Right as Rain

Written by Sean Lawrence

FADE IN: 

INT. HOTEL PARKING GARAGE - EVENING

SWINGS OPENS SLAM Door. (Sublevel parking garage) A WOMAN slowly opens the door of a vehicle. She walks to the other side of the car and picks up a hammer. 

CAMERA PUSH IN on hammer hitting the car door window, BREAKING GLASS SHATTERING. 

CAR ALARMS horns playing in the background 

HAND CLAPS: The song "Bust the windows out your car" starts to play in the background. MATCH CUT --

INT. HOTEL KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

MARY STYLES, late 20s, tall, Afro-American. Woman, black hair, radiant eyes, bold, stunning features. She moves bottles to the edge of the chessboard one by one drunkenly. The little shot bottles look like chess pieces on a board. Placed on the board backward, all black, then all the white forward towards her, all standing, but the king, who looks like he has been sacked. Near the edge of the countertops, again and again, her hand starts to slip, and she keeps putting chess pieces back the PAN THE BOARD. The little bottles are all empty, but a few remain unopened. 

MARY'S POV ON THE DESKTOP 

CAMERA ANGLE over bottle

Head hung down, just out of view petite bottle. She drops her hand over it, like a crane operator doing the ROBOT, grabs the whole thing, jerking, moving her hand to her mouth, and tips the bottle end over end into her mouth. Over her lips, she takes it in her mouth, swigs the container contents down, and places the next piece onto the chess board. 

JUMP CUT --

MARY (V.O.)

My life has always felt effortless. 

Even as a teenager, life has never been that hard. Rambunctious living feeling this way my whole life; if I only knew or even realized it, how would I misjudge so many things about myself. 

What does it mean to be? Those undisclosed moments. Those points in your past are.. that are always hollow echoes. What makes me realize how fracked up it all has been. 

Who you are? There are no do-overs. No. You can't just take a mulligan. What, you wish you...Could you go back and start over? A simply step back and be in that moment again. 

What would you do differently? Those moments that you wish you could get back. 

Those moments that slip away. Those are the moments you wish you could do over. 

What moments would you do differently?

EXT. SEVEN-SEVENTY-SEVEN NIGHT CLUB - EARLIER THAT EVENING

KIRK LYONS, early 20's mix young, brash, tattooed, risk-taker. One arm grabbed over a stripper's shoulder. Atmosphere, club like LOUD DANCE MUSIC. 

He Smiles confidently with sheer presupposition, almost caveman-like right to club the woman; he starts to reach and pull one of their shoulders. One pulls away, but he regroups, grabs, holds them both, and pulls them closer to him.

KIRK

(slurring)

My place or yours, ladies, which will it be. 

Yours, oh wait(beat), mine is closer. My place it is!

A driver in a dark-tinted SUV limo pulls up in front.

STRIPPER # 1

 Can you keep up with us girls?

The driver jumps out and opens the side door.

KIRK

Keeping up shouldn't be a problem.

The driver goes to the other side and opens the other door.

CLUB GIRL # 1

Oh, as if you could? What makes you think you can?

CLUB GIRL # 2

As long as a bitch gets paid.

Kirk closes the door on one side of the motor vehicle after the woman enters from one of their own perspective sides of the car. The driver closes the door behind them.

DRIVER'S REAR MIRROR POINT OF VIEW

 

CLUB GIRL # 1

Who said chivalry ain't dead?

The car drives to the end of the road and creeps to a stop sign. JUMP CUT --

INT. THE HOTEL ENTERTAINMENT ROOM - EARLIER THAT EVENING

LISA RODRIGUEZ, a Young... modern-looking Hispanic woman, moves her hand. SLOWLY CAMERA PANS To BADGE read, Wedding planner and Guest coordinator(event planner). 

MARY'S POV

LISA

Hello everyone. Let us get started!

MARY

Not everyone!

LISA

We! Get ready to start! Alright!?

MARY

Well. Not yet.

Lisa walked through the room and acknowledged the guest on her list. She runs a tight ship, and all the pieces are in order.  

