Color My World 2
EXT - LARGE FIELD - DAY
A yellow road lies at CYNTHIA'S feet. It winds its way over a vast field of green grass, purple violets and rolling hills. In her hand is a basket holding RALEIGH who is peeking her head out timidly. CYNTHIA looks around her in trepidation before starting slowly down the yellow road. As she makes her way up the first hill, a tower of green rises before her like a backwards-flowing waterfall. The tower shimmers in the sunlight as if millions of flickering Christmas lights were strung around it. Quickly Cynthia runs over to the tower, which stands above her almost one hundred stories. The yellow path ends at the green tower's door. Cynthia reaches out with a shaking hand to grasp the doorknob.
CYNTHIA
Should I dare?
She looks down at RALEIGH for an answer. RALEIGH whimpers and tucks herself back inside her basket. CYNTHIA takes a deep breath and licks her lips before turning the doorknob slowly and walking inside.
INT - TOWER - DAY
Inside, the tower floor is made of green emerald tiles. They have a gloss over them that creates a frothy look. The great room she has entered, though massive in size, holds nothing inside of it. Looking up, Cynthia sees the ceiling begin to narrow for feet upon feet until finally ending in a squared off point, somewhere above the atmosphere.
CYNTHIA
Hello?
Her voice echoes off the thin glass walls. She pauses a moment, and when there is no response she continues to walk on. Slowly she begins to make her way to the other end of the grand room. As she gets closer to the other side, she notices a figure glowing brightly, become larger and more pronounced.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I wonder who that could be? Why
didn't they answer me?
CYNTHIA has stopped walking by this time and stands three-quarters of the way across the floor, staring at the glowing figure.
CYTNHIA (CONT'D)
Wait here Raleigh, I'm going
to go investigate.
Cynthia sits the basket down on the floor and kisses her dog's head goodbye. Raleigh lifts a paw out of the basket as if in warning to her master. Cynthia walks on towards
the figure.
Face to face with the frozen man now, CYNTHIA can tell the statue is of JOHN. His features are glazed over with emerald gem rock, smoothed out and chiseled to perfection. CYTNHIA slowly slides her fingers over the emerald statue. She shivers in response to the cold. From inside the emerald coating the light emanates. It pulsates through the green coating, causing the figure to glow. Slowly CYNTHIA moves her face closer, closing her eyes, wanting to feel the heat of the man, instead of the gem stone cold. Softly her lips meet the emerald exterior. CYNTHIA presses her lips against the statue harder, breathing hot breath against the statue's lips. Suddenly, the cold begins to fade, and the light that pulsated inside begins to beat with life. The emerald coating dissolves away, until CYNTHIA can feel human lips against hers. CYNTHIA stands back, looking JOHN up and down.
JOHN
Thank you.
CYNTHIA
For what?
JOHN
For bringing me to life.
CYNTHIA smiles but shakes her head.
CYNTHIA
Don't mention it. I had to
return the favor.
EXT - STONEHOUSE PROPERTY - DAY
Cynthia and John walk hand in hand down a cobble walk way around Cynthia's property behind her mansion. They walk along side a small man made lake. A boat is tied up to a wooden pier. It's a bright spring day, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping, the sky is blue and big fluffy white clouds fill it.
CYNTHIA
Did you ever want to be
somebody?
JOHN
What do you mean?
CYNTHIA
When you were a kid, did you
fantasize about being President,
a CEO, a celebrity?
JOHN
No, not really.
CYNTHIA
Oh, I was just wondering. Since you
work in the business I thought
maybe you wanted to be somebody
but couldn't make it because you
can't sing, dance, or act.
Cynthia counts these on her fingers as she speaks.
JOHN
Thanks.
Cynthia giggles.
CYNTHIA
You know what I mean.
JOHN
No, I never wanted to be famous.
When I was a kid I read all these
Emily Dickinson poems...
CYNTHIA
Oh? I didn't know you were poetic.
JOHN
Well you do now.
John smiles gently down to her. They walk on through the grass of Cynthia's property, beginning to near the house.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Anyway, there was one poem of
hers that particularly struck
me when I was growing up.
CYNTHIA
Do you remember it?
JOHN
Of course.
CYNTHIA
Recite it to me.
John nods and clears his throat.
