EPISODE Three

Act One, Scene One

Interior: Kiyah's boutique

(Samantha, Kiyah, and Laura are busying themselves with work. Ashley enters, with an air of sarcasm about her.)

KIYAH

Oh, hey Ashley.

(She heads to the backroom.  Samantha crosses to Ashley.)

Samantha

So, what is it? What's the news?

ASHLEY

The news? Oh, yeah, I'm not.  Not preggo.

Samantha

Congratulations.

Laura

Well, that is good news.

KIYAH

(calling from the back room)

What's good news?

(Ashley, Laura, and Samantha look at each other searching for some story to tell her, not the truth. Kiyah enters from the backroom carrying her purse and a briefcase.)

Well, is anyone going to answer me?

ASHLEY

So, like, I had a wee bit of a scare of sorts.

KIYAH

A scare? What the hell?

Samantha

Now, don't get your panties in a bunch, not that kind of a scare.

LAURA

What the hell, Sam, panties in a bunch?

(Samantha shrugs.)

ASHLEY

So, I thought I was preggo.  But, I'm not.

KIYAH

Pregnant? Really? Who did you think the Dad was? Oh wait, no, you didn't think it was...

ASHLEY

Nate? Yeah, why does everyone keep asking that? Am I that much of a slut?

Samantha

You're not a slut. I hate that word.

ASHLEY

This coming from you.  No matter you were so passive about--

Samantha

About what? Brian's indescritions.  Yeah, well.

KIYAH

Wait, will you all just be quiet for a minute? So, Ashley thought she was pregnant, PREGNANT, with Nate's kid and he's still what, Laura's nate?

Samantha

Laura's Nate? See he is your Nate, Laura? Its official.

Laura

Ha. Don't know about that.

ASHLEY

Why not? He's free and single. I'm...done with him.  And, anyway, you both are so cute together, like you just fit. You make sense.

Laura

We make sense?

Samantha

Yeah, you make sense.

KIYAH

Listen, I can't process all this right now.  I got to get to the courthouse and pick up paperwork, ie divorce papers.  Shit, more to process. FML! Well, let's get over this.

Samantha

You gonna be okay?

KIYAH

Yeah, but I'll probably need a swift drink afterwards.

Samantha

You got it.  Bye, hon.

KIYAH

Thanks, love.

(She exits.)

Samantha

(looking at her phone.)

You had a break yet, Laura?

LAUra

No, and I was going to meet Scott for coffee.

Samantha

Oh, right, yeah.  You gonna say yes?

ASHLEY

Oh, that's right.  Scott popped the big one.

Samantha

That makes it sound like he popped a zit.

LAURA

I'm a zit now.  Well, its how I feel, about to burst from all this crap and stress.

Samantha

Gross.  Can't you think of a better analogy?

LAUra

Can I just go and get this over with?

Samantha

Love you, my friend.

ASHLEY

You've got this, girl.

(Laura heads to the back, grabs her purse, and exits store.)

So, Sam, do you remember, you remember the guy that lived next door to Kiyah for awhile, like last summer, when I was working there?

Samantha

Oh wait, yeah, like Nick or Noah or something, what was it?

ASHLEY

Nate.  Nate Campbell.

Samantha

Yeah, what about him?

ASHLEY

He's back.

Samantha

Yeah, so.  Wait, you're not, you don't like him or something, do you? Isn't he married?

ASHLEY

Well, no, not anymore.  They're splitsville, he told me yesterday when I saw him.  And, yeah, kinda.

Samantha

Kinda?

ASHLEY

So, last summer when I was nannying, Nate would come over and we'd talk and stuff.  He had trouble with his wife even then.  We didn't always talk about that though.  We'd just hang out and talk about life, philosophy, what we wanted to be when we grew up, play games with the kids, video games when they were asleep. It was nice.

Samantha

Okay.  So, he's back?

ASHLEY

And single.

Samantha

And, you like him, kinda?

ASHLEY

Kinda yeah.  I don't know what he thinks of me. And, besides, I'm leaving soon, right?

Samantha

Let me ask you this.  Do you hear bells when he's around?

ASHLEY

Bells?

Samantha

Like yeah.  Laura hears a bell whenever she sees her Nate and when I met my Nate, I heard a bell.  And even way back in the day with...with Brian.

ASHLEY

Really? With Brian?

Samantha

Yeah, funny, huh? Anyway, do you hear bells?

ASHLEY

Yeah, I mean, its more like an alarm, like a wake-up call.

Samantha

So, I think you need to see what that's all about. And, who knows, if its meant to be, it'll work out somehow, even if you leave.

ASHLEY

If? I am.  But, yeah, I get you.  I guess I'll try.

Samantha

Good girl.

ASHLEY

How about you? How are things with...everything?

Samantha

They are.  I'll figure them out, sorta.  I always do.

ASHLEY

Yeah, you do.  Just don't try to take things on all by yourself. You've got help.

Samantha

Thanks.

(Ashley starts to leave, then turns back.)

ASHLEY

You know, I just thought of something? I've partied and played that game for so long it seems now. Gone from guy to guy, or whatever.  Maybe its time to start running and just look.

Samantha

Look? Look at what?

ASHLEY

Myself.

Fade out.

Fade in:

Interior: Busy Coffee House

(Laura enters and approaches counter. Barista, the same from the Farmer's Market, approaches.)

Barista

Hi! Good to see you!

LAUra

Oh, its you, from the market.  I didn't know you worked here too.

BARISTA

Yeah, I love coffee.  Actually, it pays more here.  But, yeah, I do love coffee.

LAURA

Well, that's good considering.

BARISTA

That guy you're always with around?

LAura

Nate? No, he's not.  I'm actually here to meet my ex.  I don't know why I just told you that.

BARISTA

People are always doing that, opening up to me, just randomly.  Guess I have one of those faces? Your ex, huh? Gonna be one of those conversations?

LAura

One of those?

BARIsta

You know, like, "Hi, so how are you doing? I miss you.  Its just not going to work out anymore".  Blah, blah, blah.

LAURA

Something like that, I guess.

BARIsta

Well, best of luck to you.  Hey, how about a latte on the house? Shh, don't tell.

Laura

I won't.  And, thank you. What's your name by the way?

BARISTA

Its Brittany, bitch!

LAURA

Ha, ha. Nice!

(Scott enters.  Laura doesn't see him enter.  He crosses behind Laura and touches her shoulder.)

SCOTT

Heya, Laura.

LAUra

Hi, Scott.

SCOTT

Just a coffee please.

BARISTA

Sure thing.

(She gets it and lays it on the counter.)

That'll be 2.50.

SCOTT

Three dollars.  Keep the change.  Merry Christmas or whatever.

BARISTA

Thanks! Your latte will be ready in a minute, okay?

LAUra

Great.

SCOTT

Shall we sit down?

Cut to: Scott and Laura at a table, coffee in front of them.

Scott

So, have you thought about my, uh, question?

LAURA

Yeah.

SCOTT

And?

(Laura takes ring box out of her pocket and sets it before him on table.)

Does that mean?

Laura

I can't marry you, Scott.

Scott

I see.

LAURA

Its not that I don't love you.  We had some good times, especially in the beginning.  Remember, how we met?

SCOTT

You used to come into the bar where I played.  I thought you really liked the music because you came every night until one of the other guys pointed it out to me.  I can be kinda slow.

LAUra

Yeah, you can.

Scott

Hey, there.

LAURA

Look, Scott, we had such big dreams back then, you know, both of us.  What happened to that? We lost it all, we got passive, stagnant.

Scott

Stagnant.

LAURA

Yeah, just coasting along on your daddy's money.  Not that I'm not grateful for it, but that's not what life is about.  It can be kinda numbing.

Scott

I know, I know.  I've seen my mum.

Laura

Yeah, and I don't want to end up like that.  And, I don't think, deep down, neither do you.

Scott

Well, it doesn't have to be that way, then. I'll get the band back together, we'll go on tour, make lots of money, you and I together. Just like we always wanted...

LAURA

No, Scott, we can't.

(She pushes the ringbox closer to him.)

I'm sorry, I really am.

(Scott picks up ringbox and looks at it.)

SCOTT

I'm not, Laura.  I'll never forget...you.

LAURA

I should get back to work.

(Laura stands, takes a few steps.)

SCOTT

I'll always love you, Laura.

LAURA

Me too.

Fade out.

fade in.

Interior: Kiyah's boutique.

(Samantha is folding clothes, her phone is on the counter next to her.  It rings.)

SAMANTHA

Hello?

Caller

Hi, is that Samantha Stirling?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, the same.  This is

CALLER

Randi!!  Do you remember me, from camp? High School?

SAMANTHA

Oh my god, yeah.

CALLER

Where have you been? We've all been trying to reach you.

SAMANTHA

Just busy, working.  Raising my kid.

CALLER

A kid?

SAMANTha

Yeah, my son, Heath.  He's amazing.  So, you were trying to find me?

