Bill was a troubled man who after 5 years turns over a new leaf.
His world is shaken when they find the granddaughter
he didn't know he had.
Screenplay
INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
FADE IN:
An old fashioned bedroom, guns on the walls. Pictures of
Bill, his wife, and his little girl holding up ducks
smiling.
Several other photos sit on the dresser next to bullets, and
various empty bottle of liquor. An ashtray sits filled with
cigarettes most half smoked.
Bill,48, is sitting on the edge of his bed. Gray has started
to leave streaks through his hair and his beard. A bottle of
liquor in his hands which he quickly takes to his mouth and
swallows hard.
INT. LIVING ROOM - AFTERNOON
A dozen people are gathered sitting, standing, all in talk
about Ellen, Bill’s wife.
A picture sits over the food table of Ellen smiling. People
moving along it helping themselves to cheese and crackers.
Sarah,18, sits with her arms wrapped around her boyfriend,
Gillian, 27, a country bad ass. She looks at him with love
in her eyes as the sadness over her mothers passing comes
and goes.
GILLIAN
You wanna take a hit?
Sarah glances around at what little family and friends are
there. Many sharing memories of, Ellen.
SARAH
Baby, this is my momma’s funeral.
Gillian shaking his head understanding.
GILLIAN
Figured it take away some of the
pain, you know I hate to see you
cry.
She smiles kissing his lips and he back at her.
Bill comes out of his bedroom barley able to walk. He uses
the walls of his small home to keep up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
MAN
Bill, you all right? You need to
sit down?
The man with glasses tries to help, Bill, but is pushed
away.
BILL
(whisper)
Get your goddamn hands of me.
MAN
Say again, bill?
BILL
(yells)
Get your God damn hands of me!
The man backs up shocked, everyone is looking to Bill even
Sarah and Gillian.
BILL
You bunch of fakes!
Everyone looks appalled.
BILL CONTINUED
You come here and eat my food.
Drink my beer!
Estella, 56, comes over trying to hush, Bill.
ESTELLA
Bill, this aint the time nor place.
You think, Ellen would like -
BILL
Get out! all of you! Freeloaders!
Go! Before I grab my gun!
Everyone stands up, slowly heading out.
Jack,30, comes over to Bill.
JACK
Bill settle down.
BILL
Jack, get off me!
Bills angry spitting as he speaks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
BILL
Where were you people when she went
bald! When she shit on herself! I
was there! I was there Goddammit!
Bill falls to his knees as Estella is the last one to leave
the room. Sarah, and, Gillian standing and watching Bill.
BILL
Get outta here!
JACK
Bill, come on. This isn’t right.
Sarah walks over to, Bill who looks up at her eyes red and
running.
SARAH
Leave it, Jack. He knows.
BILL
Know what?
SARAH
I hate you.
BILL
(sarcastically)
You hate me so much, why you here
then?
SARAH
You’re nothing but a drunk old man.
Mamma, was afraid of you but I’m
not. Me and Gillian are running off
together.
Bill’s face grows with anger.
SARAH CONTINUED
We going to get married and forget
about you and this stupid town.
BILL
Its so easy to leave your family?
Leave your daddy behind!?
Gillian comes over next to Sarah.
Sarah eyes water.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.
SARAH
When were you a father to me? when
you were hitting mom!? When you
were drinking the weekends away!? I
hate you!
She wipes her eyes.
GILLIAN
Come on, babe.
SARAH
Were going. I never want to see you
again.
BILL
Say it again slower so I can care!
Sarah yells in anger grabbing the nearest glass bowl
throwing it at her father.
The bowl hits the wall shattering.
Jack standing on the side looking shocked.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - AFTERNOON
Sarah and Gillian heading to his old dirty Lincoln town car.
BILL
Go on!
Sarah shakes her head to Gillian who gets in the car with
Sarah starting the engine and driving backwards.
Bill comes out of the house with his bottle empty, he swings
back and tosses the bottle at the car, but misses widely.
The car turns around heading off.
Bill stands broken and alone, wiping his beard.
Circle Bill as he watches his daughter driving off and out
of his life.
Jack at the door watching Bill standing in silence. He comes
down next to Bill.
JACK
Come on, lets get you fixed up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
BILL
I’m alone.
JACK
You think she’ll come back?
BILL
(scoffs)
With her tail between her legs.
Jack turns around heading back into the house. Bill reaches
into a pocket removing a small bottle and chugging it
quickly.
FADE OUT:
An acoustic guitar plays in our ears.
EXT. BOGGY CREEK - MORNING
A boggy creek at the wee hours of the morning. The sun has
just started to peek its head out, the fog still silently
hovering above the creeks water.
Bill passes us walking into a barrage of trees followed by,
Jack.
Bill looks much better. His hair is fully gray now and
slicked back.
He and Jack are dressed in hunting clothes with shotguns in
their hands.
EXT. FOREST - MORNING
Bill and Jack walking through the forest.
The guitar still playing over the sounds of their feet
breaking twigs and the sounds of the morning.
Moments later,...
Sitting at the edge of the lake their guns at the ready.
A flock of geese flutter out of the right.
BAM! BAM!
Their guns blast two ducks falling into the water of the
creek.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
Bill pats, Jacks, back gesturing for him to go into the
water. Jack hesitant.
CUT TO:
They are walking out with bunch of geese on their lines.
Jack’s pants wet up to his crotch.
The guitar fades.
EXT. BOGGY CREEK - MORNING
Bill’s truck his parked by the main road.
Jack tosses the geese into the back of the truck.
Bill opening a cooler and removing a bottle of water. Two
beers sitting next to another water in the cooler.
JACK
Sorry about those. Michelle
forgets.
BILL
Boy, its fine. Just cause I don’t
drink any longer doesn’t mean you
have to stop too.
JACK
Still, I don’t want temptation to
find its way back into those hands
of yours.
Bill sips the water wiping his mouth.
JACK
How longs it been?
BILL
2 years next week.
Jack opens his hands, Bill tossing a water bottle to Jack.
JACK
Proud of you. I honestly didn’t
think you had it in you.
BILL
Neither did I.
Bill looks to his watch.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
BILL
You ready?
Jack nods getting in the truck, Bill drives.
EXT. CHURCH - MORNING
An old church. Cars parked all around it. People dressed in
their best heading to worship.
INT. CHURCH - AFTERNOON
Bill standing along with others. A bible in his hand, open
and he is singing with the rest of the congregation.
The whole church is up.
EXT. CHURCH - AFTERNOON
Church is over. Everyone is leaving heading out into their
cars.
The sheriffs car is sitting outside.
Bill comes out.
PRIEST
Good to see you, Bill. How’s the
hunting?
BILL
As good as ever. Beat Jack two
geese out of three.
Sheriff Donnelly comes over his hat off his head.
DONNELLY
Bill?
Bill turns facing the Sheriff.
BILL
Sheriff.
Sheriff Donnelly looks hesitant with bad news.
8.
INT. CAR - AFTERNOON
Bill is driving following the Sheriff in his car.
DONNELLY (VO)
Landlord found her when he came to
collect the rent. The apartment was
disgusting, almost unlivable.
Bill wipes his eyes.
BILL (VO)
Is she alive?
DONNELLY
We don’t know and since your the
only family, they called for you.
Bill looks determined.
INT. POLICE STATION - AFTERNOON
Bill stands in front of a door. Sheriff Donnelly is front of
him.
DONNELLY
You all right with this?
Bill nods not really sure.
DONNELLY
How longs it been?
BILL
How longs what been?
DONNELLY
Look I know this is sensitive, but
how longs it been since you seen
her?
Bill thinks about it.
BILL
Since, Ellen’s funeral. Five years
give or take. I’m fine, with this.
Donnelly nods.
DONNELLY
I’ll go and talk with the officer
and give you two a couple of
minutes.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
BILL
Thanks, Don.
Donnelly, pats, Bill’s shoulder.
Bill rubs his hand through his hair, he wipes his face.
He enters the room.
INT. INTERROGATION ROOM - AFTERNOON
Follow, Bill, into the room. He stands with the door open.
BILL
Hi.
He shuts the door.
A little girl 4 years old sits at the table eating a
sandwich like she hasn’t eaten in days.
BILL
Your, Sarah’s, little girl?
She says nothing, just stares at Bill like the stranger he
is.
Bill pulls out the chair in front of the little girl
watching her.
BILL
It’s okay. You can eat. Go on now.
She is hesitant at first before digging in. She is the
spitting image of, Sarah.
BILL
Look, um.
(himself)
Come on, bill.
The little girl chews on bits of her sandwich.
BILL
I’m your grandpa.
The little girl stops chewing looks at, Bill for a moment
before continuing eating.
She keeps eating.
A beat.
10.
INT. POLICE STATION - AFTERNOON
Bill, comes out of the room. Donnelly back and waiting for
him.
DONNELLY
Her name is Abbie. She’s four.
Doesn’t talk much.
BILL
Where’s Sarah, Where’s my daughter?
