Home Is Of Ashland, Oregon #homeisoftheheart #homesicknomore

 

It's only recently that I have felt truly comfortable 'within my own skin' enhancing the empowering sense of finally being home without.  For the majority of my life, of which reasoning I now see to be trauma related, I have felt lost, swimming frantically searching for, a life boat, a stretch of land of peace and stability, endlessly seeking approval never fully granted.  The real meaning of the word 'homesick' a part of my inner being lifelong. 

During the time of which I speak

It was hard to turn the other cheek

To the blows of insecurity

However, the antidote to that, has been a long journey of discovery and recovery starting in late 2006 with the diagnosis of Bipolar.  For this catapulted me into the various formats of therapy, support groups, and psychological testing, that led me deeper within than I had ever imagined or wanted to travel.  Scary to begin with, but as I continued thus, the terrain became a little less treacherous, even in times of painful struggle, the overcoming seemed less insurmountable.  With each hurdle, each secret unraveled, each victory proclaimed, a calmness overtook me, I found at once a peace bubbling upwards over inside of  me.  I was coming home within again and again.

Oh, how I wish I were a trinity

So if I lost a part of me

I'd still have two of the same to live

But nobody gets a lifetime rehearsal

As specks of dust, we're universal

Yet, with all this continued soul-searching and discovery, I still felt an inner restless, seeking outward with hopeful dreams that perhaps I shall attain, an almost FOMO for what I do not have, all the while the inner fantasy of what could have been an ever distant impossibility.  What these fantasies afforded me, specifically that of the childhood idealization of Night Court and Harry Anderson, was the dream of that which I always deserved, unconditional love, encouragement, and support for my entire self as I am.  That fantasy impossible to become real left a bit of my inner self still broken, still lonely. 

But despite this empty broken-heart within, the journey of recovery still continued, this restlessness always lead me to never to give in, give up.  Along the way, these travels inner and outer coincided with my residing in Ashland, Oregon.  Try as I might to kindle some attachment or connection to another place permanently, Ashland continued to have her hold upon me.  No matter the changes that transform this city for the positive or negative, it's the inner work within myself that is enhanced by living in such a beautiful, transcendence of a place.  Since my first arrival in Ashland at the tender age of 15, dragged here one spring break by my parents, when I instantly fell in love, I knew, then, transferring into Southern Oregon University at the age of 21 because I knew, despite all the hardship therein and that to come, the different phases of my life, from Miss, to Mrs, to Ms, student, teacher, wife, actor, model, entrepreneur, the one constant of this journey has been the loving embrace of this beautiful city, Mother Ashland.  

As I walk her streets now, I am filled with the memory of others history alongside, as well as my own, the different parts of me healed by my strength upon strength, I embrace each and all, vividly with each moment, alive with the fullness of real love of self, finally and continually home within.  Truly, truly, Home is of the heart, Home is of Ashland, Oregon.

Though it's stormy now I feel safe within the arms

Of love's discovery

Love's Recovery~Indigo Girls

Magic Is Real: Night Court Of Life Lessons Chapter Eleven

 

There are certain individuals that you come across in life that show you how real magic is and the above human was that embodiment.  Yes, he was a practicing magician, but the magic within was larger than any trick he performed.  That smile spread across his face was an ever present reflection in his eyes, the true joy and zest for life came about with the sheer gratitude of being alive.  Although he has left us in the physical, that magical spirit remains and continues to touch so many, reminding us that magic is real, hope is alive, and love the true solution.

I wish I could have met him while he resided on this planet.  It is bizarre to me now as I collect history on him how much he and I danced about each other, just missing each other, coming so close but never reaching.  A good friend got to meet him in his shop in New Orleans and chat with him a bit, for starters, but the biggest realization of this almost yet eternal connection is the little town of which I call home, Ashland, Oregon.  I don't know why it took me ever so long to realize truly, even after many told me, how much he was at one point invested here, how many can recall his days here.  It's almost as if when they told me I didn't want to imagine that he was ever that close, that I wasn't really meant to be close to him...not like he was and is some form of diety, not at all, but more from my belief I was unworthy of closeness with anyone.

But, now some three years after his passing, I sit typing in this town that he once walked and I feel him so close to me, like never before, and truly I begin to understand that I am worthy of love and connection, of all that is given to me by the universe and my dear loved ones, and more than that, that I, too, carry within that spark of magic, an unquenchable desire to shed joy and gratitude about through authentic storytelling and performing.

The finest lesson any 'father' could endow is to:

 Embrace the magic of each moment and to always take life less seriously.

That's All

I can only give you love that lasts forever
And a promise to be near each time you call
And the only heart I own
For you and you alone
That's all

Old Farm House

New series "Out & About, Exploring" first episode 

Why I Love Renting

 

I know that there is a high pressure based on societal rules to fall in life with the enforced milestones of life, you know, like getting the college degree, hitching up, birthing the 2.5 kids, and buying a house.  But, for my life in residence, I have been a renter throughout. I used to be looked down for this, another regulation enforced by society, that if you don't fit into the status quo, if you are different, you are wrong and somehow broken.

But, as I drive about my beloved home town of Ashland, I marvel as I travel past all the former places of residence, or even, the places I called home because they hold some significance, whether it be an old friend or flame's abode, a former work environment, or something in between, and this reality of my existence warms me to the core.  I've mourned as I watched the demise and destruction of a place I once called home and continued to feel the absence as I pass by where it once was.  

Added to that, as I busy myself with the joys of nesting and all that goes into behind a domestic homebody, I love finding the little artifacts left behind by former residence, mostly as the seedlings they planted continue each year with fresh blooms or rather other little garden memories. 

Looked at from a purely financial aspect, when one buys a house they purchase a mortgage through a bank, rather the bank or lender covers the cost and the buyer pays back with interest until the loan is paid off.  Rather, rent, aside from the event that the landlord or lady raises, remains at a fixed amount with no interest.  

One's rental lease may be signed for month to month or a year whereas buying a house remains yours as long as you maintain the payments and is permanently yours after the loan is paid off, unless you decide to or need to sell.  But, as learned in the housing crisis of 2008 (am I dating myself?), in the extreme event of financial hardship and recession, paying the mortgage becomes an increasing anxiety (where is the  money?) which could result in foreclosure.  

Being a renter and being at the whim of one's landlord runs the risk of losing one's residence as being a home-owner and defaulting on payment one's the risk of also losing one's residence.  Thus, the truth of a physical residence is a precarious residence and finding the home within is crucial to permanently feeling grounded wherever one lands and has an address.

