the
escapist
by
jose
luis
gonzalez
©2003 ojo flojo films
WGA# 810940
Cast of Characters
Chico Villegas: 36-year-old Latino. Small-time burglar. Hopelessly infatuated with…
Gloria: Café employee. She’ll be 18 in a few days.
Zerapita: “Zera” for short. Chico’s older half-sister. Their mother recently jumped off a bridge.
Dolores: Chico and Zera’s mother. She worked as a maid at the time of her death.
Victor: Zera’s autistic son. He’s 13 years old, but the nature of his illness limits social interaction and the activities he can perform. His father Dwayne is currently serving a 7-year bid in the state pen.
Lourdes: Chico’s friend and bartender at his favorite dive.
Leon: Chico’s “boss.” He fences Chico’s goods.
Caesar: Gloria’s aspiring-wrestler boyfriend.
Dos Veces, Big Black Dude, and Big Mexican Dude: All work for Leon in some capacity.
Ernie: Gloria’s boss at the café.
Cabbie, Customer, B-Ball Players, Theater Goers, Theater Manager, Dancing Couple, Waitress, Barflies, Street Musicians, Cops, Sheriff, Detectives, and Homeowners: Self-explanatory.
1 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY
DOLORES VILLEGAS sits quietly at the empty dining table. Lost in thought, she stares at the coffee cup in her hand. She’s wearing a maid’s uniform.
CUT TO:
She stands at the sink. The utensils and plates chatter quietly as she washes them.
CUT TO:
She cracks the bedroom door open and silently observes whoever sleeps inside.
2 INT – CAB – MOVING – DAY
She stares at the swift scenery.
CABBIE
You going on a trip?
She’s not even there.
3 EXT – SUSPENSION BRIDGE - DAY
She walks along the narrow shoulder with a vague determination. Traffic is light.
Halfway down the length of the bridge she stops and approaches the guardrail. She peers over the edge at the 200-foot drop into the blue green river. The rippling water glitters.
Everything stops.
POV: The shimmering surface below is at once frightening and inviting. Her heavy breath dominates.
4 EXT – CEMETERY - DAY
POV: CHICO stares down at his mother’s grave.
CUT TO:
4 EXT – CEMETERY – DAY (CONT’D)
ZERA and VICTOR stand at CHICO’S side, all in mourning. ZERA turns and takes VICTOR by the arm.
CHICO looks up then away at some distant point on the horizon.
TITLE CARD: the escapist
ROLL CREDITS
TITLE CARD: twenty-four months later…
5 MONTAGE SEQUENCE
GLORIA coyly taunts the CAMERA. She runs and walks and dances and speaks and laughs and frowns and stares. NO SOUND except for a delicate breeze and the faint laughter of children.
6 EXT – CAFÉ - DAY
CHICO sits on the sidewalk and smokes. He rocks a white button-down long sleeve, khakis, and brown suede shoes.
GLORIA turns the corner. Glasses, dirty v-neck t-shirt, tattered jeans. She’s sexy in her simplicity.
She nods at CHICO who loses the cigarette as he gets up. She takes a fistful of keys and unlocks the front door.
7 INT – CAFÉ - DAY
GLORIA counts money at the register. CHICO stares.
CHICO
Did you do something with your hair?
GLORIA
No.
CHICO
Are those new shoes?
7 INT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
GLORIA
Nope.
CHICO
Yeah, I didn’t think so. Well, you look great.
She barely notices.
CUT TO:
They knead dough at a large table.
CHICO
I think this needs more milk.
GLORIA
You shouldn’t be doing this.
CHICO
Oh yeah?
GLORIA
You don’t even work here.
A CUSTOMER enters the lobby O/S.
CHICO
Can I help you sir?
CHICO attends to him. GLORIA sighs.
CUT TO:
She washes her hands at the utility sink.
GLORIA
I’m taking my break, Ernie!
ERNIE (O/S)
Sure thing, Gloria!
8 EXT – CAFÉ - DAY
CHICO waits with two cups of coffee. He hands her one.
8 EXT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Coffee.
GLORIA
I know. I made it. Thanks.
He places two cigarettes in his mouth, lights them, then hands one over.
GLORIA
So. What’s up?
CHICO
Not much. I brought you this.
He reaches in his pocket and pulls out a slim gold necklace. She takes it.
GLORIA
Geez, this is beautiful. I can’t take this, Chico.
CHICO
Why not? It’s a gift.
GLORIA
Yeah, but…
(pause)
How old are you?
CHICO
How old do you think I am?
GLORIA
I don’t know. 30? 35?
CHICO
Yeah. That’s about right.
GLORIA
I’m going to be 18 in a few days.
CHICO
Okay.
8 EXT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
GLORIA
Okay what?
CHICO
I like you.
GLORIA
Yeah, I know you do.
CHICO
Do you like me?
GLORIA
I like you, but not like you want.
CHICO
Oh, I see. Well, I’m glad we could talk--
He gets up.