DONNELLY
They don’t know. They were staying
at a hotel. One of those cheap
dives in the next town.
Donnelly looks hesitant to mention the next part.
BILL
Spit it out, Don.
DONNELLY
She was selling herself, Bill. Been
arrested 2 times in the last 6
months. Say, Gillian, you know him?
BILL
That dumb ass she was with?
DONNELLY
Apparently, He ran her.
Bill looks angry and sad his hand over his mouth.
DONNELLY
I know its alot to take in.
BILL
Do they know where she is?
DONNELLY
Abbie was in that room 3 days
before she was found. No, trace of,
Sarah, or Gillian. There searching
for her.
Bill stares through the doors window at, Abbie.
BILL
What about her, Abbie?
11.
EXT. ROAD - AFTERNOON
Bills, truck driving up the road heading home.
DONNELLY (VO)
The only kin she has is you. She’s
yours if you want her.
BILL (VO)
And if I don’t.
DONNELLY (VO)
Well, she’ll go back with the
officers and most likely go with
social services.
INT. TRUCK - AFTERNOON
Bill, driving his eyes on the road, every few seconds he
looks over at the seat beside him.
BILL (VO)
I’ll take her.
Abbie is fast asleep laying in the seat beside, Bill. He
smiles while looking at her.
BILL (VO)
You call me the minute they find
her, Don.
DONNELLY (VO)
Your doing the right thing, Bill.
Bill keeps his eyes on the road.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - AFTERNOON
Bill gets out of his truck moving around to the passenger
side. Opening the door, he picks up, Abbie.
Carriers her into his mobile home.
INT. HOME - AFTERNOON
He moves through the tidy home. Things look well put
together.
He moves past the kitchen and living room through the small
hall.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
BEDROOM:
He lays her in bed, he covers her up. He stands up staring
at little, Abbie. Fast asleep after a long morning.
KITCHEN:
Bill, is cooking on the stove. Some soup in a big pot. He is
stirring it’s content when a knock hits his door.
BILL
Whose is it?
JACK
Me.
BILL
It’s open.
The door opens and Jack comes in looking cleaned up, in
actual clothes and not hunting gear.
BILL
Wow, look at you. Where you headed
off too?
JACK
I told you this morning. I got a
date with that lovely waitress who
works at Archies shop.
Bill smirks.
BILL
That’s right, the nice one. Blue
eyed girl.
JACK
I came by to make sure you, okay.
BILL
Why wouldn’t I be?
JACK
News travels fast. Say you taking
care of a girl. That she’s,
Sarah’s.
BILL
The gossip in this town -
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
JACK
Is it true?
BILL
So what if it is!?
JACK
I’m just asking, Bill. A kids a lot
of responsibility.
BILL
I know, I raised one remember!
JACK
I’m here to help you if need be.
Bill takes a seat his hands through his slick hair again.
BILL
There is something you can do. You
still have that friend over in the
next town.
JACK
Yeah, Edward Higgs. Walks with the
limp.
BILL
You think you can tell him to look
at for, Sarah, for me?
JACK
Of course. He owes me a favor or
two.
BILL
I owe you one.
JACK
No, Jack you don’t. You take care,
I’ll be round tomorrow. Maybe you
can introduce me to the little
lady.
BILL
Get out of here.
Jack smirks leaving.
Bill sits there with his eyes on the pot stewing. He takes
out his old tired looking wallet, a picture crumbled in one
of the wallets pockets.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
Bill and Sarah, 10. She is on a horse and he is holding onto
her, both smiling happily.
CUT TO:
Moments later,...
Bill moves to a closest. He opens it. In it is a chest. He
opens the chest, girl toys. Girl things inside. A little
stuffed toy, a doll.
BILL
Jelly belly.
Bill smiles as he closes the chest and leaves the closest
with the toy.
CUT TO:
Later,...
Abbie peeking round the corner, as Bill is setting out the
plates for the soup.
Bill sees her peeking.
BILL
Hello little, Abbie. Are you
hungry? Come here.
Bill gestures, Abbie over. He pours soup into her bowl and
into his own.
Abbie is still hesitant.
Bill grabs the doll from the table slowly heading over to,
Abbie who stays peeked behind the wall.
Bill bends down just before the wall. He raises Jelly Belly
shaking it in front of the girl, peeking her interest.
BILL
You like that? It use to belong to
your mommma.
Bill holds it out for her, but she doesn’t take it.
BILL CONTINUED
(happily)
She use to hold it, take it
everywhere she went. I had to pray
it out her hands one day just so
she would let it go.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
Bill looks at with a loving memory.
BILL
I think it right if you have it.
Here, Your mama named it, Jelly
Belly.
Abbie eases out taking the doll in hand.
BILL
You look just like her you know,
your momma.
Bill stands up watching, Abbie, playing with the doll.
BILL
You hungry? You got to be hungry, I
made something your momma use to
love and bout the only real thing I
knows how make.
Abbie nods holding out a hand.
Bill looks at it and smiles taking, Abbie’s hand and leading
her to the kitchen table.
Bill sits her down at the table and he moves to his side
sitting.
She is too small, barley able to see over the table.
Bill smirks at this, glancing around.
CUT TO:
Bill is sitting and eating his soup with bread.
Abbie, is up high sitting on a bunch of books. She is
sipping her soup.
BILL
Good?
Abbie nods sipping soup and then giving some to, Jelly
Belly.
They both sit there in silence eating.
Bill, looking at, Abbie, every few seconds with a smirk.
MOMENTS LATER,...
Bill is washing the dishes, Abbie is still at the table
playing silently with, Jelly Belly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
Bill wipes his hands.
BILL
You sleepy?
Abbie, shakes her head.
BILL
Want to watch some T.V. I aint got
much channels. Just the news and a
couple old style stations.
Abbie, again shakes her head.
Bill is in thought.
BILL
I know. Do you like hot some hot
chocolate?
Abbie, nods: Yes.
BILL
The sky’s clear tonight. The stars
are going to be out, you wanna
drink hot chocolate and watch the
stars.
ABBIE
Yes!
Bill gestures her over.
BILL
Want to help me make it.
Abbie jumps off the books and slowly comes over to, Bill. He
pulls out the packets to make hot chocolate.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - NIGHT
Bill comes outside holding two cups of hot chocolate the
steam rising from the mugs. He also has a blanket thrown
over his arm.
Abbie comes out staring up at the sky.
BILL
Hold on, wait for me.
He lays down the mugs on the hood of his truck, opening the
flatbed, laying the blanket down. He grabs the drinks and
sits in the back.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
BILL
Up here?
Abbie nods: Yes:
He picks her up and sits her and Jelly Belly on the back of
the truck.
BILL
Here, be careful its hot.
Abbie takes the mug slowly sipping it.
BILL
I use to sit out here with your
grandma, Ellen.
ABBIE
Grandma?
BILL
She long since passed on, but
before she did. I use to love the
being out here with her. Just
staring up. Watching the first snow
fall.
ABBIE
What about mommy?
Bill glances up the thought not a happy one and back to,
Abbie.
BILL
She was in to other things. The
stars didn’t impress her much.
Abbie, sips at the hot coco.
BILL
(hesitant)
Do you know where your mama is?
ABBIE
No, she told me to wait for her and
I wait. But, she never came.
BILL
Who did she leave with, Gillian?
Abbie looks at, Bill.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.
ABBIE
(softly)
I don’t think so.
Abbie again drinks her coco.
BILL
Did she ever tell you about me?
Your, mama?
She shakes her head: No.
Bill takes a sip of his coco.
BILL
You can lay back if you want, see
the stars better that way.
Bill lays back sitting his coco down. Abbie does the same
thing.
ABBIE
Those, those all stars?
BILL
Most of them. You see that one
there. That one is called the,
Abbie star.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
Dozens of stars sparkle in the night. Dozens of them all
shaped and formed in different manners.
ABBIE
After me?
BILL
Yeah, its named after you. It’s
that big bright one.
His finger comes into view pointing at the star in the sky
that is the brightest.
ABBIE
Who named it?
19.
EXT. BACK OF TRUCK - NIGHT
Bill laying still looking up at the sky, Abbie laying beside
him, just not too close.
BILL
I did. I named that star after you.
And you see the two little stars by
it.
ABBIE
Yeah.
BILL
One is named after your mama, and
the other after your grandma.
ABBIE
Ellen?
BILL
That’s right. So whenever you feel
like they aren’t there with you.
You just look up and find those
three stars and you can see them.
Abbie smiles.
ABBIE
Tell me more.
BILL
More? okay.
His voice trails off.
A guitar starts to play.
EXT. SKY - NIGHT
The night sky once again. This time speed up a bit. Showing
the stars moving slowly to the right as the earth moves. A
progression of time.
EXT. BACK OF TRUCK - NIGHT
Bill is talking just running his mouth telling tales. Abbie
reaches over and hugs him with her eyes closed, causing him
to stop.
She fell asleep.