There's No Place Like Home

When I was Eponine, Part One: Life In A College Dorm

 

On My Own

I gotta admit, the above picture is hard for me to look at.  Why? It was taken during the time I lived in the college dorms at Southern Oregon University, specifically known as the Cascade Complex in Baker Hall, to be exact.  The photo doesn't pain me for where I was living, but the circumstances surrounding the moment it was taken.  I was hanging out with my best guy friends and my college boyfriend, who was very abusive to me, verbally speaking.  My college boyfriend, that is, not the guy friend, well one of them was and is extremely cool and still in my life to this day, the other proved to be of a similar calibre to the boyfriend, of which pains me to admit.  Thus, examining this time of my life seems a perfect fit for today's entry, for it was a big portion of time of which I existed as "Eponine" and her view of the world about her.

This week I spent some time at the old college dorm haunt.  (I call it a "haunt" not merely because it is, suspected to be, haunted, but in the romantic sense of the word: Haunt: noun,a place frequented by a specified person or group of people."I revisited my old haunts"). 

Why did I spend time there this last week? Well, I was working for the local branch of the nursing program, Oregon Health & Science University, of which is currently housed in my old stomping ground and former college abode, the "Cascade Complex".  

The Cascade Complex resembles little of its former glory, as it is continually prepped for its eventual demolishment, and so to, my heart is preparing for this reality by opening myself up to release a stage of my life from which I have left.  

As I walked through the halls, debilitated, stripped bare, empty with my footsteps echoing off the ceiling and down the passage, I am surrounded by the memories of who I was and I feel her with me as I sojourn. The reality of the place as it is today resembles the loneliness of her troubled heart, wrought with an everlasting depression, a shell of a girl, craving an existence of external validating source that would provide sustaining love and security, yet never truly discovered or acheived.  As I visit with her, remembering her joys and heartbreaks, all of who I was when I was her, all that I did, the friends made, our laughter and conversation presently soaked as a memory deep within the walls, I implore directly to her heart that all things will work out, not necessarily how she desires or plans it, but it will unfold in a beautiful and powerful way.  The pains she carries about with her, the depression weighing her down greatly, will be the source of her greatest power and strength.  She will overcome, becoming whole, healthy, increasingly on her journey towards wellness.  Because of the heartbreak and suffering, she will surrender to her truth. 

This reality, this overwhelming truth, is not within her grasp of contemplation, for she is still within her Eponine phase.  Yet as hard as it is to view her, with my need to rescue, I cannot, for the Eponine Phase is a vital process to find the ultimate true selves, innermost peace, and power within.  I cannot and must not seek to derail her journey, for I know that every single step and circumstance, however it may have wounded, led me to who I became and am today.  There was a very significant reason for each moment, celebratory or tumultuous.

So, I allow myself then to simply join her as she and I become one once again and finally.  I accept her as she is, for that is what she truly needed.  I walk with her, through the familiar hallways of the old haunt, singing the depth of emotion in her "Eponine" aching cries.  Throughout that journey, healing transpires.

Re-Visiting My Eponine

I would love to hear your thoughts about your "Eponine" phase or thoughts on this blog.  Comment below and I will respond.

The Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc.  Support us at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions and find out more about us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube.  Also, check out our website at: www.cafegirlproductionsinc.com

DJ Michael: A Message

My friend, DJ Michael J. Hearne, is one of the most positive persons I know, despite hardships and circumstances of life I hardly hear him complain.  There are times when he does, as we all suffer annoyances of life, but a good deal of the time he is actively following his passionate purpose of mixing music and sound on his soundcloud account to better his life situation.  I truly have been inspired and honored to have met him this last year and have gotten to spend some sweet times.  
I share this rant he sent me about a daily part of his life that is an irritant and I share it here because I believe it needs to be shared, as it shows a part of humanity we do not always want to look at or have in our line of sight.  
Although I wish you to know Michael and his little dog, MeMe, as I do, so please head on over to his facebook page and give it a link.  There are links there to his soundcloud account where you can listen to his creations.

https://www.facebook.com/DJMichaelJHearne/

A Rant: I found this parked next to the gazebo this morning.....the bag was stuffed into the back of their little fridge. i found it walking meme along her daily walk alongside the espresso shop...so i pushed it across the street to the Windsor....the rosemary bush on corner of gazebo reeks like urine I'm pondering why nobody stands against this behaviour except downtown. the police "talk" to the homeless, but nothing is seeming to be really done. Dealing with constamt threats and name calling all day long from the homeless as well, not just to me but I see it directed at OTHER patrons and passer-bys! A blonde drunk sits ON AMPM property, drinking steele reserve flying a sign yells at everyone: "What? You can't spare a dollar? Fucking Nigger!" and yet nobody says a word because they "Know" him.

Yet I am the sober one, buying food, soda and cigarettes, polite, non alcoholic stoner is forbidden to sit and eat my purchased meal and told to "move along" Panhandling? Job? For some reason over the years I can't get help for shit whether applying for a job or services for help. With organizations, drug addiction IS in fact a pre-requisite to receive such services for home, job training ...sometimes even warming shelters. In Ashland, I do not qualify for the warming shelter based on a vulnerability status..Only god knows how "Vulnerability" is defined. Just like everything else, I only recieve a book of excuses. Those who DO and HAVE help are those who know me in which I can't thank enough...And all i wanted was a cup of coffee at the Hot Stuff Espresso so i can charge my laptop so I be turned down by more jobs and play wih music.

Leave a comment below.  Check out Michael's link and his music. 

The Thriving Artist is a subset of Cafe-Girl Productions, Inc, a film and media company that supports thriving artists of all variety.  Support us at: www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

Hey, Thanks!

Can't we just enjoy all this food without all this being thankful crap?  

But, in all honesty, the theme behind Thanksgiving, not the history is one of my personal favorites and I value the time spent in repose, pondering what it is we have to be thankful for, making our lists of gratitude either in written form or mere thought over the month of November.  In all truth, its something that should not just be done one month or even merely a day in the year, but every day, to take that pause to reflect, to notice, just what it is one is grateful for. 