CALLER

Yeah, dude, there's a litle reunion retreat this weekend at camp, can you believe it? Almost everyone is going to be there. There's a speaker and everything.  Steve found him.  He's all about finding your calling, seizing your destiny and all that crap.  We sent out invites ages ago but no one could find you, until now.

SAMANTHA

Until now.

CALLER

So, you want to come? Can you come? Sorry, its last minute.

SAMANTHA

I mean, I guess I could find someone to watch the kid and cover my shift.  Can I let you know in a day or so?

CALLER

Yeah, I can email you the info.  What's your email?

Samantha

samantha@yahoo.com

CALLER

Well, that's easy enough.  And, its sent.

SAMANTHA

Thanks, Randi.

CALLER

No problem.  Its so good to hear your voice.  Its been too long.  I hope to see you very soon.

SAMANTHA

Me too.  Maybe this is just what I needed.

Fade out.

ACT ONE, SCENE TWO

Exterior: Kiyah's backyard

(Kiyah sits on her backporch, tea mug in hand, paperwork on her lap. She stares straight ahead.  Nate2 exits granny unit.)

KIYAH

Wait a minute, who the hell are you?

NATE2

I'm, uh, Nate.

KIYAH

Wait, what?

NATE2

Ha. Another one.

KIYAH

Where's the other...the manny?

NATE2

With the kids, duh.  He said I could crash here and leave whenever I got up.  We met last night at Romis.

KIYAH

At Romis? He's not, you're not? Not that there's anything wrong with that.

NATE2

Wait, no, no.  Not like that.  I crashed on his couch.  Thank you very much.

KIYAH

Oh.

NATE2

So, you must be Kira--

KIYAH

Kiyah.

NATE2

Right, Kiyah.  Nate and, well, Nate next door were telling me aobut you.

KIYAH

I never thought I'd meet so many freaking Nates in my life and all at once.

NATE2

Yeah.  Its a common name.

KIYAH

Sure is.

NATE2

Hey, are you okay?

KIYAH

Sorta, kinda...not.

NATE2

(walking towards her.)

Yeah.  You need someone to talk? I mean, I know we just met but sometimes strangers are the best listeners.

KIYAH

You are a stranger, huh?

NATE2

Well, I'm strange.

KIYAH

Have a seat, Nate.

(He sits next to her.)

NATE2

What's that in your lap? Ah, divorce papers.  Sorry.

KIYAH

You know what these are? I thought someone as young as you--

NATE2

My moms got divorced from my stepdad about a year ago.

KIYAH

Sorry to hear that.

NATE2

I'm not.  He was a real bastard.  He was hitting her and stuff. I hope the fucker rots in hell.

KIYAH

Yeah, sure.

NATE2

I was with her a lot then. Support, you know.

KIYAH

I'm sure she really appreciated it.  Everyone's really been supportive here too, my friends, my mom, Nate the manny, even my kids.

NATE2

I'm glad you have them.

KIYAH

Me too.

NATE2

So, what, you have to sign them?

KIYAH

Yeah.  I'm just having trouble, getting up the courage, I guess.  That sounds stupid, I know.

NATE2

No, I don't think it does.

KIYAH

Yeah? It just feels so final,  you know.

NATE2

Yeah, I do know. Well, it is. But, if its meant to be over, then it has to be.  If not, maybe you will get back together again.

KIYAH

I don't know about that.  But, I look at this and I think about my life, with him. And, all that we created.  Our two kids.  And, to think that it'll be over, just with a signature.

Nate2

Yeah.

KIYAH

He swept me off my feet, promised me so much.  He's older than me by a bit.  I thought he was my knight in shining armor and all that, I was so naive.  He was anything but.  Like your stepdad.

NATE2

Well, that's that then. Sign away.

KIYAH

I know I should, but I still can't.  Its like I'm letting go of a dream.

NATE2

Yeah but, I think you have to let go of one dream, in order to discover new ones.

KIYAH

Deep.  Thanks, Nate the Stranger.

NATE2

Nate the stranger.  Nate the manny.  Nate the neighbor.

KIYAH

Yeah, I guess so.  But seriously, you were right.  Talking to someone I don't really know helped a lot.  I do hope there are other dreams out there for me.

NATE2

There are.

KIYAH

What about you, Nate the stranger?

Nate2

What about me?

KIYAH

You got dreams?

NATE2

Yeah, I'm gonna be a big star!

KIYAH

Nice.

NATE2

Yeah, I just started seeing this girl..Sa...she's pretty awesome. I really like her but--

KIYAH

But?

NATE2

She's got this kid, you know, and I just don't know if I'm ready to---

KIYAH

To, what, be a dad? That's jumping the gun a bit, huh, I mean you just met her?

NATE2

Well, maybe not a dad but you know be an example or whatever.  I'm just not ready.  I'm not even sure if I want kids at all someday.

KIYAH

I see.

NATE2

I mean, its like everything society dictates, go to college, graduate, get the job, find a little woman, get married, a mortgage, have the 2.5 kids...the American dream.  But, what if that isn't my dream after all, you know?

KIYAH

Yeah.  By the way, this girl wouldn't happen to be Samantha?

NATE2

Yeah.

KIYAH

Well, Heath is pretty amazing.

NATE2

Yeah, and so is she.

KIYAH

Yeah, she is that. So, what are you going to do?

NATE2

I think I know what I have to do.  And, it isn't going to be easy.

KIYAH

Yeah, you got to do the right thing, for you.

NATE2

Yeah.  For me.

KIYAH

You know, Nate, the stranger, I should really hate your guts.  But, I don't.

NATE2

Thanks.

KIYAH

You seem like a really good guy.  And, don't worry too much about Sam, she'll be all right.  I'll make sure of it.

NATE2

Thanks.  That kinda makes me feel better.

KIYAH

Well, one good turn deserves another.

Cut to:

Interior: Cafeteria/diner

(Ashley sits at a table, lunch in front of her.  Nate3 approaches her. She smiles up at him.)

NATE3

Hi, Ashley.

ASHLEY

Hey.

NATE3

(sitting)

I was really glad to get your message. To hear from you.

ASHLEY

I'm really glad you showed up.  Its good to see you again.

NATE3

Really?

ASHLEY

Yeah, really really good.

NATE3

Same. So, what's new with you?

ASHLEY

Well, I'm graduating soon.  Like in a few weeks soon. God, it just hit me again.

NATE3

Yeah. And, then what?

ASHLEY

Well, get a job, see the world.

NATE3

Which one?

ASHLEY

Both.

NATE3

I'd like to--

ASHLEY

What?

NATE3

See the world--

ASHLEY

With me?

NATE3

Yeah.

ASHLEY

Okay, then.

NATE3

Okay.

(Ashley holds up her drink.)

ASHLEY

To seeing the world!

NATE3

To the adventure!

(He holds up his empty hand.)

ASHLEY

To the adventure!

NATE3

To us.

ASHLEY

(hesitating, and then warmly)

To us!

Fade out.

Fade in:

Exterior: Street

(Laura walks down the street, carrying go-coffee cup.  She pulls out her phone, starts texting.)

Text: Hey, Nate.  Sorry about last night.

Text: Laura, Hi! Good to hear from you. It's okay.

Text: Do over?

Text: Yeah, dinner tonight?

Text: I can do that.

Text: 7 pm? My place?

Text: See you then.

Close up: Laura's face, smiling.

ACT ONE, SCENE THREE

Interior: Samantha and Laura's living room, evening

(Samantha sits on couch, drinking a glass of wine.  She alternates looking at her email on her phone and back at the picture of Heath's drawing.  Sounds of Heath playing in the background are heard.  The sound of rain on the roof. Samantha's phone rings.)

SAMANTHA

Hello?

NATE2

Hey, Sam.  Its Nate.

SAMANTHA

Hi, Nate.

NATE2

Yeah, um, any chance we could meet up? Maybe I could come over.

SAMANTHA

Not now.  The ex is coming over, we have to...talk. What's up?

NATE2

Its just...I didn't want to do this over the phone.

SAMANTha

Oh, shit.

NATE2

I'm sorry.

SAMANTHA

Out with it, kid.

NATE2

Okay, okay. Its just, you're great and all, really great.  I have a lot of fun with you but....

SAMANTha

But?

NATE2

But, its the kid thing.  I mean he seems really great, but I'm just, I'm just not father material.  I know, I know, we aren't there yet, but what if we got there and I just...I just can't, Sam.

SAMANTha

I see.

NATE2

I am really sorry.

SAMANTha

I understand.

NATE2

You do?

SAMANTHA

Well, no, it really fucking sucks.  But, I'll be okay, I guess.

NATE2

Friends, maybe someday?

SAMANTHA

Maybe someday, yeah.  See you around, Nate.

NATE2

Bye.

(She hangs up.  There is a knock at the door.)

SAMANTHA

Come in.

(Brian enters.)

Hi, Brian.

BRIAN

You wanted to see me?