JOHN
I am nobody. Who are you?
Are you nobody too? Then
there's a pair of us, don't
tell. They'll banish us you
know. How dreary to be somebody,
how common like a frog. To tell
one's name the live long day to
an admiring bog.
Cynthia remains quiet for awhile as they walk through her property.
CYNTHIA
She's right, Emily is. She's
writing about celebrity. It is
dreary. People scream for you
and you sign your name to a piece
of paper, but it doesn't mean
anything. The public thinks just
because someone's famous that
means they're instantly happy. But
it's lonely, and dreary. You go
through the motions of being
“somebody” special, but there's
no feeling in it, no emotion.
JOHN
Then why do you do it?
CYNTHIA
Because it's safe? If there's no
emotion, you can't get hurt.
John looks at her confused. Cynthia shakes her head and takes John over to the flowers growing along side her house.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Come on, I'll show you
my flower garden.
JOHN
You have a garden?
CYNTHIA
Yes I do. Something wrong with
that?
JOHN
No, I just didn't picture you as
the gardening type.
CYNTHIA snickers and pulls JOHN to the edge of the house where snap dragons, lilies and roses grow.
CYNTHIA
I find that gardening is a great
stress reliever.
JOHN
Whatever does it for you, babe.
Cynthia smirks as she continues her story, bending down to a plot of snap dragons and squeezing one open.
CYNTHIA
When I was a child I was
always scared of snap
dragons. I thought inside
its pedals it had teeth.
And if I touched them, they
would try to bite off my
fingers.
John laughs and shakes his head.
JOHN
What an imaginative girl you
were.
CYNTHIA
(laughing tone)
Shut up! I was scared!
Cynthia stands up and walks over to the red rose bushes beside the violets.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Roses on the other hand,
are my favorite flower.
Just smell them.
CYNTHIA leans in and goes to pull a rose to her nose.
JOHN
Be careful there.
CYNTHIA
Ouch!
CYNTHIA pulls her hand back quickly. A drop of blood rolls from her finger tip down into her palm.
JOHN
I told you to be careful.
Are you alright?
JOHN takes a Kleenex from his pocket and starts wiping the blood from her finger. CYNTHIA makes a disgusted face.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Oh don't worry, it's clean.
CYNTHIA laughs and takes her hand back from JOHN'S careful nursing.
CYNTHIA
I'm alright John, it only pricked
my finger.
JOHN
You have to be careful around
things with thorns.
CYNTHIA
I know, I just forgot momentarily
that it has thorns.
JOHN snickers and shakes his head.
JOHN
Ironic that you are scared
of a harmless snap dragon,
but don't think twice about
sticking your hand out to
grab a thorny rose.
CYNTHIA shakes her head, laughing at herself.
CYNTHIA
Yeah, but, the rose is actually
worth touching. It doesn't seem
like something that beautiful
could hurt me.
JOHN
You should always be suspicious
of the beautiful ones.
CYNTHIA
Why is that?
JOHN
Because, beauty can hypnotize
people into doing things,
without thinking of the danger.
Beauty can deceive people.
CYNTHIA
When did you become such a
cynic?
JOHN
I think it's a natural gift.
JOHN smiles and CYNTHIA laughs with him. JOHN pulls his arm around her shoulder.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Come on, let's go inside
and get a band aid for
your finger.
INT - BATHROOM - MOMENTS LATER
CYNTHIA is sitting on the covered toilet seat. JOHN is standing in front of her and putting a band aid over her punctured finger.
JOHN
Is that too tight?
John leans in and presses a kiss to the band aid
CYNTHIA
No, it's perfect
JOHN
Don't you dare add, just
like me.
CYNTHIA
Just like me.
CYNTHIA laughs and bats her eyelashes. John leans in and kisses her, reaching up he slides his hand through her hair to the back of her neck.
CYNTHIA
John?
JOHN
Yeah?
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I was thinking we should go
out on another date.
JOHN
Um...when, do you think?
CYNTHIA
I have to go to the studio
tomorrow to record the backing
tracks for my new single. But
maybe the day after that. Friday?
Is that good?
John stands up, scratching the back of his neck.
JOHN
This Friday? Oh, no, no, I
have to work.
CYNTHIA
What? What are you doing?