LISA

Who is missing? Bridal party, check; parents of the bride, parents of the groom, check and check.

MARY

It seems both the best man and the groom have run off.

Lisa slams her phone into her bag. JUMP CUT --

INT. KIRK'S APARTMENT - EARLY MORNING 

Mary rolled up in an oversized chair in the dark bedroom, sleeping. Mary waits for Kirk to come home. Keys hitting a candy dish wakes her, and she slowly awakes.

CLOSE UP MARY'S FACE.

Kirk walks into view with one of the girls; the outline of their bodies moves past the door of the room. "Save Me" plays in the background. Kirk falls to the bed, and the pair begin to play and laugh.

MARY'S POV

KIRK (O.S.)

Can you help me with my pants?

Stripper walks into the room.

Mary flips the light switch on.

MARY (O.S.)

Is this what kind of husband you're going to be? Completely unfaithful!

CLUB GIRL # 1

Who is this bitch?!

MARY

Shouldn't I be the one asking that question? This is my home.

KIRK

(superciliously)

What are you doing here?

MARY

Here! In our home, before our wedding! Here I was, waiting on you, thinking something awful happened to you, here to find you cheating. Why? 

Mary walks to the fireplace. Picking up a picture from the mantel, she looks at it and places it in her oversized bag. Walks back into the room. Mary marches from the room and comes to Kirk, swinging her bag into Kirk's head. The women run from the apartment. SMASH CUT TO --

EXT. KIRK'S APARTMENT LOBBY - SUNRISE

Mary's standing and speaking as her voice upticks with every word. She begins to yell, and the words almost hang in the air with syllables. As she becomes more and more perturbed, she becomes like an unprovoked lion. She looks enraged and almost takes the door off the frame as she walks out. 

REVERSE ANGLE ON MARY

MARY

If you are not ready to get married(beat), why put a ring on my finger?

KIRK

Look!

 

MARY

Why! Do you hear me talking to you (beat)? Why?

KIRK

I don't know? It seems like the right thing to do.

MARY

If it doesn't mean a thing, then why do it?

KIRK'S POV

KIRK

You know it's the night before the wedding, it's tradition. 

 

Her face drops in shock and disbelief; she turns out the door quickly, slamming it shut behind her. JUMP CUT --

INT. MARY'S APARTMENT - CLOTHES CLOSET

Mary throws garment after garment into the oversized bag, a dresser on wheels; she throws in vacation clothing, only bathing suits and cut dresses, all into her bag. Flips the bag over to the other side, locks, and shuts the bag. JUMP CUT --  

INT. MARY'S CAR - INTERSTATE 12

Crying on the side of the road, attempting to pick up her phone.

She dials her phone.

INT. LISA'S HOME - SAME TIME

Reaching in the dark, a hand grabs a phone; not even removing the sleep mask from her face, Lisa brings the phone to her ear.

MARY

(into the phone)

Hello, Lisa. I was hoping to get your voicemail. I'm sorry to call so late; the last thing I wanted to do is bother you, but could you let everyone know that the wedding is off.

 

INTERCUT telephone conversation

LISA

What do you mean by what happened? 

MARY

I caught Kirk with two strippers. I can't deal with this right now.

LISA

I completely understand you take all the time you need.

MARY (O.S.)

I (beat), I (beat), I'm going away for a few weeks to rethink my life.

LISA

You don't have to go; we are all here for you; I'm here for you. Whatever you need?

MARY'S POV

MARY

No. I have to go (beat). I need to get away. Images of early childhood flash across the screen, alone on the playground, flash before her eye the time of early youth, the time of happiness for a moment she could remember. What did it mean to be young again? To be happy.

END -- INTERCUT

MARY'S CAR - INTERSTATE 12 - NIGHT

Still driving the long stretch of road that seems to go on forever, the car seems to reek and rake down the long, dark road seamlessly in the dead stretch of night. The headlights wrap the edge of the night. 

