Shelter: The Filmed Script Part 2/2
EXT. HOME. BACK PATIO. NIGHT.
Zach paces around highly agitated. Finally he makes a decision and leaves.
INT. BEACH HOUSE. NIGHT.
Shaun slowly walks down the staircase as Zach kicks at his door. When Shaun opens the door Zach bursts in and without preamble kisses Shaun as he walks him back to the staircase. Shaun is visibly stunned but quickly gets with the program as they somehow manage to kiss, undress and navigate up the stairs.
INT. BEACH HOUSE. BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Zach scoots back on the bed as Shaun crawls up his body. They kiss hungrily before and after Shaun initiates what looks like a spectacular blow job. Shaun begins a more thoughtful kiss and right before they kiss Zach smiles.
INT. BEACH HOUSE. BEDROOM. MORNING.
Zach is spooned by Shaun with Shaun’s hand tucked under his arm. Zach wakes up first.
SHAUN
Mornin’
ZACH
What time is it?
SHAUN
Why? You got somewhere to go?
ZACH
Yeah. Yeah, I gotta go.
[Zach starts to get out of bed. Shaun tugs him back.]
SHAUN
Hmmhuh …
[Zach gently extricates himself.]
ZACH
Listen, I gotta go.
[Zach leaves.]
INT. ZACH’S CAR. MORNING.
Zach looks ready for worry but at the last minute a smile breaks out.
EXT. ZACH’S NEIGHBORHOOD. DAY.
Zach taps into a burst of creativity and begins a large mural on the side of a small market/liquor store. He looks happy and animated.
INT. HOME. KITCHEN. DAY.
Zach is happily slapping together a sandwich when Jeanne enters the kitchen.
ZACH
Hey Jeannie.
JEANNE
Hey.
ZACH
Where’s Cody?
JEANNE
Like you care.
ZACH
What’re you talking about?
JEANNE
Where were you last night? I called you like three times.
ZACH
Did you need something?
JEANNE
Yeah. I need to know you’re there.
ZACH
I’m always there. For Cody.
JEANNE
You weren’t last night.
ZACH
What do you need, Jeannie?
JEANNE
Actually, Alan is going up to Portland this weekend and ah, he’s gonna make a bid on a job. He said he’d take me. It would do me so much good to get out of here.
ZACH
Alan?
JEANNE
Yeah.
ZACH
Alan?
JEANNE
Uh-huh. Can you watch Cody this weekend, pleeease?
ZACH
Uhhh! I was hoping to have the weekend to myself.
JEANNE
Why? Who’re you fucking?
ZACH
What? What’re you talking about?
JEANNE
C’mon, I saw you gazing out the window. I know it’s not Tori. Who is it? Nobody? Well, I guess you’re free then. C’mon Zach, you’re all I got.
ZACH
I know.
INT. HOME. ZACH’S BEDROOM. DAY.
Zach is painting on his walls with red paint. His phone buzzes. He looks at the caller ID and can’t help but smile.
ZACH
Hey.
SHAUN
Hey. Everything cool?
ZACH
Yeah. Yeah.
SHAUN
So, uh, what’re you doing?
ZACH
Uh, going to work.
SHAUN
Come on over tonight. I’ll cook steaks.
ZACH
Uhhh, I can’t.
SHAUN
C’mon. I’ll make margarita’s. Strong ones.
[Jeanne appears in the doorway.]
JEANNE
Who is that?
ZACH
[Covering the phone.]
No one.
[To Shaun]
Hold on.
JEANNE
So you can do it, right? I gotta tell Alan.
ZACH
Fine.
JEANNE
Cool. Thanks.
[Jeanne leaves]
ZACH
Shaun, I can’t.
SHAUN
Why?
ZACH
Jeanne’s leaving for the weekend and I gotta watch Cody.
SHAUN
So, bring him.
ZACH
No.
SHAUN
Why not?
ZACH
You don’t, you don’t care?
SHAUN
No! That kid’s great. He say’s some funny shit. Look, I’m turning the grill on at 8.
