE ON CELLPHONE screen. Amber flips through three

pictures: Amber asleep on their couch. Amber awake and

covering her face in embarrassment. Dean crouching beside

Amber and kissing her head.

Gwen and Elizabeth coo.

Amber presses keys.

ON PHONE SCREEN: INT. ELIZABETH’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

The room is large with two white couches and a connecting

room with a bar beyond.

Gwen sits on a couch beside her HUSBAND.

Amber sits on the floor between Gewn’s knees, letting braid

her hair.

DEAN (O.S.)

Aw, look how cute she is.

AMBER

Don’t take a picture of this.

DEAN (O.S.)

I’m not. I’m recording.

Amber turns her head away.

ELIZABETH (O.S.)

We got soda.

The screen turns to the front door. Elizabeth and Riley

enter, each carrying a twelve-pack of Pepsi.

24.

RILEY

You recording?

Riley looks to Amber. Then back to Dean.

RILEY (CONT’D)

What other videos ya got on there?

Anything kinky?

Riley sticks her tongue out and waggles her eyebrows. The

other women LAUGH, and the video ends.

INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - DAY

Amber rests the CELLPHONE on her lap and exhales.

AMBER

All I’d forget.

Amber buries her face in Gwen’s shoulder.

Elizabeth places a hand on Amber’s shoulder, which starts to

heave.

Amber cries.

Elizabeth and Gwen embrace her.

INT. AMBER’S LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

Riley’s keys JINGLE as she unlocks the front door and enters

the house. She looks around the dark room.

INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Riley enters, the light from the hall falling across the

floor. She tiptoes beside Amber’s bed.

Amber sleeps on the farther side of the bed, her back to

Riley.

Riley places her knee on the bed and lifts herself onto it.

She smiles and places a hand on Amber’s shoulder.

RILEY

Hey. I made it home.

Amber rolls over and smiles.

25.

RILEY (CONT’D)

You’re in bed early. Is everything

okay?

AMBER

Just sleepy.

RILEY

Well go on back to sleep.

Amber rolls back over.

Riley lies down beside Amber and wraps her arm around

Amber’s upper body.

Amber pats Riley arm.

Riley pulls her hand to Amber’s upper arm and squeezes.

Riley’s hand slides down Amber’s arm, then crosses over,

landing upon Amber’s belly.

Riley jerks her arm back. She backs off the bed and

stumbles. She catches herself on the nightstand, but her

hand lands on the CELLPHONE, which slides under her.

Riley lifts the CELLPHONE. It is plugged in and lit.

Amber sits up.

AMBER

Elizabeth found it. Isn’t that

great? There’s so much stuff on it

that I don’t even remember if I

knew existed.

RILEY

Cool. I’m happy for you.

AMBER

Remind me tomorrow, and I’ll show

you some. I’d just let you now

but...

(short laugh)

I don’t think I want you to see

everything.

Riley sets the CELLPHONE down with a single THUNK.

RILEY

Cool. But for now, get some sleep.

26.

AMBER

Okay. Night.

Amber lies down.

Riley walks to the doorway. She faces Amber as she begins to

close the door.

RILEY

Sleep tight.

Riley closes the door. All is dark aside from the CELLPHONE.

INT. AMBER’S SHOWER - NIGHT

Riley stands with her back under running water. She is nude

aside from her BRACELET.

She rolls the charm between her fingers. Then squeezes it.

She soaks and slicks her hair behind her back so that it is

not seen from the front, then clasps her hands together in

front of her heart.

She pushes her arms against her chest, forcing her breasts

to flatten against herself. Her arms begin to tremble at the

force. She stops to examine herself.

Her eyes shut, and she squeezes again.

INT. AMBER’S KITCHEN - DAY

Amber enters in pajamas, rubbing her eyes. She hears

SIZZLING.

AMBER

You went to bed later and got up

earlier than me? I feel lazy.

Riley cooks bacon and scrambled eggs at the stove.

RILEY

Yeah, what’s the deal with that?

Amber blows a raspberry as she sits at the table.

Riley laughs. She sets a plate in front of Amber.

AMBER

You don’t always have to fix my

plates for me.

27.

Riley sits down with her own plate.

RILEY

I was already up anyhow.

Amber eats some eggs.

AMBER

Oh yeah, Elizabeth’s having a movie

night soon.