20.
Bill is smiling, happy.
INT. HOME - NIGHT
Bill enters the mobile home, Abbie held in his arms. She is
fast asleep.
He moves away from the kitchen and the living room.
Down the small hall to the bedroom.
He lays her down once again, placing the blanket over her.
She is a sleeping angel.
He backs up shutting the door behind him.
CUT TO:
KITCHEN:
He is washing the dishes. He wipes his hands and he moves to
the living room.
He sits on the couch, turning on the T.V watching some old
cowboy show.
He slowly falls asleep.
INT. SHOP - MORNING
Bill enters a clothing store, followed by, Abbie still in
her clothes she was found in.
The store clerk smiles seeing, Bill come in.
ALICE,30, walks around the counter.
ALICE
Hello, Bill.
BILL
Alice.
ALICE
Whose this beautiful little girl?
Your granddaughter?
BILL
Gossip spreads quicker than horse
shit, in this town.
Abbie closes her ears.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
ALICE
You can’t say those words to a
young girl.
Bill rolls his eyes.
BILL
Where are your girl clothes?
ALICE
Over there.
Bill and Abbie move to the girl clothes, picking through
several dresses and pants, and shirts.
He places a sunflower hat on, Abbie who laughs. She lays the
hat on Jelly Belly.
He stares out the window seeing a man who doesn’t look like
he is from these parts walk past the shop. Beard, and long
hair. Tattoos over his arm.
Bill, shakes it off.
The guitar still plays,...
EXT. STREET - AFTERNOON
Bill and Abbie are walking past a pet store. Cats clawing at
the window, babies.
Abbie starts jumping up and down at the window, pulling on
Bill’s hand, leading him into the pet shop.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - AFTERNOON
Bill gets out carrying bags with clothes for Abbie, moving
to the back of the truck where a proper dinner chair sits.
Abbie, gets out carrying a little white cat with her.
CUT TO:
Abbie is in the front yard running around with the little
cat chasing her.
Bill, in a rocking chair watching her and laughing as the
little cat does all it can to catch up with her.
Abbie, on the floor the cat walking on top of her and she
laughing at it.
22.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Bill and Abbie sitting. She is in her new chair smiling
happily.
The cat in the corner drinking milk from a bowl.
Macaroni and cheese in their bowls.
BILL
Good?
ABBIE
Delicious! Right, Jelly Belly?
Abbie holds the doll making it nod in agreement.
LIVING ROOM:
The guitar dies away.
Bill is sitting the couch, Abbie snuggled next to him.
Watching some kids movie on T.V.
ABBIE
How come mama never brought me here
before?
Bill is hesitant.
BILL
I think that’s something for you to
ask her when you see her.
ABBIE
I miss her.
Bill, pulls, Abbie close hugging her.
BILL
I do too.
Bill holds her, both watching the Television.
FADE OUT:
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
FADE IN:
Bill, fast asleep on the couch. The television is on some
old cowboy show.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.
BAM!
The screen door slams shut, waking him from his slumber.
BILL
Ellen!?
Bill shakes the words from his mouth, he stands up seeing
the front door open.
BILL
What in the world?
Bill remembers, Abbie.
He gets up from the couch he glances around, she is not
there. He runs to the room, the doors open and Abbie is
gone.
BILL
Abbie!? Abbie!?
Bill rushes outside.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - NIGHT
Bill’s truck sits out side lighted by the nights moonlight.
BILL
Abbie!
Bill rushes down the steps.
BILL
(yelling)
Abbie!
Bill sees something ahead moving in the woods.
BILL
Abbie!
Bill rushes off into the woods.
EXT. WOODS - NIGHT
Bill is stumbling through the woods.
BILL
Goddammit!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
He stumbles grabbing on to a tree searching for, Abbie. His
feet almost falling over on himself.
He stops.
Left and right, straight ahead, he doesn’t know which way to
go.
A scream!
Bill runs right heading towards the creek.
BILL
I’m coming! Abbie!
Bill moves past the trees, stopping.
Jelly Belly on the ground.
He picks Jelly belly rushing forward.
EXT. CREEK - NIGHT
Bill comes out of the trees.
Abbie is standing held by a man, the same man with long hair
and tattoos he had seen in town earlier.
BIG JIM
Whoa, there papa bear.
BILL
Let her go, Goddammit!
Bill rushes forward.
Big Jim lifts his arm a gun in his hand.
BIG JIM
Slow down, pops. We gots us
something to discuss. And you don’t
seem the type of man who would have
listened to me If i would’ve
knocked on your door.
BILL
(out of breath)
It’s all right, sweetheart, I’m
going to get you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
BIG JIM
Yeah, its all right, Abbie.
BILL
Who are you and what do you want?
BIG JIM
People tend to listen when you wave
a big gun around.
(chuckles)
I’m Jim Reed. Or as I’m known Big
Jim.
BILL
Get on with it. What do you want?
Abbie stays silent. Her tears running down her cheek.
BIG JIM
Where’s your daughter, Bill?
BILL
How the hell should I know. I
haven’t seen her in years.
BIG JIM
I don’t think you want to be lying
to me.
Big Jim points the gun at, Abbie’s head drawing a circle
with the tip.
BILL
Stop pointing that gun at my
granddaughter! Point it at me!
Big Jim does so.
BILL
I haven’t seen her. Me and her
don’t exactly get along too well.
BIG JIM
I heard. But, I know family, Bill.
I come to town looking for her and
low and behold you got her
daughter. Why would you have her if
you don’t get along?
BILL
Police brought her to me. I’m the
only kin she has. Now let her go?
Big Jim thinks over his options.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.
BIG JIM
She owes a debt and that debt has
to be paid.
BILL
I’ll pay it. How much.
Big Jim laughs a hearty laugh.
BIG JIM
More than you can probably pay,
papa bear.
BILL
I was in the army. I’ve been saving
money. I have it.
BIG JIM
Twenty thousand. three days.
Bill shakes his head in agreement: Yes.
BILL
I have it that I promise you.
BIG JIM
Three days. I’m coming back, either
we get the money or we get your
daughter.
BILL
I’ll have the money.
BIG JIM
I’m hoping you don’t. Maybe, might
even take this lovely lady.
Big Jim smells, Abbie.
BIG JIM
She might make me a lot of money
when the time comes.
BILL
three days. Not here. When you come
into town, there’s a creek.
BIG JIM
Yeah.
BILL
Will meet there. Away from my home.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.
BIG JIM
At 5 right before dinner. If you’re
five seconds late, I’ll walk up
here and put bullets in her, and
you.
Big Jim pushes her forward, his gun still pointed at Bill.
Bill moves forward grabbing, Abbie who opens her arms wide
and hugs Bill, her tears running.
BIG JIM
Three days, papa bear.
Big Jim slowly moves back and disappears into the darkness.
ABBIE
I’m sorry, Grandpa. I thought it
was mama.
Bill holds on to Abbie, staring into the darkness that Big
Jim disappeared too.
BILL
It’s not your fault sweetheart.
Bill gets up holding, Abbie, and heading back to the house.
The sound eases out.
Bill struggling to make it through the forest with, Abbie,
in his hands.
He holds her tightly, pushing against the trees.
JACK (VO)
You don’t have that kind of money,
Bill.
BILL
I know.
JACK
What about, Donnelly?
BILL
What about him? You know what these
people do. He put a gun to her
head. I’ll have to settle this.
28.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - NIGHT
Bill walking passed his truck up the steps to his mobile
home.
The screen door slams shut behind him.
JACK
How? How you going to settle it,
Bill?
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bill is laying, Abbie down in bed. He covers her up and
heads out.
She stops him. Holding out for him.
ABBIE
Grandpa!? stay with me till I fall
asleep.
Bill nods.
He moves to the other side of the bed and sits down
watching, Abbie as she moves closer to him, closing her
eyes.
BILL
Thing is. I never stood up for my
family before. I was a drunk. I was
hated, probably from both Ellen and
Sarah.
Bill rubs, Abbie’s head.
He stares to the door of the bedroom. A shadow moves.
CUT TO:
He’s up. He moves to the closet of his room. His rifle,
removing it and heading out of the room.
BILL
You’re a good man, Jack. Always
been. Not me. I wish I would have
treated them better and maybe this
is a way I can help.
LIVING ROOM:
Bill holds up his rifle finger on the trigger.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.
It’s Jack.
Jack is holding up his hands.
CUT TO:
Moments later,..
Jack is sitting at the kitchen table. Bill is making coffee
for them both.
JACK
You don’t even know these guys.
BILL
They want my family. That’s enough.
JACK
Go to Donnely.
Bill sits a cup of coffee in front of Jack sitting opposite
him.
Bill takes a sip of the coffee still a little too hot.
BILL
He’s nothing, but a small town
sheriff. Say, he arrest this guy.
What’s to say he’s not the only one
looking. I bought some time this
time, but, next time you think
that’s going to work? I don’t.
JACK
Maybe, Sarah knows.