ZACH
OK.
EXT. OPEN STOREFRONT. EVENING.
Zach pulls up to a discount shoe store with Cody.
ZACH
C’mon dude.
[They enter the store with Cody riding piggy-back. Cody hops off his back when he’s sees the shoes he wants]
CODY
I want these. I want these.
[Points at shoes for $25.]
ZACH
Nah, you don’t want those.
[Begins walking down to the lower priced shoes.]
Ummm, oh, I think you should get these.
[Takes down a pair of $7.99 flip-flops.]
CODY
But I want real shoes.
ZACH
But these are way cooler.
CODY
OK.
ZACH
Alright, let’s go.
[They leave.]
INT. BEACH HOUSE. KITCHEN.
Shaun is cutting vegetables when Zach and Cody arrive.
SHAUN
[To Cody]
Heeey, ankle biter! What’s up, man? How are you?
[Lifts Cody onto the counter.]
Are. You. Hungry?
CODY
Starving.
SHAUN
Starving? What do you want for dinner?
ZACH
Hey, he’ll eat whatever.
SHAUN
I don’t think I was asking him, was I?
CODY
No.
SHAUN
Nah. I don’t think so.
CODY
No.
SHAUN
No. Good.
[To Zach]
Cold buds are in the fridge.
ZACH
What’re you drinking?
SHAUN
Red. Larry had this sick bottle in the cellar.
ZACH
I’ll try that.
SHAUN
Alright. Cool.
SHAUN
[To Cody]
Alright buddy. Lay it on me. Whatcha gonna have for dinner tonight?
CODY
Umm, mac and cheese.
SHAUN
OK.
CODY
Hot dog.
SHAUN
Hot dogs?
CODY
And umm, pancakes with …
SHAUN
OK.
CODY
… chocolate chips …
SHAUN
Chocolate chips, OK.
CODY
… and no vegetables.
SHAUN
And no vegetables? Are you sure?
[Cody nods]
Sure-sure?
[Cody nods]
OK. Alright buddy.
[Lifts Cody off the counter]
I want you to do me a favor. Go look out at the ocean. Beautiful waves coming in right now.
[Cody bounds off]
I’m gonna make your dinner. Somehow.
CODY
Are we still in California?
ZACH
Yeah, buddy.
[Notices that Shaun is getting ready to leave]
Where are you going?
SHAUN
Uh, well, I don’t think we have that stuff in the house.
ZACH
Seriously dude, don’t worry about it.
SHAUN
No, I want to. Little kids are suppose to be spoiled. Besides, I’ll be back in five minutes, OK? Alright.
[Shaun goes to kiss Zach but Zach maneuvers away]
ZACH
I’m gonna go check on him.
[Shaun lets him go without comment]
EXT. BEACH HOUSE. BACK PATIO. NIGHT.
Shaun is working the grill while Cody sleeps on a lounger inside. Zach sits by the grill drinking red wine.
SHAUN
Where did Jeanne say she was going?
ZACH
Oh, she’s going to Oregon. She thinks there’s some job up there worth checking out.
SHAUN
Oh. I admire what you’re doing for Cody. You don’t have to.
ZACH
Yeah, I do.
SHAUN
It’s a choice, Zach.
ZACH
It’s family. The only one left.
SHAUN
You get that from your mom.
ZACH
Yeah, I know. Lucky me.
[Shaun takes the wine glass from Zach and pulls him to his feet.]
SHAUN
C’mere.
ZACH
What?
SHAUN
C’mere.
ZACH
Let me go check …
SHAUN
He’s fine. He’s asleep. He’s OK. Just c’mere.
[He coaxes Zach into a warm embrace.]
There you go. Mmm.
[They hug for a long time. Zach appears to melt against Shaun.]
EXT. BEACH HOUSE. FRONT DOOR. LATE NIGHT.
Cody is asleep in Zach’s arms as he says goodnight to Shaun.
SHAUN
Sure you guys don’t want to stay?
