Saturn's Rings

Saturn's Rings

Written by Grace Mann and Thomas Best

EXT. NATURE - SUNRISE

MERONE sits in her car, driving at sunrise, harmonizing to “Fun Girl”.

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH - MORNING

MERONE’S DAD sits on stage, delivering his sermon.

MERONE’S DAD

So, then what are we? Nothing. We are nothing. You’re scaring us, pastor. I know, but have you ever seen an atom? It’s just a bunch of electrons circling around the nucleus, like magic, like space. There’s nothing holding them there but a perfect force. So then what are we? Literally nothing. You like that one? My wife warned me 11am might be a little too early for the existentialism. But what God says-

CUT TO:

INT. CHURCH - MORNING

Merone hugs her pastor father by the door when church is over, as people flood out. Merone walks out the door of the church and down the steps to the corner.

MERONE

Love you, papa.

MERONE’S DAD

Are you headed to work?

MERONE

Yeah.

MERONE’S DAD

Be safe!

MERONE

I will.

MERONE’S DAD

Love you.

MERONE

Love you, too.

MERONE’S DAD

Hey, Merone, wait a second.

Merone’s Dad runs down the steps to her.

MERONE

What?

Merone’s Dad puts a hand on her back and a hand on her shoulder, readjusts her posture.

MERONE’S DAD

If you stick your shoulders back and chest up, you look a lot more confident. That’s my girl!

He playfully punches her arm then runs back up the steps. Merone lets go of her posture, then readjusts as she walks up the street to the restaurant she delivers for.

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT - NOON

Merone enters, takes her jacket off, lays it on the counter, and uncaps the soda machine. DAISY, her boss, stands behind the counter, putting her hair up.

DAISY

Merone.

MERONE

Daisy.

DAISY

Move your jacket.

MERONE

Sorry.

Merone picks up her jacket and hangs it over a chair in the restaurant. Daisy sets her jacket down in the same place.

CUT TO:

EXT. HANDSY GUY’S - EVENING

HANDSY GUY, MOUTHY GUY, and AVERAGE GUY sit, beers in hand, in Handsy Guy’s driveway. Merone approaches with several small bags of food.

MERONE

You guys order Chinese?

AVERAGE GUY

Yeah, there’s three of us.

MERONE

Awesome, I just need you to sign these.

HANDSY GUY

Will do... You can go ahead and set that down over there.

Merone walks over to a chair in the driveway, sets down the food bags while the men watch her. She walks back over, noticing Handsy Guy’s gaze, pulling her shirt down to cover herself.

MERONE

Alright, I’ve got the Triple Delicacy?

MOUTHY GUY

That’s me, honey.

Merone hands Mouthy Guy his ticket.

MERONE

Shrimp for Mr.Bait and Tackle.

Merone hands a ticket to Handsy Guy.

HANDSY GUY

(smiles)

You remembered.

Merone sticks out the last ticket to Average Guy.

MERONE

Guess that makes you Lo Mein.

AVERAGE GUY

Yes it does. That smells great.

MERONE

Well, I’m glad, anything else I can get you guys? Menu?-

Handsy Guy rests his hand on Merone’s lower back, she steps away immediately.

HANDSY GUY

Uh, you think I could get a pair’a those chopsticks you got there, real skinny ones?

The men laugh. Merone grabs a pair of chopsticks from her bag and tosses them into Handsy Guy’s lap.

MOUTHY GUY

(jokingly surprised)

Bad service.

MERONE

Bad joke. Don’t ever touch me again.

Merone takes their tickets and walks back to her car.

MOUTHY GUY

Aw, she’s upset!

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CAR - NIGHT

Merone gets into her car, sits in anger, but examines her steering wheel. The diamond accent on it’s cover sparkles over the door. She sticks her hand under the sparkles. Daisy calls her, and she answers.

DAISY

You know Potomac Avenue?

MERONE

Yeah he just grabbed my ass.

DAISY

He touched you?

MERONE

Yes.

DAISY

Where?

MERONE

My ass, Daisy.

DAISY

No, which house?

MERONE

Potomac Avenue. Order 37.

DAISY

Yeah, you forgot their drinks.

Merone looks into her passenger seat, sees three bottles of soda.

MERONE

I’m not going back there, Daisy.

DAISY

They’ll tip you nice.

MERONE

Then *you* can take them their soda.

DAISY

It’s a Friday, Merone, I’m busy, you know? Just bring them the drinks. They tip great.

Daisy hangs up.

MERONE

(screams)

Fuck you!

CUT TO:

EXT. HANDSY GUY’S - NIGHT

Merone walks down the driveway and brings the drinks to the men.

HANDSY GUY

Well look who it is!

She walks up and puts the drinks down next to Handsy Guy.

HANDSY GUY

You almost forgot your tip!

Handsy Guy hands Merone five dollars.

MERONE

Thanks so much-

HANDSY GUY

Now, hold on-

Handsy Guy puts his hand on Merone’s leg.

HANDSY GUY

Do I get a kiss or is that not included?

The men laugh.

MERONE

This?

Merone takes his hand off of her leg and puts it on his wallet.

MERONE

Is already running you ten more.

Merone places her hand out obnoxiously in Handsy Guy’s face. Mouthy Guy and Average Guy laugh at Handsy Guy. Handsy guy smiles, takes a twenty from his wallet and puts it in her hand. She pulls it away and walks back to her car.

DAISY (V.O.)

Who tipped you twenty dollars?

MERONE (V.O.)

The pervy guy.

DAISY (V.O.)

Purty?

MERONE (V.O.)

Pervy. Creepy. Gross. Sick.

DAISY (V.O.)

See, I told you. Tips great.

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON

Merone and Daisy stand behind the counter. Daisy is crunching numbers, it’s the end of Merone’s shift.

MERONE

I’m never delivering there again, don’t expect me to.

DAISY

Some men are gonna ask you to bend over backward, and some are just plain gonna ask you to bend over.

And when they come just to see *us*, you let him look, you get good money.

Daisy looks at Merone’s butt, taps it with her tickets.

DAISY

Looks good.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD KITCHEN - AFTERNOON

ARIZONA stands at the kitchen island, hand-sewing the strap of her corset back on. ARIZONA’S MOM stands on the other side of the pass-through, with a glass of wine in her hand.

ARIZONA’S MOM

I see that you decided against my advice?

ARIZONA

(not listening)

Huh?

ARIZONA’S MOM

The armpit hair, Arizona? Are you listening?

ARIZONA

Yeah.

ARIZONA’S MOM

Think about your future husband, how-

ARIZONA

Or wife.

ARIZONA’S MOM

Jesus Christ. How will this affect him? You think anyone looking for a young, single female is going to want to stare at that for the rest of their life?

ARIZONA

Mom. Don’t you want me to end up with someone who loves me for me? No matter what?

ARIZONA’S MOM

Yes, that’s not what I’m saying-

ARIZONA

Yeah, you’re saying a lot of bullshit that doesn’t mesh with the feminist act you’re always feeding me.

ARIZONA’S MOM

Excuse me? Arizona. Look at me.

Arizona looks at her mother.

ARIZONA’S MOM

I am a feminist.

ARIZONA

You’re tearing me down. You’re putting me down-

ARIZONA’S MOM

No-

ARIZONA

Right here, in your own kitchen.

ARIZONA’S MOM

No I am not, I’m trying to help you. Doesn’t it bother you?

ARIZONA

It bothers me that I have defend my fucking armpits to my mother.

ARIZONA’S MOM

Don’t refer to me as, “mother”. Would it kill you to shave it?

ARIZONA

Would it kill you to put the glass down?

ARIZONA’S MOM

What did you say?

ARIZONA

I said it’s 11am. I’m not talking to you anymore.

ARIZONA’S MOM

You bet you’re not talking to me. You’re not saying another word. Have you eaten at all today?

ARIZONA

What?

ARIZONA’S MOM

Anything? That’s what I thought. Stay out of what I’m eatin’ and drinking and worry about yourself.

Arizona’s Mom walks away. Arizona walks back to her room with corset in tow. She closes the door and looks at herself in the mirror. She takes her shirt off, revealing a sexy, black get-up. She puts the corset on and picks up her cat. She takes photos of herself holding her cat in the mirror. She lets the cat out of the room and turns around to reveal ROMAN in her bed. She climbs on top of him.

CUT TO:

INT. ROMAN’S CAR - AFTERNOON

Arizona sits in the back of a car with sunglasses on. Merone gets in.

ROMAN (V.O.)

So you both were friends with him, then?

MERONE (V.O.)

Yeah.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Were.

MERONE (V.O.)

Arizona.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Were.

Arizona unfolds another pair of sunglasses and hands them to Merone, without looking at her. Merone puts them on, looks out the window. Arizona smirks.

ARIZONA

You’re wearing a rainbow dress to his funeral?

Merone giggles. The car pulls away.

ROMAN (V.O.)

How did you guys meet?

MERONE (V.O.)

Well through Sam, actually.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Through our shared trauma of his emotional and psychological abuse.

MERONE (V.O.)

*Arizona*.

CUT TO:

INT. FUNERAL HOME - AFTERNOON

Arizona, Merone, and Roman stand around the food table at SAM’s funeral. They parse through, grabbing and eating snacks.

ROMAN

Oh?

ARIZONA

He tried to convince her he was in love with her, but also let her know he was just as equally in love with..

Arizona points to the RED HEAD across the room.

ARIZONA

The red head, over there.

MERONE

Yeah, while crying to me in my car every night for three months, cutting off all my friends and family for me, subliminally convincing me that I was the only one that could save him and inevitably, which-what’s your name?

ROMAN

Roman.