BILL
No one can find her.
Jack sips his coffee hesitant, takes a sigh.
JACK
I did. I found her. Well, old Higgs
found her.
Bill’s upset.
BILL
Where?
JACK
Calm down, bill.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.
BILL
Jack, Where is she?
JACK
Higgs followed her into town. She’s
staying at that cheap motel, by the
bar.
BILL
Old Cheany road?
JACK
Yeah, that’s the one.
Bill stands up rifle in hand.
JACK
Where you going?
Bill puts on his jacket, his hat.
BILL
I got to get. Speak to her find out
what the hell shes done. Why, she
would leave that little girl in a
hole for 3 days.
Jack stands up halting, Bill.
JACK
Don’t you think you should wait,
take a breath. She doesn’t want to
see you I imagine.
BILL
I want to see her. Please, Thank
you for this Jack. Can you watch
her please.
JACK
The kid?
BILL
She’s asleep. If she wakes up. Give
her this.
Bill grabs Jelly Belly off the counter tossing it to, Jack.
BILL
Tell her I’ll be back.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.
JACK
Fine. but, I’m fixing me something
to eat.
Bill pats Jack’s shoulder as he leaves.
Jack staring around the room, as The truck outside starts up
and screeches out of the driveway.
Jack moves to the couch with his coffee sitting down, the
Television is still on.
EXT. STREET - NIGHT
Tree’s pass lighted by the dozens of stars sparkling in the
sky.
Bill’s truck speeding down the street.
The sound of a knock on the door.
Another knock.
INT. TRUCK - NIGHT
Bill looks in his glove compartment, a handgun. He gets it
and puts it in his belt.
EXT. MOTEL PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Bill parks his truck. The parking lot isn’t that full. The
motel is run down and looks to be home for prostitution.
Another knock.
EXT. OUTSIDE ROOM 16 - NIGHT
Bill is knocking on the door to room 16.
The door opens.
A man opens the door in his underwear.
MAN
What the hell do you want!?
Bill looks passed the man seeing, Sarah on the bed. Passed
out.
Bill lifts the gun at the man.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 32.
BILL
Did you pay her?
MAN
No.
BILL
Pay her and leave!
The man goes into the room grabbing his pants, removing his
wallet.
Bill enters with his gun still on the man.
INT. MOTEL - NIGHT
The man takes out money laying it on the dresser. He grabs
his clothes and heads for the door.
MAN
This aint right. I aint finished
with her.
Bill turns around the gun held up.
BILL
You’re lucky to be walking out of
here.
Bill shuts the doors on the man who mumbles away.
Bill lowers his gun. He turns finding, Sarah, Naked on the
bed passed out. Bottles of liquor spread around, a syringe
and needle next to her cash.
Bill walks over to her, falling, almost tripping. He covers
his mouth.
BILL
Sarah?
Bill voice muffles.
He crawls to the bed weakly.
He shakes her and she shushes him away like a fly. He gets
the blanket covering her. He lays back against the wall.
He is looking at her and she is faced his way, her eyes
closed, passed out from the drugs.
Her arm is out. It’s scared by needles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 33.
Bill sees this getting up from the wall. He rest her arm
near her, her face is a bit bruised.
Bill sits on the edge of the bed wiping his tears.
BILL
It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let
you walk out that door. I should
have fought for you. I should have
begged you to stay.
Bill looks over, Sarah.
BILL CONTINUED
I’ve never been a father to you and
I regret that. I guess I should
tell you this when you wake up. I’m
sure you’ll be mad as hell at me
being here.
Bill chuckles lightly at the thought.
BILL
I am sorry.
INT. LIVING ROOM - NIGHT
Jack is walking around the living room. He opens the closet.
The chest.
JACK
You hoarder.
He moves an old Jacket. Behind on a wooden shelf are two
rows of unopened liquor bottles.
JACK
Jeez, Bill’s got a stash.
Jack looks at one going over opening it.
ABBIE (OS)
(sleepily)
Grandpa?
Jack puts the bottle back, shutting the closet.
JACK
You must be, Abbie.
Abbie looks scared.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.
ABBIE
Grandpa!?
JACK
It’s okay. I’m a friend of your,
Grandpa’s. I’m Jack.
Jack comes over bending down holding out his hand.
ABBIE
Jack.
JACK
Abbie.
Abbie shakes his hand.
ABBIE
Where’s grandpa?
JACK
Getting your ma.
ABBIE
They found her?
Jack smiles weakly.
JACK
Yeah, they found her. Now, enough
talk. Its past your bedtime.
Jack gestures her back into the bedroom.
She gets on the bed covers up.
JACK
Night.
ABBIE
Can you tell me a story?
Jack stops stepping back, he sits on the edge of the bed.
JACK
I don’t think I know any stories
worth telling.
ABBIE
How did you meet grandpa?
Jack chuckles rubbing his face.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 35.
JACK
That’s the story you want to hear?
You sure?
Abbie shakes her head covering up tight.
JACK
It was 8 years ago. I was in this
rinky dink bar on the edge of town.
ABBIE
Grandpa was there?
JACK
Yeah. Back then, and don’t tell him
I told you this, but he was
drinker. So was I.
Jack smiles thinking about it.
JACK
Well, I had a smart mouth back
than. Fought anyone who said
something I didn’t like. So I
started arguing with these two
guys. Yelling and cursing. We got
peoples attention.
ABBIE
Were they big guys?
JACK
Biggest guys you’d ever see.
Anyway, fist were thrown I was on
the losing end. And one of the big
guys breaks a bottle and goes at me
on the floor with it.
ABBIE
it’s sharp?
JACK
Very sharp. Would have killed me
probably. Guy was aiming straight
for my throat. Your grandpa came
out of no where. Punched the guy
down with one hit, he saved me. He
got me up and drove me home.
Abbie smiles.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 36.
JACK
We’ve been friends ever since.
INT. MOTEL - NIGHT
BATHROOM:
Bill sitting on the edge of the tub, Sarah wrapped in the
blanket throwing up into the toilet.
JACK (VO)
Despite what might be said, Bill,
your granddaddy is a good man. He’s
been hard headed, sure. He’s done
some things he isn’t proud of, but,
when you need him, he’s there.
Bill slowly rises with, Sarah, moving and helping her back
to the bed. She is barley awake. Barley able to walk without
his help.
He lays her on the bed covering her up.
Bill moves taking a seat in the green dirty looking
recliner, sitting back his eyes never leaving his daughter.
JACK (VO)
I hung around him at first cause I
figured I owed him. Figured one day
that debt be paid and I would go.
ABBIE
Your still here.
JACK (VO)
Honestly, Your grandpa’s my best
friend. A lot of people in this
town are old school. Gossip and two
face. Not him. He tells it like it
is and doesn’t care.
ABBIE
Are you his best friend?
JACK (VO)
(chuckles)
Yeah, I believe I am.
Bill’s eyes tearing up as he sits with the rifle on his lap,
his eyes moving from, Sarah, to the door.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 37.
BILL
Good night, Abbie.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Jack is up, Abbie, is asleep once more. He looks back at her
with a look of wonderment.
JACK
Night.
ABBIE
(sleepily)
Night, grandpa.
Jack turns away heading for the door and leaving, Abbie to
her dreams.
A beat.
On, Abbie, just sleeping.
The low guitar plays.
EXT. MOTEL - MORNING
The motel just as the sun is rising in the morning.
The sky is still dark with a hint of blue breaking through.
The morning fog pushes its way around the motel and the
town.
It has a quite somberness to it.
A beat.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Bill is asleep in his chair, his rifle held firm in his hand
still pointed at the door.
There’s movement on the bed.
Sarah, slowly rises up keeping herself covered. She stares
around, find her clothes and slowly starts getting dressed.
Bra, Panties, shirt, pants.
She is up wobbling at first, she holds her head. A headache
coming and going.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.
BATHROOM:
She moves to the sink running the water she takes a gulp
with her hand.
She then moves splashing her face with water.
Bill slowly wakes from the sound.
He turns seeing she is awake, she is out of bed and in the
bathroom.
He stands from his chair.
Sarah wipes her face, as Bill stands up his reflection in
the mirror.
Her face goes to horror.
She turns. She yells. She screams.
She rushes at Bill, who puts down his rifle. She comes at
him, smacking him. Pushing him. Trying her hardest to get a
hit in.
He holds her, pushes her back. She continues to thrash at
him, yelling while she does it.
He grabs her hand. He turns her around. He holds her, like a
father should. Against the wall, he eases down with her as
she begins to cry.
The music eases,...
SARAH
(crying)
Why? Why are you here?
BILL
For you. I came to get my daughter.
Sarah cries, her tears pour from her face.
BILL
I’m sorry. You have to know that.
You have to.
Bill holds her close, she gives up trying to struggle and
just cries.
A beat.
39.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Abbie is awake, the sun coming through the window in just
the right way.
Abbie, yawns, stretching.