SAMANTha

Yeah, sit down.  We need to talk.

(Brian sits on the couch, next to Samantha, awkward pause.)

This drawing is amazing.

BRIAN

Finest artwork ever? Guess I have a hidden talent after all.  Maybe I'll quit the auto repair business. Heath and I can be the next Michelango and Picasso!

SAMANTHA

Funny, but I'm serious.  It's amazing. You remember what his first word was?

BRIAN

Um, milk, right? Like, he wanted your boobies?

SAMANTHA

Um, no, actually.

BRIAN

I don't fault him that.

SAMANTHA

Oh, shut up.

BRIAN

You got nice ones, I never told you that enough.

SAMANTHA

Thank you.

BRIAN

I'm thinking the whole town's first word was--

SAMANTHA

Quit it.

BRIAN

Boobies.

SAMANTHA

Shut it. No, listen.  It wasn't...boobies...it was Dada.

BRIAN

Wait, really? Yeah, you're right it was.

SAMANTHA

You're a really good dad, Brian.  I'll give you that.

BRIAN

Well, gee, thanks.

SAMANTHA

You stuck around all this time.  I mean, you and I were basically a hook up, got together like three times, maybe a month and then I was preggo.  You just stayed all this time, we barely knew each other and we have this kid. This amazing little guy.

BRIAN

He's a riot.

SAMANTHA

Hilarious, right?

Brian

Yeah.

SAMANTHA

I'm sorry I said I'd take him away from you.  I wouldn't want anyone to say that to me.

BRIAN

It's all right.  You were upset.  I'd be too if...I caught you.  I'm sorry I dicked around so much.

SAMANTHA

Well, we never were really anything, you know, but we were really good parents, right?

Brian

Yeah.

SAMANTHA

So, co-parents?

BRIAN

Friends.

SAMANTHA

Maybe...someday, we'll work on it. For now--

BRIAN

Co-parents.  The best we can be.

Samantha

Yeah, let's talk it out.  For the good of the kid, okay? No matter what?

BRIAN

No matter what.

SAMANTHA

You know who called me today? Randi, my old friend from camp?

BRIAN

Oh, yeah.  What did she want?

SAMANTHA

There's this reunion retreat thing this weekend? They couldn't find me and then finally she did.

BRIAN

You want to go? I'll watch the kid.

SAMANTHA

You would do that for me?

BRIAN

Co-parenting, remember?

SAMANTha

Yeah.  There's this speaker too.  All about finding and following your purpose.  Sounds like just what I need.  You know, I mean, besides being a mom, I never really knew what I wanted to be when I grew up.  I have the boutique, but that's more because I wanted to help Kiyah, its more Kiyah's baby, yeah?

BRIAN

Then, I think you need to go.

SAMANTHA

Yeah, you really think so?

BRIAN

Yeah, just do it, okay?

CUTAWAY: Kiyah, feeding her two boys, laughing, playing with them, tickling them.  She stands back and smiles, peacefully. she turns to counter, to divorce papers, picks up a pen, and signs.

Cutaway: Ashley and Nate3 sitting in bed together.  Before them is a piece of paper with the words "Seattle", "New York", "Los Angeles" written on it.  They close their eyes and point randomly together.  Opening them, they discover they both have pointed to Seattle.  They smile and nod at each other, kiss.

Cutaway: Samantha, on phone.

SAMANTHA

Hey, Randi, its me, Sam.  I want to come this weekend, I can make it. Sign me up.

(Music swells, Sam puts the phone on her chest, leans back and smiles.)

Fade out.

Fade into:

Interior: Nate's living room.

(He's got a table set with candles, wine glasses.  He comes out of the bedroom, dressed in his best clothes.  He busies himself in the kitchen, pets Doodle.  There is a knock at the door. There is an air of excitement and nervousness about him.)

NATE

Already?

(He goes to the door, opens it.)

Hello, Laura!

(Jessica stands on the doorstep, she holds a cat carrier on one hand, a large purse in the other.)

Jessica?

JESSICA

Hi, Nate.  How are you? Whose Laura?

NATE

Um...

JESSICA

Can I come in? Its starting to come down hard.

Nate

Yeah, sure, whatever.

(She enters the living room.)

Interior: Nate's living room.

What are you doing here anyway?

JESSICA

That's how you greet me.  I came all this way, Francine and I.

NATE

You didn't have to--

JESSICA

No, I did.  I had to--

(There is another knock at the door.)

Make it right.  You want me to answer that?

Nate

No.

(Nate opens the door.)

Hi, Laura.

(Laura, entering.  She's dressed nicely.)

LAURA

Hi, Nate.  How are you? Oh, whose this?

JESSICA

I'm Jessica, you are?

Laura

Jessica? Jessica. What's Jessica doing here?

Jessica

I could ask the same thing of you.

LAUra

Look, I don't know what's going on here, Nate, but---

NATE

She just showed up here, Laura.  I didn't know she was coming or anything.

LAURA

Well, maybe I should just go.

NATE

No, Jessica isn't--

JESSICA

I'm not?

NATE

What?

Jessica

What?

LAUra

Well, I'm going. That's all.

Nate

Laura, wait.

(Laura walks out the door. Nate turns resolutely to Jessica.  Jessica looks at him, long pause.)

Jessica

I came here, all this way, Francine and I, to win you back.  I was going to have this epic tearful apology where I won you back with promises of never ever again.  But, on the way here, I kept thinking about...change. It's inevitable, you know.  I mean, it looks like you are already starting to fit in here.

NATE

Maybe, yeah.

Jessica

And, its just that, I thought you and I were good together, and we were, once upon a time, but you know what I just realized? I can be by myself, I have been this last month and I've been okay.  I've managed, I've more than managed.

Nate

I'm glad.

Jessica

You are?

Nate

Yeah.  I really am.

Jessica

Thanks. And, I just saw you with...with...her---

Nate

Laura.

Jessica

Laura.  Yeah, I saw you two and even in that short amount of time, I saw something, a connection.

Nate

Really?

Jessica

Yeah.  Go after her, Nate, you need to go after her.

Nate

Wait, Jessica, are you serious? You can't be serious?

jessica

Yes, I am serious.  Its gonna be like an epic romantic movie scene, like the ones I used to make you watch all the time.  Like the Notebook and shit like that.  The rain coming down, you running and then a big tearful pleading monologue.  Epic.

Nate

You really think?

Jessica

Yeah.  You better go now before I change my mind.

Nate

Will you be okay?

Jessica

Yes. Yes, I will.  Francine and I will find a hotel.  Ha, the first time I've ever done that myself.  Wow.

Nate

Okay.

jessica

So, go have your epic rain romantic movie monologue scene, all right? Just do it.

Nate

Okay.

Jessica

You don't mind if I have a bit of this food? I'm fucking famished.

Nate

Yeah sure.

Cut to: Laura walking in the rain, alone, crying, Nate running behind her.

Nate

LAURA! LAURA! WAIT!

(Laura turns, stops, hesitates, thinks about moving again. Nate runs up to her. They are both drenched.)

LAURA

What the hell do you want? Leave me alone.

NATE

Laura, wait, please.

LAURA

I can't take it anymore, its too much for me.  Love is...it sucks.  Its always like this, I fall for someone and then its all a lie.

NATE

Laura, please, listen.  I didn't know she was coming and she...she...she told me to come after you.  Really, she's not staying.  She's a good girl but its over between us.  Look, Laura, I'm scared too, I don't understand what it is between us, all I know is that, I need to know more and more...I need you, Laura, I really need you.

(Laura hesitates.)

Pov: Laura, Nate's softly crying, pleading

LAURA

(extends her hand)

Walk with me.

Close Up: Laura's hand, Nate takes it.

Nate

Yeah, anywhere.

3/4: Laura touches his face with other hand, kisses him softly.

(Laura pulls away and they smile at each other, walk hand in hand in the rain.)

Pan: camera away as they continue walking

Credits.

Nate & Laura; How They Met: Season Two Episode Two

Episode Two.

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

Exterior: Farmer's Market

(Samantha and Laura are jogging on the street.)

SAMANTHA

Oh, the market! Let's stop here a minute.

LAURA

You just want to see your Nate!

SAMANTHA

Do you blame me?

(The girls move into the market and head to Nate2's booth.)

Interior: Nate2's Vegetable Booth.

NATE2

Hey there, its you!

SAMANTHA

Its me! How are you?

NATE2

Good. Did you get my text?

SAMANTHA

I got your text.  I sent you one back, did you get it?

NATE2

I don't think so.  Damn technology. So? You want anything?

SAMANTHA

Definitely.

(Laura spots Nate a few booths over.  She tugs on Samantha's sleeve, Samantha looks at her, Laura motions towards Nate, and Samantha spots Nate at the other booth.)

NATE2

So, you free later? Want to hang out? Coffee?

SAMANTHA

Yes!

(to Nate at the other booth.)

Hey Nate!

NATE2

Nate?