MERONE

Which was rich, Roman, because at the same time,

(to Arizona)

so was she.

ROMAN

The only one who could save him?

ARIZONA

She believed, as did I, that she was the only thing keeping him alive.

MERONE

The water was murky, Roman. I was confused. He was so sad. He says he loves me. I had loved him for five years. But at the same time he says he loves me, trips are taken to California to see red head. Meanwhile I was sent videos of him making himself puke.

ROMAN

Euk-

MERONE

My thoughts exactly, Roman. I came running anytime the boy cried wolf. I was there. I was empty, though. I didn’t even know it. I didn’t even know this was unhealthy. I thought we were good friends or something.

ARIZONA

And then he started dating me.

MERONE

And then he started dating her.

ARIZONA

Same story. The morning of my twenty-second birthday, guess who’s bed he was in?

MERONE AND ARIZONA

The red head’s.

ARIZONA

Exactly.

MERONE

Yeah, and when she was upset about that-.. what did he say?

ARIZONA

“I guess I’m just like all the awful men that have hurt you, right?”

MERONE

Right.

ARIZONA

That night he told me he was going to hurt himself and so I called his mom, then he blamed it on me while I was in the psychiatric ward trying to remove him from my conscience. When I got out, guess what he did. Guess, Roman. Guess.

ROMAN

Asked you to have a threesome with the red head?

Merone chokes on her drink, laughing.

MERONE

I love him.

ARIZONA

He started stalking me. He started waiting for me places and driving letters to my house.

ROMAN

What did the letters say?

ARIZONA

The most notable? Probably when he scratched out the address and wrote “IMISSYOUVILLE” in all capital letters, “the land of pain and sorrow.” That was my personal favorite part.

ROMAN

Mm.

MERONE

Yeah, so just, peak mental breakdown.

ARIZONA

Her, too. Neither of us knew how weird this was until we started talking one night at a party, and lone behold, Roman-

ROMAN

The red head?

MERONE

So we escaped.

ROMAN

And he ended up, just?

ARIZONA

Killing himself.

CUT TO:

EXT. GRAVEYARD - AFTERNOON

Merone and Arizona watch as SAM’s coffin is placed into the ground. Arizona is wearing her sunglasses, a tear falls from her face. Roman notices this, leans in to her ear.

ROMAN

I’ll go grab the car.

Roman walks away.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Arizona stands with ex-boyfriend, Sam, on the sidewalk, locking the car. ROBBER walks up between the cars.

ROBBER

Empty your pockets!

Sam runs away, while the Robber grabs Arizona and puts a gun to her ribcage.

ROBBER

Where’s your money?

Sam walks into the stairwell of their building, realizes Arizona isn’t with him. He looks out at the street for her, hiding behind the wall.

SAM

Arizona! Arizona!

ROBBER

Just give me what you have.

ARIZONA

Th-the bag.

The Robber rips the bag off of her and runs away. Arizona stands, paralyzed.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Boys.

MERONE (V.O.)

This is why we need men, AZ.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

I need a woman.

MERONE (V.O.)

How’s that going?

ARIZONA (V.O.)

I’m just left to believe I’m too cool for them-

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

EXT. GRAVEYARD - AFTERNOON

Merone and Arizona walk back to the car.

ARIZONA

Men actually think we’re stupid. Men actually think our emotions are a weakness. Do you understand that?

MERONE

(sarcastically)

Not all men, Arizona-

ARIZONA

Stop.

MERONE

I wonder if men knew that we only allow them to believe that they’re smarter than us and that that’s the actual power of a woman, if they would even have the capacity to adopt our process and out-think us. Because I don’t think so, Arizona.

ARIZONA

Well no, obviously. But I think that most women don’t even know their power.

MERONE

I didn’t until I met you.

ARIZONA

Right but then I showed you. I showed you, and now you can do anything, or at least you know you can do anything... speaking of which...

MERONE

Yes?

ARIZONA

I’ve been thinking about becoming a sugar-baby. What do you think?

MERONE

Like selling your body to old men?

ARIZONA

Well that’s a very limited view-

MERONE

What would you be doing?

ARIZONA

I don’t know, selling my body to old men?

MERONE

Right-

ARIZONA

Dates, exchanging explicit photos, I don’t know-

MERONE

Sex?

ARIZONA

Maybe sex.

MERONE

I’d do it if it didn’t involve sex.

ARIZONA

You would?

MERONE

Well, sure.

ARIZONA

I know you don’t have a lot of experience with sex, but the stuff we’d do wouldn’t have to involve it if you didn’t want it to.

MERONE

(sarcastic)

We tag team old men.

ARIZONA

How so?

MERONE

Like you’re the dom, I’m just starting out, I’m learning, you’re teaching me-

ARIZONA

Oh my God-

MERONE

“Wait, how did you suck it again?”

ARIZONA

Merie...

Arizona stops, Merone after her.

ARIZONA

Would you?

MERONE

I mean... maybe-I mean, yeah.

ARIZONA

(complementary)

You’d ruin my business.

MERONE

Do you have any yet?

ARIZONA

I’ve gotten some messages.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. BUS - AFTERNOON

Little Merone sits on the bus with DANIELLE.

DANIELLE

Merone, my mom found the note you gave me in my book-bag this morning.

LITTLE MERONE

What note?

DANIELLE

The one about Ava.

LITTLE MERONE

Your mom read it?

DANIELLE

Yeah. I think she’s gonna call your mom.

LITTLE MERONE

And my dad?

DANIELLE

She only knows your mom.

LITTLE MERONE

Okay.

DANIELLE

I told her that it was just a joke.

LITTLE MERONE

It was.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S HOME - AFTERNOON

Little Merone sits on the steps, waiting, talking to thin air.

LITTLE MERONE

It was just a joke.

Merone’s Mom brushes her hair in the bathroom.

MERONE’S MOM

Merone, is that you?

LITTLE MERONE

Yes?

MERONE’S MOM

Come here for a second.

Merone’s Mom’s hands shake with anxiety, holding a flat iron and a brush. She puts down the flat iron. Little Merone slowly walks up the steps, almost folded over, no posture.

LITTLE MERONE

What are you doing?

Merone’s Mom puts the brush down, looks at Little Merone. Little Merone can see that her mother has been crying.

LITTLE MERONE

Are you okay?

MERONE’S MOM

I’m just drying my hair.

LITTLE MERONE

(convincing)

You look pretty, mommy. You really do.

MERONE’S MOM

Did Danielle talk to you today?

LITTLE MERONE

Danielle who?

MERONE’S MOM

Danielle Pierce.

LITTLE MERONE

No.

Merone’s Mom unplugs the hair dryer, avoiding looking at Little Merone.

MERONE’S MOM

Miss Pierce called me and told me about a note you gave Danielle. I need to talk to you about it.

Merone’s mouth quivers.

MERONE’S MOM

You don’t know what sex is, do you?

LITTLE MERONE

What? No.

MERONE’S MOM

The note you wrote said that you had sex with Ava.

LITTLE MERONE

Oh, that was just a joke. I was just kidding-

MERONE’S MOM

Are you sure?

LITTLE MERONE

It’s a joke.

MERONE’S MOM

Did you have sex with Ava?

LITTLE MERONE

No.

MERONE’S MOM

Do you know what sex is?

LITTLE MERONE

No.

Merone’s Mom starts playing with her hair, avoiding Little Merone.

MERONE’S MOM

Okay. Well, Miss Pierce isn’t mad. She just wanted to know about it. Okay?

LITTLE MERONE

Okay.

MERONE’S MOM

But we don’t want you guys to talk about things like that anymore, okay? It’s inappropriate.

LITTLE MERONE

Okay.

Little Merone walks away, slumped, defeated. She walks down the steps.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S HOME - NIGHT

Merone walks down the steps, adjusts her posture at the sound of her father’s voice. She walks down the hall with a pad showing through the back of her pants. She enters the kitchen where Merone’s Dad and MERONE’S MOM converse at the island.

MERONE

(to her mother)

What’s wrong?

MERONE’S MOM

I just feel woozy.

MERONE’S DAD

If you have a UTI, those should help.

MERONE

Arizona said cranberry pills are the best thing to help vaginas rebalance their Ph.

Merone takes a cranberry pill with her mother. Merone’s Dad looks at Merone.

MERONE’S DAD

What do you need those for?

MERONE

I have a vagina.

MERONE’S DAD

You’re not even supposed to know that’s there.

Merone drinks water.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

What a fucking idiot.

CUT TO:

EXT. MAIN STREET - MORNING

Merone and Arizona walk along the street.

MERONE

Then he just stopped me-

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Merone’s father spins her around to look at the back of her pants as the group of visible invisible AUDIENCE watches.

MERONE (V.O.))

-and spun me around in front of the room of invisible people I always feel watching me, and heavily laughed that he could see my pad through my pants-and I just don’t want to live there anymore.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

EXT. MAIN STREET - MORNING

Merone and Arizona walk along the street as Arizona shakes her head.

ARIZONA

Ew. Merie. Maybe he shouldn’t live anymore in general.

Merone sees a group of men walking. One of them watches her. She arches her back, sticking her chest out, noticeably walking with more confidence. She woo’s him with her eyes.

ARIZONA

You can live with me.

The girls walk into the corner store.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. CANDY STORE CURB - DAY

Arizona’s Mom talks to Little Arizona outside of the Candy Store that is conveniently placed next to the liquor store. Arizona’s Mom hands Little Arizona a few bucks.

ARIZONA’S MOM

You can get two different candies, okay? I’ll meet you back out front. Sound good?

LITTLE ARIZONA

Yes.

CUT TO:

INT. CANDY STORE - DAY

Little Arizona walks up to a wall of candy. She see’s her favorite and immediately grabs two pieces of it.