Like perchance today, when I was stranded in the hills above Ashland, the truck I am driving precariously resting upon a chunk of ice that left myself and the dog by my side in the situation of either careening into the house below or sliding into the parked car near us, and then three angels emerged from the snowy woods of which I had only recently came from myself.  Okay, they were just three hippie-like citizens of Ashland, but they took their time and had the compassion to lend a hand, even after I swore profusely up and down when I slammed the tip of my pointer finger in the back door, blood spurting everywhere onto the snow.  They patiently chatted to help me out, while I dug through the mess of the truck cabin trying to find some thing to create a make-shift bandage to stem the blood so I could assist their assistance.  And, yes, I found the napkin and taped up my finger, yes, they got me safely off the mountain, as one joked with me, "You are having quite the day." To which I replied, "No, its just a moment."  But, the kindness and non-judgment in that emotional moment for me was what I needed to get back on course.  As I drove off, they chirped, "Til next time" and I responded, "Next time I help you!"

Yes, its pleasant moments like that that remind us that the idea of "the kindness of strangers" is actually a reality. 

So, back to the matter of thanksgiving, eating the grub, and all that about what being grateful.  Indeed, I truly have much to be thankful for this year, having the loving support of many a friend, a warm roof over my head, the cutest kitty ever that sleeps in my bed, being able to create art both onstage and onscreen and see its fulfillment alongside some beloved souls, being paid for what I love to do which gives me a new feeling of appreciation that I cannot fully express or comprehend as of yet, and finally finding the return of the love and magic of life and Ashland. 

But, that is not the arena of thankfulness that I want to discuss right now.  At present, my mind falls upon those individuals who came into my life and proved to be less than beneficial and in some to many ways, toxic in a variety of way.  Yes, I am truly thankful for these individuals and circumstances for showing me that I had the strength to set the boundary and could survive, that I could graciously step back, watch them fade away, and then to see the myriad of strong, loving supportive beloved souls who came about to lift me up as I had lifted them.

It is not only the moments of high achievement and success that I am grateful, but also the moments of hardship, of emotional turmoil and upheaval, that cause me to stop, look, ponder and work through, coming out the other side with a fresh understanding of my own self, my own capabilities, and self worth. 

I wish all the same for you, dear reader, and am deeply grateful for each of you taking the time to read my blogging words.

www.cafegirlproductions.com

www.patreon.com/cafegirlproductions

Local Art Model Isn't Afraid To Let It Roll!

Maggie Racich is local art model, burlesque dancer, actor, and director, having recently moved here with her partner, Jimmy.  She began her career as an art model in 2011 when, looking for a creative way to make some extra money, she joined a small art group.  As a child, Maggie's mother would chase her about trying continuously to re-dress her daughter as Maggie screamed "Take it off" while removing said items, thus Maggie has always been comfortable with her body and nudity.  As a child, she found a charcoal drawing of her mother's back and was enraptured by it.  Her mother explained that before children she modeled for the local community college.  Maggie loves the aspect of fine art and helping fine artists' improve their skill and birth their visions.  ( A side note: Maggie doesn't believe she is very photogenic, although with the above photo, I beg to differ.)

Following her venture into art modeling, Maggie, along with her partner, dove into burlesque dancing in 2014.  They became involved with a burlesque troupe in Michigan, one that helped empower them to create burlesque art with a circus twist.  She enjoys burlesque dancing because of the aspect of creating an art form that is participatory with both audience and dancer.  She loves the immediate audience connection and that she can be both campy and sincere in her performances.  She also admires the wide variety of talent and creativity involved with the art form of burlesque.  One of the most fascinating aspects, she believes, is finding creative ways through choreography to remove clothing and help the viewing audience feel comfortable with nudity as well as to learn to appreciate their being unclothed and feel empowered within themselves.

As an art model, Maggie loves the aspect of visual arts.  Although she herself is not inclined to that art form, she comes from a family of fine artists so she admires greatly that process.  The most challenging aspect of it, she says, is the physical aspect, finding both an interesting pose for the artist and one that won't injure her.  She believes art modeling enables her to be present with her body as well as to become meditative during the different poses.

Maggie was fortunate to come from a family that encouraged body positivity.  She also is aware that her body is in aligned with the social expectations for beauty, but even so has never really felt uncomfortable with her body image.  Because of this, she has never experienced much backlash from either art modeling or burlesque dancing, but has experienced some social disbelief and confusion from outside sources who see her as braver than them in that they would never be able to perform or model.  She is grateful for such a supportive family and upbringing that gave her such a comfortable sense of self.

However, there have been times of her life, like all of us, where Maggie has had insecurities towards parts of her body, ways that have brought her down and been debilitating to her emotional sense.  She says that at times she can show up to art modeling feeling 'gross and bloated' but throughout the session can become increasingly more comfortable and leave with a reset of a positive body image.
She realizes that in these times of insecurity and anxiety that these body concerns are not necessarily something she can change, so she has learned to love herself for who she is and how she shows up to be daily.

An artist once told Maggie, "Don't be afraid to let it roll" meaning that our imperfections are often the most beautiful facet of ourselves.

Art by Ann DiSalvo 

You Can't Pick The Parts You Want!

 In my life currently, I am in a continuous place where the veil between reality and the ethereal is fluttering open, making me all the more aware and present of the truth beyond the visible.  To help explain, last Sunday I had a both painful and profoundly growing experience. 

Currently, I am a part of the first ever Vagina Monologues in Ashland (well, that not of any affiliation with the college).  Its been amazing to be once again apart of such a beautiful production, fourth time is a charm, right? I love to see how the beautiful stories are spoken each time in a dynamic and different form through the different voices sharing the stage alongside me.  The time before I felt a very tight kinship with the cast, one that continues strong to this day.  Sisters for life, to be certain, myself being the big sister in that bunch.

This time around I am not the big sister, more like one of the middle sisters, or something of that fashion.  Its been inspiring to see the words come forth out of multi-generational women, as the years enhance understandings of the truths on the page that bring out deeper meanings and layers.

Okay, back to my most profound and painful experience.  Last Sunday, we had our dress rehearsal.  It was the first time the majority of us were together.  There we were under the lights and hearing the show play out fully, each monologue flowing after the other.  Now, I had mistakenly forgot to call in a prescription (I have since then received it) on Saturday, so the effect of not having the medicine was enhancing my already sensitive soul.  As the monologues tumbled together, the truths my sisters' shared were awash of emotions over me.  By the end, I was felt as an exposed nerve, raw and fragile. 

The girls around me were buzzing with activity and because of my current emotional state I kept fighting the trap of feeling wounded, doing the mental gymnastics of continually reminding myself, its all in my head.  Now, I know truthfully that none were upset, that I was in that raw, emotional place and my sensitivity was not truly known to them or understood.  I do not have any hard feelings towards them, rather my heart is all the more in love with each.  Here's why.