Feet on the ground she stands up. Her eyes just wander over
every inch of the room. To the dresser, with pictures and
papers on it.
Her hand glides over the dresser, her fingers barley
touching as she passes.
Abbie, stops, opening the drawers. Clothes, socks. She comes
across a photo album, something tucked under the socks.
She sits on the edge of the bed, opening it.
The cat runs around playing with a sock on the floor.
The first page is his sober coins 1 month, 1 year. The
seconded is a obituary. Ellen Dahlia Grove.
She turns the page and finds, Bill, with Sarah on his
shoulder when she was little. Several other photos of Sarah
and Bill. Ellen and Bill. Ellen and Sarah, standing by a
tree in their best dresses.
She stops finding a picture of all of them together. Bill
standing in his hunting gear, Sarah,15, and Ellen all
smiling looking happy.
INT. MOTEL ROOM - MORNING
Sarah is up her hands are shaking as she tries to light a
cigarette. She can’t and tosses it down.
SARAH
What are you doing here, Bill?
BILL
I came for you.
SARAH
Why!? I hate you or did you forget?
Bill shakes his head.
BILL
I didn’t forget. I just - I want
you to come home.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 40.
Sarah chuckles passing back and forth at the absurdity of
the idea.
SARAH
I have no home.
BILL
I know you been through a rough
time, And I know its too late to
get the time back. I’m just sorry
about how I was back than. You know
I changed. I’m different know.
Sarah scoffs reaching and trying to light another cigarette,
unable.
SARAH
(whispers)
I don’t care.
BILL
What?
SARAH
(yelling)
I don’t care! You think you coming
in here telling me you sorry for
how much of an asshole you were
going to change things?
BILL
No.
SARAH
Good, because it doesn’t.
BILL
But, I figured it was start.
Sarah puts the cigarette away. She sits on the edge of the
bed.
SARAH
I needed you years ago, I don’t
need you now!
BILL
I know it will take time, but,I
have changed, I stopped drinking,
I’m 4 years clean now.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 41.
SARAH
Bravo for you.
Sarah uses one hand to hold the cigarette the other to use
the lighter. She lights it.
Bill moves close to, Sarah, who holds her hands up not
wanting him near her.
He grabs the chair pulling it close sitting on it.
BILL
I know I made mistakes. Believe me.
I know, I hurt you, I hurt your
mom.
Bill reaches out to touch, Sarah’s, hand she draws back.
BILL
I was a good dad once, wasn’t I. I
took you to the fair, we rode that
horse. I remember, you were so
scared and excited. I picked you
up, placed you on there and your
mamma just snapped away.
Bill reaches into his pocket pulling the picture out.
BILL
I carry it with me everywhere.
Bill holds it showing the picture to, Sarah, who shrugs her
shoulders.
SARAH
What happened to you?
Sarah stands up with her cigarette.
BILL
I told you -
SARAH
You use to be a man. Now, look at
you. Your showing pictures, crying.
Why don’t you just get the fuck out
of here!?
Bill turns in his chair facing, Sarah.
BILL
I understand. When I was growing
up, maybe 8 or 9. There was this
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.
BILL (cont’d)
girl, I think 7. She was always
outside tossing rocks at her own
home. Denting the mobile home
without a care.
Bill stirs in his seat.
BILL CONTINUED
Well, one day. I’m outside and see
her just tossing rock after rock.
So, I go up to her and I say.
"Everyday I see you out here
throwing rocks, why?"
Bill has, Sarah’s, attention. He mimics picking up this rock
and throwing it.
BILL CONTINUED
Just as I ask it. She picks up a
rock tosses through the window of
the mobile home. Glass shattered.
Her daddy comes hooting and
hollering belt in his hand ready to
put that poor girl down. She looks
at me and smiles.
Bill moves to the edge of his seat.
BILL CONTINUED
She says. "Because, they only
notice me when I’m bad." that was
it. Her daddy pulled her inside and
for a moment I could hear the belt
echo as it hit her. It always got
me to wondering, maybe that’s how
life is. Maybe, sometimes we have
to be bad to get noticed.
SARAH
You don’t know me. Your not my
father!
Bill stands up.
BILL
You can hate me all you want. I’m
here and I love you. You have a
daughter who loves you. You forget
about her?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 43.
SARAH
Abbie?
BILL
She’s at the house. I’ll take you
to her, but no more of this.
Bill points to the needles.
Sarah’s eyes water.
SARAH
I thought I lost her. She wasn’t
there. I thought he took her.
BILL
They brought her to me. I’ve been
handling her. We get on pretty
good. She has Jelly Belly.
Sarah chuckles lightly through tears.
BILL
Come on. We can talk on the way.
And tonight over dinner.
Sarah nods.
Bill grabs his rifle opening the door.
Sarah walking out into the morning air, Bill follows.
INT. TRUCK - MORNING
Bill driving up the road.
Sarah arms crossed looking like an angry child in the next
seat.
Bill smiles watching her.
JACK (VO)
Welcome home, Sarah. Long time.
SARAH (VO)
Nice to see, Jack.
44.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - MORNING
The truck pulls up.
The fog still rolling off the mobile home and mud.
Bill, and, Sarah, get out heading up to the mobile home.
Jack opens the door with a huge smile.
INT. HOME - MORNING
Sarah enters looking around at how things have changed.
SARAH
Where is she?
JACK
In the room. Playing with Jelly
Belly or the cat.
Sarah moves slow heading to the room.
Bill shakes Jacks hand.
JACK
You got her, huh?
BILL
I got her home. I wanted to thank
you, Jack. Your a better friend
than I deserve.
JACK
Don’t make me all misty eyed before
I have to open the shop.
BILL
You aint late on account of me are
you?
JACK
That’s the pleasure of owning your
own shop. I can do what i want.
Jack pats, Bill on the shoulder.
BILL
I talk to you later.
Bill glances back, Sarah is moving slow through the hall.
45.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Sarah is on the bed laying down. Jelly Belly has flying
powers and is on her way to a party.
ABBIE
Jelly Belly, were going to be late.
The party starts at breakfast.
Sarah, peeks her head in watching her little girl playing
with her doll. She can’t help, but smile.
Bill comes up behind her.
BILL
(whisper)
It’s okay. Shes been waiting for
you. I told her, her mother would
be back for her.
Sarah moves forward, bill now peeking in.
SARAH
Hey, baby.
Abbie stops what she is doing, surprise all over her face.
She gets up rushing on her mom.
ABBIE
I missed you.
SARAH
I missed you too, baby. I missed
you so much.
Sarah rubs, Abbie’s head holding her tight.
Bill smiling as they both hold one another. He slowly backs
away.
CUT TO:
KITCHEN:
Bill is frying bacon, scrambling eggs. Boiling water for
grits. He sets out 3 plates, 3 cups filled with orange
juice. A little cup of coffee for himself.
He lays the food on the plates, spoons and forks next to
them.
He wipes his hands, heading to the bedroom.
The cat sitting sipping milk from a bowl happily.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 46.
BEDROOM:
SARAH
When I started school I tried to
take, Jelly Belly with me.
ABBIE
He loves school.
SARAH
I know he does, but they wouldn’t
let me take him. Teacher even wrote
a letter to your grandma, telling
her I can’t have it in school.
ABBIE
So he stayed home and waited?
SARAH
Your grandma, went to the school
storming. She had a beast inside
her. Told the teacher off, and
after that Jelly Belly was with me
everyday.
Bill knocks.
BILL
Who wants breakfast?
ABBIE
Grandpa!
Abbie jumps off the bed running over and hugging, Bill.
BILL
You hungry, little lady. I made
eggs, grits and bacon.
ABBIE
I wove bacon!
Bill chuckles.
BILL
Go on than, before it gets cold and
I have to heat it up for you.
Abbie runs to the kitchen.
BILL
And don’t feed that cat too much.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 47.
Sarah gets up from the bed, scratching her arm where the
needle marks sit.
SARAH
I want to thank you for taking care
of, Abbie, for me.
BILL
She’s my granddaughter, I do
anything for her.
SARAH
I think after breakfast were going
to be heading out.
Bill is angry at this.
BILL
Come again.
SARAH
I can’t stay here.
Bill shuts the door to the room.
BILL
You’re in trouble, you know this
right? I had a man come up here
tattoos all over. Wanting money or
wanting, Abbie.
SARAH
Big Jim?
BILL
Now, he was serious. He put a gun
to her head. This aint no life for
you or her.
SARAH
it’s the life I know.
She goes to walk past, but, Bill grabs her arm.
BILL
This could be your life. You, her,
and I, here. A family.
SARAH
I’m not having her here with you.
Not so you can disappoint her too.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 48.
BILL
Dammit, Sarah! I gave all that up.
Jack can attest. I go to church. I
volunteer. I’m not the man I once
was.
Sarah’s eyes water.
SARAH
That’s all see when I look at you.
That man. That hate I have for you.
It won’t leave.
BILL
It’ll take time, but maybe one day
you’ll feel different. Stay for a
week, and if you like it. Just stay
until you don’t.