What looks like a house? With fields of hay, wheat, & rye which sit in huge silos which go on forever. Passing on the long country pass. On the side of the road is an Inn. As you come to a cliff which bends and hangs down the long mountainside.

Off to the right, off to the side of the road, is a huge country farmhouse, "The Country Inn"...The Inn had three competing farmhouses which supplied the Inn with everything, from sheep to cattle, to honey and fruit, to yarn, and fabric.  

Mary pulls her car along the long side of the Inn and parks. 

INT. COUNTRY INN LOBBY - NIGHT

MARY

Hello. How are you?

INNKEEPER

I'm doing fine and how about the likes of you? 

MARY

About the likes of who? Me!?

INNKEEPER

I believe we have your room ready, and your tab is also all set. 

MARY

Can I receive a wake-up call at 9:00 a.m.? 

Up walks one of the Inns staff.

INNKEEPER

Just follow this young man to your room.

The Innkeeper pushes past Mary on her way out the door of the hotel lobby. JUMP CUT --

INT. INN ROOM 602 - MOMENTS LATER 

Mary sits in the room; there is a long suite and extra tables with chairs next to a stuffed sofa. Sitting in plain view is a full-body mirror; sitting in the room, the idea of the room being too big was an understatement with the effect of the mirror in the room. Made the feel like it goes on forever room, making it seem it was giving you the feeling like you are trapped and re-materialized in the array of mirrors over and over forever.  

Shades are down, but the heat of the sun slowly tips into the room just under the blind. 

Mary holds the phone to her ear. 

MARY

(into the phone)

Is it too late to order. I was just hoping to get something in before you closed the kitchen.

Mary reaches down and turns the menu to the front. She places the phone to her ear.

MARY (O.S.)

Room Service, please. Yes, hello; I wanted to place an order for two black coffees and a side of strawberries and toast with grits and bacon. Please have eggs over easy with a side of blueberry pancakes. And if I could have apple jelly for my toast. Thank you. 

Nathan Matthews, a waiter, a young man in his early 20s, muscular fit, who works as a cook, pushes a cart full of food to the elevator. Selects the floor and, once there, pushes the cart out. The cart is full of everything. 

NATHAN

Room service! 

Mary moves to open the door but first places a wrap over her head.

She opens the door.

MARY

Hello.

NATHAN

Hello, where did you want to eat? 

Mary points to the side table in front of the dresser in the room.

MARY

Here is fine.

Mary moves throughout the room. Thomas sets the different trays up on the table.

NATHAN

If you don't mind me asking, where are you from?

Mary notices him looking into her eyes.

MARY

Everywhere, I guess, but mainly back east; my parents are Navy, so I was a military brat growing up. We traveled everywhere when I was young: Japan, Germany, and Hawaii.  

NATHAN

No. It's something else; I just can't place it.

Mary reaches for her glasses and places them on her face. Wraps Her head in a wrap.

NATHAN

Here you are, ma'am. You're all set. Did you just want it billed to the room? 

MARY

Why? Yes, that's fine. Here.

Mary takes from her bag a hundred-dollar bill. She has nothing smaller to give him.

NATHAN

Did you need to change back, ma'am? I will have to go downstairs and get it for you? 

MARY

No. That's fine. 

Thomas folds his tray and pushes the cart back out the door. 

NATHAN

Thank you. I don't know if I have ever been tipped this much before; let me know if you like the eggs.

The door closes behind him, and he heads to the elevator.

FLASHBACK - EXT. DOUBLE K & RANCH FARM

Mary sits at a table with her mother and father. All around her are farm hands and cattlemen; on the table are plates of food, eggs, bacon, and trays of bread and toast and fresh fruit. Mary is no older than six years old; she is young and ideal. After eating, she is in the kitchen helping with the dishes with her mother and putting the pots away. She heads out to the farmhouse to see a mother cow give birth to a young calf. 