ARIZONA’S MOM (V.O.)

Two different pieces.

Little Arizona gets nervous about picking two of the same candy.

ARIZONA’S MOM (V.O.)

Different pieces.

Little Arizona puts one of her candies back, and grabs a different candy.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S BEDROOM - NIGHT

Merone sits in a chair, typing their thoughts on to a laptop, while Arizona sticks stickers on her walls.

MERONE

Jim said he’s looking for a long-lasting arrangement.

ARIZONA

Next. Dates and quickies, what do we have for dates and quickies-oh, and feet! Where are we on feet?

MERONE

There are no obvious foot-lovers from what I can tell, so sorry to relay, but Nightmare guy-

ARIZONA

Nightmare_89?

MERONE

Yup-he wants to know what we’re looking for.

ARIZONA

What we’re looking for? What we’re looking for.... What are we looking for?

MERONE

That’s what Nightmare_89 wants to know.

ARIZONA

A daddy to spoil us because we’ve been very good girls.

MERONE

(smiling)

Stop.

The laptop dings.

ARIZONA

Did I just hear a ding?

MERONE

Jim saying goodbye.

ARIZONA

What the hell, Jim? What do we get for being honest with these men?

Arizona stands on her bed, places the last star sticker on the ceiling. She jumps off her bed, turns the lights out, revealing glow in the dark stars all around her room. She sits down next to Merone on the floor.

MERONE

Wow.

ARIZONA

I was thinking about you moving out, and I’d be down whenever you are. We could just escape, you know? We’ve done it before. This time *I’ll* pick *you* up in the middle of the night... and we can go anywhere. We can go to California, we could go to New York... anything.

MERONE

I wanna go to Saturn.

ARIZONA

Saturn?

Merone points to the glow in the dark planet on the roof.

MERONE

Saturn is the farthest planet from us discovered by the unaided human eye... Saturn is Woman, no help needed.

ARIZONA

Then we’ll go to Saturn... one of these days.

MERONE

We’ll do Saturn.

ARIZONA

We’ll do Saturn.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Merone walks inside quietly.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - NIGHT

Merone lays in her bed, looks over at a mirage of YOUNGER AVA, sitting on the floor of her room.

YOUNGER AVA

You aren’t doing it right.

Merone rolls over, as to ignore the thought. Merone’s Dad knocks on her door.

MERONE

Yeah?

Merone’s Dad opens the door.

MERONE’S DAD

Is that my beautiful daughter?

MERONE

’Tis I.

MERONE’S DAD

Will you come talk with me for a second?

MERONE

Yikes, okay.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD KITCHEN - NIGHT

Merone sits down at the kitchen table, her father across from her.

MERONE’S DAD

I don’t know how this is going to be received-

MERONE

Don’t say whatever you have been waiting on. You stir dangerously.

MERONE’S DAD

I just... I just want to share with you a thought I had.

MERONE

That’s never good.

MERONE’S DAD

You know, I notice you haven’t met a lot of boys... you know, in school. Haven’t brought many boys over-

MERONE

I wonder why.

MERONE’S DAD

I just want you to make sure when you do get a husband... not a boyfriend! But a husband... that you keep him sexually satisfied... because-

Merone stares deadly at her father, behind him, the visible invisible Audience.

MERONE’S DAD

(muffled)

I was reading this passage and I realized that the one thing a man relies on, the one thing that can make us happy, is when we’re being taken care of in that way.

CUT TO:

BEGIN MONTAGE

INT. MERONE’S BEDROOM - DAY

Merone slaps a duffle bag on her bag.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S HOME - DAY

Arizona’s phone rings, “Merie” appears on the screen.

CUT TO:

EXT. ARIZONA’S DRIVEWAY - DAY

Arizona reverses out of her driveway, her mother trailing out, upset.

CUT TO:

EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY

Arizona guides Merone, holding her hand, through New York.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona set up lights to take sexy photos with.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - NIGHT

Merone holds up a sexy outfit to Arizona.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona sit on the floor of Arizona’s bedroom in front of a camera, touching the tips of their tongues to each other’s.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT ONE- DAY

Merone and Arizona stand in an apartment. The place is slightly run down but serviceable. A REALTOR stands with a clip board, watching as the pair inspects the place.

ARIZONA

This place smells like cat piss.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT TWO - DAY

Merone and Arizona are mirrored as in first apartment. ANOTHER REALTOR is present, again watching them as they study the apartment.

MERONE

Candles, lots and lots of candles.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT THREE - DAY

Merone and Arizona are in yet another apartment. DAVID stands there, clipboard in hand.

ARIZONA

Bleach too, lots of bleach.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT ONE - DAY

MERONE

How much?

REALTOR

$1200

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT TWO - DAY

ANOTHER REALTOR

$850

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT THREE - DAY

DAVID

$550

ARIZONA

We’ll take it!

Arizona and David walk out of the room.

MERONE (V.O.)

Don’t you ever wonder if they look at them?

CUT TO:

INT. DARK ROOM - DAY

CHARLIE develops the last of Merone and Arizona’s photos.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

The photo developers?

MERONE (V.O.)

Yeah, like if they do pervy stuff with ‘em before we get them back?

Charlie goes about his business, shuffling papers, moving chemicals.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

CVS probably has machines or something, right?

MERONE (V.O.)

Was I supposed to bring them to CVS?

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Merone, where did you get them developed?

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CAR - DAY

Merone, in the passenger seat, stares at Arizona, fearful of what she’s about to say.

MERONE

Charlies Photography-

ARIZONA

*Oh, wow*.

MERONE

They said they could have it done in a day.

ARIZONA

Oh my God.

MERONE

They definitely look at them, don’t they?

CUT TO:

INT. CHARLIE’S PHOTOGRAPHY - DAY

Merone stands at the help desk, across from Charlie.

CHARLIE

What do you need?

MERONE

I’m picking up for Merone.

CHARLIE

I was wondering how you say it.

Charlie walks back into the dark room. Merone looks around at stuff, until he returns with her photos. He holds out the photos with pinched fingers.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

They definitely look at them.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona sit cross-legged on their floor, eating take-out next to an exorbitant amount of candles and a bottle of bleach.

MERONE

Who takes the lightbulbs? Monster.

ARIZONA

Yup.

MERONE

Isn’t that like taking the doorknobs?

ARIZONA

Yup.

MERONE

Monster.

ARIZONA

Yup.

Arizona looks up at the wall, where they have taped their provocative photos.

ARIZONA

The one with your hands on your butt is my favorite.

MERONE

Really?

Merone looks up at the wall.

MERONE

I liked the one with you behind me.

ARIZONA

The one with the chains-

MERONE

Yeah.

Merone grabs her laptop, opens it, looks at her messages.

MERONE

We got a hit on the feet.

ARIZONA

(gasps)

Hit on the feet?

MERONE

Hit on the feet... Philmeup with a P-H wants feet.

ARIZONA

Is he sketchy?

MERONE

He wants feet, Arizona.

ARIZONA

Also, do you think it’s Philmeup like fill me up, or feel me up?

MERONE

Just to reiterate, he wants feet, Arizona, so-

Arizona laughs.

MERONE

Either way you spin it.

ARIZONA

Merie! This is it! We got someone!

MERONE

Who’s your playmate? The one with the camo pants, always... and the dog chain?

ARIZONA

Oh, Roman.

MERONE

Yeah, is Roman free Wednesday at... 10pm?

ARIZONA

10pm? That seems really sketchy.

MERONE

So is Roman.

ARIZONA

Why wouldn’t you wanna fuck with feet at like 10*a*m, you know?

MERONE

He wants to know our names.

ARIZONA

Names.

MERONE

How about June? The month I was born.

ARIZONA

Half-personal, okay.

MERONE

Maybe it shouldn’t be personal at all.

ARIZONA

What if we did star stuff?

MERONE

Okay.

ARIZONA

Virgo is ruled by Jupiter, and Gemini is ruled by Mercury, which we can still call you Merie.

MERONE

Jupiter and Mercury.

ARIZONA

Mercury and Jupiter.

MERONE

That’s a mouth full.

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CAR - NIGHT

Arizona, with binoculars, and Roman, with camouflage pants, sit across the street in Arizona’s car from Merone, who is approaching PHIL’s house. Roman daydreams out the window.

ROMAN

You think birds can hear?

Roman looks at Arizona, see’s her binoculars.

ROMAN

*No*.

Roman takes the binoculars and throws them into the back of the car.

ARIZONA

I have to be able to see if he makes any passes at her.

Roman takes his phone out of his pocket and puts it on the dash, with the camera on, but not recording, zooms in.

ROMAN

He can see us.

ARIZONA

Do you think he’s stood her up?

Merone waits at the door.

ROMAN

Okay, she *just* knocked on the door.

ARIZONA

Oh my God.

Phil opens the door.

ARIZONA

How does she look? Does she look scared to you?

ROMAN

She’s fine, she’s smiling and everything.

ARIZONA

Has your feminist lover taught you nothing about the female smile?

Through the window, Merone sits down on the couch with Phil.

ARIZONA

They’re on the couch!

ROMAN

They’re just talking.

ARIZONA

About what?

ROMAN

Probably feet.

ARIZONA

Oh my God, the shoes are coming off.

ROMAN

No.

ARIZONA

Yes.

Roman reaches behind the seat and grabs the binoculars, holds them up to his eyes.

ARIZONA

What is he doing?

ROMAN

Well he’s bobbing his head up and down-

ARIZONA

Rhetorical.

ROMAN

Gotcha.

ARIZONA

No answer needed.

They watch for a second.

ROMAN

She’s getting up.

ARIZONA

She is?