Sarah scratches her arm again.
BILL
You need to get off that first.
SARAH
I can’t.
BILL
If this old drunk can stop
drinking, anything can be done. I’m
here for you, shes here for you.
Sarah says nothing.
BILL
You know, your mamma be proud of
that little girl. She so sweet and
beautiful like you.
Sarah nods.
Bill letting her pass.
BILL
Stay with me.
CUT TO:
KITCHEN:
There all sitting. Eating food. The sound is gone. Bill,
makes faces at happy making her laugh. A walrus, with the
spoons.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 49.
Sarah watching them trying not to smile, but unable to help
it.
They all eat.
music plays,...
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - AFTERNOON
Bill sitting in his rocking chair.
Sarah and Abbie running around the yard running after one
another. The little cat following and chasing them as well.
ABBIE
Come on, Grandpa!
Bill gets up coming after, Abbie.
Both girls laughing.
INT. TRUCK - AFTERNOON
Bill driving smiling happily. The girls sitting beside him.
A family.
Abbie clapping her hands, Sarah, just staring out the
window.
The road ahead is open.
EXT. TOWN - AFTERNOON
Bill is walking with a few bags of clothes for, Sarah, a new
doll for Abbie.
Sarah is wearing a new dress that she seems to fit well in
and likes.
EXT. CHURCH - MORNING
Bill, out his truck, Sarah, and Abbie follow. Sarah, in one
of her knew Sunday dresses, Abbie in the same.
People come up and smile at them. Some wave.
50.
INT. CHURCH - MORNING
Bill sitting with his family.
Abbie sitting on, Sarah’s lap staring at the light coming in
through the multi colored window.
Bill sitting watching them both, he is happy.
SARAH (VO)
I can’t do this! I can’t!
BILL
You can. You have it in you.
EXT. JACK’S SHOP - DUSK
Jack removing his keys from his pocket closing up shop,
locking the door for the night.
3 tough looking S.O.B’s come trolling over, one is Big Jim.
BIG JIM
Howdy.
Jack locks the door.
JACK
Howdy. Were closed for the night.
Come back tommorrow between 8 and 5
and you’ll find us open.
Big Jim smirks pointing his finger at, Jack with a look of
recongition.
BIG JIM
I know you, right?
Jack looks them all over, tattos, biker like.
JACK
Sorry, I think I would remember
meeting any of you.
BIG JIM
Wait, I know you, I’m sure of it.
JACK
I don’t think so.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 51.
BIG JIM
You’re, Bill’s, friend.
JACK
That’s right, but I’ve never met
you.
BIG JIM
I’m Jim.
Big jim punches, Jack in the face. Jack tries to hit back,
but all three of them pummel him. They take him down,
kicking him and punching him at the floor.
His hand is raised as if reaching for help where no would be
found.
The men back off.
Big Jim stands over the bloody faced, Jack.
BIG JIM
You tell papa bear that he better
meet us at that creek. If not,...
them girls going to be raped and
sold to the sleazy’s bastard we can
find.
Jack groans on the floor.
BIG JIM
We want the money or the girl.
Big Jim punches, Jack, one last time in the face before he
and his two buddies walk away laughing.
Jack on the floor spitting blood from his mouth, his eye
swollen.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Bill, is sitting with his daughter. She is shivering, but
awake.
BILL
Your doing good, sweetheart. All
that junk is leaving your body.
Soon, you’ll feel right at rain.
Sarah has tears dropping down.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 52.
SARAH
I can’t.
BILL
If I could do it, you sure as hell
can.
Sarah gives a look of curiousity.
BILL
I was a heavy drinker. I went
through this. The shakes, the
headaches, the vomit. I got it all.
Bill gestures to the closet.
BILL
You open that closet, there is a
hole in the wall that big. Jack had
to stop me from digging my head
into it.
Sarah chuckles.
BILL
You think the pain wont stop. That
nothing else could feel worse, but
it does, and there are.
Sarah’s face shows shes in pain.
BILL
I tried to find you, you know.
After I got better. After I quit
the drink.
SARAH
(weakly)
What happened?
BILL
I saw you. You were staying at some
hotel. I followed you and saw you
carrying her. She must have just
been born. I was tempted to come to
you, to tell you I was sorry than.
That I had done wrong, that I
wanted you back if not here in my
life.
Bill rubs his cheeks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 53.
BILL CONTINUED
Than, I got to second guessing
myself. Told myself you hated me
too much. That maybe you and her
were better off without me near.
Bill sees Sarah, staring at him.
BILL
I regretted it the minute I drove
away. Hell, the minute I told you
to leave. And I know, i know its
going to take time. I just wanted
you to know how glad I am your here
now.
Sarah nods.
A knock on the front door.
Bill gets up.
LIVING ROOM:
Bill passes Abbie gesturing for her to stay silent.
BILL
Whose there?
JACK
Me.
Bill opens the door, Jack, falls down inside.
BILL
Dammit, boy, what happened to you?
Abbie looks scared.
BILL
Jack’s okay, why dont you talk with
your momma before she falls asleep.
Abbie gets up and heads to the room.
Bill pulls Jack up on his feet moving him to the kitchen
table. He gets a rag with water and some ice from the fridge
and sit it on the table.
BILL
Who did this?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 54.
JACK
Same man who visited you couple
nights ago.
Bill, wraps the cloth with ice and puts it to, Jacks face.
BILL
I’m sorry, this happened to you.
JACK
I’ve been through worse.
BILL
Stay here tonight. Your face aint
that bad.
JACK
The ladies at the bar will be glad
to hear it.
BILL
(joking)
You werent that good looking to
begin with.
Bill stares at, Jack, at what they did to him. You can see a
hint of anger.
INT. BEDROOM - NIGHT
Sarah is in bed with a loss of color, freezing cold, and
sweating at the same time.
LIVING ROOM:
Jack is sitting at the dinner table with, Abbie.
ABBIE
is mommy okie?
JACK
Just the flu. Your grandpa’s going
to make her better.
ABBIE
How’s your face?
JACK
My face is just fine. What’s wrong
with yours?
Abbie touches her face as if something is wrong.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 55.
JACK
You got something, here. No, here.
Jack points all over his own face and Abbie touches her face
trying to find.
ABBIE
Nevermind.
Jack’s face looks worried.
ROOM:
Bill is swabbing his daughters head with cold water.
SARAH
I’m so cold.
BILL
I know, baby. It’ll pass like all
things pass. You just have to push
through it.
SARAH
No, I need one hit. Just one.
Sarah tries to get up out of bed, bill holding her. She
starts to fight with him.
BILL
JACK!
Jack runs in helping, bill hold her down.
SARAH
I hate you!
the sound leaves us.
Bill and Jack doing there best to stop her.
Suddenly,...
Abbie is standing there at the door.
All three stop, staring at her as she looks sad at this.
ABBIE (VO)
Is she going to die?
BILL (VO)
No, shes just sick. Those people
who she thought were her friends
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 56.
BILL (VO) (cont’d)
gave her something they shouldn’t
have. Now, she has to get sick
before she can get better.
ABBIE
I want mommy.
EXT. PORCH - NIGHT
Bill and Abbie sitting on the porch of the mobile home.
Bill wraps his arms around, Abbie.
BILL
You’ll get her back, I promise. She
needs to go through this to get
better.
ABBIE
Will she be better?
BILL
She will. And when she does. All
three of us will go hunting up
there on Bakers field. This time of
year the turkeys are spread out.
Make us a nice meal coming off
something like this. You like
turkey?
ABBIE
I guess.
Bill smiles kissing her forehead.
CUT TO:
INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Sarah is asleep.
Bill sits by the bed with an open bible reading the contents
of its pages out loud to soothe her.
ABBIE
What about that man?
BILL
What man?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 57.
ABBIE
The bad man.
Bill closes the book as, Sarah, coughs.
rubbing her head with a cloth.
EXT. PORCH - NIGHT
Bill looking worried.
BILL
Don’t worry about him. Will be left
alone. Don’t mention it to your
momma either. I’ll tell her later.
Abbie, hugs her grandfather hard as she can.
BILL
It’s getting late. Why don’t you
kiss your momma, goodnight, and
head off to bed.
Abbie gets up from the steps.
ABBIE
night, grandpa.
BILL
Night, sweetheart.
Jack comes out as Abbie is heading in.
JACK
Off to bed.
Abbie nods heading in.
Jack comes and sits next to, Bill.
JACK
Have you told her?
BILL
She knows they came here, but I
want to leave it at that.
JACK
You didn’t mention the money?
Bill shakes his head: No.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 58.
JACK
All I have is about one thousand,
the rest is tied up in that store.
BILL
I ain’t paying them.
JACK
What then? What are you going to
do, Bill?
BILL
I meet them tomorrow night, at the
creek. I’m going to have presude
them to leave her alone.
The sound of a gun clicking as it’s being loaded.