END OF FLASHBACK

INT. INN ROOM 602 - MORNING

Mary opens her bag, and in it are dresses and shorts, shirts, and blouses. She pulls out her dye and grabs a tow runs into the bathroom. MATCH CUT TO -- 

She emerges with a totally different color of hair, dressed in short shorts and a T-shirt. Heads to the door, and clearly, you can see her swimsuit under her clothes; she grabs an oversized towel and heads out the door.

EXT. INN PARKING LOT - MORNING  

Mary sits out front, putting herself together. She stands there with nothing but white, putting white gloves on and wearing shades. Placing the oversized white hat into the box outlining the back of her back seat, she rolls up the back window. The young man loads her bags into the back of her car, and she tips him, this time handing him a twenty dollar bill. Opens the car door and shuts it once she is inside, then pushes the push button starter. JUMP CUT --

EXT. GAS STATION - DAY

Mary pulls into a gas station. Opens the door and walks inside. Walks down the aisle, looking over the store snacks like she wants to buy something. 

MARY

Can you point me to "Farmer Acres"

GAS STATION ATTENDED 

The resort?

MARY

Yes, I believe that's the name? 

GAS STATION ATTENDED

Yes. It's back a bit on the left. 

MARY

About how far? 

GAS STATION ATTENDED

About a quarter mile. 

MARY

That's strange. How did I miss it? 

GAS STATION ATTENDED

Oh yeah, the sign is hard to see, and you only can see it going back towards the farm up the road. You don't know how many people come in here asking for the place.

He lifts a box and scans it.

MARY

Thank you.

GAS STATION ATTENDED

Is there anything else (beat) I can help you with?

Mary moves for the door, grabbing the handle.

MARY

No, thank you. 

Mary waves bye. JUMP CUT --

EXT. FARMER ACRES - MOMENTS LATER

Mary pulls in and finds the atmosphere is very different from the INN she just left.

She walks into the lobby, and no one is there; the place looks like a ghost town through the lobby and out by the pool.

She finds out why the pool is the life of the place and everyone surrounding it.

She walks up to the first person she sees and asks about the front desk clerk.

MARY

Hi, I was hoping that you could help me.

M.R. CLARK

While I will try my best.

MARY

I was just arriving and was hoping to check in.

M.R. CLARK

Oh, you must forgive our front desk clerk; we don't get very many visitors, and everyone here is usually out here by noon.

MARY

That's not a problem. I have had a long trip and am very exhausted. I just wanted to check in and... 

M.R. CLARK

Why don't you follow me and we will see if we can find him together.

Mr. Clark takes Mary to the door and opens it. Next to the front desk, there is a coat and hat rack. He reaches for the top hat and places it on his head. MATCH CUT --

INT. FRONT DESK LOBBY - MOMENTS LATER

MR. CLARK

Welcome to "Farmer Acres." How may I be of service?

Mary smiles and grins.

MARY

So you are the front desk clerk?

M.R. CLARK

And the gardener, hostess, and the co-owner. 

MARY

Nice to meet you. And how do you do? 

M.R. CLARK

I'm doing fine, and how may I be of service?

MARY

I'm looking to check in, please.

Mr. Clark places his hand on a bell and rings it twice; a young man comes into the room, and a bellhop places her bags onto a cart. JUMP CUT --

EXT. FARM RESORT STABLES - DAY

Horses running side by side inside a closed gate. A young man holds another in place as it runs, attempting to buck free. The young colt reaches a point and fights harder.

Jamison Matthews, late 20 years, brashly good-looking, farmhand, waiter, do all. The resorts know it all and resident fixer. 

JAMISON

Easy! Easy boy!

The colt bucks even harder but finally listens.

Kelly Stormwell, 20 years old, head headstrong but even-tempered ex-girlfriend.

KELLY

Making progress.

JAMISON

That's it. Good-boy. 

Jamison places the colt on the pen. 

KELLY

So, what happened to you last night? You were a no-show.

JAMISON

Since we broke up, you have been trying to go out with more than you did when we dated.

KELLY

I know a good thing when I see it.

JAMISON

Too bad you didn't then.

KELLY

This place isn't going to run itself; it takes a lot of work.