The door opens, Arizona and Roman stoop down in their seats, Roman re-adjusts the binoculars to see over the dash. Merone walks out, waves goodbye to Phil. As she walks across the street, Arizona climbs in the back of the car. Merone gets in the driver’s seat, closes the door, turns the car on.

ARIZONA

Holy fuck, how did it go?

Merone waves out the window, with her teeth together smiling.

MERONE

He’s still looking.

ROMAN

Let’s go.

Merone drives the car away, manically unfolds money in the air, cackling.

MERONE

How did it go?

ARIZONA

No way.

Merone hands a fifty to Roman.

ROMAN

I salute you, soldier.

MERONE

Same time next week, you free?

ROMAN

Well I’m available, but I’m not free.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL BAR - NIGHT

Merone walks in, arches her back, sticks her chest out. She looks around at the people in the hotel lobby. She notices TOMMY sitting alone in the bar. Merone walks up to him.

MERONE

How much have you had to drink?

Tommy measures his glass with his fingers, holds it up.

MERONE

Okay. Perfect. Hi. Don’t say anything.

TOMMY

Hi.

MERONE

Don’t say anything.

Tommy nods.

MERONE

Hopefully that doesn’t off-put you and I’m not completely obliterating my feminine sense of grandeur-but. I’m a Virgin, to sex, and I don’t want to be. But...

They lock eyes.

MERONE

Hey-

Tommy smiles.

TOMMY

Hi.

MERONE

I’ve met-don’t say anything. I’ve met many above-average men that wanted to put their penis inside my vagina. Mine. It’s crazy, I know. But, you wanna know what turns me off every time? When they say words.

Tommy slides his shot to her, she drinks it all, smiling.

MERONE

Thank you. Everyone either wants to stare at me the whole time, or smile the whole time, like they want it too much? And tell me how pretty my smile is? Look at my teeth. No. Can you say pathetic? Go for the tits.

Merone re-centers herself.

MERONE

I don’t want to be 20 and a Virgin. I come to you in my hour of need, cum to me. Put your penis inside of me. I am your object. That’s the proposition; say no words and use me. You’re obviously very beautiful and I’m embarrassed to even be naked in front of myself let alone you-don’t talk-but you can’t speak, because if you do, it ruins any persona I make up for you in my mind in order to make myself feel any sexual tension at all. Aside from that, whatever brings you a good time, I’m your object, use me. Okay so that’s the proposition. Blink three times if you want to go fuck me now.

Tommy blinks two times. Merone stares at him.

MERONE

It’s three times.

Tommy blinks four times.

MERONE

That was, that’s.. that’s four blinks. Okay I see.

Merone starts getting squirrely, ready to leave. Tommy stands up, leans into her, blinks three times against her cheek, takes her hand and leads her out of the bar.

CUT TO:

EXT. HOTEL PARKING LOT - DAWN

Tommy trails after Merone as she walks out of the hotel. Arizona is in her car parked on the curb.

TOMMY

I’m thinking pizza, what about you?

MERONE

Oh-

ARIZONA

June. What happened?

MERONE

(to Tommy)

Uh, give me just a second.

Merone walks up to Arizona’s window.

ARIZONA

Are you okay?

MERONE

Yeah, yeah, I’m fine, I just drank a little and can’t take myself home. I’m sorry, maybe I should’ve called someone else.

ARIZONA

It’s fine.

MERONE

Let me say goodbye?

ARIZONA

Who is that?

MERONE

I have no idea.

Merone turns around and walks to Tommy.

TOMMY

Who’s that?

MERONE

My ride, I guess.

TOMMY

What should I do with your car?

ARIZONA

I’ll drop Roman at your car.

Merone turns to Arizona, then back to Tommy.

TOMMY

This feels a little weird. I feel like.

Merone smiles, holds her finger up to her lips.

MERONE

It’s fine.

Merone takes money out of her bag, counts out $50.

TOMMY

Woah.

(whispers)

What are you doing?

MERONE

(whispers)

This is for the drinks.

TOMMY

(whispers)

It’s okay. It’s okay.

Merone folds it up and tries to hand it to him. He puts his hands behind his back and steps backward.

TOMMY

(whispers)

I’m not taking that.

Merone steps up to him and puts it in his pants. He grabs her arm, looks at her.

TOMMY

You’re the love of my life.

She stares at him, pulls her hand out of his pants. He leans in to kiss her.

MERONE

(whispers)

I can’t kiss you in front of her.

TOMMY

Why? Who is that?

MERONE

I have to go, but Roman will take care of my car.

TOMMY

(whispers)

Who’s Roman?

ARIZONA

June!

TOMMY

June? Your name’s June.

Merone smiles.

TOMMY

Thomas.

MERONE

Tommy.

TOMMY

Tommy.

TOMMY

You’re the love of my life.

MERONE

I’ll never see you again.

TOMMY

I’ll come find you.

MERONE

Don’t do that.

TOMMY

Okay.

Merone smiles, turns and walks, gets into the car. Arizona speeds away.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

If you would’ve texted me what was going on instead of being cryptic-

CUT TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CAR - NIGHT

Arizona drives Merone in her childhood neighborhood.

ARIZONA

I could’ve saved myself a lot of worrying.

MERONE

Yeah, I’m sorry-

ARIZONA

Who was that greasy guy?

MERONE

You think he’s greasy?

They round the culdisac, revealing a mirage of Ava and Little Merone climbing the curb.

ARIZONA

Merone, did you see him?

MERONE

We had sex.

ARIZONA

You fucked him!?

MERONE

I didn’t *fuck* him.

ARIZONA

What happened to the whole innocent girl act where we could sell your virginity and make a bunch of money?

MERONE

We can still make a bunch of money. But Arizona, I lost my virginity.

Arizona looks at Merone, realizing this is important to her.

ARIZONA

Right, how was it?

MERONE

Weird, I don’t get it.

ARIZONA

Do you wish you would’ve waited for the right person?

MERONE

No. Maybe he was the right person.

ARIZONA

*Or*, maybe he was the guy who got a girl drunk to take her virginity.

MERONE

That was all me.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Merone sits close to the classroom door as a FELLOW STUDENT presents a radically feminist project in the dark. Merone notices the door handle in her sight-line, and that it looks like a man’s face with an oblong object in-mouth.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. PHIL’S HOUSE - NIGHT

Merone peers over her laptop. Merone’s feet are touched by Phil’s hands.

CUT TO:

CUT TO:

INT. GROCERY STORE - DAY

Merone and Merone’s Mom walk the aisles of a grocery store.

MERONE’S MOM

And school! How’s school?

MERONE

School’s good. There’s some... people in West Virginia.

MERONE’S MOM

Your father’s from West Virginia.

MERONE

Yes.

They smile.

MERONE’S MOM

He told me what he said to you, and I just want you to know we’re not speaking.

MERONE

You don’t have to be mad for me-

MERONE’S MOM

No, I’m mad for me. What a stupid thing to say. Now his daughter’s gone, and my friend is too. He just speaks without thinking. It’s infuriating.

MERONE

Yeah.

MERONE’S MOM

So how are you doing?

MERONE

Good.

MERONE’S MOM

You’re good?

MERONE

Yep.

AVA walks around the corner.

AVA

Oh my God, Merone?

MERONE

(cheery)

Hi!

MERONE’S MOM

Who’s this?

MERONE

This is someone I went to school with, Ava.

MERONE’S MOM

Ava! Right.

MERONE

How are you?

AVA

I’m good! I just got married, and actually I celebrated my 30th, too.

MERONE’S MOM

*30th*.

Merone’s Mom watches Merone as she fakes a smile talking with Ava.

AVA

I was this one’s student aid in high school!

Merone’s Mom stands by as the girls chat.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Merone stares at the doorknob. The lights come on. The Fellow Student is finished presenting.

PROFESSOR

Thank you... Opal. That was... quite great.

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT BATHROOM - EVENING

Merone and Arizona burst into the bathroom.

MERONE

What if I suck?

Someone flushes. Arizona goes into a stall, and holds it open with her arm, motioning Merone in. Merone walks in, sits on the toilet. Arizona stands with her back to the stall door. A few pairs of feet appear under the walls of the stall.

MERONE

What if I suck? What if-worse-I can’t suck-

ARIZONA

*Chill*. Chill. Chill the fuck out. If you can’t, you can’t. That’s okay, but we’re here. I mean, we made it here. Look at us. Laugh with me, this is hilarious.

MERONE

How did we even make it this far?

ARIZONA

I have no fucking idea.

MERONE

This is the biggest gig we’ve had yet.

ARIZONA

And there will be bigger spenders after that, and so on, and so on. So it doesn’t matter. Look-

Arizona sits down, looking up at Merone.

ARIZONA

If you can’t, you can’t. That’s okay. I can do it by myself.

MERONE

He’s paying for us *both*.

ARIZONA

Okay, then we’ll fall out the back. The point is, what you’re feeling isn’t the end of the world. If there’s a problem, there’s solution.

MERONE

I’ll meet you out there.

ARIZONA

Are you-

MERONE

I need to be alone.

Arizona leaves the stall, and with her, the pairs of feet surrounding it. Merone lets out a big breath of air, cries for a moment. A single pair of shoes appear under the door.

THERAPIST

Hey, you okay?

MERONE

Yes.

THERAPIST

You sure?

MERONE

Yes.

THERAPIST

You need to talk to someone?

MERONE

No.

THERAPIST

Okay, well...

THERAPIST slips her card under the door. Merone takes it.

THERAPIST

Let me know if that changes, alright?

The card reads “Saturn Therapy LLC”, Merone takes a second look.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Merone meets Arizona by the elevator, presses the up button.

ARIZONA

You okay?

