141. Baby Talk - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• INT. AIRPORT CONCOURSE - DAY


• DAISY stands by a small stroller and rolls it back and forth gently as she looks out over the mass of people rushing past on the concourse.


• She is dressed in jeans and a simple black t-shirt.


• Her hair is knotted in a single braid down her back.


• The collar of the shirt is low enough to reveal a collar of tattooed orchids that rings her neck.


• Her entire left arm is covered in collection of tattoos.


• Another WOMAN WITH A BABY CARRIAGE slows as she sees Daisy and slows, staring, then rolls on shaking her head.


• Daisy leans over the carriage, the piercings in her lip flashing.


• DAISY
• Don't worry about her, she just wishes she had my taste in art. You don't let anybody judge you, you hear me? You just keep your chin high.


• The BABY coos and Daisy smiles back at her.


• Daisy checks her watch and grabs her bag.


• DAISY
• Gate C12, C12...


• She pushes her stroller into the flow of human traffic, dodging PANTSUITED WOMAN who is charging towards the moving walkway daring anyone to get in her way.


• DAISY
• Quick, look. Darling, you see that look in her eyes? That's called crazy, you'll see it again. Best thing to do is get away...and if you can't, just nod slowly, agree, and try to run.


• She grins and pushes the baby on.


• She finds the gate and searches the crowded area for an empty seat.


• She finds one, and makes a bee-line for it.


• She sits, and struggles for a moment with her backpack, finally extricating a laptop from the tightly-packed bag.


• She surfs the net for a moment, pausing every so often to point out a picture or two to her child.


• DAISY
• Oh, look at this!


• The baby gurgles.


• DAISY
• I know, indulge me for just a second. See this woman. Senator Clinton. She's a tough cookie kid. I respect that a lot. Yes, that's a good point, I didn't vote for her. Doesn't mean I can respect her. Remember that, try to keep a healthy dose of respect tucked away for people you don't like. There's always something to find below the surface; but know when to toss the towel in too.


• A TEENAGER sitting next to her turns and watches for a moment.


• TEENAGER
• Dude, why are you talking to her like she's an adult? What are you telling her?


• Daisy looks up and contemplates the boy for a moment.


• Then she pinches his cheek.


• DAISY
• Aww, aren't you so cute? Look at that, are you flying all by yourself today? And the questions you ask, so grownup. Precious!


• He pulls back, confused, and stands up quickly, finding another seat.


• Daisy looks back at the baby.


• DAISY
• He'll get it at some point. You don't think he will? He looked like a bright enough kid. Fine, fine.


• The teenager has found a seat a few rows away.


• DAISY
• Hey kid!


• People turn and stare.


• The teenager tries to ignore her.


• DAISY
• I'm just leaving her with a few life lessons. You can't really do that with goo goo gaa gaa.


• Daisy returns to rocking the stroller and smiles down at her child.


• FADE TO BLACK.