JAMISON

Nothing does; that's what life is about: taking help from others and not putting them at arm's length.   

KELLY

That's why I'm trying to correct that now.

JAMISON

Don't you think that's too little too late?

Jamison tips his hat and leaves the barn.

EXT. FARM RESORT POOL - DAY

Mary sets by the pool wearing sunglasses; alone, she holds a glass and places it to her lips.  

JAMISON

Can I get you something else?

She has it in her ears and is not listening to the young man.

MARY

Pardon me. Did you say something? 

She places the glass on his tray, not even looking or making eye contact. 

JAMISON

I ask if you need anything else?

She turns her wrapped head up and looks in his direction. Past him. As if he wasn't there.

MARY

No. Well yes. Could you have the chef make more of today's special?

JAMISON

I will see what he can do.

He walks away.

INT. FARM RESORT BAR - MOMENTS LATER

Jamison walks into the bar. 

JAMISON

Can you put in an order for today's special for me, please? 

KELLY

You do understand your work for me? Right. 

JAMISON

Yeah. Yeah. I know... but you realize I can't work the damn computer right.

Into the room walks a young man holding a tray.

NATHAN

Where do you want these? 

JAMISON

Ask Kelly. 

Thomas places the tray down, walks outside towards the open door, and steps out. 

EXT. FARM RESORT POOL - MOMENTS LATER

NATHAN

What are you doing here? 

MARY 

I could ask you the same.

NATHAN

We drop off some supplies ..things that aren't in season.

MARY

Oh, I see. 

The door to the pool swings open.

KELLY

Are you bringing this order in or not? 

NATHAN

Here I come... Talk to you in a moment.

In walks the order.

JAMISON

Here you are for today's special. Is there anything else I can help you with?

MARY

Are you good friends with Nathan?

JAMISON

You can say so he's my little brother. 

INT. FARM RESORT DINING ROOM - NIGHT

The main course comes out and sits at the tables for the guests to eat. 

MARY

Everything looks wonderful.

THOMAS

Glad it meets your liking.

Thomas cuts and places a piece of fish onto Mary's plate.

KELLY

Thank you for joining me and my father. We have never had a movie star for dinner before. Well, not for dinner, but eating with us at our table.

MARY

The honor is all mine. 

THOMAS

So how long will we have the pleasure of your company?

MARY

Hard for me to say.

She places a small bite in her mouth.

KELLY

Let us know if there is anything we can do to be of service.

The second course is brought out.

MARY

Hello, how are you?

JAMISON

Fine, how are you tonight, ma'am?

KELLY

Do you two know each other?

MARY

Yes, we met earlier today.

JAMISON

She loved the special of the day.

MARY

Yes, I never had something so wonderful. It just melts in your mouth.

He picks up the tray of fish.

JAMISON

I must be getting back.

Mary looks off in his direction.

KELLY

Do you see something you like?

Mary turns her head back around and looks in Kelly's direction. JUMP CUT --

INT. FARM RESORT KITCHEN - MOMENTS LATER

The staff is rushing about, and the main line chef calls out the last order.

CHEF

This is it; let's complete this order, and the first round is on me.

The last orders rush out. MATCH CUT --

INT. FARM RESORT BAR - AFTERHOURS

Only staff are present.

CHEF

Great job tonight, a guy; you were awesome.

Drinks are being passed around. In walks in Thomas.

THOMAS

I got the second round; great job tonight.

Kelly walks into the room.

JAMISON

I need some fresh air.

EXT. FARM RESORT BAR - MOMENTS LATER

Allen North, 30 years old, town handyman, sits near the entrance.

JAMISON

Allen. What are you doing out here?

ALLEN

Came up with Kelly; she wanted me to come up for some reason.

JAMISON

Just like her, I'm headed home, and I only can take so much in one day.

ALLEN

Hey, I need a favor. Do you still have some of that oak left over from the Johnson, please? I have a project I'm working on and need some fill-in supplies, which I can't afford to buy new.

Jamison turns and looks inside for a moment.