ZACH
He doesn’t like waking up in strange places. Get’s enough of that when I’m not around.
SHAUN
‘K. Take this.
[Hands Zach some paperwork.
ZACH
What is it?
SHAUN
CalArts application.
ZACH
Shaun, I’m not going down this road again.
SHAUN
Take it.
[Zach does]
ZACH
Thanks for tonight.
SHAUN
‘K.
[Shaun leans out the doorway and this time Zach kisses him without hesitation.]
ZACH
Bye.
MONTAGE
A series of absolutely lovely scenes of Zach and Shaun in bed and out it. While Zach has obviously discovered and is enjoying his sexuality he is also enjoying a creative wave. Not surprisingly, both aspects of his life seem to help the other thrive. At one point he finishes his artwork on the side of the market with a red heart and Love written into the center of it. Cody is integrated into their relationship with Shaun seemingly doing his best to spoil him with gifts like a wet suit and a surfboard. Several shots reveal an open adoration between Zach and Shaun even when they are doing something as mundane as having a beer out. Their comfort and joy shines in their eyes.
INT. BEACH HOUSE. MORNING.
Zach and Shaun are awake in bed, grinning at each other as they face each other and move closer. Zach grows more serious.
ZACH
You gonna head back up to LA soon?
SHAUN
Mmm, I’m pretty happy here.
ZACH
Yeah …
SHAUN
Hey, why don’t you come with me?
ZACH
Shh-right.
SHAUN
I’m serious. You could come with me. I live right near CalArts.
[Zach sighs. Shaun caresses his cheek with the back of his fingers. Zach tries to smile.]
SHAUN
You’re so beautiful.
[Zach lightly punches Shaun’s shoulder.]
ZACH
Shut up.
SHAUN
Hey, learn to take a compliment.
[Zach caresses Shaun’s cheek.]
ZACH
Thanks.
SHAUN
So glad you’re here.
ZACH
Me, too.
[Downstairs Gabe loudly burst into the house.]
GABE
Yo, bro! Wake up!
ZACH
Oh, Gabe!
SHAUN
Fuck!
[Zach and Shaun share a panicked look before they scramble out of bed and begin hiding any evidence of Zach being there.]
GABE
Shauny-poo! Your bro Gabe is back! Where’s my princess big brother?
[Gabe knocks on Shaun’s locked door as Zach hides in the retreat.]
GABE
You got a guy in there, you slut?
SHAUN
No!
GABE
Ooo, a girl?
SHAUN
Yeah, right.
[Shaun opens the door grumbling.]
GABE
Whatcha beating off or what?
SHAUN
No, I was sleeping.
GABE
Sleeping?
SHAUN
Yes.
GABE
With the door locked? OK, weirdo …
[Gabe heads for the retreat where Zach is hiding. Shaun grabs his arm and man-handles him into a hug while Zach escapes.]
SHAUN
Whoa! Hey, c’mere, dude.
GABE
Good to see you, too, bro.
SHAUN
Miss you so much.
GABE
There it is, yeah. Grrr …
[Gabe torpedoes himself onto the bed that Shaun and Zach were in.]
GABE
Dude, so what are you doing here, man? I thought you were moving into your new place this week.
SHAUN
Nah nah, the thought of moving into an empty place is just, like, depressing, you know?
GABE
Yeah, well, it’s pretty empty here. You doing all right?
SHAUN
Yeah, I’m good.
GABE
You sure?
SHAUN
Mmm-huh.
GABE
Yeah, I heard it was pretty tough there for a while.
SHAUN
Yeah … it was tough.
GABE
Well, don’t worry Romeo. You’ll find a new one.
SHAUN
Yeah. Thanks.
GABE
So you ready to hang up your pink Gucci suit and come paddle out with your real friends?
SHAUN
Yeah, OK.
GABE
Right on. I’ll call Zach.
SHAUN
OK. Good. Give him a call.
[The front door closes downstairs.]
GABE
What was that?
SHAUN
June’s probably cleaning today.
GABE
But, ah, June comes on Tuesdays.