After rehearsal, as I climbed into bed to sleep the night away, allowing my emotionally drained mind a necessary respite, I had a sudden revelation.  Emotions are not scary but necessary lessons to awaken us to deeper truths.  We all have the tendency to flee out of fear when the opportunity of being hurt rises up, for whatever reason, and in that to begin to distrust, devalue, even dislike.  As I lay there in my bed, overwhelmed with feelings, I decided to accept my emotional state and in that to accept not only the girls of whom I share the stage, but all people as they are moment by moment.  For, unless we are known narcissists lacking empathy, no one is perfect, all are capable of positive and negative emotions.  All can love, all can hate.  To truly be in relationship, we have to come together in honesty, accepting all parts of each other.  In reality, "you can't pick the parts you want" (quote from the monologue, Hair). 

I think the beauty of the Vagina Monologues is not only helping individual women find healing, wholeness, and empowerment, but bringing about true healing between the relationships women share.  For my part, my interpersonal relationships with my gender have often been fraught.  Each time I do the Vagina Monologues, my heart softens and not only am I able to forgive myself, the women in the past who have wounded, but open myself a little more to the beauty of authentic female friendship.  In that, I began to rise to the full length of my being.

In the words of the monologue, "The Vagina Monologues", I believe knowing women can be reflected:

"The thing that surprised me the most was all the layers.  Layers inside layers, opening into more layers...It was better than the Grand Canyon, ancient and full of grace.  It had the innocence and freshness of a proper English garden.  It was funny, very funny.  It made me laugh.   It could hide and seek, open and close."

Vagina Monologues

With A Little Help From My Friends

What 2018 taught me

"Home is where the heart," my character, Romana, from my production company's Doctor Who fan fiction web-series quoted to the Doctor upon re-uniting with him.  Truth be told, this is a long-standing held belief of mine, and no wonder my character said it, I wrote the screenplay. 

However, this year the sentiment has become all the more vivid in the core of my being.  I started this year with the loss of not just a survival job but having a dear friend move away.  A friend whose dogs I had walked, whose house had become a second home dear to me, as I had house-sat there, filmed many a scene there for our modern day Macbeth, Daggers In Men's Smiles.  So, not only was I losing a source of income, but losing a place familiar to my heart and the constant connection of a dear friend. 

Another friend told me about the dog-walking site, Rover.com, and I joined.  Thus, my survival job as a dog-walker/dog sitter grew in leaps and bounds; I have house-sat in many places around the valley this year.   Because of this, I could take you all over the valley, from Ashland to Medford, pointing out various places where I have lived and for a time, a week or more, called home. 

On top of that, my boyfriend and I had to spend a week out of our apartment due to bathroom repairs, thus lived for a bit over a week in a local, lovely, motel called the Manor Inn.  (FYI: the staff was lovely, considerate, kind, and I strongly recommend the place!)  Thus, there is another place I can point to in my travels around town.  '

In April, we were given a no-cause termination notice on our apartment, but were very fortunate enough to move into a lovely three bedroom home outside of Ashland.  Its been a dream come true.

Added to that, there are the places I frequented, the places I once resided, worked at, from years of old that are still homes within my heart.  There have been the frequent travels north, back to Eugene and Portland, where I re-visited the familiar haunts in those places.  Thus, I can truly say that the notion of "home being of the heart", not a mere location, has become an even clearer reality. 

Which leads me to the next lesson of 2018:  Community.  Or as I like to think of it, Common Unity.  In today's world, there appears to be a lack of what is a vital need for our souls.  Thus, if we are not of the religious mindset, we lack a sense of community and without knowing any real place to discover it, to fulfill that need.  What I have discovered this year is that we need to empower ourselves to seek out and design that community for ourselves, looking back at the true meaning of the word, that is, as mentioned above, common unity.  For my part, I have found and reclaimed my own community, common unity, through various means, theatre, film, my own business being able to marry the ideas of work with relationships.  Because, in the end, all of life is just that: relationships.  In these relationships and common unity, I have been able to find the honesty to fully encounter my heart's home, finding peace, strength, and solace within which gives me the bold determination to do the like for my own created community, common unity, relationships.

Lastly, the connection of home within my heart, a state of being, and the true meaning of community has given me the strength to face myself, to stand up to the detrimental effects of hatred and bullying, to those that wish to hinder my way and those of my dearest kindred spirits, and through this empowered new life focus to find the healing release of the wounds of past emotional abuse. 

Through this healing, my own sense of community within the home in my heart has given me a peace that surpasses the external reality of my life, whatever it may be good or bad, with a renewed focus, clearly described and designed, leading me higher and higher into achieving my destiny.

In 2019, I do so hope that not only will I continue to thrive, to heal, to connect more deeply with my center, but I wish the same for you, gentle reader.  Go forth into the world and seek to know, to understand, to truly see and be seen, to connect, and to arrive home within your heart, finally, at peace.

My Heart Your Home

Nate & Laura & How They Met

Act Two, Scene Three

Exterior: Kiyah's house, a small three bedroom house.  Kiyah's car pulls into driveway, parks.  Kiyah and Laura get out of car, walk up to front door, unlock door, enter house.

Interior: Kiyah's living room, Laura and Kiyah enter, set bags down, Kiyah flops down in couch, Laura looks around, nervously.

KIYAH

Well, come on, you can relax now.

LAURA

I don't know, this is all...

KIYAH

Its not like you haven't been here before--

LAURA

Not like this.

KIYAH

Yeah, yeah.  Well, this is it, hon, this is your new home!

LAURA

My new home? My new home!

(She starts to cry.)

My new home...

KIYAH

(Kiyah crosses to Laura.)

No, no, none of that now.  Look, what you need first is a nice hot shower, get the Scott stink off of you, then as much Ben & Jerry's as you can take, cheesy chick flicks until you pass out, and red wine!!  Deal? Come on, look at me, say it, say it...Deal? Deal?

LAURA

Deal.

KIYAH

Good girl.  Now off with you.  You know where the bathroom is.  I'll put your stuff in the study, or where that crazy asshole ex of mine left all HIS stuff when I kicked him out!  Bastard.  We should sell it.

LAURA

What?

KIYAH

We should sell his shit on ebay! Yeah, that's what we can do tonight too!  You got anything from your ex we can hawk?

LAURA

No, I didn't think to--

KIYAH

Well, when we go back there to get the rest of what you need, we'll find some stuff then...

