173. A Reverie of What Could Be - Leslie

• FADE IN:


• EXT. APARTMENT COMPLEX COURTYARD - DUSK


• Jasen D'Amiglio sits by the apartment complex's fenced-in pool under a small canopy.


• His leather jacket rests on the back of his chair and he slouches in the plastic seat drumming his fingers on a plastic table.


• Jasen is an Elvis impersonator with the hair and sideburns to prove it.


• He rests his hands on his paunch and watches the lights under the surface of the pool flick on.


• BILLIE MAE walks slowly towards the table, nursing her arthritic knees.


• Jasen turns, watching her approach.


• His face is chalky with makeup caked on to hide his wrinkles.


• JASEN
• Billie Mae, you old broad, you're an ugly old bat. And those knees of yours aren't helping.


• She slowly settles into the chair across from him, taking her time.


• BILLIE MAE
• You always were a fool.


• JASEN
• Can't deny that. Should have gone to college on that GI bill the day they discharged me.


• BILLIE MAE
• But you're a big fool and you went off and had yourself a grand time.


• JASEN
• I was too old.


• BILLIE MAE
• Only thing that was too old was your pride.


• JASEN
• And what's that supposed to mean?


• She shakes her head, disgusted.


• BILLIE MAE
• And now all you have is this getup. You never did have great taste, but this?


• JASEN
• This has nothing to do with my taste...it's a matter of my profession.


• Billie Mae chokes.


• BILLIE MAE
• Oh it definitely says something about your personal taste when that's all your wear.


• JASEN
• I never wanted to be here. And you're right, look at me. I could have been anything. I never had enough for my family, never really did provide for them; and all I have now are my regrets and they're always here, like vultures, eating away.


• BILLIE MAE
• You're a veritable Sisyphus. You make me tired. You've been making me tired since you were a little bitty boy.


• She stands up and limps away.


• Jasen watches her leave.


• JASEN
• Should've married her when I had the chance.


• He looks back over to the pool and watches the wind ripple the surface of the water.


• FADE TO BLACK.