JOHN
I have to be at a photo shoot.
CYNTHIA
For who?
JOHN
J-lo?
CYNTHIA
What?
JOHN
Yeah, I'm doing her wardrobe.
She saw some of the stuff I
put you in and thought it would
be good for her style.
CYNTHA
So she's copying off me now
is she?
JOHN
Oh yeah, you're a hot commodity.
CNTHIA
So you get to spend the whole
day with her? Should I be
worried?
JOHN
No, she's married, remember?
CYNTHIA scoffs.
CYNTHIA
Oh like that's ever stopped
her before.
JOHN
You're terrible!
JOHN laughs, pulling Cynthia up off the toilet seat.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Can I get a rain check?
CYNTHIA bites her lip, pouting and trying her best to look forlorn. John wraps his arms around her and pulls her against him. He tilts his head, leans in quickly and kisses Cynthia deeply. CYNTHIA stumbles back after awhile, dizzily. She licks her lips slowly before speaking with a shaky voice.
CYNTHIA
Yes, of course, another time.
EXT - SIDEWALK IN LA - NEXT AFTERNOON
Fans surround the side walk. Lights flash from either side of Cynthia. JEROME, a 33-year-old male who is 6'5” tall and over 200pounds of muscle, lumbers near with a safe strong hand on her back. Cynthia pulls at the brim of her Burberry hat, tightening her fingers around Raleigh's matching leash. She is taking her dog for a walk down the streets of LA.
Cynthia ducks around the fans. Jerome parts them like the red sea and Cynthia hurriedly makes her way through. The fans wave papers and pens in her face, screaming her name. The cameras flash in her eyes causing her pupils to dilate and strain to fix again. Suddenly she is swamped. Too many fans, too many cameras. Even Jerome can't push his way through them. Raleigh sniffs at one girls shoes and Cynthia reluctantly takes up the pens and starts smiling fake as she scratches markings that resemble her name across a myriad of papers and random artifacts that could hold a signature.
CYNTHIA
There you go, thank you...sure
and what's your name? Biggest
fan? Well thank you, you're too
kind.”
Cynthia doesn't hear what the fans are saying, she speaks with a fixed dialog, knowing exactly what they are saying because she's been through it so many times before. The shrieks and words of the fans run together in her mind between the cat calls of the paparazzi demanding she look towards them.
The sound of popping bulbs and advancing film and camera flashes play over the screaming fans and noise from the street. One of the camera flashes explodes in her eye. Cynthia closes her eyes and turns her head quickly away from the paparazzi on the street and towards the Ivy restaurant she had been stopped in front of. She opens her eyes slowly letting them fade back into the world. Through the window of the restaurant she spots a familiar figure. Abandoning the autographs, Cynthia moves her way towards the bushes that grow outside the restaurant. She rubs her eyes, thinking that the camera had blinded her into seeing things that weren't truly there.
INT - RESTURANT - MOMENTS LATER
John sits at a table, across from him JULIE sits, a 26-year-old brunette. A flower sits next to a burning candle on the table and beside it a bucket of ice for their bottle of wine.
JOHN
How is the conference going?
JULIE
Pretty well. I feel I'm back in
college, all the notes I have to
take. My hand is seizing up on me,
like I have carpule tunnel syndrome
or something.
JOHN
Let me see.
Julie extends her hand across the table. John takes it in his and begins to massage her wrist. Julie watches his hands and smiles longingly.
JULIE
You always did take care of me.
John smiles and laughs gently.
JOHN
I aim to please.
JULIE
Sometimes you're just too good.
I worry you'll get run over if
you're not careful.
JOHN
Don't worry about me, I'm a
grown boy. I just want to see
the people I care about happy,
that's all.
JULIE
Seems you've recently been making
another young lady quite happy.
JOHN
Nice segway, Julie.
Julie smiles and blushes softly.
JULIE
Well you know, as the ex-
girlfriend it's my job to
ask about the new love
interest.
John groans, his fingers still working over Julie's hand.
JOHN
Don't you have anything better
to ask me about?
Julie laughs and shakes her head, not letting John out of this conversation.
JULIE
From what I've seen of her
on TV she's very sweet.
JOHN
Yeah, I thought so too.
JULIE
Thought so?