(Nate looks up and sees Laura and Samantha, he smiles sheepishly but doesn't move.)

SAMANTHA

Come over here, Nate.

(Nate cautiously makes his way over to Laura and Samantha.)

Nate, you remember Nate?

NATE2

Hey.

NATE

Hi! How are you?

SAMANTHA

Uh, Nate is Laura's...friend.

(Laura grabs Samantha and pulls her aside.)

LAURA

OMG! What are you doing?

SAMANTHA

What? My Nate thought that Your Nate was My Nate too so I had to...he is your Nate, sort of, isn't he?

LAURA

I mean, I don't know...

SAMANTHA

Just do this for me, and anywayS, now's your chance.

LAURA

Its just awkward.

SAMANTHA

It doesn't have to be.

(Samantha puts her arm around Laura and leads her back to the Nates.)

So, coffee later? I'd love that.

NATE2

Downtown grounds? 2 pm?

SAMANTHA

I'll be there.

NATE

Hey there, Laura.

LAURA

Um, hi.

(They start to walk away slowly.)

NATE

How've you been?

LAURA

Good.

NATE

I love your hair!

LAURA

Thanks.  I needed a change.

Nate

Nice.

Laura

Sorry, I've been so...hard to read.  Its just everything is so different now...this is...

NATE

This?

LAURA

This....thing.  Dating...relationships...Love.  Its hard.

NATE

Oh I see.

LAURA

Trust issues, you know?

NATE

Yeah, I know.

 Fade INTO:

Act One, Scene Two

Exterior: Downtown Grounds, late afternoon

(Nate2 sits at a patio table.  Samantha, in a sexy short skirt and tanktop, walks up and sits in front of him.)

SAMANTHA

Hi there.

NATE2

Hi.

SAMANTHA

Surprised?

NATE2

Pleasantly.  But I did invite you so--

SAMANTHA

I could have stood you up.

NATE2

You could have?

SAMANTHA

Well, I could have but I didn't. Because I'm not that kind of a girl.

NATE2

Good, I'm glad.  So, what kind of girl are you?

SAMANTHA

Ummm....I'm just a girl, sitting before you, wanting you to...buy her a latte.

NATE2

Can do.

Fade into:

(Laura, in work clothes, leaving the boutique. She turns and sees Nate walking up to her.)

NATE

Hey.

LAURA

Hey yourself. What are you doing here?

Nate

Just got done with work.

Laura

Isn't it too early--

Nate

Grandma's got the kids. So, um, uh...

LAURA

So?

Nate

You want to hang out?

LAURA

Yeah, I'd like that.

NATE

So? What do you want to do?

LAURA

Get out of these clothes. I mean, oh my god.

NATE

Not a bad idea, if I say so myself.  Though you do look good in them.

LAURA

Thanks.  So, walk me home?

NATE

I'm right beside you.

LAURA

I like that.

NATE

Me too.

Fade Into:

Exterior: Downtown Grounds

(Nate2 walks up holding a latte and places it before Samantha, she reaches for it and their hands meet briefly.)

SAMANTHA

Thank you.

NATE2

Your welcome.

SAMANTHA

So, what do you do, besides sell fruit to hot girls?

NATE2

I only sell fruit to one hot girl, the rest are just average looking.

SAMANTHA

You are so sweet.

NATE2

Oh, did you think I was refering to you?

SAMANTHA

Um...

NATE2

Because I was.  To answer your question, I'm in college.  Senior this year.

SAMANTHA

Nice.  What are you studying?

NATE2

Theatre.  That's me, a theatre geek.

SAMANTHA

Nice.  Been in any plays?

NATE2

A few.  Up at the college.

SAMANTHA

Awesome.  I'd love to see you in something sometime.

NATE2

I'll get you tickets.

SAMANTHA

Thank you.

NATE2

So, you and Nate, the other Nate?

SAMANTHA

What about him?

NATE2

I thought you guys were--

SAMANTHA

No, he's kinda with my friend, Laura.

NATE2

So, you both are dating guys named Nate?

SAMANTHA

Dating? Okay, yeah.

NATE2

Yeah, dating.

SAMANTHA

We live together too. Me and Laura.

NATE2

Live together? You're not also, um...

SAMANTHA

Wait, what? You think we are like lovers or something?

NATE2

Not that that's a bad thing.  But I'm kind of into monogamy.

SAMANTHA

No, Laura and I aren't anything but friends.  She wouldn't be into it anyway.

NATE2

Okay.

(Samantha reaches for his hand and he takes hers.  Her cell phone beeps. She looks it over.)

SAMANTHA

Shit. Already?

NATE2

What is it?

SAMANTHA

I gotta run. I've got to pick up the kid from school.

NATE2

Kid?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, my son, Heath. He's great.

NATE2

You have a son?

SAMANTHA

Yeah. He's 5.  You want to see his picture.

(She finds one on his phone and shows it to Nate2.)

NATE2

Cute.

SAMANTHA

So, you'll call me later? I can make you dinner.

NATE2

Yeah, sure.

(Samantha exits by camera, shaking her head confused.)

Fade into:

Interior: Samantha and Laura's living room.

Nate and Laura enter.  They stand awkwardly apart yet stare at each other longingly, looking around, realizing they are alone.  They slowly move closer and closer together, they hug, smile, then kiss, increasingly more passionately.  Laura starts pulling on Nate's shirt, Nate puts his hand on Laura's waist.  She backs him toward her room, into it, he kicks the door behind him.

Empty living room.

Suddenly, loud knocking from front door.

No answer from Laura's room.

Loud knocking continues and gets increasingly louder and louder.

Laura runs out of her bedroom, wearing a silk bathrobe.

Laura

Don't move, Nate.  I'll deal with this and be right back.

Laura exits off screen, knocking stops, she opens door.

Scott?

Scott and Laura re-enter. Scott is dressed in a nice tailored suit. Scott immediately kneels, pulling a ringbox out of his pocket, opening it he extends it towards her.

Scott

Laura, I've changed.  I've cleaned up my act, gotten serious.  I took the job at dad's.  All I need left, is you.  Marry me, sweetheart.

LAUra

Scott, I don't--

SCOTT

Know what to say.  Say you will, say you'll think about it.  I love you, Laura, and I always will.

LAUra

Uh, Scott.

Nate

(entering)

Is everything okay, Laura?

(He's wearing only boxers. Scott, stays kneeling, but drops his hands at his side dejectedly.)

Scott

Laura, whose this? What's going on?

Nate

This must be...Scott.

SCOTT

How does he know my name?

LAURA

Um, Scott, uh, this is Nate.

Nate

Hi, Scott.

SCOTT

Nate.

(Samantha enters, holding Heath's hand. She surveys the scene. Laura looks at her pleadingly. Samantha smirks.)

CLOSE UP:samantha's face

Samantha

Well, Laura, its official.  Your life is a sitcom.

Act one, Scene Three

Interior: Samantha and Laura's living room, a few minutes later

(Scott stands up and squares himself against Nate.)

SCOTT

Who the hell is this, Laura?

(Laura stands between Scott and Nate.)

LAURA

Scott, this is Nate. He's my, uh---

SCOTT

Are you guys...together?

NATE

Well...

(A cell phone rings with "bells" ringtone.  They all look at each other.)

Laura

That's not mine because

(She motions to Nate.)

You're right here.

Nate

Its mine.  Its probably in my jeans pocket, in your room. I mean, uh, sorry, Scott.

(He exits awkwardly to Laura's room.)

Scott

Laura, what is going on? Are you seeing this guy?

LAURA

Not really, I don't know, maybe.

Scott

Are you sleeping with him? Is he just...just a fling or rebound or something? Is this what you need to play around awhile?

Laura

I don't know, Scott, I just don't know.

Scott

Maybe, he's just a blip, a blip in our lives together.

LAUra

I don't know about that, Scott.

Scott

I love you, Laura, and I want to be with you.  I am working for dad now. I'm growing up.  I'll do anything, Laura.

LAURA

Oh, Scott. I just--

Scott

Say, you'll think about it, okay? Here.

(He places ringbox in her hand.)

Just take this and think it over. I'll wait for you, Laura, I'll be right here waiting.

(He leans into kiss her.  She turns her head.  He kisses her cheek.  They exchange a very awkward hug. He exits and passes by Samantha.  The two of them exchange looks.)

(Nate enters, on phone.)

NATE

Oh my god...no...yeah...yeah.  Okay, what time?...No, no, don't even think about...I'll be there.  Of course, of course....See you later.

(Nate hangs up.)

Hey, Laura, Sam. Look, that was Kiyah, she's got to go talk to the lawyer about Eddie shit tomorrow you know.

LAURA

Wow. So, she's seeing a lawyer?

SAMANTHA

Custody battles and all the fun.  I hope the creep loses everything, serves him right.

LAURA

Yeah.

NATE

So, I'll have to watch the kids.  Maybe we can hang out tomorrow night, Laura?