JACK
Don’t do this, Bill.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
It’s night. Everyone is sleeping.
Bill is at the kitchen table with his rifle in hand. He is
cleaning it. He is loading it. A box of shells on the table
along with various cleaning supplies.
BILL (VO)
Donnlly didnt do a Dam thing last
time and These guys aren’t messing
around as you can attest.
Bill blows into the barrel.
He uses a white cloth wiping down the old costume hunting
rifle.
JACK (VO)
What if something happens to you?
what if you don’t walk away from
them and they do.
59.
EXT. PORCH - NIGHT
Jack is staring at, Bill, with all seriousness.
BILL
That’s why I was hoping you’d stay.
Incase something does happen. I
know you would protect them as your
own.
JACK
Bill -
BILL
I’ve made up my mind.
JACK
I know what your thinking.
BILL
I aint thinking nothing.
JACK
You think doing this for her is
going make her forget? That once
it’s done she’ll compelety forgive
you?
BILL
No. I’m doing this for me. What she
said, It’s true. I was a dad to her
once. I was a good guy. I use to
despise those guys who hit their
girlfriend.
Bill doesn’t stare at, Jack in the eyes.
BILL CONTINUED
than somewhere along the lines I
became one of those guys. I drink a
little, I get happy and somewhere
between that 8th bottle and the
shot of vodka I got angry. I became
the person I hated. Nothing good
ever came of drinking. I need to do
this for me. To prove I can still
be a father and protect my girls.
If a man can’t protect his family
what kind of man is he?
Jack doesn’t answer.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 60.
BILL
He aint no kind of man. I have a
glock 17 in the closet behind the
bottles. When the time comes, if it
comes you get it and you use it.
JACK
I can’t let you -
BILL
promise me, you’ll protect my girls
if I can’t.
Jack is hesitant.
JACK
I promise.
BILL
Good boy.
Jack smiles.
Bill gets up to go inside.
JACK
It wasn’t all bad, you saved me.
BILL
If I didn’t help you somebody else
would of.
JACK
Nobody would’ve. You were my
guardian angel that night.
BILL
And you’ve been mine ever since.
Bill pats, Jack, as he passes.
INT. KITCHEN - NIGHT
Bill gets up from the table. Grabs the bullets and heads out
of the kitchen.
LIVING ROOM:
He goes to the closet laying his gun inside and the bullets
in the pocket of his jacket.
61.
EXT. PORCH - MORNING
Abbie is dressed and so is Jack, both heading to the truck.
Bill, stands on the porch watching them.
ABBIE
You’re not coming, grandpa?
BILL
Maybe next time. You be good for,
Jack.
Jack and Abbie get in the truck, engine on, he pulls out and
drives away.
Bill heads down the steps.
EXT. FOREST - MORNING
Bill walks through the forest, past tree after tree, branch
after branch.
He moves past a big log stepping over it.
He walks, he walks. He walks.
The trees get thinner and spread out as he comes to an
opening.
The creek. The large boggy creek.
A road leading up to it.
He stares around, its as empty as can be.
SARAH (VO)
What are you doing, Bill.
BILL
Checking up on you, I reckon.
SARAH (VO)
You know what I mean. Sending,
Abbie off with, Jack.
BILL
I thought she deserved a day out. I
figure I stay here with you, make
sure you get better.
Bill heads down to the water, bends down splashes his hands
in it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 62.
SARAH
That all?
BILL
I also thought we could talk.
Bill stares out into the water nodding as if knowing this is
it.
SARAH
Go on.
INT. BEDROOM - MORNING
Sarah is sitting up looking weak, a bowl of soup in her
hand. Bill on the edge of the bed.
BILL
Whose is, Big Jim to you?
Sarah looks at her father with anger.
SARAH
I don’t want to talk about that.
BILL
He put a gun to that little girls
head. He said he’s coming back, I
need to know.
SARAH
He handles the money. People pay
me, I do my thing and I give him
half.
BILL
He’s a pimp?
Sarah nods?
BILL
He’s not her dad is he?
SARAH
(scoffs)
No, Gillian is.
BILL
Where’s he?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 63.
SARAH
Look, after I left here. Me and
Gillian were just fine. Money was
tight, but we handle it.
BILL
That’s when the drugs came in?
SARAH
It started out as nothing. It just
snowballed on us. I had, Abbie, we
needed money. It was just me and
Gillian, but he owed a debt to,
Jim. Gillian gave me to Big Jim.
Bill looks horrifed.
BILL
Why didnt you run away?
SARAH
Said they would kill her, or sell
her. I was stuck in a hard place. I
was hooked and couldn’t think
straight.
Bill nods.
BILL
I know you’re tired of hearing it.
But, I’ve always, um.
SARAH
I know, Bill.
Bill looks sad at his name being said.
He gets up from the bed heading toward the door.
BILL
I’ll fix you something to eat.
Bill stops hesitant and turns around.
BILL
I left you something in the hall
closet. Something for later.
SARAH
Where you going?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 64.
BILL
Make you soup, have you forgotten
already?
Sarah smiles weakly turning over on her side shivering a
little.
EXT. PORCH - MORNING
Bill rocking back and forth, writing on a piece of paper.
Words we cannot see just yet.
He finishes his writing, and folds the piece of paper.
He folds it and places it into an envelope.
Bill lingers for a moment in thought.
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Bill heads through the kitchen up to the hall where the
closet is.
He opens it and places the envelope on top of the chest
shutting it. He grabs the Jacket with the bullets in it and
the rifle.
He opens the front door and sits them both outside.
He stares out for a bit.
The music plays again.
INT. PORCH - MORNING
Bill staring out from his door, he sees nothing shutting it.
EXT. FAIR - AFTERNOON
Jack and Abbie running through the fair.
A set of balloons float off into the sky, let go by a crying
child.
Jack with his messed up eye, trying to shoot for a balloon
with a dart.
He wins getting, Abbie a panda bear.
Abbie is happy and dancing excitedly.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 65.
Jack is smiling.
They are riding the merry go round.
they are high up.
BILL (VO)
Here’s eat all of it.
INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Bill handing, Sarah, the soup. She is sitting up in bed, the
bowl on a tray.
Sarah sips the soup off the spoon.
EXT. FAIRGROUND - AFTERNOON
Jack and Abbie watching a clown build ballon animals.
BILL
You see how important it is for you
get to better?
SARAH
Of course, I do.
BILL
That little girl thinks the world
of you. How you use to think of me.
SARAH
I’m tired of these talks, Bill.
BILL
This is the last one I promise.
INT. BEDROOM - AFTERNOON
Sarah lays down her spoon, staring with frustration at,
Bill.
BILL
Fist time I saw her I knew she was
you. I knew she was part of me.
Here she was this girl dirt up to
her ears, but she was the spitting
image of my little girl.
Sarah shakes her head.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 66.
SARAH
Stop it.
BILL
What I mean to say is. I don’t want
all this to be for nothing. I want
you and, Abbie, to be okay.
SARAH
Were staying here for a while
anyway, isn’t that what you wanted?
BILL
It was. Now, I just want you two to
be okay.
EXT. FAIRGROUND - DUSK
Abbie walking eating cotton candy.
Jack steals some from her, laughing as she pulls away.
SARAH (VO)
Were okay.
BILL (VO)
Good. I don’t want you to fall hard
like this. You two are all I have
in the world, your all that
matters.
Abbie stops staring up at the fireworks being shot off.
BILL (VO)
I use to sit up nights,
wondering where you were. If you
still loved cherry pie, if you
missed Jelly Belly.
SARAH
I was 18.
BILL
Still, they were my thoughts and
they comforted me. I just.
67.
INT. BEDROOM - DUSK
Bill is holding, Sarah’s hand. She does not turn away from
him, she just stares.
BILL
I want you to know I regret every
moment spent away from you. I
regret ever minute I hurt you or
your momma. But, I never ever will
regret a moment spent with you,
good or bad.
SARAH
I did yell alot.
BILL
I don’t care, I deserved it. I
still deserve it. Heck, you got
that mean right hook in the motel.
Your momma had that.
SARAH
did she?
BILL
Put me in my place more than once
she did. Your just like her, so
like her.
Bill eyes water.
SARAH
The soups good.
BILL
Yeah, my specialty. You get better
there is a cherry pie in the oven
if you want.
SARAH
I do.
both smile.
a beat.
68.
INT. TRUCK - DUSK
Jack is pulling up to the mobile home.
Abbie is asleep.
Bill comes out of the home.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - DUSK
Bill comes over, Jack holding, Abbie in his arms.
BILL
How was she?
JACK
Best little girl I ever had the
pleasure of taking care of. Never
been to the fair before, she had a
hell of a time.
Bill is glad to hear it.
BILL
Thanks, Jack. You ready?
Jack nods.
JACK
Are you sure, Bill?
BILL
I have to protect my family.
INT. BEDROOM - DUSK
Bill comes into the bedroom, Sarah looking at him.
BILL
She’s all tuckered out. Had a blast
at the fair.