JOHN
I guess dreams don't always
turn out like you plan them to.
JULIE
Well she seems just lovely.
John lets go of Julie's hand. He shrugs and sips his wine.
JOHN
People aren't always what they
seem.
JULIE
Well, what about you?
EXT - LA STREET - MOMENTS LATER
Cynthia shakes her head once more, not believing what she's seeing.
JEROME
Cynthia, we'd better go now.
Cynthia jumps back, startled.
CYNTHIA
Huh?
JEROME
The fans are getting out of
control. I called a car to pick
us up around the corner. Come on.
CYNTHIA
Sure, yeah...
Cynthia stumbled ahead, Jerome takes her hand and pulls her forward. Cynthia looks behind her shoulder once more, as John leans back in his chair laughing brightly along with Julie.
INT - STONEHOUSE HOME - EVENING
Cynthia stands in the kitchen swirling around a cup of tea. Her face is sad and contemplative. She sips her tea as she walks into the living room. She sits down on the couch, still with a worried contemplative look on her face. There is the click of the door being unlocked and opened. Cynthia looks over quickly, then lets out a long breath, taking another sip of the tea before placing it on the coffee table.
JOHN
Cynthia? I'm home!
John makes his way happily into the living room.
CYNTHIA
How was work?
JOHN
Oh you know, once you've done
one person's hair, you've done
them all.
John laughs light heartedly and begins to sit down beside Cynthia. Quickly Cynthia stands up off the couch and steps over towards the stairs.
CYTNHIA
So you were at the photo shoot
all afternoon and evening?
JOHN
Yeah, you know how long they
can be. Lighting, hair, wardrobe,
it all has to be perfect, and
then they take like 100 pictures
of each set.
John shakes his head.
JOHN (CONT'D)
Why are you asking me, you know
how it goes.
CYNTHIA
I just wondered if you had time
for a lunch break.
John's voice catches in his throat. He swallows thickly and drums his fingers against the pocket of his jeans.
JOHN
What?
CYNTHIA
I went out to walk Raleigh today.
I saw you John, at the Ivy with
another woman.
JOHN
I.. I was with a friend.
CYNTHIA
Didn't look friendly to me.
Looked much more then friendly.
A bottle of wine, caressing her
hand, laughing and smiling. Much
more than friends.
Tears sting the back of Cynthia's eyes, but she does not cry. John scratches the hair on the side of his head, it spikes up on itself and looks disheveled.
JOHN
She's an old flame, an ex-
girlfriend. There's nothing
going on between us, honestly!
MUSIC
I'm open, you're closed
Where I follow, you'll go
I worry I won't see your face
Light up again
CYNTHIA
And it was more important for
you to go out with him then it
was to go out with me?
JOHN
(mumbling)
Well after our date a few weeks
ago…
CYNTHIA
So it's my fault? That you got
upset at me for being angry with
the waiter?
JOHN
No, that's not what I meant!
CYNTHIA
You lied to me John.
JOHN
I knew if I told you, you would
have been upset.
CYNTHIA
(sarcastic)
Oh, well I'm so glad we
spared me that feeling.
John sighs and rolls his eyes.
JOHN
I thought what you didn't know
couldn't hurt you.
CYNTHIA
So you never thought that I would
find out?
JOHN
No, not really.
CYNTHIA
Well I'm glad you thought this
through.
JOHN
Look Cynthia, I lied to you to
spare your feelings. But I guess
in doing so I hurt you worse than
if I had told you the truth in the beginning.
CYNTHIA
You're just now figuring out that
honesty is the best policy?
JOHN
Seems that way, doesn't it?
CYNTHIA
Funny stuff John, but this isn't
a joke.
Cynthia pauses to regain her thoughts. She brushes the tip of her thumb over the medal stud on her jeans. She swallows thickly.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I trusted you. How could you do
this to me?
Tears shake her chin.
MUSIC
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the wrong words seem to rhyme
JOHN
Look, I'm sorry...
CYNTHIA
How could you!
Cynthia's hand slams down against the wall. The wall booms in thunder. Tears flow freely from Cynthia's eyes, her breath chokes
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
How could you?
JOHN
Cynthia, I'm sorry baby.
John reaches out to grab Cynthia's hand but Cynthia jumps back in response, shaking her head.