JAMISON

Yeah, sure, but remember, my going rates you owe me.

ALLEN

Just like old times, thank you. I don't know how much this will help.

JAMISON

It's not like old times, but always glad to help a friend out of a jam; just come by tomorrow and take a look at what you need. Good night, I need to count some sheep.  

INT. KIRK'S APARTMENT LOBBY - DAY

Press reporters are hanging in the lobby with reports of the break-up, looking for Kirk for comment and any information on Mary's whereabouts.

REPORTER # 1 

Do you have any information on the whereabouts of Mary Styles?

REPORTER # 2

Are you aware of the allegations she has been reported missing?

Kirk walks through the lobby holding his mail, unaware of the questions, not even giving notices. 

REPORTER # 3

Is it true she broke off the engagement?

Kirk stops and turns to the reports to say something, then stops and keeps walking.

EXT. FARM RESORT POOL

Action

EXT. FARM RESORT MAIN ROAD - DAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Main characters in the screenplay:

1. Mary Styles:

• Age: Late 20s

• Description: Mary is a strikingly beautiful woman with bold features and radiant eyes. She has a strong, independent spirit and a resilient personality. She comes from a military background, having grown up as a "military brat" due to her parents' service. Mary is shown to be introspective and seeks solace at Farmer Acres after her engagement with Kirk ends abruptly. Her journey at the resort serves as a catalyst for her personal growth and self-discovery.

2. Kirk Lyons:

• Age: Early 20s

• Description: Kirk is portrayed as a risk-taking, brash, and somewhat impulsive young man. He was once engaged to Mary, but their relationship comes to an end, and he is seen as somewhat careless in his actions. Kirk's character represents a source of conflict and a turning point in Mary's life.

3. Jamison Matthews:

• Age: Late 20s

• Description: Jamison is a versatile and hardworking individual with roles as a farmhand, waiter, and more at Farmer Acres. He exudes confidence and charm and has a genuine connection with Mary during her stay. Jamison's character offers support and a potential romantic interest for Mary as she navigates her emotions.

4. Kelly Stormwell:

• Age: 20 years old

• Description: Kelly is a headstrong and determined young woman known for her even-tempered nature. She plays a significant role at Farmer Acres, and her dynamic with Jamison is characterized by their shared history and occasional tension. Kelly's character adds depth and complexity to the relationships within the story.

5. Mr. Clark (Innkeeper):

• Description: Mr. Clark is a multi-faceted character who serves as the Innkeeper, gardener, hostess, and co-owner of Farmer Acres. He embodies a sense of hospitality and takes on various responsibilities at the resort. His interactions with Mary reflect warmth and a welcoming attitude.

6. Nathan Matthews (Waiter):

• Age: Early 20s

• Description: Nathan is a young waiter at Farmer Acres who interacts with Mary during her stay. He is courteous and eager to assist. Nathan's character plays a smaller but still significant role in Mary's experience at the resort.

7. Lisa Rodriguez:

• Age: Not specified

• Description: Lisa is mentioned in the screenplay as a wedding planner and guest coordinator. She has a professional relationship with Mary and provides support during challenging times, showing her willingness to help.

These characters interact in various ways, contributing to Mary's journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Each character brings their own unique qualities and dynamics to the story, adding depth to the narrative.

1.     The story's central conflict appears to revolve around Mary Styles and her journey of self-discovery and healing after a tumultuous relationship with Kirk Lyons. Mary catches Kirk cheating on her, leading to the cancellation of their wedding. This event prompts her to leave town and stay at Farmer Acres, a resort, in search of a new beginning.

2.     The conflict lies in Mary's struggle to come to terms with the end of her relationship, her need for self-discovery, and her desire to find happiness and purpose in her life. Throughout the story, she may grapple with questions about her identity, what she truly wants, and whether she can move past her past experiences.

3.     Additionally, there may be sub-conflicts and interpersonal dynamics between other characters, such as Kirk, the resort staff, and other guests, that contribute to the overall conflict and development of the narrative.