A Nicer Ending
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
NEXT
CHAPTER 1:
The ending to Get Real was powerful, and, in my humble opinion, the correct one. However, as a hopeless romantic I couldn’t help but dream up an extended version. I have attempted to capture the type of dialogue expected from each character, and put in some of the camera movements and views that I think would prove effective. I apologise for the number of …’s, er’s and um’s along the way – I guess I am just trying to show how hard some things are to say. I also apologise for the format - it looked so much better on Word! Enjoy.
Jon
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[STEVEN flings LINDA’s L-plates into the air, and the car disappears into the distance.]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[Return to close-up of JOHN’s face, still sitting on the bench beside the sports field. Watch as tears begin to form in his eyes. Camera slowly zooms out, showing JESSICA slowly approaching from behind.]
JESSICA: [quietly] John?
[JOHN remains still and quiet.]
JESSICA: John? Are you alright?
JOHN: [Still staring ahead] Yeah. [Sighs] No.
JESSICA: I, er, I know about you and Steven.
[JOHN looks down at his feet and does not reply, and JESSICA stands awkwardly behind him. Then JOHN looks back up across the field.]
JOHN: Do you ever wish the world was a different place?
JESSICA: [surprised by the strange question] Erm, I suppose. Yeah, I do. Why? What do you mean?
JOHN: It’s…it’s just…
JESSICA: What?
JOHN: Well, if the world was different, maybe it wouldn’t matter that I’m…that I love Steven.
JESSICA: It doesn’t.
JOHN: [Looks back at his feet] Yeah, whatever.
JESSICA: No, it’s true. You know it is. Why does it matter what people think of you? Yeah, you’re John ‘fucking Superman’ Dixon, but so what?
JOHN: Is that what people call me?
JESSICA: It’s what I call you, though right now I’m thinking of changing it to John ‘fucking idiot’ Dixon.
[JOHN noticeably flinches.]
JESSICA: Look, I’m sorry. I know this must be hard for you. But you’ve practically finished school. Why does it matter what anyone else thinks anymore?
JOHN: My parents will go mental.
JESSICA: If your parents love you then…
JOHN: [Turns to face JESSICA and raises his voice] Yeah, I know! ‘If my parents love me then they will accept me no matter what.’ That’s a load of shit! [Moves back to staring across the field] They’re gonna hate me.
JESSICA: Look, do you love Steven?
JOHN: I’ve already said I do.
JESSICA: Then that’s what matters. Surely it’s better for you to be hated by your parents for being gay, than be hated by yourself for not willing to be gay?
[JOHN goes quiet, and drops his head again.]
JESSICA: You know it makes sense.
JOHN: Well, it doesn’t matter now. Steve’s gone.
JESSICA: What do you mean? You know where he lives.
JOHN: He’s not gonna want to speak to me. Not after what I did to him.
JESSICA: I take it that cut on his head was your work.
JOHN: [quietly, with tears forming again] Yeah.
JESSICA: Well, I don’t understand you, but I know that for both your sakes you have to try with him again.
[JOHN does not reply.]
JESSICA: Look, I have to go. Mark and Wendy are waiting. Please John, I know I hardly know you, but I know Steven. I care for Steven. I want him to be happy, and I think that you can make him happy.
[JOHN remains silent.]
JESSICA: Well, I hope you’ve listened to at least some of what I’ve said.
[JESSICA turns and walks back towards the school. JOHN breaks down.]
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
[LINDA and STEVEN are parked in a lay-by, both looking ahead and silent.]
LINDA: So, even though he lied to you, insulted you and beat you up, you still want him back?
STEVEN: That’s not what I said. I…I don’t know.
LINDA: Sweetheart, you can’t be fucking serious. You have to give him up – he obviously can’t handle it.
STEVEN: I know, I know. It’s just difficult. I love him so much Linds, I really love him.
LINDA: I know sweetie. But he’s no good for you.
STEVEN: I just wish he would…
LINDA: It’s never going to happen Stevie. He’s John Dixon.
STEVEN: [Looking deflated] Linds, I think I just want to go home.
LINDA: Sure honey.
[LINDA puts the car in gear and they drive off.]
NEXT
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7
|