MERONE

Yeah.

ARIZONA

You ready?

Merone nods her head yes. The girls get into the elevator. The doors close on the visible invisible Audience that sit in the hall, staring at Merone.

CUT TO:

INT. HOTEL HALL - NIGHT

Walt opens his door to reveal Arizona, Merone behind her.

ARIZONA

Well, hello, there, Walt.

WALT

Call me Disney.

Arizona tries not to laugh.

ARIZONA

(smiles)

Okay.

The girls walk in.

CUT TO:

INT. WALT’S HOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Walt stands at the end of his bed, Merone stands, in a dress, Arizona in black lingerie. Walt unfastens his belt.

WALT

So, do I tell you what I want?

ARIZONA

No, no, Mr.Disney, you don’t get to say anything at all.

Arizona rips Walt’s belt from his pant-loops, he sits on the edge of the bed.

ARIZONA

June.

MERONE

Yes?

ARIZONA

Why don’t you do us all a favor and take off that dress of yours?

Merone strips to her bra and underwear, kneels before Walt.

WALT

Oh, God-

ARIZONA

Sh. June, sweet thing, what do you want to try first?

Arizona turns toward Merone, playing with the belt.

MERONE

(innocently)

I need help putting it in.

Merone opens her mouth. Arizona, shocked at this side of Merone, hides her reaction, turns back to Walt, pushes him flat onto the bed with her heel. She slaps the belt together.

CUT TO:

INT. ELEVATOR - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona stand in silence the whole elevator ride down.

INT. ARIZONA’S CAR - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona silently get in the car.

ARIZONA

I feel like we did good at it! I don’t feel violated, do you?

Behind Merone sits the visible invisible Audience in the car.

MERONE

I’d say we’re pretty accomplished women at this point.

ARIZONA

I’d say we’re *very* pretty, accomplished women.

Merone spots a guy walking in the distance, thinks it is Tommy, but it is not.

ARIZONA

A few more of these and we have a down payment on a *nice* home... I gotta hit a meeting on Saturday, but there’s a guy Roman can take you on a date with.

MERONE

Is it one of those older ones we were looking at?

ARIZONA

Yeah this is the mustache who says he prefers hotel bars because they’re more quaint.

MERONE

So old enough to use the word “quaint”, huh?

ARIZONA

Yup. And it’s just a date, so you won’t have to do anything sexual, although I will say, tonight, I was in awe of you.

MERONE

(giggles)

Yeah?

ARIZONA

Are you kidding? And you say you don’t speak the language of sex.

MERONE

I gotta learn sometime.

CUT TO:

EXT. MCDONALD’S DRIVE THROUGH - DAY

Merone sits stationary in her car by the ordering mic.

DRIVE THRU PERSON

Seven-eighty-seven.

MERONE

Thank you.

She puts her car in drive, and pulls forward to the first window. The window opens and opposite of Merone stands Tommy. She stares at him.

TOMMY

Seven-eighty-seven.

Merone continues staring. Tommy, wondering where the money is, looks up and recognizes Merone. She hands him the money, and he silently takes it. He takes off his headset and Merone pulls forward. Tommy shoves the employee at the second window out of the way to greet Merone.

TOMMY

*You* found *me*.

MERONE

No, no, no-

TOMMY

Yes, you found me and it’s because the universe said so.

Tommy smiles, giddy.

MERONE

You work at McDonalds?

TOMMY

This week-can I get your number?

Merone takes off her seat belt, sticks her arms through the drive-through and pulls Tommy through the window, and into her car. She drives away.

MERONE

I have a better job for you.

INT. NEW HOUSE - DAY

Merone brings Tommy inside her and Arizona’s new house. On the living room couch sits David.

MERONE

Arizona, Tommy. Tommy, Arizona.

TOMMY

Hi.

Arizona examines Tommy.

MERONE

Hi, Tommy, nice to meet you.

Arizona glares at Merone.

TOMMY

So how’d you guys start... your line of work?

ARIZONA

Tell me, Tommy, why’d you say it like that?

TOMMY

How?

ARIZONA

With a smile on your face as to allude to our work not being actual work.

TOMMY

Not how I meant it.

David stands up from the couch, walks over to the group.

TOMMY

Sex work is not something I’m familiar with.

ARIZONA

Merie, how is he going to do sex work if he isn’t familiar with working sex?

MERONE

What were we?

Merone picks up Tommy’s bag.

MERONE

And... I think Tommy works sex wonderfully.

Tommy smiles toward Merone but catches eyes with Arizona.

ARIZONA

I was very familiar with working sex.

DAVID

(to Tommy)

What’s your name, again?

TOMMY

Sorry, Tommy. I’m a friend of June’s.

David and Tommy shake hands.

DAVID

Who is June?

Tommy points at Merone with his thumb, confused.

TOMMY

Your roomate.

DAVID

That’s Merie.

MERONE

(to Tommy)

Merone.

DAVID

(accent)

*Merone*.

David puts on his special beret and sits back down on the couch.

ARIZONA

(to Tommy)

Considering you're a cut in rent for me, fine... goodnight.

Arizona walks out.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD CULDISAC - DAY

Ava stands, towering over Little Merone.

AVA

If you don’t play the game with me, we can’t be friends anymore.

CUT TO:

INT. DINER - DAY

Tommy sits at a table, anxiously awaiting his first meeting with a sugar mama. Merone and Arizona sit at a table near by sipping sodas.

ARIZONA

Why would you recruit a man into our Women’s sanctuary, our Woman’s palace?

MERONE

C’mon, Arizona, we have David as proof, guys could be an asset, especially this one-

ARIZONA

Especially this man, Merie. Why him? You didn’t even ask me first, which was a rule, and you barely know him.

MERONE

Why did I figure you’d love him?

ARIZONA

...‘Cause you do.

Arizona looks longingly at Merone as she watches Tommy. An old man walks in through the door and sits down across from Tommy. A sugar DADDY? Arizona watches Merone as she smiles.

MERONE

No way.

Arizona looks Tommy’s way.

ARIZONA

Is that-

MERONE

Maybe they have the wrong table.

Merone stands up but Arizona grabs her arm.

ARIZONA

No, no-wait.

Merone sits down.

MERONE

Do you think that’s MamaJane?

Tommy nods in huge amounts.

ARIZONA

Probably.

MERONE

He’ll leave if he needs to, right?

ARIZONA

Does he look like he needs an out?

Tommy turns and points at the girls. Merone turns around as to avoid MamaJane’s gaze.

MERONE

Did he just point at us? Why’d he do that?

CUT TO:

INT. DINER - AFTERNOON

Merone, Arizona, and Tommy sit at the diner table, it is dark out now.

TOMMY

He wanted me to tell him a secret so we were even.

ARIZONA

How much?

Tommy chews on pancakes.

TOMMY

Couple hundred.

ARIZONA

That’s more than he promised.

MERONE

I think he appreciated your kindness in not being upset that he lied to you about his gender.

TOMMY

Money’s money, baby. What are you guys up to tonight? Scissoring for kicks?

The girls simultaneously look at Tommy, disgruntled.

ARIZONA

What?

TOMMY

Scissoring, you know-

ARIZONA

Are you making a joke, or was that an actual question?

MERONE

Women don’t usually scissor, do you know that?

TOMMY

I’ve poked the bear-

ARIZONA

Ew. What are you even saying? He sounds like your dad, Merone.

TOMMY

Women don’t actually scissor, sorry. Didn’t realize that.

ARIZONA

You’re really just the professional apologizer, aren’t you? There’s so much fear in what you’re saying, and you don’t even know it.

TOMMY

Clearly I’ve messed way up here-

Arizona stands up to leave.

ARIZONA

Here, there, and everywhere. You’re gross.

TOMMY

Wait, are you serious?

ARIZONA

Yes, and you’re a joke.

Arizona shuffles out of the booth, toward the door.

ARIZONA

Merone?

In the booth, the Audience surrounds Tommy, who, along with Arizona, stares at Merone. Arizona walks out of the diner. Tommy smiles, chewing, follows Arizona with his eyes out the window.

TOMMY

I’m sorry. I-

MERONE

It’s okay, I know you were just joking. Usually well-intentioned jokes are what harms people with our anatomy-

Tommy silently pushes food around his plate.

MERONE

Not like you could’ve known, I just-

TOMMY

I’m full, I’m gonna maybe try and go look for that car today.

Tommy stands up, drops twenty dollars on the table and leaves.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - EVENING

Arizona sits at the bar, staring at someone else’s drink. She has an AirPod in one ear, hidden under her hair. She looks over her shoulder, out the window, to where Roman and David sit in a car, she turns back around.

ROMAN (V.O.)

You look beautiful.

ARIZONA

(smiles)

Thank you.

MERONE

No *you* look beautiful.

On the other side of the room, Merone sits with the other AirPod in her ear.

DAVID (V.O.)

He’s blushing, everyone.

Arizona and Merone giggle from opposite sides of the room.

MERONE (V.O.)

Remember, black shirt, orange shoes.

CHRIS walks up behind Arizona.

ARIZONA

Bad combo.

CHRIS

What is?

Arizona turns, looks Chris up and down, noticing his shoes are orange.

ARIZONA

Rum and mint. Never again.

CHRIS

I actually love rum and mint.

ARIZONA

Really?

CHRIS

Jupiter?

ARIZONA

I know, with a name like that you’d think I’d be more adventurous.

Chris sits down next to Arizona.

CHRIS

Here I was thinking that was what you were all about.

Chris holds his hand up to the bar tender.

ARIZONA

Don’t even bother, the wait staff here have their heads in their asses.

CHRIS

(uninterested)

Do they?