Sarah looks at her daughter with love.
Bill lays, Abbie, next to her mother.
BILL
Let her sleep with you tonight.
Might help you feel better in the
morning waking up to her smiling
face.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 69.
SARAH
I will.
Bill rubs, Abbie’s head, kissing her forehead.
BILL
I love you, sweetheart.
Sarah watches her father as he starts to walk out of the
room.
BILL
I got to run some errands, nothing
to big. Jack is going to stay the
night over, just incase you need
something.
SARAH
Can’t they wait till morning?
BILL
Not this errand. It’s gots to be
done tonight. I love you, baby girl
Bill doesn’t wait for acknowledgment, he leaves the room.
LIVING ROOM:
Jack holding the rifle in his hand.
JACK
It’s almost 8.
BILL
Thank you, again. Take care of
them.
JACK
Hurry, back, Bill, you got a family
waiting for you.
Jack hugs bill, backing up and handing him his gun and
Jacket.
Bill nods.
EXT FOREST - NIGHT
The sun has almost vanished in the night sky. Darkness is
taking its toll across the land.
Bill pushes his way through the forest, past the fallen log
on the ground. He moves forward.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 70.
He eases hearing a car pulling up ahead.
He takes a knee, watching seeing.
Two men exit the truck guns in their hands. They move down
from the road and onto the creek.
Bill takes a deep breath.
BILL
(whisper)
For the family.
Bill stands up scurries out of the forest with his rifle
pointed at Gillian and Mark, Big Jim is no where to be seen.
Both men stop at the shore of the creek holding their guns
up when they see, Bill.
Bill’s Rifle points straight at, Gillian.
MARK
Where’s the money old man!?
GILLIAN
He didn’t bring it, I told Jim,
this hillbilly didnt have it.
BILL
Where is Big Jim?
GILLIAN
Do you think I would let you steal
her away from me?
BILL
Where is he?
MARK
It occured to us you might not
bring the money and when we heard
you found your daughter. We knew
you wouldn’t. So, we meet you here
and Big Jim meets your daughter.
Bill looks worried.
GILLIAN
Don’t worry, Bill. He’ll be real
nice to her.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 71.
BILL
How could you! She loved you.
Gillian rolls his eyes.
GILLIAN
Can we finish this.
Several shots sound off in the distance.
MARK
That was quick.
Bill holds tight to his gun, Mark and Gillian hold tight to
there’s.
They hold tight.
BAM!
Bill shoots, Gillian in the arm causing his to fall to the
floor from the shot.
Mark shoots hitting, Bill in the right side of his stomach.
Bill takes another shot, in the head of Mark.
Bill fumbles back, his back against a tree.
BILL
Please, God.
Bill looks at his hand covered in blood. His shirt and
jacket slowly being turned red every time it touches the
blood.
Bill looks at the two bodies. He takes a breath heading into
the forest.
Gillian eases up from the ground, his shoulder shot.
He grabs a gun and heads after, Bill.
EXT FOREST - NIGHT
Bill stumbling through the forest. He stops, checking his
wound again.
His rifle held firm.
He starts to walk again, shots are fired ahead.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 72.
BILL
I’m coming.
Bill walks forward.
BAM!
The tree beside him is shot. He falls in shock, pointing his
rifle up quickly.
The bullets fall from his pocket. He looks through the
scope, seeing, Gillian, moving he fires!
Bam!
The bullet richohets off a tree.
GILLIAN
Come on, old man, just give up!
Bill has to reload his gun, he searches his pocket, but the
bullets are gone. Spread across the floor beneath him
He finds one, quickly reloading his gun.
Gillian comes up to him with his pointed.
He shakes his head with a slick smile, the I won smile.
Bill finishes loading his gun and fires.
Gillian stumbles back and forth. The shot hit him square in
his chest.
He falls dead.
Bill catches his breath, he eases up off the ground.
Another shot rings up ahead. He reaches grabbing the handgun
from Gillian’s dead hand.
BILL
Should of left it alone.
Bill grabs the handgun, holding it up firm in his hand he
moves forward past the tree stump.
He continues to stumble to slowly lose more blood from his
wound to his side. The uneven movement is not helping.
the guitar slowly plays in the background.
As he falls to the ground.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 73.
BILL
Abbie, Sarah.
Bill strains standing up, gun again pointed forward.
One last breath, before heading forward.
The trees begin to ease out, he is coming out of it. He sees
the light of his mobile home.
Movement on his porch, a man standing in his yard.
BIG JIM
See did I want to do that.
Bill comes out of the forest.
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - NIGHT
Sarah is on the porch looking sick as a dog. Her color is
gone and she is shivering.
Jack is laying on the floor not moving.
Big Jim is in the yard, holding, Abbie a gun to her head.
SARAH
Stop it. I’ll go!
Bill fires a shot into the air.
Big Jim turns around facing him with surprise on his face,
surprise that vanish to anger.
BILL
You look a little surprised to see
me.
BIG JIM
Papa bear, you done and yourself
shot.
BILL
So did your boys.
Abbie has tears running.
BILL
You okay, sweetheart?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 74.
BIG JIM
She’s fine. Where’s my money?
BILL
Back there, gave it to your
friends.
A beat.
Big Jim smirks knowing what’s coming, knowing what came to
his friends.
BIG JIM
You know what she told me about
you? You were a drunk, you were
mean. You beat her and your wife in
those drunken nights.
Bill smirks.
BIG JIM
Why now? Why change now, just give
me the girl!
BILL
Shes my daughter.
Both Bill and Big Jim point their guns at each other, both
staring each other down.
Bam! BAM!
Two shots fired at the same time.
Big Jim winces falling back, blood squirting out of his
mouth.
Bill falls to his knees, Abbie running over to him tears
falling.
She hugs him.
ABBIE
Grandpa!? you okay?
BILL
(weakly)
He got, Jack?
Sarah is bending down smacking, Jack awake.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 75.
JACK
That hurts like hell.
He raises a shot in his arm.
JACK
Bill!?
Jack gets up and runs to Bill. Sarah comes over just as Bill
eases back and falls.
Sarah catches him in her arms sitting with him.
ABBIE
Grandpa?
BILL
I’m okay, sweetheart.
Bill rubs, Abbie’s face with his clean hand.
BILL
Maybe you should call the law now.
And maybe an ambulance while your
at it.
JACK
Keep him awake!
Jack runs into the house holding his shot arm.
SARAH
I’m sorry this had to happen. I’m
sorry, dad.
Bill smiles as the word he wanted to hear comes from her
mouth.
BILL
Don’t be. Did you get what I left
you in the closet?
Sarah shakes her head.
BILL
Go, go get it.
SARAH
Dad?
BILL
It’s all right, go.
Sarah lays him down and goes into the house.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 76.
Bill looks at Abbie.
BILL
Don’t cry. You have to be strong
now. You know I love you don’t you?
Abbie shakes her head, laying her head on, Bills chest.
INT. CLOSET - NIGHT
Sarah is holding a letter.
LAST WILL:
She covers her mouth, slowly opening the letter.
KITCHEN:
Jack hangs up the phone with 911.
JACK
There on their way.
Jack goes to the door looking out at his friend.
Sarah opens the letter, she reads it.
BILL (VO)
It’s not my intention to lie to
you. I’ve been sorry for a long
time for the things I’ve done. I
found you not long after I was
clean, came to bring you home. But,
I saw you and you seemed happy. So
I let you go. I thought, maybe you
were better off without me.
CUT TO:
EXT. OUTSIDE HOME - NIGHT
Jack is outside, pulling Abbie away from, Bill.
Sarah rushes over dropping the letter on the ground.
She falls to the floor picking, Bill up and hugging him the
best she can.
BILL (VO)
I was wrong. I always knew you
deserved better. I hope these past
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 77.
BILL (VO) (cont’d)
few days will give you one fond
memory of me. And I didnt do this
to carry favor with you or God. I
did it because I’m your father
believe it or not, and I needed to
protect my little girl.
Sarah is crying over her father as red and blue lights come
closer and closer.
BILL (VO)
Jack will help you. He’ll aid you
until you get on your feet. I have
an my account enough money to help
you two out. Tell Abbie, I love
her. I love you. Your momma use to
say, I dreamed of a blue sky while
she dreamed of a bright moon. It’s
funny cause she died in the morning
and If your reading this, I did at
night. I love you, I always do.
Sarah is yelling at her dad who has blood all over his
shirt. Abbie is in, Jacks arms crying on his shoulder.
The lights are so close now.
The look on, Sarah’s face as the E.M.Ts come over to aid.
FADE OUT:
The gutiar fills our ears.
INT. CEMATARY - AFTERNOON
Abbie, Sarah, and Jack stand over a grave. Sarah, lying
flowers on it.
We hear a truck pulling in, a door slam shut.
Abbie turns.
ABBIE
Grandpa!
She runs.
BLACK:
(CONTINUED)
Pete Hudson's Film and T.V. Scripts 