LAURA

Well, I don't know...

KIYAH

Off with you, shower now!  I'll get the ice cream, brownies, and wine ready!!!

Interior: Shower running, Laura leans against wall, water falls over her, she closes her eyes, sobs

Exterior: Kitchen, youtube in the background playing "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun", Kiyah sings along as she pours the wine.  Her phone buzzes, a text from Samantha. It reads: Just got home, totally can't handle Benjamin right now, angry drunk. Can I crash there? Jacob's with his grandparents.

Kiyah types back, it reads: Yeah, of course, hon. Laura's here, just moved in, we're totally doing the girl's night.

Samantha's text: Awesome! See you soon!

Kiyah returns to singing with the music.

Laura walks into kitchen.  She's wearing pajamas, towel drying her hair.

KIYAH

There you are, and there you go!

Kiyah places wine glass in front of Laura.

LAURA

Wow, rum and cokes and now red wine, isn't there a little poem about this?

KIYAH

You mean, like, beer before liquor, no, it says nothing about wine.  And besides, this is a special occasion!

LAURA

How so?

KIYAH

You've been liberated.  No...we've been liberated!

(Both girls raise their glasses.)

KIYAH AND LAURA

To us!

(They sip their wine.)

LAURA

Let's let nothing come between us, okay? Nothing.

KIYAH

Yeah, no guy is worth it!

LAURA

I like that.

KIYAH

Its true.  My teacher in high school used to tell me that all the time.

LAURA

Your teacher in high school? Wait, why?

KIYAH

He was kind of like a dad to me, yeah.

LAURA

Oh, nice.  You still talk to him?

KIYAH

Not so much.  He died.

LAURA

Oh, sorry.

KIYAH

Yeah, no worries.  Come on, let's drink and dance!

(Kiyah dances with wine glass into the living room, turns up music, the girls start dancing together to "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun".)

Enter Samantha.

SAMANTHA

I came at the right time!!!

(She starts dancing with them.)

Song ends.

KIYAH

Wine in the kitchen, get yourself a glass, Samantha.

SAMANTHA

On it!

LAURA

(scanning through youtube)

What should we listen to now? Oh, I like this one...Torn, by Natalie Imbruglia...

KIYAH

Hells no!

LAURA

Why? It's how I feel--

KIYAH

Exactly why you shouldn't listen to it.  None of that sappy sad shit tonight.  That's for hangovers! For tonight, how about...Spice Girls!

(Samantha entering living room with wine bottle and wine glass.)

SAMANTHA

Girl power!!!

(Wannabe starts playing in the background. The girls dance together happily. Song ends.)

LAURA

Ah, I don't feel so good. I need to sit for a minute.

(They all sit around on couch, on the floor, etc.)

SAMANTHA

Now what?

LAURA

Ben & Jerry's Stat!

KIYAH

It's time for some eBay fun, baby!

SAMANTHA

How do you mean?

KIYAH

Jordan's left his stuff here for like over a month, its mine now, and I'm gonna sell it.  Yeah, bitch.

SAMANTHA

Nice!

(Kiyah exits into study, returns with a cardboard box and a laptop.)

KIYAH

Yeah, this is just one of his boxes.  And his computer, I'm keeping it, but let's see what gems we can find!

(She sits and the girls gather around her, start pulling items out, examining them, and Kiyah turns on laptop.  Samantha's cell phone rings.  She looks at it.)

SAMANTHA

Fuck, Benjamin!

KIYAH

Put it on speaker!

SAMANTHA

Oh, all right, but he's pretty drunk so I'm warning you...

(Samantha sets phone on coffee table, puts it on speaker.)

BENJAMIN

Listen, Bitch, don't bother coming home if you don't even have the decency to tell me where you are going.  You are so irresponsible, I'm not even sure how you became a mom, I mean, you are so incapable of being a mom, you are more a kid than he is...when are you going to grow up and be an adult...stop with this artsy fartsy life you think you have, stop living this stupid fairy-tale, its never gonna happen for you, you no talent bitch, get over it, get over yourself--

(Samantha turns phone off.)

SAMANTHA

Yeah, I warned you.

KIYAH

You did, hon.  Look, I got another room, its teeny-tiny, but its yours if you want it, at least, for awhile.

LAURA

I don't really need that big study, if you and Jacob want it, and I can take the smaller one.

SAMANTHA

Thanks, guys, really, I owe you. I don't know where I would be without you.

LAURA

To us!

(She raises her bowl of Ben & Jerry's ice cream!)

SAMANTHA

Girls rule, boys on the side!

(She raises her wine glass.)

KIYAH

No guy is worth it!

SAMANTHA AND LAURA

No guy is worth it!

Fade out.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Nate & Laura & How They Met

Act Two, Scene Two

(Exterior: Late at night, low income apartment complex.  Kiyah's car pulls into the parking lot.)

(Interior: Kiyah's car, Laura sits in the passenger side.)

KIYAH

So, you know what to get?

LAURA

Yeah, just some toiletries, some clothes, my pajamas.  I can get the rest later or whatever.

KIYAH

What do you need me to do?

LAURA

Just have my back.

KIYAH

You got it.

(Exterior: entrance to front door of Scott and Laura's apartment.  Kiyah and Laura approach door. Laura takes out keys, tries door, its unlocked.  Laura turns and looks at Kiyah, raises eyebrows. _

Let's do this.

(Kiyah and Laura enter apartment.)

(Interior: The living room of Scott and Laura's apartment.  Scott sits on couch, watching TV, beer bottle on coffee table.  Food items from Carl's Junior scattered over the table. TV blares loudly.)

SCOTT

So, you home now, Laura?

Laura

I'm not staying...

Scott

What?

LAURA

I'm not...

Scott

What?

LAURA

I'm not...

SCOTT

What?

LAURA

Turn off the TV.

Scott

I can't hear you.

Laura

Turn off the TV, Scott.

Scott

What? I can't hear--

(Kiyah walks over, grabs remote, turns off TV, room is suddenly silent.)

you.

Laura

I'm not staying, Scott.  I'm leaving...you.  Kiyah and I just came by to get some of my stuff.

(Scott says nothing, reaches for remote that Kiyah placed on coffee table.)

Say something.

(Scott turns TV on, turns up sound.)

(Kiyah moves to Laura and they exit to bedroom, start packing.)

(Interior: Scott and Laura's bedroom.)

LAURA

What the fuck?

KIYAH

Look, you are better off without him.  Let's just get what you need and go.