RILEY

Cool. What’re we watching?

AMBER

Dunno. But I think there’s gonna be

a lot of us. It’s been a while

since we’ve all hung out.

Amber takes another bite, then reaches for the vitamin

bottle.

AMBER

And I bet Brian’ll come.

RILEY

Pfft. You excited to have him up

all over you?

AMBER

Me? It’s you he’s all up over on.

Amber opens the vitamin bottle and begins to turn it over

her palm, but she jerks to a halt.

AMBER

Ah... Ow!

She drops the bottle. Pills spill on the table and floor.

Amber rubs her belly as she sets the bottle up. She scoops

the pills into her hand.

AMBER

I don’t know what happened. I just

got a sudden pang in my-- Ah!

Amber drops the pills back on the table and scoots back to

double over.

Riley moves behind Amber and rubs her back.

28.

RILEY

Are you okay? Can I do anything?

What’s wrong?

AMBER

It’s my stomach. I... I don’t know

what’s wrong. Why? Why is this

happening?

RILEY

I don’t know. But I’m here. I’m

here for you.

Amber trembles as she tries to stand. She falls to her knees

and groans as she lowers her head to the floor.

Riley lowers herself and returns her hand to Amber’s back.

Amber gasps. She stands and SMACKS the table with her hand.

AMBER

I... I have to go to the bathroom.

Bent forward, Amber hurries out of the kitchen.

Riley scoops the pills from the table into her hand and

carries them to the trashcan. She drops them in and returns

to sit in Amber’s chair, a pained expression on her face.

INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY

Amber sits hunched over on the toilet, face buried in her

arm. Her hands and inner thighs are bloodied, and her pants

and underwear have been kicked to the side.

A KNOCK comes to the door.

RILEY (O.S.)

Amber? Are you okay? You’ve been in

there for a while... Amber? I’m

coming in.

Riley enters. She exhales, understanding. She pulls a towel

from its rack.

Amber starts to cry as she accepts the towel, wrapping it

around her waist as Riley helps her up. Amber kneels in

front of the toilet, looking into it.

Riley follows suit.

Amber YELLS.

29.

AMBER

Noo! This can’t happen! I didn’t do

anything wrong! Dean...

Amber SLAMS her hands on the toilet seat.

AMBER

This wasn’t supposed to happen!

Dean! I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!

Riley embraces Amber.

RILEY

Shh.

Amber rocks with Riley, sobbing.

AMBER

I messed it all up.

RILEY

You didn’t... Look at me.

Riley turns Amber to face her.

RILEY (CONT’D)

You didn’t mess anything up. You

did everything right. I’m so sorry

this had to happen, but it wasn’t

your fault.

Amber turns back to the toilet.

Riley moves her hand toward the handle.

Amber grabs Riley’s arm.

AMBER

No!

Riley lowers her arm.

AMBER (CONT’D)

We can’t! We can’t just leave him!

He’s my baby!

RILEY

Amber. I know this hurts. I can’t

even begin to imagine... But look

at it. It isn’t a "him." It isn’t

anything.

Amber stares into the toilet, hiccuping as tears stream. She

looks exhausted.

30.

AMBER

But I can see. Don’t you? A face.

Riley looks between Amber and the toilet. She shakes her

head.

RILEY

No. There isn’t one.

Riley brushes Amber’s bangs with her finger.

Amber squints her eyes.

Riley takes Amber’s hand into her own, lifting it to the

handle and placing it on top.

RILEY

It’s better to move on.

With Amber’s hand limp under Riley’s, the handle begins to

move down.

CUT TO:

BLACK SCREEN

FLUSH.

INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY

Amber sits alone in front of the toilet.

Riley enters with a washcloth. She wets it in the sink and

begins to wipe Amber’s hands off.

INT. AMBER’S BATHROOM - DAY

Amber sits alone in front of the toilet with clean hands.

Her pants have been removed from the floor.

Riley enters carrying folded pants. She sets them on the

back of the toilet and lowers to Amber, holding her hands

out.

Without looking, Amber places her hands in Riley’s.

Riley pulls her up.

31.

INT. AMBER’S BEDROOM - DAY

The lights are off. The two lie on the bed, Amber’s face

buried in Riley’s chest. They are silent.

Riley watches Amber mournfully, stroking her back.

ROLL CREDITS