LAURA

Tomorrow night? I--

NATE

Yeah.  Dinner? My treat. Around 7?

LAURA

I just don't know, Nate.  I'm kinda...got a lot to think about. Can I text you yes or no?

NATE

Um, yeah.  Just let me know, all right? I'll just go get my clothes on then and head home, if that's what--

LAURa

That's fine.

(Nate exits into Laura's bedroom.)

LAURA

So, you just stood there watching the whole thing.

SAMANTHA

It made for some good drama.

LAURA

Thanks.  How'd your coffee date go?

SAMANTHA

Swimmingly.  Looks like yours went well too.  Considering.

Laura

Yeah, until.

(Samantha walks over and hugs Laura.)

HEATH

Mama, who is that almost naked man?

Fade out.

ACT ONE, SCENE FOUR

Interior: Law offices, a desk, two chairs.  Mrs. Beasley and Kiyah sit in chairs, Mr. Edward Flinch sits behind desk, an older tired man who has been practicing law for many years, he's seen it all, and just wishes for the end to come.

KIYAH

So, what you are saying is that its impossible to gain full custody of my kids---

EDWARD FLINCH

Impossible, no.  Uphill battle, yes.  You will have to prove that he is unfit to parent--

KIYAH

He's a violent alcoholic who hasn't held a job in years.  I can't believe I just said that.

EDWARD FLINCH

You'd be surprised what people can get away with when they put a mind to it.  At best, we can try for 100% custody with supervised visits from the father.

KIYAH

I don't know.

MRS. BEASLEY

Hear the man out, Kiyah.

EDWARD FLINCH

For any other attorney, that'd satisfy.  But, you are dealing with Edward Flinch, I'm no novice, Lucy, I can provide you above what you require.

KIYAH

Wow, uh, thank you.

MRS. BEASLEY

Don't worry about the cost, Luc.  We just need to keep you and my grand-babies safe.

KIYAH

Um, all right.

EDWARD FLINCH

So, paperwork, timeline, let's talk.

Fade into:

Interior: Lobby of Law Offices

(Kiyah and Mrs. Beasley walk out of office.  Kiyah is a little stunned. Mrs. Beasley hugs her.)

MRS. BEASLEY

You okay?

KIYAH

I don't know.

MRS. BEASLEY

Need a drink?

KIYAH

Really, mom? Wow!

MRS. BEASLEY

There's a lot you don't know about me, hon.

KIYAH

I guess I could just text Nate to see if he can watch the kids a bit later.

MRS. BEASLEY

You do that.

(Text message chimes on Kiyah's phone.)

KIYAH

Nate just texted me, he said he might have plans tonight?

MRS. BEASLEY

Well.

LUCY

It is technically his time off.

fade out.

ACT ONE, SCENE FIVE

Interior: Samantha and Kiyah's boutique, mid-day.

(Samantha and Laura are busy working. Ashley enters. She's a bit nervous.)

LAUra

Oh, hey, Ashley.  How's it going?

ASHLEY

Um...

SAMANTHA

Are you okay?

ASHLEY

So, yeah, about that. I've been getting sick lately, like every morning.

SAMANTHA

Oh, dude, stay away from me.

ASHLEY

Yeah, I don't think its something you can catch like that. I mean, you would know.

SAMANTHA

How do you mean? Oh my god, you're not, are you?

ASHLEY

So, I got one of those over the counter--

LAUra

Pregnancy tests? You're not pregnant? Is it Nate's? It can't be.

ASHLEY

Um, who else could it be?

LAUra

Well, shit.

ASHLEY

Those things aren't always that accurate, you know. So, I'm going down to the Planned Parenthood for an official test.  Hope I pass.

SAMANTHA

What does that mean?

ASHLEY

I guess I want it to be negative.  What the hell would I do with a kid right now?

LAUra

So, you'd keep it?

ASHLEY

The baby? Or I could, well, you know.  I mean, like I said, what the hell would I do with a kid right now?

SAMANTHA

Do you need anyone to go with you?

ASHLEY

Nah. I got myself into this mess, I have to do it myself.  I have to be a big girl now.

Samantha

All right then. We're here if you need us.

Fade Out.

Fade in.

Exterior: Planned Parenthood

(There is one lone protester outside, holding a picket sign.  Ashley walks up.)

Protestor

Are you sure you want to go ahead with this?

ASHLEY

Go ahead with what? Walk into a building?

PROTESTOR

You won't be able to live with yourself afterwards.

ASHLEY

Well, I've walked into a few buildings in my time and things have always worked out before.

PROTESTOR

You make jokes but in all seriousness---

ASHLEY

Yes, in all seriousness.  Look, I appreciate your caring for me but you have no idea why I'm walking into this building.  For all you know, I could be going for an annual women's exam, which they do for low income patients without insurance.  Or did you not know that? Yeah, they offer that service.  But, for your information, yes, I am going to enter this building, I hope I can do it successfully, for a pregnancy test.  What am I going to do if I am pregnant, well, that's for me to figure out and frankly that's none of your business.  But, I will tell you something, I'll let you in on a little secret.  We all have different opinions about life and the universe and all of this and we're all adamantly sure that our way is the right way, whether we admit it or not.  Some of us louder than others.  But the thing is, if we want to make a difference in others' lives, to really make an impactual difference, the best thing we can ever do is listen.  Okay? So, just try it some time.  Put down your sign and just, you know, lend a ear.  You'll see.  Now, if you excuse me, I've got a bad decision to make.

PROTESTOR

What's that?

ASHLEY

I'm gonna enter a building.  Wish me luck.

(She exits into building.)

Fade out.

ACT ONE, SCENE SIX

Interior: Samantha's living room

(Samantha and Nate2 are sitting at the table, two candles, wine, eating dinner.)

NATE2

((pushing back his plate)

That was delicious.

SAMANTHA

Glad you liked it.

NATE2

That's not all I like.  Can I interest you in a little dessert?

(He reaches for her hand and starts massaging it.)

SAMANTHA

You are incorrigible.

NATE2

Tell me to stop and I will.

SAMANTHA

I didn't say that.

NATE2

Hmm. Where's Laura tonight?

SAMANTHA

I don't know, out.

NATE2

With, uh, other Nate?

SAMANTHA

No, probably not.  She said she had some thinking to do or whatever.  And, yeah she most definitely does.

NATE2

And, the, uh, the kid?

SAMANTHA

Heath? He's with his dad for the evening, at least.

NATE2

So, we are all alone.

Samantha

Yeah.

(Nate2 tugs her hand a little, she gets up and stands in front of him.  He starts rubbing her sides and then up into her hair, he pulls her face down to his and they kiss passionately.)

Fade out.

 Fade into:

Exterior: Street

(Laura walks slowly through the street, listening to music, looking around, a soul searching walk.)

fade out.

Fade into.

Exterior: Kiyah's backyard

(Ashley approaches Nate's granny unit. Her earbuds are in and she doesn't hear or look around.  Nate3 sees her over the fence.)

NATE3

Hey, uh, Ashley?

(She doesn't hear him, ignores him, he looks dejected.)

(Ashley hesitates at the door, turns off her music, resolutely knocks.)

(Nate enters, excitedly, expecting to see Laura, but instead its Ashley.)

NATE

Hi! Oh, hey, Ashley.

ASHLEY

Expecting someone else?

NATE

Maybe, I don't know--

ASHLEY

Laura?

Nate

Yeah. So, what's up, Ashley?

ASHLEY

Yeah, can we talk?

Nate

Yeah, come in.

(She enters.  Nate closes the door, camera pans around to show Nate3 watching.)

Interior: Nate's living room

(Nate and Ashley sit across from each other, not close to each other, on sofa.)

NATE

So, what's going on?

ASHLEY

Its like this.  I took one of those, um, pregnancy tests, you know, over the counter. Because I kept getting sick like every time I looked at food.

NATE

Wait, you're not? I mean, you think its mine?

ASHLEY

Why do you even ask that? But for your information, I'm not.  But thanks for the slut shaming.

NATE

I didn't mean...I mean, I'm sorry, Ashley.

ASHLEY

It's okay.  But, we sure dodged a bullet on this, didn't we?

NATE

Yeah.  You gonna be okay?

ASHLEY

Yeah, of course I will.  Eventually.  I'll figure it all out.  Anyway, you were going to do something with Laura tonight?

NATE

Yeah, I invited her for dinner but she's like a no call, no show.  I don't know what to think.

ASHLEY

Huh. I wonder what's up with her.

NATE

I was over at her place, you know, Sam's place, yesterday and things were, um, going really well.

ASHLEY

You were hooking up?

Nate

Well, kinda, yeah.  And, then her ex showed up and--

ASHLEY

Scott?

Nate

Yeah. And he like got on one knee and full on proposed.

ASHLEY

No. What did Laura do? What did she say? She didn't say yes, did she?

Nate

No.  It was totally awkward.  I got a call from Kiyah and then he was gone when I got back and then I pretty much left.  She said she'd call or text or whatever but nothing.