CYNTHIA
No, no forget it. Go and be with
someone else if that's what you
want.
JOHN
That’s not what I want and you
know it. Why would I want to be
with someone else when you're
the only one that's been on my
mind for three years?
CYNTHIA
It hurts John.
Cynthia's voice breaks and she wipes her tears with the back of her hand, sniffling at the mucus of her nose.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I trusted you. Well forget it.
I was blinded by beauty. Be
suspicious of the beautiful
ones, that's what you said
right?
JOHN
I was talking about flowers!
CYNTHIA
No, you were talking about much
more.
Cynthia pauses, licking the inside of her cheek and staring down John with piercing eyes.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
And I won't be blinded anymore.
Cynthia pauses, biting her lip and nodding to herself. Her eyes glare pointedly, self assured.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I don't want this anymore.
JOHN
Excuse me?
CYNTHIA
You heard me John.
Cynthia swallows her tears and gathers strength from deep inside himself. She stands up straight and looks John in the eyes.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
We're over, it's through.
JOHN
Cynthia you can't be serious.
CYNTHIA
I told you I didn't want anyone
else who I trusted hurting me
again.
MUSIC
Out of the doubt that fills
my mind I somehow find
You and I collide
JOHN
But, what about your dream?
Cynthia pauses, thinking.
CYNTHIA
What are you talking about?
JOHN
You don't remember?
Cynthia shakes her head. Her eyes are wide with bemusement.
JOHN
Your dream to find love, to
feel all that you could, but
never have?
Cynthia sighs, remembering.
CYNTHIA
Even the most vivid dreams
fade from memory, John. They
go back to their world of black
and white.
JOHN
It doesn't have to be that way.
CYNTHIA
But often it is. I bruise easily
John, I told you that from the
beginning.
JOHN
And I told you there's strength
in showing that you've been hurt.
CYNTHIA
Oh yeah? What do you know about
pain? Who are you to tell me!?
There is a pause in the fight. John's face fades to a soft blank stare as if he is drifting off into the back of his mind.
JOHN
(dead pan)
I am nobody. Who are you?
CYNTHIA
I'm somebody.
John nods. His mind and focus come back to the scene.
JOHN
How dreary to be somebody.
CYNTHIA
At least it's safe. I'm sick of
hurting, there's pain in color.
I'd rather go back to my world
of black and white.
JOHN
So you can feel nothing, not even
love?
CYNTHIA
Love is a color I'm capable of
giving up.
JOHN
Fine.
MUSIC
Even the best fall down sometimes
Even the stars refuse to shine
Out of the back you fall in time
John tosses his hands up in exasperation.
JOHN
Retreat back into your bleak
dreams. Don't ever wake up from
them. Don't ever ask anyone to
love you again. There's pain in
color, yes, but there's loneliness
in black and white. I'd rather hurt
and bleed then live and wonder if
I really exist.
John turns to walk away.
CYNTHIA
Don't you think you're so smart.
JOHN
What else do you want to hear
from me? It's obvious you've made
your decision.
CYNTHIA
So that's it?
Cynthia's arms slap down against her sides.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
You're just going to walk away?
JOHN
Did you think I was going to beg
for your forgiveness? Is that what
your dream told you I would do?
Cynthia's eyes burn with tears. She bites her lip and strains her eyes so the tears won't fall.
CYNTHIA
Fine.
Her voice cracks and breaks her cook facade. She sniffs trying not to lose control.
CYNTHIA
Go. Leave like nothing ever
happened!
JOHN
Nothing did happen, Cynthia!
CYNTHIA
I meant between us!
MUSIC
Don't stop here. I've lost my
place. I'm close behind.
John sighs and rubs his forehead.
JOHN
Jesus. You are so dramatic it's
ridiculous! Do you really have
to turn this into a big ordeal
about how I lied to you and
crushed your poor little soul?
Cynthia narrows her green eyes at him.
CYNTHIA
Don't make fun of me.
JOHN
Maybe you are better in black
and white. Things are much easier
to discern that way.
John sighs and digs his heel into the floor.
JOHN
See you around, Cynthia.