SHAUN
Yes she does. Pool guy? I don’t know.
GABE
You OK?
SHAUN
Yeah … ahh …
GABE
You look a bit freaked out.
SHAUN
No, I’m just tired.
GABE
Alright …
SHAUN
Just tired …
GABE
Is there anything good to eat in the fridge or did you stock it with low carb fag food? I’m fucking starving, man.
SHAUN
Just a lot of fag food.
INT. PACIFIC DINER. DAY.
Zach is working the grill when Gabe joins him.
GABE
Yo, burger boy!
ZACH
What up?
GABE
[Fist bumps with Zach.]
My bubby.
ZACH
What’re you doing down here?
GABE
Ah, Shari’s back down for the weekend. Told her I’d come down.
[Gabe pantomimes humping.]
ZACH
Oh, yeah? I thought there was plenty of pussy in SB?
GABE
Oh yeah, but those girls are fuckin’ teases, man. I’m tellin’ ya … Whatever. Party’s on for tonight. Everyone’s coming. We go grab a quick surf sess and get started.
ZACH
Uhh, I’m not off for another half hour.
GABE
No worries. I already fixed the ding on your board.
ZACH
Huh?
GABE
The one you’ve been keeping at the house. Saw it out back and fixed it. Labbed it, patched it all up.
ZACH
Oh, yeah yeah, that board. Man I left that there a while ago.
GABE
Whatever. So I’ll see you around at 5 at mine.
ZACH
OK.
GABE
Alright cool. Nice shirt by the way.
[Zach notices that he’s wearing Shaun’s t-shirt. Gabe leaves with a smile on his face.]
EXT. BEACH. DAY.
Zach, Gabe and Shaun are coming out of the surf and initially engage in some indistinct, good natured chatter about a wave and kids who get in the way of them. The go to sit on the beach while Shaun continues to surf.
GABE
Dude, so what’s the latest? You and Tori really over this summer?
ZACH
Yeah.
GABE
Glad to hear it. It’s about time. So what are you doing then? Just playing the field. Yeah, I talked to a bunch of people and no one sees you anywhere.
ZACH
Everyone’s gone, man.
[Shaun comes out of the surf.]
GABE
Oh! There he is. Hey, you lasted pretty long out there old man. Oh, my big bro on long board. Never thought I’d see the day.
SHAUN
Yeah, give it ten years and call me back on that.
GABE
Shh-right. I’ll never be on a long board. Ever. Alright. I’m getting’ beers.
[Gabe leaves. Shaun crouches down by Zach and puts his hand on his knee.]
SHAUN
What’s up, babe?
ZACH
[Brushes his hand off.]
Shaun! Shaun, just chill.
[Shaun spits and walks away.]
INT. HOME. LIVING ROOM. DAY.
Jeanne is smoking a cigarette and highly agitated while Cody plays with a toy car nearby. Zach enters the house.
ZACH
Hey Codes.
[Notices that Jeanne is upset.]
What’s wrong?
JEANNE
Cody, go to your room for a second.
[Cody leaves.]
JEANNE
Please tell me that he’s just confused.
ZACH
What do you mean?
JEANNE
Zach, why didn’t you tell me?
ZACH
Tell you what?
JEANNE
OK, your confusion is one thing but bringing Cody into this is just totally fucked.
ZACH
I didn’t bring him into anything.
JEANNE
You brought him to Shaun.
ZACH
He likes Shaun. Shaun’s better than -
JEANNE
Do not forget it’s not about Shaun it’s about us. It is about our family.
ZACH
What about it?
JEANNE
Cody lost his father. He needs you - he needs a positive man in his life.
ZACH
I’m sorry I’m no Alan.
JEANNE
You don’t know shit. OK, he’s a little kid. He’s not going to understand this.
ZACH
You’re mother of the fucking year now?
JEANNE
Oh, fuck you.
ZACH
He’d be lost without me.
JEANNE
Fuck you, Zach. Zach, are you trying to fuck up our family?