ASHLEY

Wow, poor Laura.  Look, I'll talk to her, okay?

NATE

You'd do that, for me?

ASHLEY

Yeah, what are former fuck buddies for?

Fade out.

Fade into.

Act one, Scene Seven

Exterior: Kiyah's backyard

(Nate opens the door and Ashley walks out.  She turns and they embrace.)

ASHLEY

I'll see you around.

Nate

Bye Ashley.

(Nate closes the door.  Ashley starts to put her earbuds in when Nate3 sticks his head over fence.)

NATE3

Ashley?!?

ASHLEY

Oh my god.  You freaking scared me! Nate?

NATE3

Yeah.

ASHLEY

Is it really you? Oh my god!

(She walks over towards him. She notices his left hand, no ring.  He sees her eyeing it.)

NATE3

Yeah, the wife and I are splitsville.  Moved back in with the parents until I get my head straight, you know?

ASHLEY

Yeah, yeah, I get it.

NATE3

You still in school?

ASHLEY

Yeah, about to graduate.  Um, Nate, I hate to cut this short, but I've had like the craziest day and I just need time to myself.  Can I call you? You still have the same number?

NATE3

You still have my number?

ASHLEY

Yeah.

(They smile at each other.)

NATE3

Yeah, give me a call when you can.

ASHLEY

Will do.

(Ashley exits off camera, around the corner.)

(Nate exits his granny unit.)

NATE3

Hey, Nate.  How's it going?

Nate

Eh. Its, uh, going, I guess.

NATE3

Something wrong?

Nate

Kinda got stood up or something.

NATE3

Um, all right.  It wasn't by Ashley---

Nate

No, not Ashley.  Hey, you want to hang out? I need a little distraction.

NATE3

You want to get a drink?

Nate

I'd love that.

Fade out.

Fade in.

Interior: Samantha and Laura's living room.

(Samantha and Nate2 are making out furiously on the couch.  Off camera, a door is heard unlocking.  Heath runs into the living room, followed by Brian.)

HEATH

Mama, I'm home!

(Nate2 and Samantha pull away abruptly.  Samantha straightens her clothes, they both quickly wipe their mouths.)

SAMANTHA

You're home, baby! That's great. Go on into your room for a bit, okay?

HEATH

Okay.

(He exits into his room.)

Brian

Well, look at this here, Sam.  You got yourself a little boy to play with.

NATE2

Hey, I resent that.

Samantha

I thought you weren't coming home tonight.

BRIAN

I told you I don't have a solid place yet.

SAMANTHA

Oh, right.

NATE2

You know, I should just leave.

SAMANTHA

Um, I'll call you, I guess, if that's all right.

NATE2

Yeah, we'll figure something out.

(Nate2 exits.)

BRIAN

So, what, he's like your new boytoy or something?

SAMANTHA

Brian, can we not?

(Heath runs in, carrying a piece of paper with a drawing on it.)

HEATH

Mama, mama, look what daddy and I drew together.

SAMANTHA

(She looks over the picture.)

You drew this with Daddy?

(Heath nods excitedly.)

You drew this with our son?

BRIAN

Yeah, we just hung out and drew pictures all night and read books and stuff? At my mom's place.

Samantha

((looks at Brian, smiles softly)

Nice.

Fade out.

Act one, Scene Eight

Interior: Romi's bar

(Its a slow night.  Nate and Nate3 sit at the bar, sipping beers, idly chatting. Hannah is busy wiping glasses, cleaning. Nate2 enters and sits by them.)

NATE2

Um, hey, Hannah, can I get a beer please?

Hannah

Oh, hey, Nate.  How goes it?

NATE

Nate?

NATE2

Nate? Hi.

NATE3

Another Nate? Oh, the other Nate.  To the DomiNATEion!

NATE2

Wait, what the hell?

Nate

So, like Total Nate Domination.

NATE3

DomiNATEion!!

NATE2

Nice, okay. Whatever.  Can I get a beer, amber ale, please? Thanks, Hannah.

NATE

So, how are you doing, Nate?

NATE2

Eh.

Nate

Same.

NATE3

Well, I'm not.  I'm like, you know, pretty swell.  Everything's coming up Nate. At least, this Nate.

NATE2

Right.

Nate

So, you see Sam?

NATE2

Yeah, just came from her place actually.

NATE

Was Laura there?

NATE2

Yeah, um, no.  Thank god.

NATE

Oh, did you guys?

NATE2

Nothing happened. Her kid and ex came home.

Nate

Yeah, that tends to happen around there.  Its kinda awkward.

NATE2

Yeah? How so?

Nate

I was there with Laura and stuff was happening and then her ex showed up and proposed and shit and haven't heard from her since.

NATE2

Man, you think she said yes?

Nate

Not sure.

NATE3

Bet she didn't.  She's probably off sorting it all out.  Have faith, dude, she'll call.

Nate

I hope you're right.

(Nate2 takes a sip of his beer.)

NATE2

Man, I don't know.

Nate

About what?

NATE2

About Samantha.  I mean, she is really cool. I really like her, but the kid thing.

NATE3

Heath? He's great.

NATE2

You know her too?

NATE3

I live next door to Kiyah so---

NATE2

Kiyah?

NATE3

Um, Sam's friend.  I've known this whole group for awhile, actually.

NATE2

Known?

NATE3

Just friends. Mostly.

Nate

Mostly?

NATE3

Well, there was this, eh, thing with Ashley.  I mean, nothing happened.  But we were hanging out all the time, I was married, but I was like, you know, falling for her.

NATE

For Ashley?

NATE3

Yeah.  Did you guys? Are you guys?

nate

Whatever Ashley and I were, its over. So over.

NATE3

Okay. So, you don't mind if I---

Nate

Go for it.

NATE2

So, back to me.

Nate

So, you don't like Sam's kid?

NATE2

Not true. I mean, I've barely met him.  He seems cute and all.

Nate and Nate3

Yeah, yeah, he is.

NATE2

I just don't know if I'm ready to be a dad or whatever, if at all.

Nate

You just met her.

NATE2

Well, you know, be a good example to the next generation, and I don't mean Star Trek, you know what I mean?

NATE

Right. Yeah.  I can relate.

(All the Nates take a drink.)

NATE3

Look, all I can say is, Sam's a great girl and a good friend.  She's fun too. And, Heath is pretty amazing too. He's a good kid.  I'd just take it slow and see where things go.

NATE2

Take it slow and see where things go.

Nate

About Laura?

NATE3

Just, you know, wait and see.

Nate

Wait and see.

Fade out.

Fade in.

Interior: Samantha and Laura's living room.

(Samantha, Brian, and Heath are in living room.  Laura walks in, she surveys the scene.)

BRIAN

So, I'm gonna take off, Sam.  I've got work early in the am.

SAMANTHA

Okay, bye, Brian.

(Brian hugs Heath and exits.)

SAMANTHA

Heath, why don't you go hang this up on the fridge, okay?

HEATH

Okay, Mama.

(He takes drawing and leaves.)

SAMANTHA

So, Nate, my Nate, you know.

LAURA

Your Nate?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, yeah...my Nate.  He came over, we had dinner, and we were here on this couch, and Heath runs in with Brian.

LAURA

Now, whose life is a sitcom? High five.

SAMANTHA

Really? We're doing that.

LAURA

Just humor me.

(Laura walks over to Samantha and hugs her.)

Fade out.

Nate & Laura; How They Met Season Two, Episode One

Episode One:

ACT ONE, SCENE ONE

Exterior: Street

(Laura, in jogging clothes and hair pulled into ponytail, runs down the street.  She's got her headphones in and is lost in thought.)

Flashback: Laura and Nate on Kiyah's porch kissing

(Laura shakes herself, runs a little harder.  A love song comes on and Laura is lost again in thought, thinking about Nate.  She smiles, stops to catch her breath, and is out in front of a hair salon.)

Pov: Laura looking in window at salon

3/4 wide: Laura contemplating a hair change.

(She tugs a little at her pony tail and her hair falls out and around her face. She runs her hands through it, nods to herself, decidedly, and enters salon.)

Interior: Hair Salon

An older woman approaches Laura. She's fairly thin, stylish, with jet black dyed hair.

Hair Stylist

Hi.  You're up early, aren't you?

Laura

Yeah, out for a run. Sorry for the grungy look.

Hair Stylist

Its fine.

LAURA

I didn't think you'd be open.  I mean, this is kind of an impulse thing, I guess.

HAIR STYLIST

Early bird gets the worm, eh? So, impulse thing, major life change? New love interest?

LAURA

Something like that, I guess, yeah.

HAIR STYLIST

Juicy.

LAURA

Yeah, I guess so.

HAIR STYLIST

So you want to make an appointment for, something to fit this major change?

Laura

Yeah.  Something cute and sassy, maybe redder, yeah.  That's how I feel.

(Hair stylist, looking over Laura's hair.)