LAURA

What about the rest?

KIYAH

Figure that out later.

LAURA

Right.

(She starts to cry.)

KIYAH

Now, don't start that, please.  Come on, focus.

LAURA

I just don't know what to take.

KIYAH

As many clothes as possible, toiletries, favorite book, stuffed animal...

LAURA

Right, okay?

(Interior: Scott and Laura's living room. Scott watches TV.  Laura and Kiyah enter.)

LAURA

Scott? Scott? Scott?

(Kiyah walks over and grabs remote, shuts off TV.)

SCOTT

Yeah, what?

LAURA

I'm going now...

SCOTT

And?

LAURA

Look, you know, I'm the only one that really understands you--

SCOTT

Right, yeah, sure.

(Scott grabs remote from Kiyah, turns on TV loudly.)

(Kiyah looks at Laura, Laura shrugs, picks up bag and walks towards door.)

(CLOSE UP: Door closing behind Kiyah.)

(Exterior: Apartment building of Scott and Laura.)

(Kiyah and Laura walking to Kiyah's car.)

KIYAH

Congratulations, Laura!

LAURA

What the hell does that mean?

KIYAH

You left him!  You did it!

LAURA

Now what?

KIYAH

One moment at a time, Laura, just one moment at a time.  You've got this.

LAURA

Thanks, Kiyah.  Really, thank you!

We Belong

Nate & Laura & How They Met

Act one, Scene Five

Exterior: Swanson Home, Tow truck driver hitching Nate's car to truck. 

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Seems like we were just doing this!

NATE

Yeah, right.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Not much for small talk, huh?

NATE

Um...

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Ah, well.

NATE

Sorry, just a lot on my mind.  You said your name was Stephen, right?

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Yeah, and yours was?

NATE

Nate.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

New in town?

NATE

Yeah.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Sure aren't one for small talk. 

(laughs)

What brings you here?

NATE

Um...just needed a change.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Got a girl back there?

NATE

Sorta...not.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Oh, I get it.  What did she do? Cheat on you?

NATE

Something like that.

Interior: Tow Truck cabin.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

My best advice: find another girl yourself.  Doesn't have to be a long time thing.  You know, I could swear there are like ten girls to a one guy in this town...you'll find someone to hook up with, forget about that chick back there!

NATE

Thanks, I guess.  You are probably right.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Take my boss, Benjamin.  He's always railing on about his girl, Samantha.  How he could swear she's running off with this guy and that guy, from her work...she's one of those film director types, hooking up with actors all the time, that's what he swears.  I don't know.  I try to stay out of the whole thing.  Relationships, that is.

NATE

Thanks for the advice.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Any time.  Any time.

(Tow truck pulls into parking lot and starts backing into garage.)

Cut to: Benjamin on cell phone at desk, sipping coffee.

BENJAMIN

No, Sam, I told you I can't watch the kid tonight...why? Well, I got a thing...yeah, that's right I have a life too...Look, I'm at work now so--

(Nate walks up to desk.)

NATE

Um...

BENJAMIN

I gotta go, Sam.  Customer's here.

(Benjamin hangs up phone and slams it down on desk. He turns and smiles at Nate.)

You're back!  Sorry about all that...women!

NATE

Here are the keys.  You got all my information so---

BENJAMIN

Yeah, I'll have my guys take a look at it and then we'll get back to you with an estimate.

NATE

Sounds good.  See you later.

Exterior: Nate exits garage, stands looking around in parking lot.  He starts walking.

CUTAWAY: Interior Bar, late afternoon.  Kiyah and Laura sit at table, a bottle of wine between them.

LAURA

I'm telling you, Kiyah, this is the last time...

KIYAH

Yeah, you always always say that.

LAURA

I mean it this time, really mean it.  He can't treat me like this.

KIYAH

So, what are you going to do about it then?

LAURA

You need a room-mate?

KIYAH

Well...

(Door opens, blowing Kiyah and Laura's hair with blast of cold.  Camera pans over to reveal Nate in the door.)

Hey there, its you...Lucy's new...manny!!

NATE

Oh yeah, its...Kira, right?

KIYAH

Kiyah, yeah.

NATE

Sorry about that.

KIYAH

It's all right.  Everyone always does that.  Want to join us?

Nate

Um, I guess, for a bit. 

(Nate approaches table, stands, looks down at Laura. Their eyes meet.)

Um, hi.

LAURA

Hi.

Fade out.

Haven't Met You Yet

Nate & Laura & How They Met

Act One, Scene three

Exterior: The Lawn between Swanson main house and granny unit, early morning.  Nate exits the unit and crosses over to main house.

Interior: Kitchenette of Swanson home, Saturday morning.  Stephen in high chair, eating cheerios on tray.  Adam at table, eating a bowl of cereal.  Eddie reads paper and drinks coffee.  Lucy at counter, pouring herself a cup of coffee, smiles at Nate when he enters.

LUCY

Good morning!! Just the guy I wanted to talk to...would you like some coffee?

NATE

I would love some.

(Lucy grabs a mug from the cupboard, pours some coffee in it.)

LUCY

Cream? Sugar?

NATE

Just black.

EDDIE

Like a man!

LUCY

Eddie!

(Nate laughs and takes coffee from Lucy.)

NATE

So, I wanted to ask your advice on the best mechanic in town, I'll need to get that thing fixed pretty fast...sorry that it doesn't seem so reliable!

LUCY

Hey, these things happen!

NATE

Yeah, talked to my dad this morning, he said, he could float me some money to cover it.

LUCY

Good, good.  You know, my friend, Sara's boyfriend works at a shop downtown.  You can check them out.  Ask for Brian and say you know me.

NATE

Great.

LUCY

Yeah, the shop is Ashland Auto Repair, I think.

NATE

Sounds good.

LUCY

Now, can we talk scheduling for these guys?

NATE

Of course.

LUCY

Now, you know, weekends are free for you, unless something comes up.  On weekdays, I have to leave by 7:45 to get to work, so I'd like you to start at 7:30 in the morning, for breakfast routine and getting ready for school.  At 8:15, walk Adam to school, we have the stroller for Stephen.  Then, back here with Stephen, who should try and nap around 10, then pick up Adam at 12:30, naps at 1:00 pm.  Then, playtime until dinner at 5, when I get home, and you are off for the evening.  Got it?

NATE

Whew! I think so.

LUCY

It really isn't that hard, but its a lot to take in.  There is a detailed schedule on the refrigerator.  I also left a binder with detailed instructions about naps, diaper and potty training, important phone numbers in your apartment.