ZACH
Yeah. Yeah, Jeannie, that’s what I’m trying to do. You know, Cody has a sense of family because of me. Mom died and I got the family fucking gene.
JEANNE
Oh, I see. So it’s the family gene that’s making you run off and have your big gay wedding? You gonna make the family proud?
ZACH
Is that what you’re scared of? This isn’t about Shaun - or me. This is about you being left. You know, I’m the only one who hasn’t run off on you.
JEANNE
That’s sweet. But go ahead, judge me. I don’t care. You know, you’re right. OK, fine, guys have left me but Zach, now you are just a summer fuck, OK? You’ve reduced yourself to a little piece of ass so bravo you are doing really well for yourself! Do you think that is a good upbringing for him?
ZACH
Yes.
JEANNE
Do you?
ZACH
No. I don’t know. I don’t know.
JEANNE
Well, if it is do you think you’d have to hide it from me, from Gabe, from Tori?
ZACH
I don’t know! I don’t fucking know, OK? I just want what’s best for Cody.
JEANNE
Well, so do I. I’m sorry.
EXT. BEACH HOUSE. BACK PATIO. NIGHT.
Gabe is in the middle of telling a raunchy story when Zach, clearly upset gets up and leaves.
INT. ZACH’S CAR. BEACH HOUSE DRIVEWAY. NIGHT.
Zach, at a loss for what to do simply sits in his car.
ZACH
Oh, god …
[Shaun knocks on the window and then joins Zach.]
SHAUN
Hey.
ZACH
I need some time. I just don’t know if this is really what I want.
SHAUN
It seems like what you want.
ZACH
I just don’t know if this is what I want - for good.
SHAUN
What’s that suppose to mean?
ZACH
It’s not as easy for me as it is for you. This is all totally new to me.
SHAUN
Look, we’ll get through the Gabe thing.
ZACH
No, it’s not that, Shaun. You just don’t get it, OK? I can’t just take whatever I want. My life is not like that.
SHAUN
You’ll never get what you want unless you take it.
Zach
Take it? You know, you and Gabe have always been able to point and take - no questions asked. You don’t realize that it’s not like that for other people. It’s fucking ignorant.
SHAUN
Oh, and you and Jeanne just blame everyone else because you can’t do anything for yourselves? What do call that? Look - fuck! Why are you doing this?
ZACH
Don’t get all emotional and faggy on me, OK?
SHAUN
What?!
ZACH
I’m sick of being your childhood wet dream, Shaun. Find another fucking fantasy.
SHAUN
You know what, you’re a fucking coward.
ZACH
I’m done.
SHAUN
Fucking coward.
ZACH
I’m done. Get out!
[Shaun leaves.]
INT. PACIFIC DINER. EARLY MORNING.
Zach is setting up the diner when Gabe knocks on the window.
ZACH
We’re closed!
[Gabe pounds on the window. Zach lets him with a quick hello-hug.]
ZACH
What’s up bro?
GABE
Good, brother. Fuck. I am so hungover.
ZACH
Kitchen’s closed. You want a coffee?
GABE
Yes. Please.
ZACH
So, what’s up?
GABE
I’m taking off later today. Never saw you leave last night. So?
ZACH
So?
GABE
Why didn’t you tell me?
ZACH
Tell you what?
GABE
I don’t care. At all.
ZACH
I don’t know what you’re talking about.
GABE
‘K. Have you, have you always known?
ZACH
Seriously dude.
GABE
OK. The fact that it’s my brother is totally weird.
ZACH
I know.
GABE
No. Like really, really fuckin’ weird.
ZACH
Alright, I got it. Sorry.
GABE
Don’t be sorry.
ZACH
Don’t tell anyone, OK?
GABE
OK. So you been with other guys?
ZACH
No!
GABE
I heard they give better head. They give better head, don’t they?
ZACH
Dude, stop.
GABE
They swallow?
ZACH
Gabe …
GABE
[Points out a guy walking by the diner.]
Do you think he’s hot?
ZACH
Shut the fuck up, dude!