HAIR STYLIST

I think we can do something like that. I've got some magazines you can look through, for inspiration. When would you like to make the appointment?

LAURA

Well, I work from 11-4 today.

HAIR STYLIST

So, 4:30?

LAURA

Yeah! That'd be great.

HAIR STYLIST

Okay, see you then.

cut to:

Exterior: Hair salon

(Laura, leaving hair salon, carrying a few magazines.  She stops to put on her headphones, adjust herself.)

Pan: Around the corner, we see Nate pushing Stephen in stroller

Nate turns the corner and sees Laura, head bent over, fiddling with ipod.

Nate pushes the stroller towards her, tentatively, slight smile on his face.

Nate

Um, Laura, hi.

Laura looks up, smiles nervously, unsure of what to do.

LAURA

Hi Nate.

NATE

How are you? I haven't seen you since, um,

Laura

Yeah, sorry, I just...have been thinking.

Nate

Okay.

LAURA

Its just...I mean, Scott, my ex, he isn't a bad guy and this, you, caught me unaware, I didn't plan...

Nate

Sometimes it works like that.

Laura

What does?

Nate

Love.  Like a bell goess off and--

Laura

A bell.

Nate

Yeah, a bell.

(Their eyes meet, they walk in silence for a moment.)

LAURA

Bell ringing for you?

NATE

Loudly, yes.

LAURA

Mine too.

NATE

You have a bell too?

LAURA

Oh yeah.

NATE

I guess that explains the ringtone.

LAURA

Oh yeah.  I tried to smother it because...

NATE

Yeah.

LAURA

Because I'm weird.

NATE

Yeah.

LAURA

Hey!

NATE

I'm kidding.

LAURA

When I let the bell just be...a bell...its so easy. To talk to you.

NATE

Be with you.

Laura

Yeah, and it kind of freaked me out though.

NATE

I can see that.

Laura

I mean, that never happened before to me, you know. See someone you like or whatever and a bell goes off.

Nate

Yeah, true.

LAURA

I mean, did that ever happen to you?

NATE

I don't think...no, it hasn't.

LAURA

So, kinda scary, huh?

Nate

Scary?

LAUra

Scary, like weird.

Nate

Yeah, it can be.

LAURA

So, I just didn't know what to do, what it meant.

NATE

Why?

Laura

Why what?

Nate

Why does it have to be explained or whatever? I mean, life is like that, right, its unexplainable and we waste so much of it, trying to figure it all out, 'what does it all mean,' you know, why can't we just be, like, just let a bell be a bell.

Laura

Let a bell be a bell.

Nate

Yeah, no explanations or trying to figure it all out.  Just, let it ring.

LAura

Let it ring.

Nate

Let it ring, let it ring.

(They both laugh.)

Coffee?

LAURA

Yeah, I'd like that.  I've got to get home soon though, get ready for work.

Nate

Got it.  Well, this is my treat.  Get you ready for the day.

Laura

I like that.

(They walk down the street, towards the grower's market and approach the coffee stand at the market.)


BARISTA

Hi there! What can I get for you? Oh, its you again!

NATE

Yeah, its us.  How are you?

BARISTA

Doing well. How are you?

NATE

Doing wonderful.  We're letting bells be bells.

(He reaches for Laura's hand, she takes it.  They smile at each other and stand there holding hands.)

BARISTA

Ah, I see.  So, what do you want then?

NATE

Um, two lattes please?

LAURA

Yeah, I'd love a latte.

(Nate hands the barista his debit card, she takes it.)

BARISTA

Right. I'll get right on that.

(Barista starts preparing drinks. Nate turns to Laura.  He smiles at her, she smiles at him.)

Nate

So, you getting your hair cut or something?

Laura

Yeah, today after work.

Nate

Nice.  What are you going to do?

Laura

Something different, a change.

Nate

I like you the way you are, I mean, I bet whatever it is, it will look nice.

LAUra

Thanks, Nate.

Nate

So, after work?

Laura

Yeah?

Nate

You doing anything? You want to hang out or---

Laura

Or?

Nate

I don't know.  Grab a drink or something?

Laura

I'd love to.  Oh crap, I'm sorry I can't.

NATE

Oh, okay.

LAURA

No, I mean, I would love to.  But, I'm getting the rest of my stuff from...from my old place...and I have to deal with....all of that.

NATE

All right.

LAUra

I'm really sorry.  Rain check?

Nate

Of course.

Laura

I'll call you or text you, okay?

nate

I'd like that.

Laura

I don't live far.  You want to walk me home?

Nate

Walking a girl home. Classic.  Can I carry your books too?

(Laura laughs.)

Laura

Wait, why?

NATE

Like in the 1950s or whatever, guy would walk a chic home, carry her books, court her and stuff.

Laura

Oh, right. Well, shall we?

Nate

We shall.

(They walk away off camera.)

Cut to:

Exterior: Samantha and Laura's house.

Samantha and Heath exit.  Heath has a backpack and Samantha carries purse.  She smiles at Laura and Nate.

SAMANTHA

Well, hello there, Nate.  Nice to see you.

Nate

Hi, Sam.  And, whose this?

SAMANTHA

This is my Heath.

Nate

Hi there, Heath. I'm Nate.

(Heath hides behind his mom.)

SAMANTHA

Sorry, he can be shy sometimes.

Nate

It's all right.

Laura

Hey to you too, Samantha.

SAMANTHA

Well, you're my room-mate, Laura.

LAURA

On your way out?

SAMANTHA

Just dropping of the kid here at school, then heading into work. So, you two have the place.

(She winks at Laura, Laura ignores it.)

LAURA

He was just...walking me home, a la 1950s.  I've got to get ready for work now.  Out of this sweaty garb.

Nate

You look all right to me.

LAURA

Thanks.

(Samantha's phone buzzes, she looks at it. Samantha silences phone and slips it into her pocket,smiling silently.  She looks across the table at Laura, winks.)

LAURA

Yes, Samantha?

SAMANTHA

What?

LAURA

You winked?

SAMANTHA

Oh no, I didn't...I mean.

(She winks again.)

LAURA

You just did it again.

SAMANTHA

Look, can we talk later at work? Its important.

Laura

Okay.

NATE

I'll see you later, okay, Laura?

LAUra

I'll text you.

Fade into:

ACT ONE, SCENE TWO

Interior: Kiyah and Samantha's boutique

(Samantha and Laura at work, folding clothes, etc.  Samantha hands Laura her phone.)

LAURA

What's this?

SAMANTHA

Its my cellphone, duh.  I got a text from Nate, my Nate.  Thanks for making it awkward back there.  Weirdo.

LAURA

Well, you winked at me. Since when do we wink?

SAMANTHA

Since when do we not wink!  Its a code for "I got a secret", kind of thing.  Everyone knows that.

LAURA

Well, I can't ever recall a time when you ever winked at me personally--

SAMANTHA

Can you not? Look, he texted me.  He actually texted me.

LAURA

So, what did he say?

SAMANTHA

Can't you read?

LAURA

I don't know how to open your text messages, what's your password?

SAMANTHA

Oh, god dammit!

(She takes phone, punches in password, hands phone back to Laura.)

LAURA

"Hey, sorry its been so long. I've been busy--Nate."

(Laura looks over at Samantha and hands phone back to him.)

SAMANTHA

So?

LAURA

So, he's been busy?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, and he's sorry and...and...and...Laura, he's into me too.  He's into me!  We both have our Nates!

LAURA

What?

SAMANTHA

Today and I saw you...at Kiyah's.

LAURA

Oh, yeah, that.

SAMANTHA

Wait, what the hell?

LAURA

Yeah, I don't know.

SAMANTHA

Laura!!

LAURA

I just, maybe, I rushed into things.  And, I mean, just because he texted you doesn't mean you "have" him.  A person can't really "have" another--

SAMANTHA

Hey, just let me "have" this, okay? Just because you got your weird hang-ups and stuff!

LAURA

All right, all right.

SAMANTHA

Yeah, and what's wrong with you anyway? You looked pretty happy with Nate--

LAURA

Yeah, I guess I...just don't want to ruin things...

SAMANTHA

Ruin things? How so?

LAURA

I don't know.  And, I just don't want to rush into things, fall hard, like I always do, and end up getting fucked over in the end. You know?

SAMANTHA

Yeah, yeah.  Its always a risk.

(She looks down at her cellphone.)

Well, now I'm good and depressed.  Thanks.

LAURA

No problem.

(They hug.)

So, how is Kiyah? Have you talked to her?

SAMANTHA

She's dealing...we talked last night on the phone. I just told her to take a few days off.  I guess, she took my advice, because Nate's looking after the kids.

LAURA

Good for her.

SAMANTHA

Yeah, agreed.  And, she has enough on her plate dealing with Eddie and all the legal shit of divorce, restraining order, blah blah blah.

Laura

So, she did it? Got a restraining order?

SAMANTHA

Yeah. And, I'm super duper proud of her too.  And, her mom was super helpful too, went with her to the cop shop and everything.