(Eddie rolls his eyes.)

NATE

Wow! Thank you!  I'll study it thoroughly.

(Doorbell rings.)

LUCY

Oh, that will be Kiyah.

(She exits to front entrance way.  Nate sips coffee and leans against counter, looking from Stephen to Adam to Eddie, waiting. Kiyah and Lucy enter, talking. Kiyah, a heavy-set Asian woman in her late twenties, stops and stares at Nate.)

KIYAH

Hi there, I'm Kiyah.

LUCY

Nate, this is my best friend.  We also work together at the shop downtown.

(Kiyah moves towards Nate slowly, he backs away into corner of kitchen.)

NATE

Hi.

LUCY

Kiyah and I were about to head downtown for our pilates class, maybe you can come with and we can drop you at the mechanics?

NATE

Sounds great.  Would love to see the town too.

Fade out.

Interior: Kiyah's sedan, Kiyah driving, Lucy in passenger seat, Nate in the backseat.  Katy Perry plays on the radio.

KIYAH

So, guess who called me last night?

LUCY

He didn't?

KIYAH

Yeah, what part of "we broke up" don't you understand?

LUCY

I know, right?  But seriously, are you okay?

KIYAH

I will be.  I just got focus on doing what's right by me.

LUCY

Yeah, good.  So, what's that then?

KIYAH

Getting healthy, moving forward, thinking of going back to school--

LUCY

Good.  What would you study?

KIYAH

I don't know.  I think I will just get my gen ed and then go from there.  I don't know yet what I want to be when I grow up.

LUCY

I heard that. Hey, you hear from Laura recently?

(Nate turns from looking out the window to listening to their conversation.)

KIYAH

No, actually, I have not.  Why?

LUCY

Yeah, me neither.  She hasn't called or anything since she got together with that big creepy loser...what's his name?

NATE

Scott?

LUCY

Excuse me--

KIYAH

Yeah, I think that's right...

Lucy

How did you--

NATE

Um, a girl named Laura helped me move my car when it stalled yesterday and her boyfriend was there too.

LUCY

I see.  How did she look?

NATE

I...it was only for a few minutes, she seemed nice enough.

KIYAH

Bastard Scott never lets her do anything without his approval, low-life scum.

LUCY

But, tell us how you really feel?

NATE

Sorry to hear that, about Laura.

LUCY

Yeah, thanks, Nate.  Hey, there's the auto shop.  Kiyah, can you drop Nate off here?

KIYAH

Sure thing.

(Kiyah pulls into auto shop parking lot.)

LUCY

See you at home later, Nate.

NATE

Yeah, thanks!

Thinking of You

Nate & Laura & How They Met

ACT ONE, SCENE TWO

Exterior: The Home of Eddie & Lucy Swanson, Evening.

(Tow truck pulls up to front of house, pulling Nate's car. Lucy Swanson hurries from house, dishrag over her t-shirt and old jeans, carrying small child in one arm.  Nate gets out of passenger side of tow truck, he is carrying Doodle.  Tow truck driver gets out of other side, starts unhooking car.)

LUCY

Oh my god, you must be Nate! Looks like you had some difficulties today.

NATE

Oh, this isn't even the half of it.

LUCY

Well, let's get you inside to your room and settled for the night then.  Do you need help paying the tow truck? I can do it, as part of your payment.  Like an advance?

NATE

It's okay, I already took care of it.

LUCY

Oh, okay.

(Tow Truck Driver walks up to them, carrying clipboard.)

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

So, Nate, you're all set.  Just need you to sign here, if you would.

NATE

Sure thing.

(He signs.)

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

And here too please.

NATE

Right, okay.

(He signs in second place.)

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

And, just one more place.

(Nate reads over document. Tow Truck Driver looks over at Lucy.)

Liability issues, right?

LUCY

Oh yeah.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Cute kid you got there.

LUCY

This is my youngest, Stephen.

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Stephen? That's my name! Hello little guy!

LUCY

Wow, quite the coincidence!

(Nate finishes document, hands clipboard back to tow truck driver.)

TOW TRUCK DRIVER

Right then, I'll be off.  Good night.  Best of luck to you, Nate.

NATE

Yeah, thanks.

Fade Into:

Interior: Living room/dining room of Scott and Laura.  Dishes scattered everywhere, dust bunnies across the furniture, Scott and Laura are making out on the couch.  Laura pushes him off of her.

SCOTT

Babe, what's your deal?

LAURA

I'm sorry, I'm just...

SCOTT

Distracted?

LAURA

What?

SCOTT

Its not that dude with the stalled car, is it?

LAURA

The dude with the--

SCOTT

Remember we helped push his car and--

LAURA

Oh, right.  What about him?

SCOTT

You weren't, you know, checking him out or--

LAURA

What? No!!!  I'm just really tired, is all.

SCOTT

What was that guy's name anyway?

LAURA

Um....Nate, I think.

SCOTT

Yeah, that's right, Nate. Kind of a weirdo, don't you think?

LAURA

Why?

SCOTT

Just a vibe I got, I guess...I mean, he yelled something like "my doodle", like he called his car that or something, its like a name for a guy's pe--

LAURA

That's  his dog.

Scott

His dog's his penis?

LAURA

No, what? You are so weird.  No, his dog's name is Doodle.  She's a miniature poodle and she's quite possessive, let me tell you.

SCOTT

How'd you know that?

LAURA

She growled at me when I got in the car---

SCOTT

Why'd you get in the car--

LAURA

To steer!

SCOTT

Oh, right, of course.  So, he was worried about his dog when the car started to roll?

LAURA

Yeah.  You know, you are a little like Doodle--

SCOTT

You saying I have a little doodle?

LAURA

No, no...just like her...

SCOTT

Let me show you my doodle, baby! You won't be calling it little, no you won't.

(She laughs, he pushes her down and they start making out again.)

Fade out:

Interior: Granny Unit behind Swanson house.  Lucy, Eddie, their son, Adam, enter with Nate and Doodle.  Lucy is still carrying Stephen.  Eddie carries Nate's suitcase.

LUCY

So, this is where you will be staying? I know its not much but--

NATE

Oh no, its great!

EDDIE

So, why'd you want to take this job anyway? I mean, a nanny's not exactly a guy's--

NATE

I think the official turn is "manny".

EDDIE

Manny?

NATE

Male Nanny!  And, its works for me now.  I'm grateful for the opportunity, you know, as I get settled here in this new place, new town.