GABE
Sorry. So, where’d you go last night.
ZACH
Slept in my car.
GABE
Why didn’t you just crash at mine? Dude, this doesn’t have to change things.
ZACH
Doesn’t change things? Yeah, you’re right, Gabe.
GABE
I use to be the guy you came and talked to, remember? Before Shaun. This isn’t exactly easy on me.
ZACH
Yeah, isn’t easy on you, right? You know what? It’s over anyways - just leave it, dude. I gotta clean up and you gotta leave.
[Zach sees Gabe to the door.]
GABE
Hey, we’re still bros, right? I mean it. C’mere.
[Manhandles Zach into a tight hug and then leaves.]
EXT. ZACH’S NEIGHBORHOOD. DAY.
Zach closes up the diner and skates over to his mural. It must seem like it was done a hundred years ago.
EXT. TORI’S HOUSE. NIGHT.
Zach knocks on the door. Tori answers.
ZACH
Can I please just come in and crash?
[Tori gestures with her eyes that she’s not alone. Zach leaves.]
EXT. BEACH. DAY.
Shaun calls Zach.
INT. HOME. DINING ROOM. DAY.
Zach is looking for something at the table when his phone buzzes. When he sees that it’s Shaun he put it back in his pocket.
ZACH
Jeannie!
JEANNE
What?
ZACH
Have you seen my portfolio? I can’t find it anywhere.
JEANNE
I don’t know.
ZACH
The portfolio I was putting together for CalArts.
JEANNE
No, I haven’t seen it.
ZACH
What’s today?
JEANNE
Um, I think the 30th.
ZACH
Fuck!
JEANNE
Zach, what’re you doing? They turned you down. Why you want to put yourself through that again?
ZACH
Just thought I’d give it another shot, you know?
JEANNE
Well, don’t bother. That place is full of rich kid painters and they’re all gonna end up working at art stores anyway.
ZACH
Yeah, maybe.
JEANNE
They’re hiring over at the Oceanette. You want me to put in a good word? It’s a good job. We could use the money.
ZACH
Alright.
EXT. MARKET. PICNIC TABLE. DAY.
Zach and Cody are drawing on the picnic table while they wait for Jeanne.
CODY
How come we never see Shaun anymore?
ZACH
Sometimes that happens, Cody. People leave sometimes.
CODY
Why do they leave?
ZACH
It’s complicated. A grown up thing.
CODY
Can we say hi to him? Even though he left he was cool.
ZACH
No. Sometimes people leave and never come back.
CODY
Like my daddy?
ZACH
Yes, Cody, like your daddy.
[Jeanne joins them.]
JEANNE
Hey.
[Kisses Zach’s cheek.]
CODY
Hey, Jeannie.
JEANNE
[To Zach]
Rick is on today and he’s a nightmare so stay clear.
ZACH
Got it.
[Jeanne takes Cody while Zach hesitantly goes off to work.]
JEANNE
[To Cody]
Gimme the pen.
ZACH
Bye, kiddo.
MONTAGE
Zach tries to take up his life again without Shaun but everything seems off including surfing or simply trying to sleep. Zach’s mural is painted over while he watches. Shaun doesn’t fare much better. His writing is something he closes his laptop on. Both men are at loose ends and unhappy. Zach is haunted by memories of how they got together and how they broke up.
EXT. ZACH’S CAR. NIGHT.
Zach is apparently taking refuge in his car when he gets a voice mail.
AUTOMATED VOICE
You have one new message.
VOICE MAIL
Hey Zach. It’s Kelly Burke from CalArts. I got your portfolio and your application - kinda surprised to see that you applied again but really happy that you did. So I returned the portfolio to the Ocean Beach address that you sent it from. There’s a couple of things that I need to go over with you before I can continue with it so, give me a call when you get this. I’m at extension 20 and I hope to hear from you. Alright? Take care.
AUTOMATED VOICE
To replay press 4. To erase press 7. To return this call press 8. To save press 9. To hear all other options press star.
[Stunned, Zach closes his phone without pressing anything.]