John spins on his heel, grabs his coat, and walks out of the house. A dark shadow creeps across the floor as the door falls shut. The colors drain from Cynthia's eyes, and all that is left is the shadow John left behind. Cynthia blinks, looking around the living room. The colors fade from the walls and are replaced with the blankness and of pure white. Cynthia runs quickly up to her bedroom where the moon light falls through the blinds creating a high contrast against the dark shadowed walls. She falls down against her bed, her hands clenched in fists of rage, clutching on to the black bed sheets.
CYNTHIA
Isn't he all high and mighty?
Well fine then. I'm better off
without him! I've done it all
myself before, I can do it all
myself again!
She nods confidently to herself as Raleigh prattles into the room. Her collar is no longer a pretty pink but is reduced to a grainy shade of white. Cynthia sighs, scooping the dog up into her lap and petting her belly.
CYNTHIA
We'll be fine, won't we girl?
We've lived like this before,
and we were fine. We're safe here
anyway, no one can hurt us.
MUSIC
I should learn to live without
your love. I’ve got so many
memories, but it’s not enough.
Cynthia lays down on her bed with a sigh. She curls her legs up and sits Raleigh down against the curve of her chest. She keeps one arm around the dog, holding her close, as her eyes fall softly closed, her eyelashes flutter as she falls asleep.
EXT - DREAM
Cynthia floats in the air, below her is a colorful field of wildflowers. John is walking with a faceless woman through them. They are laughing. Cynthia floats above them as they walk towards a beach. The waves lap up over their toes and the faceless woman giggles. It sounds like Cynthia. Cynthia reaches out to grab John. Just then the earth splits and she begins to fall through. Cynthia lands inside a dark box void of all color. It has four transparent walls. She places her hands frantically on the walls looking for a way out. She bangs against the glass but it does not budge.
Cynthia screams in frustration as she walks around her box looking for a latch or a door knob.
CYNTHIA
Let me out!
Cynthia spins around and around, the colors outside turn liquid and flow together like a water color painting.
MUSIC
I feel helpless and, oh,
so alone Like I've never
felt before
Cynthia stops spinning and falls to the ground. Through the glass she sees a King standing before her. His cloak is a royal red and he holds a scepter with emeralds inset into it. They shine a deep green into Cynthia's eyes. His face is masked by a grey go-tee. He raises the scepter quickly, about to smash through her glass box. Cynthia turns and shuts her eyes quickly, covering her head for the shattering glass. A few seconds later she looks back. The king is gone and is replaced by John. His blue eyes look to her gently. He reaches out a hand. Cynthia reaches out to grasp it but knocks into the glass wall.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
John help me! John get me out
of here!
John drops his hand. He turns slowly away, unable to reach her.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
John come back! Get me out of
here! Please!
Cynthia reaches up against the transparent wall, digging her fingernails into the wall, trying to scratch it away. She looks up through the glass wall and John is gone. Only the colorful field of wildflowers and the ocean waves remain. Cynthia runs around the box, completely alone and encapsulated.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
I want him back, I don't want to
be alone. I don't care if it hurts
to be out there in color, this is
much worse!
Cynthia falls back down to her knees clawing away at the wall, her finger nails shriek against it as if scraping down a chalkboard. Her teeth grit against each other but she does not give up her fight.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Let me out! I want to be with
him! Don't you understand! I
don't care anymore!
Cynthia brakes down into sobs as her clawing against the wall becomes more intense. Her fingernails began to break off but still she keeps up the fight. Her fingers make straining and grating sounds.
MUSIC
You made me feel alive
But I don't remember what
it's like anymore
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Please, please, please, please,
please.
Tears fall from her face, her fingers turn raw against the wall that won't break.
CYNTHIA (CONT'D)
Please, please, please, John
see me, help me, get me out
of here. Bring me into your
world. Please bring me into
color.
FADE TO:
BLACK SCREEN
CYNTHIA (V.O)
My mother always said if it
was true love you’d see it in
your sleep, that your dreams
would guide you, that your heart
would tell your unconscious mind
what, when awake, you’d never
admit to yourself. Close your
eyes, she’d say, and you’ll find
love.
INT - BEDROOM - NIGHT
CYNTHIA
Ahhh!