Cut to:

Fade into: Ashley, waking up in her dorm room bed

She sits up, groggy eyed, then suddenly runs to bathroom.

CUTAWAY: Ashley bending over toilet, vomiting.

Cut to:

Interior: Kiyah and Samantha's boutique

LAURA

So, how's Ashley?

SAMANTHA

You know, I haven't heard from her in a few days, so I don't know. I'm guessing she's fine.

Cutaway: Ashley at College Cafeteria, with a tray at a food bar.

(Ashley surveys the food types.  Server waits for her to tell him what she wants, she stares growing more and more green.)

SERVER

You gonna order something or just admire the arrangement?

(Ashley looks over food, grabs her mouth to stop vomit, turns and runs off hurriedly, leaves tray.)

Cutaway: Ashley running to bathroom, opens door, runs in.

CLOSE UP: Bathroom door

Cutaway: bathroom, Ashley's feet peeking out under stall door.

(Ashley is heard vomiting in stall.)

CUTAWAY:Server

SERVER

Well, that's a fine how do you do?

(Server continues work, serving other customers.

Act One, Scene Two

Exterior: Kiyah's back porch.

(Kiyah sits on chair, sipping mug of tea, staring into space.  Nate3 appears over the fence and smiles at her, sympathetically.)

NATE3

Kiyah.  How are you?

KIYAH

Nate? I didn't know you were back.  Just visiting?

NATE3

No back, for now.  Me and the wife...we're no more.

KIYAH

Sorry to hear that.

NATE3

It's all right.  But, how are you?

KIYAH

How do you mean?

NATE3

Kiyah, I heard, I saw.

KIYAH

Yeah, I bet.

NATE3

So? You okay?

(Kiyah shrugs.)

Mind if I come around?

KIYAH

Sure.

(Nate3 dissappears off camera.)

3/4 Close up: Kiyah, sitting, drinking tea, contemplating

(Nate3 appears into frame.)

OVER THE SHOULDER:Nate3 to Kiyah

(Nate3 sits by Kiyah.)

NATE3

Hey.

KIYAH

Hi. It is good to see you.

NATE3

You know, if you need anything...

KIYAH

Thanks.  I'd just like to sit here.

NATE3

You want me to leave?

KIYAH

No.  I like the company but I just want to sit here, I don't want to...have to try...or think too much.  Just sit and be.

NATE3

Okay, I can do that.

KIYAH

Thanks.  So, how are you?

NATE3

Picking up the pieces bit by bit.  My wife...eh...ex-wife...decided she didn't want to be married anymore...to me anyway.  She's off with some rich bigwig, some successful millionaire guy.  Guess I didn't know her that well after all?

KIYAH

You'll find someone, I believe that.

NATE3

You do?

KIYAH

Yeah, I do.  Isn't that weird? That I still believe in love?

Nate3

No, that's a good thing.  A very good thing.  It means you still have hope.  And, that's your strength.

KIYAH

Do you? Still have hope?

NATE3

Somedays I do, somedays its all despair and moaning, sobbing.

KIYAH

Same.

NATE3

So, you got a new manny?

KIYAH

Yeah, you met...um...Nate?

NATE3

Did we ever?

(They both laugh.)

What ever happened to...uh...your last nanny?

KIYAH

Ashley? She's around still.  Just got too busy with school.  Senior year.

NATE3

Oh.  What's next for her?

KIYAH

I couldn't tell you.  But, one thing I know, she'll figure it out.  That girl is strong, stronger than the rest of us.  Don't know if she knows it yet completely?

NATE3

She is that.

(Nate walks up towards his unit, pushing Stephen in stroller.)

Kiyah and Nate3

Hey, Nate!

NATE

Oh, wow, hi. Didn't see you there?  How are you, Kiyah? Nate?

KIYAH

Good. Is he sleeping?

Nate

Yeah, just.

KIYAH

I know I said I needed a breath today but can you bring him to me? I need to see him, hold him. Is that okay?

Nate

He's your kid.

(Nate pushes stroller to back porch.  Kiyah gets up and gingerly scoops Stephen up from stroller, sits and rocks him softly singing to him.)

That's so...perfect.

NATE3

Yeah.  Makes you hope that, well, you know.

NATE

Yeah, yeah, it does.

Fade out.

ACT ONE, SCENE Three

Exterior: Hair Salon

(Laura exits, with new hair style, smiling, she runs her hair through hand, then walks confidently forward.)

Cut to:

Exterior: Across the street from Planned Parenthood

Wide: Ashley contemplating crossing

POV: Ashley looking over at Planned Parenthood

CLOSE UP: Ashley's face, contemplating

3/4 wide: Ashley shrugs, hugs herself, and exits away from Planned Parenthood

Act One, Scene Four

Exterior: Scott & Laura's condo

(Laura approaches, looking very cute and confident.)

OVER THE SHOULDER:as Laura approaches the door.

(Cautiously, she knocks. Scott answers. He is dressed very neatly, behind him the house is organized and clean, with cardboard boxes of Laura's belongings stacked neatly.)

Laura

Hi, Scott.

Scott

Hi.  Laura.  Come in.

LAUra

I can't stay long.

Interior: Scott and Laura's living room

SCOTT

You look great.  Love the new hair.

Laura

Thanks.  I needed a change...

Scott

You needed a change.  Huh.

LAUra

Scott, I'm sorry, I'm really really sorry.

SCOTT

I'll do anything, Laura.  I'll change.  I already have.  Dad said he could get me a job at the family business.

LAUra

But, Scott, that's not...

SCOTT

Its what I need to do...for you.

LAUra

Don't.  Don't do it for me.

SCOTT

Why not, Laura? I love you.  Do you love me?

LAUra

I do, Scott, I really do.  But, its just that....

Scott

What is it, Laura?

LAUra

It isn't...enough.

Scott

What are you saying?

LAUra

I need to...go.

Scott

Stay, Laura, stay please.

LAURA

I can't.

SCOTT

Why not, Laura? I don't understand.  Help me to understand.

LAURA

I...just...I need to know who I am.  I need to...I lost me...I need to see myself.

SCOTT

I'll wait for you, Laura.  I'll do whatever it takes.  Just don't...don't give up on me, okay?

LAURA

I just don't know...

SCOTT

Promise me you'll try?

Laura

I'll try.

Fade out.

Act One, Scene Five

Interior: Ashley's dorm room bathroom.

(Ashley sits on toilet, in front of her is pregnancy test.)

Wide: Ashley looking at pregnancy test, waiting

Pov: Ashley looking at pregnancy test

Camera moves in jolts towards pregnancy test until its on a close up.

Wide: Ashley, sighs, then reaches for it. She looks it over, gasps loudly, groans.

CLOSE UP: Ashley's face

ASHLEY

Fuck.

Act One, Scene Six

Exterior: Kiyah's front yard

Nate and Adam walk hand in hand up to the front door

Interior: Kiyah's living room.

(Nate enters living room, Kiyah is sitting on the floor playing with Stephen.  Adam runs up and hugs his mommy, then back into his room.)

NATE

Care for a little company?

KIYAH

Yeah, I guess.

(Nate crosses and sits next to her.)

NATE

You gonna be okay tonight? I can stay if you--

KIYAH

Um, look, I don't want to, I mean, I'm still married, I'm flattered though--

NATE

Wait, what? No, I meant as a friend, I'd stay on the couch, if anything.

KIYAH

Oh, oh.  I'm sorry.  I guess I'm rusty at this, eh, the dating thing, never was any good at it though, no big surprise there.

NATE

Hey, stop that, okay?

KIYAH

What?

NATE

Stop putting yourself down, okay? You are awesome, okay? I haven't known you that long except for the emails that got me here and these last few days but, Kiyah, you own your own business, you run it and this house, you are an awesome mom--

KIYAH

Really? An awesome mom?

NATE

Yeah, the kids love you! They really do!

KIYAH

Really? Thanks, Nate.

NATE

Yeah, Eddie's just...just a big loser and creep, if you ask me.

KIYAH

Heh.

NATE

Sorry I...I guess I don't know what to say either.

KIYAH

No, its fine.  You want something? Glass of wine?

(She rises, picking up Stephen and entering into the kitchen.)

NATE

Sure.  Need help with anything?

(He rises and follows her in the kitchen.)

OVER THE SHOULDER:follow Nate into the kitchen

KIYAH

No, just let me have this.

Nate

Sorry.

KIYAH

No, not like that.  I'm just, I need this.  I need to learn how to do stuff...by myself. Whatever that is.

NATE

Of course.

(Kiyah hands Nate a glass of wine.)

To New Beginnings?

KIYAH

New beginnings.

(They clink glasses.)

Fade out.

Hearts-Sick Doctor Who Fan Fiction Episode Thirteen "New Adventure"

Hearts-Sick Doctor Who Fan-Fiction Episode Twelve

Hearts-Sick Doctor Who Fan Fiction Episode Eleven