[An alarm goes off in the house.]
INT. HOME. JEANNE’S BEDROOM. NIGHT.
Zach shuts off the alarm while Jeanne continues to sleep. He notices a vial of pills in her blankets.
ZACH
Jeanne, get up. Get up. What’re you doing?
JEANNE
Sleeping.
ZACH
[Tosses the pills at her.]
Yeah, with some help.
JEANNE
Wait. Zach, wait. Hang on. Alan got that job.
ZACH
Yeah.
JEANNE
In Portland and, um, I gotta go with him. I can, I can make good money there and … But they don’t take kids.
ZACH
What do mean, they don’t take kids?
JEANNE
I don’t know. They just don’t take kids. Alan not really into it, anyway. Cody’s gonna have to stay here with you and Poppy just at least until we get set up.
ZACH
Me and dad for how long?
JEANNE
I don’t know. Six months. A year, maybe.
ZACH
You know he can’t stay with dad.
JEANNE
I know. But he can’t come with me. Zach, the Oceanette is not cutting it. I can make three times that up there.
[Zach leaves at a loss for words.]
INT. HOME. DINING ROOM.
Jeanne has made dinner for Alan and Cody. Cody draws at the table while Jeanne is completely focused on Alan.
ALAN
Is there any more?
JEANNE
Mmm, I’m fine. Do you want mine?
ALAN
Yeah. I do.
[Jeanne clears her plate onto Alan’s even though she’s clearly still hungry.]
JEANNE
You like it?
ALAN
Yeah.
CODY
Mom?
JEANNE
Yeah.
CODY
Can I go to Oregon, too?
JEANNE
Cody, I told you, you gotta stay here and keep your uncle Zach company so he won’t get lonely. Can you do that for mommy?
[The phone rings behind Jeanne. She answers it..]
JEANNE
Hello? No, he’s not here.
FROM THE EXT. CAL ARTS PARKING LOT. MORNING.
Zach wakes up in his car and begins to walk through the campus for CalArts. There are lots of young and creative people like himself. One guy is sketching while in a tree. Zach straightens his clothes, a little nervous, and then looks for the Admissions Office. He finds it and walks in.
EXT. BEACH. DAY.
Zach is sitting on a bale of hay overlooking the beach when Tori joins him.
TORI
Hey, Monkey.
ZACH
Hey. I got in.
TORI
What?
ZACH
To CalArts. They took me back. I don’t know how I’ll do it.
TORI
You’ll have to figure out a way. If you pass it up you’ll be stuck here.
ZACH
I don’t feel stuck here.
TORI
Yes, you do.
ZACH
Jeannie wants to go to Oregon.
TORI
Well, maybe she’ll have to stay. Cody is her responsibility.
ZACH
I can’t leave him.
TORI
Figure it out. Cheer up! Could we just celebrate?
ZACH
There’s something I really need to tell you.
TORI
I already know. I’ve known for a while.
ZACH
You’re the only reason I wish I wasn’t. You know? None of this other shit matters. But what really sucks is that I have always wanted to be everything to you. I always dreamed of providing you with anything you ever wanted or needed.
TORI
Do you love him?
ZACH
Oh, c’mon.
TORI
Seriously. He’s a good guy, Zach. You don’t belong to people forever.
ZACH
Then why bother?
TORI
Isn’t it worth it?
ZACH
Yeah. Tori?
TORI
Yeah.
ZACH
Can I stay with you just for the night? I have nowhere else to go and I can’t face Jeannie.
TORI
Of course. But you can’t fuck me.
[They laugh and hug.]
ZACH
C’mon.
EXT. TORI’S HOUSE. MORNING.
Zach leaves Tori’s house and gets in his car. He sits there for a long moment as if he is finally able to make a decision for himself and then smiling, takes off.
INT. BEACH HOUSE. DAY.
Shaun is bringing the last of his things down as he’s getting ready to leave. Static sounds off from a walkie-talkie placed on his luggage. He tries to tamp down his smile as he looks around for Zach. Static continues as he pushes the talk button in response and walks toward the back patio.