Cynthia sits up again, once more shaken from her dream. She is in her bedroom, in black and white. The bedroom is a mirror image of what it was in the beginning, only it has a few more personal items on the bedside table and dresser and two black and white photos on the wall. Raleigh jumps from beside her, landing on the floor. Quickly, Cynthia brings her hands to her eyes, looking them over, back and front, expecting to see them bloody and mangled. She breathes a sigh of relief when she realized they are intact, save for a few rough nails caused from biting. Cynthia throws the sheets off her legs and rubs her forehead, letting her surging heart settle down.
CYNTHIA
I love him, I really do.
Cynthia stands up and walks to her dresser. Her fingers run over the chrome frame that holds a picture of her mother. She holds Cynthia in her lap, she is five-years-old.
CYNTHIA
She was right, isn't she always
right?
Cynthia sighs and walks back to the bed.
CYNTHIA
Oh god, Raleigh what did I do?
How could I leave the only man
that's made me feel alive?
MUSIC
Tell me how am I supposed to
live my life Without you?
Raleigh looks up at her from her seat on the floor. Her eyes are blank and distant. She does not answer.
CYNTHIA
He lied to me, but I over
reacted. We both had our
faults. Why did I blow up like
that and jump to conclusions?
Cynthia sighs and thumbs the waist band of her pajama pants. She thinks back to her first dream with John, at the diner when her father had interrupted their date. The hitting and the abuse and the name calling.
CYNTHIA
I didn't want John to hurt me
like my dad did. I could walk
away from John and save myself
the pain. I could never do that
with my father. I guess I was
trying to right my past, but I
was walking away from the wrong
man.
Raleigh barks agreeably as she jumps back up to the bed. Turning around three times, she finally tucks her tail down and curls up beside Cynthia once again. Her cool nose jutted against the dip in Cynthia's neck and she giggled gently, curled around the dog, as she drifts back to sleep again.
CYNTHIA
I'll go see him, I'll apologize,
he'll have to take me back.
EXT - BAILEY HOUSE - DAY
TITLE CARD:
One Week Later
All shot in black and white. Cynthia stands outside John's house. Cynthia takes a deep breath and rolls her shoulders. Raleigh stands at her feet, brought along for moral support. Cynthia half smiles down at the dog, taking one more deep breath before knocking solidly against the door.
John's foot steps are heard through the door coming down the stairs. One can also hear rustling of papers and the jingle of the door knob. The door creaks open. John looks Cynthia up and down slowly before speaking gruffly.
JOHN
What are you doing here?
Cynthia's voice falls soft and meek.
CYNTHIA
I came to apologize.
JOHN
Oh?
CYNTHIA
I'm sorry I over reacted. I
just freaked out and jumped
to conclusions when I saw you
in the restaurant with that
other girl.
Cynthia pauses and looks down. She digs the tip of her shoe into a break in the front stoop.
CYNTHIA
I won't let it happen again.
JOHN
You can't just change something
like that in a week. You can't
say it won't happen again and
will it to be so.
CYNTHIA
You should have faith in me
that I can do it.
JOHN
Why?
CYNTHIA
Because you love me.
Cynthia shakes her head and steps inside the door way to the foyer. John backs up and gives her space. Cynthia's eyes search inside herself for something to say. She is desperate and whispers.
CYNTHIA
I want you to love me.
JOHN
I told you not to ask anyone
to love you again.
The wind rustles outside and blows the wind chimes into a hollow song. Cynthia closes her eyes.
CYTNHIA
But you did love me.
JOHN
I guess who I loved was
someone else.
MUSIC
Living in the shadow
Of someone else's dream
CYNTHIA
What's that supposed to mean?
JOHN
I loved the person I thought
you were. When I was working
with you, you seemed so sweet
and kind. You acted great with
the fans, always smiling and
polite.
CYNTHIA
Oh and what am I really?
JOHN
A self absorbed drama queen.
CYTHIA
Fuck you John! I am not!
JOHN nods.
JOHN
Oh, but you are.
CYNTHIA
You're lying. No one's ever
said that to me before.
JOHN
Of course they won't say it
to your face, you write the
checks.
Cynthia glares at John.
CYNTHIA
What the hell, John?
John shrugs nonchalantly.
JOHN
It's true.
Cynthia shakes her head in disbelief.
CYTHIA
You're just trying to upset
me. Why? I thought it was
your dream to be with me.
