Saturday, January 26, 2008

25. Digging - Leslie




  • FADE IN:

  • INT. PEACEFUL PACIFIC BEACH - DAY

  • AMANDA is on all fours furiously digging in the sand.

  • Her bright red tank top is covered in sand as are her shorts.

  • A palm tree gives her some shade, but she is still sweating.

  • Her efforts to dig are constantly thwarted by the shifting sand, erasing any progress she’s made.

  • She sits up and lets out a frustrated grunt.

  • ROBERT (O.S.)
  • Honey, are you still up to that?

  • AMANDA
  • Yes, of course I am. The map said there would be hidden treasure here, right here. This is going to change our lives, of course I’m not going to quit.

  • Robert walks down the stairs of the beach cottage with a large, colorful drink in his hand.

  • He is muscular and tanned, wearing only surfer shorts and a thin white t-shirt that doesn’t hide the ripple of his muscles.

  • ROBERT
  • Why don’t you just give it a rest and enjoy the sun? It’s a gorgeous day.

  • AMANDA
  • No! I’m going to find this treasure.

  • ROBERT
  • Alright, you do what you think is best...but you’re missing this day, and let me tell you, it’s one of the most beautiful we’ve had since we’ve been here.

  • Amanda pays him no mind, furiously scraping at the beach.

  • ROBERT
  • Amanda, it’s time..take a break, we can go take a nap.

  • AMANDA
  • Fine, but tomorrow you’re helping me.

  • ROBERT
  • Of course, tomorrow.

  • EXT. SMALL HOUSE - NIGHT.

  • A small house stands, slightly dilapidated, in a medium-sized, leafy, neighborhood.

  • Amanda stands with the help of Robert.

  • AMANDA
  • You’re so helping tomorrow...it’s too difficult to dig in that sand all day.

  • ROBERT
  • Alright, that’s what I'll do. Come on now.

  • There is a large hole in the tiny front yard by which Amanda is standing.

  • Her hair hangs in thick strands and she is wearing a the same tanktop and ripped jeans.

  • Her hands are filthy from digging past the grass and dirt. Her nails are dark from the earth lodged under them.

  • ROBERT
  • Come on dear, let’s get inside.

  • He walks to her and helps her up as they start walking back to the house.

  • AMANDA
  • You’re right, the sun coming over the beach is gorgeous.

  • Her eyes are blanks and she walks as if removed from reality.

  • ROBERT
  • Yeah, look over there.

  • He points to a row of trailer parks.

  • ROBERT
  • You can see the ocean waves breaking on that cliff.

  • Robert is dressed in khakis and an old t-shirt. A little pot belly pokes from underneath the shirt.

  • AMANDA
  • That’s beautiful! Can you come read me a story? I love your voice. Please?

  • ROBERT
  • You don’t want to stay here and...?

  • AMANDA
  • If I’m still awake we can watch the sunset.

  • He helps her up the stairs to their house.

  • ROBERT
  • Alright, that sound good.

  • AMANDA
  • But promise you’ll help me dig.

  • ROBERT
  • I do promise.

  • AMANDA
  • Good. We’re going to be rich, no more problems, you’ll see!

  • ROBERT
  • Whatever you say dear.

  • He pats her head.

  • He looks once more at the hole in their yard and sighs, then helps her inside the house.

  • FADE TO BLACK.



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