(to bartender)

Two shots of rum. Thanks. You know I used to tend bar.

ARIZONA

Oh?

KARAOKE LADY

Alright! For Karaoke night tonight my friend, June, is going to kick things off for us! She’s new here. Be nice. Clap a lot.

ARIZONA

Karaoke night? Euk... I’m gonna go to the bathroom.

Arizona stands up.

ARIZONA

(to Chris)

Watch, by the time I’m back, your drink will have still not been made.

Arizona walks to the bathroom. Chris puts his head in his hand, defeated. He’s handed his drink.

Merone begins to sing karaoke to “Mad World”. Chris turns to watch her. When she is finished singing, he claps way too much. Merone comes and sits next to him, bowing jokingly.

MERONE

Well, thanks.

CHRIS

That’s my favorite song of all time. I can’t believe it. You sang it beautifully.

MERONE

Really?

CHRIS

I came here to go on a date with this girl, actually to have sex with this girl, actually, to pay her for sex-

MERONE

Pay her for sex?

CHRIS

I know. Scummy. But I don’t like her.

MERONE

I’m sorry.

CHRIS

I don’t usually find myself letting my emotions dictate sex, but I just don’t want it anymore. A karaoke rendition of Mad World turns me on more than her.

MERONE

That’s really sad.

CHRIS

I know... I know.

A moment of silence.

MERONE

Would you pay to have sex with me?

CHRIS

With pipes like that? I’ll pay you to just sing for me all night.

Merone holds her hand out to shake, Chris returns the favor.

MERONE

June.

CHRIS

Christopher.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S ROOM - NIGHT

Merone walks into her room where Tommy lays on her bed, on his phone.

TOMMY

How was your night?

Merone takes her shoes off and climbs into the bed.

MERONE

Lifeless, empty, soul-crushing. And you?

TOMMY

It was that bad? My night was great. I made a few hundred for a date. A *date*, and then I found a car.

MERONE

Yeah?

TOMMY

Mhm, and then it cost nine-thousand, and then I only had three.

MERONE

Oh, I’m so sorry.

TOMMY

Did *you* make money?

She lays her head on his shoulder.

MERONE

(un-enthusiastic)

Twenty-five-hundred.

TOMMY

What? Even split with AZ, that’s a good night... I don’t know what you’re so down about... you’re right, though, you’re worth a lot more than that, in fact, you’re priceless.

Merone looks at him.

MERONE

Thank you, Tommy.

They look at each other for a second. Tommy leans down to kiss her. She pulls away.

MERONE

I’m sorry. I really am-

TOMMY

You fuck all these old men that you don’t even know... but *me*.

Merone sits quietly.

TOMMY

Do you need payment?

MERONE

Get out.

Merone stands up on the bed, and walks to the other side of the bed, sitting down on the edge. Tommy puts his hand on her arm.

TOMMY

I’m sorry, I was just kidding. I’m so sorry. I was trying to make light of it. I’m sorry.

MERONE

Yeah?

TOMMY

No, I promise. I’ve fucked up way too many times tonight. I’m really-really I’m sorry.

MERONE

I was a little confused.

TOMMY

I’m sorry, are you okay?

MERONE

Yeah. No, *I’m* sorry, I was just confused.

TOMMY

I know I hurt your feelings, I really didn’t intend anything other than jokes. Really. I’m so sorry.

Merone puts her hand on his knee.

MERONE

It’s okay, I promise. It’s fine. I just thought for a second-like is he drunk?

Tommy stares at her. He rips her hand away from his leg.

MERONE

Did that hurt your feelings?-

TOMMY

Are you fucking kidding me?

MERONE

(baffled)

I’m so sorry-

TOMMY

Are you trying to get me back? What’s wrong with you?

Merone sits, fearful.

MERONE

I have to pee.

Merone stands up and walks to the bathroom quickly. Tommy stands up and walks after her. Merone stands behind the bathroom door, looking out. Tommy walks away and then back up to her, like he’s going to do something. She takes a step back. He looks at her body language.

TOMMY

Are you scared of me?

Merone slowly closes the door and locks it. She looks around as one by one the Audience appears around her, until the number of people watching is suffocating. Merone stares at herself in the mirror. Tommy slams the door on his way out, the Audience disappears. Merone unlocks and swings open the bathroom door, and the door to the hallway, and walks out after Tommy.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Merone shoves Tommy from behind, and starts wailing on him. One punch after the other, Tommy pushes her face away from him.

TOMMY

Stop... Stop.

After moments of Merone hitting him, Tommy grabs her leg, and hands, and lowers her to the ground, straddling her. He holds her down for a second, allowing her time to calm down. Her emotions well up again, and she fist slaps him. He puts his hand on her neck, and hits her back.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. TOMMY’S CHILDHOOD HOME - DAY

TOMMY’S MOM lays on the coffee table, TOMMY’S DAD’s fist in frame.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. HALLWAY - NIGHT

Tommy gets up and walks away. Merone rolls over, crying.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

Is there a hand print on your face?

CUT TO:

INT. KITCHEN TABLE - MORNING

Merone sits with sunglasses half-way down her nose, eating scrambled eggs as Arizona examines her from the other side of the table.

CUT TO:

EXT. FRONT LAWN - MORNING

Arizona storms out the front door, into the lawn, throwing Tommy’s clothes at him, as he stands motionless in the lawn. Merone follows Arizona as she walks back and forth.

MERONE

Arizona.

Arizona passes Merone and walks back in to grab his guitar, she brings it back out.

TOMMY

What did I do?

MERONE

She just saw a bruise on my face.

TOMMY

And assumed it was from me?

MERONE

It is from you.

Arizona throws his guitar at his legs, walks back inside.

TOMMY

What about all the bruises you gave me?

MERONE

I told her-

TOMMY

You told her everything, right.

He picks up his stuff as Arizona throws more of it at him.

TOMMY

AZ-

She turns away.

TOMMY

Arizona I have no way to leave.

Arizona turns around and shoves three dollars into his chest.

ARIZONA

Take the bus.

MERONE

I’ll drive him-

ARIZONA

No.

TOMMY

No.

MERONE

It’s as much her home as it is mine, Tommy.

TOMMY

*Right*. Thanks for fighting for me.

Arizona carries one last box to drop at Tommy’s feet.

MERONE

It wasn’t your fault.

(pleading)

I know that.

Tommy hangs his head.

MERONE

Don’t be mad at me.

ARIZONA

Hey. 5-foot, discount Johnny Depp, pick your shit up off my lawn and get the fuck out of here.

Tommy grabs his shit up off their lawn and walks away. Merone tears up. Arizona starts toward her car.

MERONE

Don’t be mad at me!

ARIZONA

Pathetic, Merie, you look pathetic right now.

MERONE

Where are you going?

ARIZONA

I can’t be here right now, I hate it here.

MERONE

If you’re leaving, the least you could do is give him a ride.

ARIZONA

The least I could do, Merone, is get in my car and drive away. The most you could do is the same.

Arizona gets into her car and drives away

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Arizona sits at the bar. The BARTENDER walks by.

BARTENDER

You want something to drink, miss?

ARIZONA

No, and drop the “miss” next time.

Arizona stares forward, takes a deep breath. She sits there a moment.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. BRIDGE - DAWN

Arizona stands on the side of a bridge that says “Welcome to Philadelphia” with fog blanketing the water.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - DAWN

Merone’s phone rings, it says ”AZ” on the screen.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - DAWN

Merone, concerned, talks into the phone.

CUT TO:

EXT. BRIDGE - DAWN

Arizona nods toward the sign while on the phone.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD BEDROOM - DAWN

Merone puts her keys down, sits and pleads with Arizona.

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. BAR - NIGHT

Arizona sits at the bar, ANOTHER BARTENDER approaches.

ANOTHER BARTENDER

A drink?

ARIZONA

No.

DRUNK GUY puts a shot in front of Arizona. She stares at it.

CUT TO:

INT. NEW HOUSE - NIGHT

Arizona walks inside, unaware there would be a party happening in her new home, thrown by David. She takes in the scene around her. She walks to Merone’s room and finds no one, then to her own room. She opens her door and Roman stands with another girl, half naked.

Arizona closes the door, walks down the hall and into the living room where Merone lays against Tommy on the couch amongst friends. She stares for a moment, until Merone looks her way. They lock eyes. Merone shrugs and mouths that she is sorry. Before she can finish, Arizona walks out of the house, across the lawn, and into the pool house.

CUT TO:

INT. POOL HOUSE - NIGHT

Arizona walks in, stands for a moment, sits down on the edge of the pool and slides down into it, facing the pool wall. She begins to cry. For a moment, her mom appears as a mirage in the pool.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD LIVING ROOM - DAY

Arizona’s Mom yells at Little Arizona

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD CLOSET - NIGHT

Little Arizona cries, huddled up, while her mom screams at her from the other side of the closet door, with a drink in her hand.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD KITCHEN - NIGHT

Arizona’s Mom yells at Little Arizona across the dinner table, shoves more food at her.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. BACK ROAD - EVENING

Arizona drives behind a slow-moving vehicle. She becomes frustrated and passes the vehicle on the left, across the yellow line.

FLASHBACK TO:

EXT. PARKING LOT OF CANDY STORE - DAY

Arizona’s Mom yells at Little Arizona outside of their car, waving the candy wrappers in the air.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD ROOM - DAY

Arizona’s Mom walks in and trips on a toy in Little Arizona’s room while she plays, drops her drink.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CAR - EVENING

TEENAGE ARIZONA ties a tourniquet around her arm.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. ARIZONA’S CHILDHOOD BACKYARD - NIGHT

Arizona’s Mom sits in a lawn chair, drinking, staring into the distance, as Little Arizona watches from afar. A hand appears on Little Arizona’s shoulder. Merone picks up Little Arizona.