ZACH
[Over the walkie-talkie.]
Say something.
SHAUN
You say something.
ZACH
Student was bad. Made bad judgement call. Now see truth.
SHAUN
[Now outside.]
Where are you?
ZACH
Getting’ warmer. Colder. Turn around.
[Shaun turns around.]
ZACH
I’m so sorry.
SHAUN
You better be.
ZACH
You sent in my application?
ZACH
Yeah. Why’re you here? What changed?
ZACH
I did. Will you help me?
SHAUN
Are you serious? Of course. Anything.
ZACH
Anything?
SHAUN
Yes!
ZACH
I got in. Full ride.
SHAUN
Yes! I knew it! Are you serious?!
ZACH
Yeah, I really want to go this time.
SHAUN
Of course.
ZACH
I turned down the scholarship before. Yeah. My mom, Cody, everything. I just couldn’t walk out. I never told anyone.
SHAUN
Wow …
ZACH
I really want to go this time. And, you did say you live close.
SHAUN
Well, then let’s do it.
ZACH
Yeah?
SHAUN
Yeah. So proud of you, man.
[They hug warmly.]
So proud. Ohhh … So proud of you.
EXT. HOME. PATIO.
Zach and Shaun pull up in Shaun’s Volvo while Jeanne and Alan load her stuff onto the back of his truck. Cody plays with a car on the back stairs. Zach and Shaun get out of the car and initially Shaun lets Zach go ahead of him until Zach circles back and takes Shaun by the hand. Cody see’s Shaun and launches himself at him only to be intercepted by Jeanne.
CODY
Shaun!
SHAUN
Hey, kiddo!
JEANNE
Alan, take - take Cody inside, OK? Uh, Zach, what is he doing here? What’re you bailing on me?
ZACH
Bailing? Jeannie, you’re the one leaving your son. If you don’t like this option then just stay.
CODY
[From inside the house.]
Five more minutes!
ALAN
[Bursting through the back door.]
Jesus Cody, shut the fuck up …
[Zach lunges at Alan taking wild swings at him.]
ZACH
Don’t you ever talk to him like that!
SHAUN
[Trying to break them up.}
Hey hey! Zach Zach! Zach!
JEANNE
Alan!
SHAUN
Zach!
ALAN
He’s a fuckin’ little shit.
JEANNE
Alan … baby please for me. For me, please.
ALAN
OK. OK. OK.
[Alan leaves.]
SHAUN
Easy. Easy …
JEANNE
Zach, what the fuck!
[Zack kicks a laundry basket full of clothes.]
JEANNE
Jesus Christ …
SHAUN
I’m gonna go inside and check on him.
[Shaun leaves.]
ZACH
Shaun is really great, Jeannie. He really cares about Cody and me. If he can’t be with you then this is the next best thing. We’re gonna make it work. Jeannie, take a look around. Every kid should be so lucky. What else could you possibly want for him? I got into CalArts.
JEANNE
I know.
ZACH
You know? Were you gonna tell me?
JEANNE
They told me that you turned it down last time.
ZACH
I’m not going to again.
JEANNE
No, you shouldn’t.
ZACH
Be fine with us - or stay. It’s your choice.
JEANNE
Zach, if this thing with Alan doesn’t work out it’s best that he’s here with you.
ZACH
He’s in good hands. I promise.
JEANNE
Yeah …
[They hug warmly.]
EXT. BACK PATIO. DAY.
Zach, Shaun and Cody watch Jeanne and Alan drive off. Cody tugs on the sleeves of his jacket and then rests his head against Shaun’s hip. Zach is visibly moved by the turn of events. Shaun draws both Zach and Cody close to him.
SHAUN
You ready?
[Zach gives him a sad smile as he looks where Jeanne has departed.]
EXT. BEACH. DAY.
Zach, Shaun and Cody are on the beach playing with a Frisbee and a small dog. They are happy and silly, openly affectionate and obviously a family.
.HAPPY ENDING.