EDDIE

So, what do you want to do, really?

NATE

You know, I taught for awhile, middle school, but I think I'm just looking for a change, gonna figure that out.

EDDIE

I see.

LUCY

We should let you and Doodle get settled. You've had a long trip.

NATE

Thanks.  Good night, Adam and Stephen! I can't wait to get to know you guys!

(Adam hides behind his mom's legs and stares at Doodle.)

You want to pet her? She's really gentle.

(Nate kneels and holds Doodle close to Adam.  Adam cautiously pets Doodle, then pulls his hand away, and looks up at his mom.  She smiles at him.)

LUCY

Thank you, Nate.  We'll talk in the morning.  Get some rest!

NATE

Good night!

(Lucy, Eddie, Adam, and Stephen leave. Lucy is heard off-camera, walking away:

LUCY

I can't believe you, Eddie.  Going after him like that, about not exactly a guy's job.  I mean, really!

WIDE: Nate standing in living room of Granny Unit.  He collapses onto couch, exhausted mentally, physically, emotionally.  Doodle sits next to him on couch, looks at him. Nate smiles at her.

You must be hungry, Doodle? Let's get your dish in and feed you?

Fade out.

Haven't Met You Yet

Nate & Laura & How They Met

Act One, Scene One

Interior: green station wagon, packed full of Nate's belongings, in the passenger seat is his miniature poodle, camera focuses on Nate, driving, from the POV of the poodle, Doodle.

It's late afternoon, early evening, late fall.

The radio is on, playing "Take on me" by Aha.  Nate sings along.

Camera shows highway off-ramp for Ashland, OR.  Nate flicks on his turn signal and begins to exit freeway.  At stop sign, Nate pulls out his phone and starts tapping in address into google maps.

NATE

So, Doodle, we're almost to our new home.  Are you excited, Doodlie-Doodlie-Doo? Gonna get to have your own backyard to play in, with the kids, and a new neighborhood of pee-mails to explore.  And no more thinking about Jessica and Francine, that goes for you not just me, right?

(Nate looks over at Doodle, who stares at him.  Nate rubs his dog's head.)

You're the best, Doodles!

(Nate's car stalls.  He starts to start it again, but car won't turn over.)

Shit.  Fuck.  Stay here, Doodle.

(Nate flicks on emergency lights and steps out of car, looking around.  Car behind him starts honking.  He shrugs apologetically.  A car door of two cars down opens.  A girl gets out, she walks towards him quickly.)

LAURA

Car trouble?

NATE

Yeah, won't start.  Piece of crap, need a new one.

(Car honks behind them.)

NATE AND LAURA

Asshole.

(Nate and Laura's eyes meet.  They both laugh.)

LAURA

I'm Laura, by the way.

NATE

Nate.

LAURA

How can I help?

NATE

Can you steer if I push?

LAURA

Yeah, and my boyfriend can help too..

NATE

Boyfriend?

LAURA

He's in the car, I'll go get him, just one minute--

(Laura runs back to car, Nate kicks tire and breathes out.)

NATE

Boyfriend!

(Car honks behind him.  Nate walks over to car, peers in driver side, makes to roll down window.  Male driver, mid-thirties, rolls down window and stares at Nate.)

Look, my car died and we are working at getting it moved.  Its not going to go any faster by you honking so--

DRIVER

I'll wait.

NATE

Well you could---

(Driver rolls up window.)

Offer to help.

(Laura and her boyfriend walk back up.  Her boyfriend is a little overweight, balding, and carries a drink from Wendy's.)

LAURA

Hey, um, Nate, this is my boyfriend, Scott.  Scott, this is Nate.

SCOTT

Car trouble, huh?

NATE

Yeah, can you push?

SCOTT

Yeah, Laura, you steer?

NATE

Don't mind Doodle--

LAURA

Doodle?

(Nate and Laura walk to driver side of Nate's car.)

NATE

My dog, her name is Doodle.  Be careful not to let her out...

LAURA

Oh, she's so cute.  What kind of dog?

NATE

Miniature poodle.  I know not really a dude dog, but she's cool.

(Nate opens door and leans in.)

Doodle, this is Laura, she's helping us out.  You be a good girl for Daddy, okay?

(Nate motions Laura to sit in driver seat.  Laura sits and Doodle growls at her. Laura looks at Nate, questioningly.)

She can be a little jealous sometimes.  Sorry.

SCOTT

(from behind car)

Put it in neutral, okay, baby?

(Laura puts car in neutral, Nate closes door and runs back to Scott. They start pushing car, with Laura steering.  Driver behind moves forward, rolls down the window.)

DRIVER

Get a new car!

NATE

Thanks for everything, ass-wipe!

SCOTT

Laura, don't forget to put the car in park.

(Laura, getting out.)

LAURA

What was that?

(Car starts to roll forward.)

SCOTT

Laura, you stupid...park, put the car in park!

NATE

Oh my god, my doodle!

SCOTT

What the?

(Laura runs over, opens car, and puts car in park and pulls e-break.  Car stops abruptly. Nate collapses against car, breathing hard, then moves over to driver side, checks on Doodle.)

LAURA

I'm so sorry, Nate, I should have---

SCOTT

Not the brightest thing around, my Laura, but she's not bad to look at.

NATE

It's okay, Doodle's okay, Laura, we're okay, we're all okay.

SCOTT

You from out of town? I noticed your license plates?

NATE

Yeah.

SCOTT

Traveling through or staying?

NATE

Moving here.  Just starting a new job tonight.  New life, new adventures!

LAURA

Scott, can you get the car?

(She hands Scott the keys, Scott moves off to move car.)

Welcome to Ashland!

NATE

Thank you, Laura.

LAURA

We're not all like that asshole in the car behind you, I promise you that.

NATE

I can see that.

(Scott drives up behind Nate's car, honks.)

LAURA

(under her breath.)

Shit.

(to Nate.)

Well, we all have our moments.  Do you need any help? Need to call someone? A phone? Something like that?

NATE

I think I got it from here.  Thank you, Laura.

SCOTT

(peering out car window)

Let's go, Laura, I'm hungry!

LAURA

Maybe I'll see you around then, Nate?

NATE

I hope so.

LAURA

And, once again, welcome to Ashland, welcome home.

(She runs off and gets in passenger side of her car, car pulls out, Laura waves at Nate.)

NATE

Home? We shall see about that.

(Nate gets in car and begins dialing.)

Why Can't I?