CUT TO:

INT. POOL HOUSE - NIGHT

Merone pulls Arizona toward the surface of the pool. Arizona comes out of the water, coughing into a sob, to Merone, on the ledge of the pool. Merone holds her.

CUT TO:

INT. ROMAN’S CAR - NIGHT

Merone, Arizona, Tommy, and Roman sit in a parked car outside of a motel room where Merone is to meet with a sugar daddy. Arizona, in the driver’s seat, sits quietly. The boys camp out in the back.

ROMAN

I’m sorry, Arizona-

ARIZONA

For what? Doing what I do every day with strange men I don’t even know? At least you’re in love with her, right?

Tommy laughs.

MERONE

(to Arizona)

Are you drunk?

ARIZONA

Are you?

MERONE

And you drove us here?

TOMMY

What’s the big deal? She got us here-

MERONE

Have you been to NA at all?

ROMAN

I think you’re thinking of AA.

MERONE

No, I’m thinking of NA. Arizona?

Arizona puts her headphones in.

TOMMY

Alright, why don’t we just save that for later. Merone, are you ready?

Merone gets out of the car, slams the car door shut, and walks up to the motel door. She’s let in.

Tommy’s phone gets a call from Merone’s. He answers it and puts it on speaker so the group can hear what’s going on. They sit for a moment and listen.

MERONE (V.O.)

Yeah, June.

TOMMY

I can barely hear her.

There is shuffling of the phone. The group sits in silence for a moment while various noises take place on the other end of the phone. There is commotion.

MERONE (V.O.)

Tommy!

TOMMY

Is she screaming for me?

Roman gets out of the car, Tommy follows and runs after. Arizona becomes paralyzed, listening to Merone yell over the phone.

CUT TO:

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Tommy enters, slamming the door open, to find Merone on the bed with the evil r-word man.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

Younger Ava looks down toward the floor of Little Merone’s childhood classroom.

YOUNGER AVA

Stay still-

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE’S MOM’S CAR - DAY

Merone gets into the car and puts her seatbelt on as her mother gets into the Driver’s seat.

MERONE’S MOM

Do you remember that note that Danielle’s mom found when you were real little?

On the other side of the windshield sits a massive Audience. Merone stares at her mother, trying not to cry.

MERONE

No.

Merone’s mom looks around, for her keys, avoiding looking at her daughter.

MERONE’S MOM

Oh... yeah, why would you? You were little.

Merone turns her head to look out the window, broken by these words.

CUT TO:

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Roman pulls the man off of the bed and onto the floor. Tommy picks up Merone.

TOMMY

I’m here.

ROMAN

Grab the money.

CUT TO:

INT. ROMAN’S CAR - NIGHT

Arizona sits silently in the car. There is a gunshot over the phone.

FLAHSBACK TO:

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

A gun is put to Arizona’s head.

ROMAN (V.O.)

Get the money!

END FLASHBACK.

CUT TO:

INT. ROMAN’S CAR - NIGHT

Arizona watches as Tommy runs Merone out of the building, and into the car.

TOMMY

She’s okay, Arizona. It’s okay. I’ll drive, you want me to drive?

Roman runs out of the building, gun in his hand. Arizona locks the doors, reverses hastily, and speeds onto the road.

TOMMY

It’s okay, Arizona. Just breathe, okay?

(to Merone)

It’s okay.

INT. HOSPITAL - MORNING

Merone lays on the hospital bed. The GYNO examines her.

GYNO

Okay, hun, I’m just going to go in there and get a swab, and I’m very sorry that we have to do this. I’m going to let you tell me when it’s okay to begin, okay?

MERONE

Okay.

CUT TO:

INT. AA MEETING - MORNING

Arizona and Tommy sit in a circle with other members of AA in a vacant room. Arizona leans over to Tommy.

ARIZONA

(whispers)

Do you have a lighter?

CUT TO:

EXT. RAILROAD TRACKS - MORNING

Arizona and Tommy smoke cigarettes, walking along the tracks.

TOMMY

What is it you hate so much about AA?

ARIZONA

Why does everything have to involve Jesus? Why?... You’re kinda like Jesus, aren’t you? Merone believes in you for some reason and so now you’ve just found yourself in every aspect of my life.

TOMMY

Maybe Merone shouldn’t be every aspect of your life.

ARIZONA

I can kick you out, I can plant the evil little seeds, I can kick, scream, and cry all I want... but all she wants is you.

TOMMY

She’s all you want, isn’t she?

ARIZONA

She’s my sister, Tommy. Not because of blood, and not because of choice, but because the universe willed it. We’re in each other’s lives for a reason. I think you’re in hers to teach her something too, but not to stay.

TOMMY

Tell me, oh wise one, are you allowed the fortune of staying power?

ARIZONA

As long as I need to.

TOMMY

(smiles)

Is that a threat?

Arizona takes a puff off her cigarette.

TOMMY

Arizona, you and I both know we’re a lot more alike than you like to let on.

ARIZONA

Right.

TOMMY

No, seriously. We lack control in everything we do, and yet it’s the only thing we know how to create, it’s what we crave, isn’t it?

ARIZONA

You think we’re both holding her down?

TOMMY

I think neither of us are holding her down. She’s free to do what she wants.

ARIZONA

But you know she’ll stay.

TOMMY

She doesn’t have to-

ARIZONA

But you know she will. For you, she stayed. She chooses you. Why? Why not me?... She chooses you because it’s easier than choosing herself... and it’s easier to choose you than it is to choose me. With me there’s consequence, with me there’s hardships, she looks at me and she sees a reflection of who she could be if she chose herself, and that’s unknown to her. That’s uncharted territory. With you, she’s living what she already knows to be true, and that’s that silence she yearns for. That’s that control over what she knows, that *she* craves, that will keep her in the dark forever... if you let it.

****************************

still editing

****************************

CUT TO:

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - EVENING

CLINIC DOCTOR enters Merone’s room, where she is laying in her bed.

CLINIC DOCTOR

Alright, I’ve got news.

The Clinic Doctor sits down.

MERONE

Good or bad?

CLINIC DOCTOR

That’s up to you, hm?

The Clinic Doctor folds her hands in her lap.

CLINIC DOCTOR

You’re pregnant, Merone-

Merone’s face changes.

CLINIC DOCTOR

But the fetus is about three months along. Which, unless this bad guy is your guy, means it is not the bad guy’s fetus.

Merone covers her face with her hands.

CLINIC DOCTOR

I’ve been doing this for years and years and years, and the only thing I can tell you, sweet girl, it’s all only ever just what you make of it. Now, this-

The Clinic Doctor puts her hand hovering over Merone’s stomach.

CLINIC DOCTOR

Wasn’t up to you. What happens now is. It’s not up to anyone else but you, okay?

The doctor nods, and leaves.

CUT TO:

INT. ABORTION CLINIC - DAY

Merone sits quietly with Arizona in the lobby. Merone is visibly nervous, and Arizona is empty. Tommy enters in haste.

TOMMY

Hey, hey.

ARIZONA

Oh my God.

TOMMY

Listen, I don’t know what bullshit she’s feeding you, but you-

ARIZONA

Not the place, Tommy.

TOMMY

Shut up.

Arizona death-stares Tommy.

TOMMY

You don’t have to do anything, not at all, not right now. I-can I just talk to you?

ARIZONA

She doesn’t wanna talk to you.

Tommy peers back at Arizona, then looks at Merone.

TOMMY

I-... I want that baby, and I know that baby is inside of you, so it’s your baby at the end of the day, but it’s my baby too.

ARIZONA

It’s no one’s baby, it doesn’t even exist yet.

TOMMY

It doesn’t even exist yet, but I love it, Merone. I love my baby.

ARIZONA

Stop using the word “baby”, Tommy.

TOMMY

Stop fucking talking, Arizona. Have you fucking stopped talking? Amidst all the talking, have you asked her what she wants?

ARIZONA

What do you call what you’re doing, Tommy?

TOMMY

Giving her a choice!

ARIZONA

You’re being a manipulative fucking abuser out here in the open-

TOMMY

Shut up, Arizona-

ARIZONA

Abuser, abuser, abuser, that’s what you are-

Tommy holds his hand out to Merone.

TOMMY

Let’s go, Merone, let me take you.

ARIZONA

Don’t fucking touch her.

TOMMY

What gives you the impression she doesn’t want to be touched, AZ?

Arizona death-stares Tommy. Merone puts her bag over her shoulder, and stands up. Tommy stands up, Arizona glaring at him.

TOMMY

Arizona, you don’t know what you’re talking about.

ARIZONA

(to Merone)

Don’t.

Merone walks away, Tommy trails behind her.

ARIZONA

Don’t leave with him, Merone.

TOMMY

Fuck off.

Arizona chokes up.

ARIZONA

Fuck you!

TOMMY

Fuck *you*, Arizona!

Merone and Tommy walk outside.

CUT TO:

EXT. ABORTION CLINIC - DAY

Merone and Tommy pass through the doors and walk through the parking lot.

TOMMY

Who does she think she is? To tell you what to do?

Tommy notices Merone is not mentally with him, looks at her.

TOMMY

Let me take your bag.

Merone hands him her bag, and as he puts it on, she starts running away from him. He notices she’s gone when he re-centers his focus, and drops the bag to run after her. He tries to grab her arm and fails, then finally does, spinning her into him, and holds her as she cries.

TOMMY

I’m sorry-

(simultaneous)

I’m so sorry.

MERONE’S DAD (V.O.)

I’m so sorry.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. MERONE’S CHILDHOOD BATHROOM - DAY

Merone sits, crying on the toilet, as Merone’s Dad comforts her with a hug.