John nods slowly, he rubs his chin, humming lightly, as he gathered his thoughts.
JOHN
A dream is just a dream. By
definition it's not real.
CYNTHIA
But if can be if you want it
to.
MUSIC
Trying to find a hand to hold
but every touch felt cold to me
JOHN
I don't want it anymore.
John drops his hand and looks out past Cynthia's shoulder at the wall clock that chimes half past four.
JOHN
I always hoped you'd wake up
and realize my feelings for you.
I dreamed that one day you'd
reach out as I walked by and grab
me, tell me you've always known.
And from then on we'd laugh and
be happy, and I could finally
share your life with you. From
now until forever.
John rolls his eyes with a smirking sigh.
JOHN
But dreams don't always turn
out perfect. I guess that’s
what I’m learning through all
of this.
CYNTHIA
Just like Dorthy.
John snickers.
JOHN
Heh, right.
They both pause, staring out beyond each other, both searching for something not quite in their reach. Cynthia cuts the silence.
CYNTHIA
This is stupid! I just over
reacted at the sight of you
being with another girl. I
was hurt and I got a little
upset but...
JOHN
A little upset? You broke up
with me without even listening
to my explanation!
CYTNTHIA
I know, I was afraid of being
hurt again.
JOHN
If you're afraid of being hurt
then you're not ready for love.
You should be in your black and
white world.
Cynthia speaks desperately, her left hand curving around her shirt in a tight fist as she speaks.
MUSIC
...'cause now I realize
That it's safe outside to
come alive in my identity
CYNTHIA
I'm not afraid of being hurt
anymore, I don't care if I feel
the pain, John, I just want to
be with you! I've realized that
the pain that stemmed from my
jealousy of seeing you with your
ex-girlfriend, and the events
that happened in my past, it
doesn't hurt as much as living
back in a world with out you,
without love, without color.
JOHN
Jealousy is not a very attractive
attribute to have, Cynthia.
CYNTHIA
Dishonesty is not an attractive
attribute to have either, John.
John rolls his eyes.
JOHN
I think you're missing the point.
CYNTHIA sighs exhaustedly.
CYNTHIA
Then what is the point, John?
JOHN
That we broke up.
CYNTHIA
I know, but that's why I came
here today. Haven't you been
listening to anything I've been
saying to you? I made a mistake,
I over reacted. Can we forget
about this and move on?
JOHN
I'm sorry Cynthia, you made your
decision when you said we were
over.
CYNTHIA stamps her foot on the ground and the room rumbles with thunder.
CYNTHIA
Well I'm changing my mind!
MUSIC
Living in a nightmare
A never-ending sleep
JOHN
Well I don't change mine.
Cynthia shuts her eyes once more. A white light pulsates quickly, growing larger. Finally, the white light explodes in her mind and once again paints the room in color. Cynthia opens her eyes to see the ribbons of purples, blues and pinks fill John's living room walls. The furniture comes alive in deep browns and smooth butter yellows. Raleigh's dog collar once again sparkles in pink. Cynthia shakes her head, letting her eyes adjust to her new world. She looks back at John, and his piercing blue eyes of apathy. Her voice is choked with tears.
CNTHIA
Why are you doing this? Why
are you intentionally hurting
me? Do you want me to be in pain?
JOHN
If you are, then I guess you
got what you wanted.
Cynthia stamps her foot down, once again causing the room to thunder.
CYNTHIA
I never wanted this!
JOHN
You asked me to color your
world.
CYNTHIA
Yea, by showing me love.
John shakes his head.
JOHN
You forgot, there's also color
in pain.
MUSIC
But now that I am wide awake
I can finally see
Don't feel sorry for me
Cynthia backs away off John's porch slowly, stumbling as she blindly makes her way down the steps. There are tears in her eyes that sparkle under the sun.
NARRATOR
As she retreated back to her car,
her eyes still remained, burned
into John's mind as one singular
point of green light, reminiscent
of the green light off Gatsby's
pier. A memory of dreams once
captured, once lost.(beat)And so the
dream remains, a flicker away.
Frozen in time like Dorothy’s
emerald city. The perfection of a
dream, to stay captured in his
mind as a memory, just beyond his
reach, of a world that could never
really be.
Flash out in green fade to:
Title Card:
THE END