MERONE’S DAD

I’m so sorry-

LITTLE MERONE

It’s okay.

MERONE’S DAD

I mean I’m really sorry.

LITTLE MERONE

It’s okay.

Arizona rips Little Merone from her father and carries her hastily out of the bathroom.

CUT TO:

INT. NEW HOME - NIGHT

Arizona walks in, sees Merone in the kitchen, grabbing cereal from the pantry.

ARIZONA

Can I talk to you for a minute?

MERONE

Yeah.

ARIZONA

You hungry?

CUT TO:

INT. DINER - NIGHT

Merone sits down at a table opposite of Arizona with a drink. Arizona glances at Merone, then back at the table. The girls sit quietly, eating.

CUT TO:

EXT. DINER PARKING LOT - NIGHT

Arizona hastily trails after Merone as they walk out of the diner and into the parking lot.

ARIZONA

You never told me you wanted to have the baby.

MERONE

It doesn’t matter what I want when I’m with you.

ARIZONA

Woah. What’s do you mean?

MERONE

Sometimes I just don’t know how to tell you what I’m really feeling.

ARIZONA

Merie, you know you can tell me anything.

MERONE

No, I don’t. Any time I come to you with something exciting, you shoot me down, immediately. Like it’s nothing, and I pretend it is. I pretend some whole thing is nothing at all.

ARIZONA

Merie-

MERONE

I’m being told to gaslight myself.

ARIZONA

That’s not fair.

MERONE

Maybe I could have a baby, Arizona. It’s not fair that you think I can’t, because I can. I can have a baby.

ARIZONA

I know you could have a baby, Merie... but it doesn’t mean you should-

MERONE

Just say it! Just say why you think I can’t. Tell me why I shouldn’t have a baby, Arizona. Is it because you’re the only one who is allowed to be the object of my affection?

ARIZONA

Merone-

MERONE

Is it because I’d be doing something for myself and that’s selfish? Do you doubt my Womanhood? You need our business?-

ARIZONA

It’ll be brunette like it’s dad and black-eyed like it’s mom.

MERONE

What the *fuck* is wrong with you?

Merone shakes. Arizona doesn’t say anything.

MERONE

Right. You can just say whatever you want, huh? Anything at all, and I have to listen, but when it’s my turn I’m hurting you. Fuck you, Arizona. Fuck this.

Merone walks away.

ARIZONA

You want me to tell you how I really feel?

Merone flails her hand in the air.

MERONE

I already know. I already know. But please, say anything at all instead of passive aggressively throwing it in my face any time I decide to kiss a boy!

Merone is grabbing her stuff.

ARIZONA

You think I don’t already know what goes through your mind when you look at me?.. You’re disgusted by me.

MERONE

No, Arizona. You don’t know what goes through my mind. You’re the most powerful, bad-ass, intellect that I know. And you’re soft, and I see that you’re soft, and you’re kind. But how do you see me?

ARIZONA

As all those things-

MERONE

Yes, but you also see me like they do.

ARIZONA

Who?

MERONE

My father! Tommy. They think I’m pretty but that I don’t know any better. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. You try to protect me from myself like you know better than I do what’s best for me-

ARIZONA

Merone, be honest, is he what’s best for you? Don’t attach me to the question, just answer it.

A moment of silence.

MERONE

No... This journey has been beautiful, but we’ve gone too far, Arizona. We’re where we started...completely isolated.

ARIZONA

You’re completely isolated.

MERONE

Everything I do is wrong. Everything I do is to hurt you. You think I’m just walking around, empty-minded, except when it comes to my secret ploys to ruin your life with my on-purpose feelings, but incapable of my own decisions otherwise. Somehow *I’ve* isolated you... But it’s not my fault I don’t love you back, Arizona.

Arizona drops her head.

MERONE

(choking on tears)

It’s not my fault. It’s not Tommy’s fault. He’s shit and I know it, and I know, and I know. But it’s not his fault. It’s not a fetuses fault. It’s not my fault. Arizona, it isn’t yours... When you’ve got poison in you, everyone around you does, and all I’ve got in me is poison, and all you’ve got in you is poison.

ARIZONA

All I have!?

(laughing)

All I have, I’ve given to you! All I’ve been is there for you!

MERONE

You have been, you have been!-

ARIZONA

All you have is because of *me*!

A moment of silence.

MERONE

And there it is.

ARIZONA

*What*.

Merone takes a deep breath.

MERONE

You’re just. like. him.

ARIZONA

*Merone*.

MERONE

(Crying)

I knew it but I doubted what I knew because you make me so small, and you make me so stupid. But you’re possessive, and passive, and all you do is suffocate me.

ARIZONA

All I do? All I do? All you do is make stupid fucking decisions and run from the consequences so everyone else can clean up the emotional baggage you’ve left with them. It’s not my fault you don’t tell me you hate me. That’s your job. It’s not my job to convince you your opinion matters more than mine. Fuck that. Do you even care that I’m hurting as much as you?

MERONE

It’s not about you!

ARIZONA

Exactly!

Arizona abruptly sits, head in hands. Merone comes over and sits down next to her. They stay silent for a few moments.

ARIZONA

Why won’t anyone love me?

Arizona breaks down crying. Merone tears up, holds her as they both cry.

MERONE

I can’t love you that way... I can’t love you that way.. But I do love you.

Merone stands up and walks away.

CUT TO:

INT. MERONE AND ARIZONA’S APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY

Tommy walks through the front doors, jogs up the steps, to Merone and Arizona’s apartment door. He notices a letter taped to the door, begins to read it.

FLASHBACK TO:

INT. TOMMY’S CHILDHOOD HOME - EVENING

TOMMY’S DAD and TOMMY’S MOM are fighting in the living room. LITTLE TOMMY stands behind a corner of wall, listening.

MERONE (V.O.)

You’re right about Tommy.

TOMMY’S DAD

I’m done.

TOMMY’S MOM

Please.

TOMMY’S DAD

I’m done, Georgia.

TOMMY’S MOM

Don’t leave. Don’t leave. Please.

Little Tommy peaks his head around the corner. Tommy’s Dad grabs Tommy’s Mom and throws her onto the coffee table. Little Tommy walks out and runs over to them, but backs away as his father stands upright.

MERONE (V.O.)

For the baby, I have to go.

Tommy’s Dad takes his jacket and walks out the front door. Little Tommy follows him, as the door closes in front of his face. Little Tommy stands in front of the closed door.

MERONE (V.O.)

For me.

CUT TO:

INT. NEW HOME - DAY

Tommy, facing the door, has read Merone’s goodbye. Filled with rage, he slams the door open and enters the girls’ home. Arizona lays on the kitchen floor, OD’ing. Tommy stands completely still, recognizing what’s happened. He pulls the tourniquet off and needle out of her arm, throws them, and picks her up, dragging her out of the house.

CUT TO:

EXT. FRONT LAWN - DAY

Tommy lays Arizona on the lawn, in the grass, and opens his car door, searching and finding Narcan. He pulls it out, and injects Arizona with it. He sits, silently, pulling out his phone, calling 911.

EMERGENCY OPERATOR (V.O.)

911, what’s your emergency?

CUT TO:

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE - DAY

Merone sits on a chair, opposite of THERAPIST, rocking a car seat with her foot on the ground.

THERAPIST

And you said you feel guilty?

MERONE

Yes.

THERAPIST

Why?

MERONE

I don’t know, I-.... because...

Merone fights her feelings.

MERONE

Because I abandoned her.

Merone begins to cry, holding her face with her hands.

THERAPIST

Merone, I want you to venture to take your hands off your face, and those feelings that overwhelm you, don’t push them away, don’t hide from them.

An audience of two, Merone’s Mom, and Merone’s Dad, stand behind the Therapist.

THERAPIST

I want you to invite them in, okay?

Merone’s parents walk over to her, sitting on either side of her.

THERAPIST

You don’t need to hide from them.

Merone’s parents each put a hand on either of her legs, as to comfort her.

THERAPIST

Let them stay.

Merone sobs.

CUT TO:

INT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE LOBBY - DAY

Merone carries her baby and carseat through the lobby of the office, past a sign that reads “Saturn Therapy & Counseling”, out the door.

CUT TO:

EXT. THERAPIST’S OFFICE PARKING LOT - DAY

Merone carries her baby and the carseat to the car, puts the carseat and baby in first, then gets in herself. She drives off.

CREDIT SEQUENCE PLAYS OUT.

FADE OUT.

BEGIN FLASHBACK

INT. CONCERT - NIGHT

Merone and Arizona walk down the steps and into the crowd.

CUT TO:

INT. CONCERT - NIGHT

Arizona stands, singing to the song being played, “Alewife” by Clairo. She realizes what the song is about and turns to look at Merone.

ARIZONA

You saved me.

MERONE

You saved *me*.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY

A gun is slid across a table.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

She won’t ever leave.

INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT

Roman picks up a wad of money off of the ground as Tommy picks up the gun off of the bed. Tommy shoots the evil r-word man, throws the gun back onto the bed, grabs Merone, and exits. Roman picks up the gun, and exits.

CUT TO:

INT. POLICE STATION - DAY

Tommy lifts his hand from the table.

ARIZONA (V.O.)

You’ll have to let her go.

CUT TO:

EXT. TRAIN TRACKS - SUNSET

Arizona faces Tommy.

ARIZONA

And that’s a threat.

CUT TO:

INT. CONCERT - NIGHT

Merone is overcome with emotion, reaches out to Arizona. Arizona takes her hand and pulls Merone to her side, head on each other’s, they stand, facing the music.

END FLASHBACK.

FADE OUT.