GLORIA
No wait. It’s just…
(pause)
It’s a little weird, you know? Maybe you should--
ERNIE pokes his fat head into their conversation. He looks exactly like what guys named “Ernie” should look like.
ERNIE
These dishes ain’t washin’ themselves, Gloria.
(sizing Chico up)
What’s this guy doing here?
GLORIA
That’s Chico. He’s my friend.
CHICO waves.
ERNIE
Yeah, well. Break’s over.
He splits.
8 EXT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Sheesh, what a jerk. How do you put up with a guy like that?
GLORIA
Aw, Ernie’s okay. Listen, do you want to hang around or something?
CHICO
No, I can’t. I’m late for work already.
GLORIA disappears. CHICO uses his coffee as an ashtray.
9 EXT – APARTMENT COMPLEX - DAY
CHICO creeps between buildings examining every bathroom window and back porch. Bingo! He puts on a pair of black leather gloves, slides open a back door.
10 INT - APARTMENT - DAY
The place is dead except for a CAT. CHICO bends down to pet it.
CHICO moves through the apartment with a skill and grace that only comes through practice.
He snags jewelry- including two heart-shaped earrings- money out of wallets and purses, a few CD’s, and even a snub-nose revolver from under a bed.
With CAT in arms, he gives the place a last look-over. He drops the kitty and exits.
11 INT – LEON’S - DAY
A dingy but charming dive. CHICO’S laid his score out on a back table for LEON’S associate- a Mexican Ranchero-type named DOS VECES- to inspect.
DOS VECES
Good shit, man.
11 INT – LEON’S – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Yeah. Not bad, not bad. You can have everything except the earrings. Those are mine.
DOS VECES
Yours?
CHICO
Yeah…
(pause)
They’re for my girlfriend. Gloria. Yeah, she’s real smart and pretty and her birthday’s coming up so I wanted to get her something nice.
DOS VECES
Y que? [So what?]
CHICO
Yeah, well. Hey, so I got this piece if you want it.
DOS VECES
Piece?
CHICO
A gat?
DOS VECES
A what?
CHICO
A gun. A little .38.
DOS VECES
Que te pasa? [What’s wrong with you?]. Ahorita no. (Not now.}
CHICO
Alright. Okay. So when was Leon coming back?
11 INT - LEON’S – DAY (CONT’D)
DOS VECES
Any minute. He told me to tell you to wait here.
CHICO
That’s cool.
DOS VECES
(pause)
You want to hear the funniest joke in the world?
CHICO
Sure.
DOS VECES
A horse, a priest, and a one-leg lady walk into a bar and the guy looks up and says, “Hey, is this a fucking joke?”
DOS VECES cracks up.
CHICO
Wait. Which guy?
DOS VECES
The bartender.
CHICO
Oh.
An older, ex-boxer type in a wife-beater and pork-pie hat strolls in like the joint’s named after him. It is.
LEON
Hey, do me a favor and park the truck. The delivery guy’s in the way.
He tosses DOS VECES the keys. He makes himself scarce. LEON goes over and shakes hands with CHICO.
LEON
What’s up, man?
11 INT – LEON’S – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Not a whole lot.
LEON
You got something for me or what?
CHICO
Yeah. Check it out.
FADE OUT
12 EXT – JEWELRY STORE - DAY
CHICO walks out with a little black velvet jewelry box.
13 EXT – STREET - DAY
He places the earrings in the little box.
14 EXT – CAFÉ - DAY
As CHICO rounds the corner to the café he spots GLORIA walking out the front door with a big handsome fella. CAESAR, her man. They kiss.
CHICO hides behind the corner, looking like some one just shit on his heart.
15 INT – BAR - DAY
CHICO and LOURDES are the only people there this time of day. She tends bar in a western shirt, jeans, and sporting two braids over each shoulder.
She looks directly at CHICO and makes a series of very strange faces at him. He keeps time.
Finally, she opens her mouth to produce a cherry stem tied in a knot.
CHICO
21! How do you do that?
15 INT – BAR – DAY (CONT’D)
LOURDES
Shit. I’m usually faster.
CHICO
How the fuck do you do that?
LOURDES
Practice.
CHICO
Hey, you want some earrings?
LOURDES
(points to her earlobes)
Not pierced.
CHICO
Fuck.
LOURDES
What are you doing with those?
CHICO
I was going to give them to this girl, but it’s all fucked up.
LOURDES
Well, there’s plenty of girls.
CHICO
Don’t say that.
LOURDES
It’s true.
CHICO
It’s different for girls, you know? You can have every guy on Earth if you want.
LOURDES
Maybe I don’t want every guy.
CHICO
Yeah, well, whatever.
15 INT – BAR – DAY (CONT’D)
LOURDES
Did I tell you I was leaving next week?
CHICO
No shit? Where you going?
LOURDES
Portland, Oregon.
CHICO
What’s in Portland?
LOURDES
My friend opened up a restaurant and he wants me to run the bar, so.
CHICO
Man, that’s great.
LOURDES
Yeah. You know, you should come with me.
CHICO
What for?
LOURDES
Change of pace.
CHICO
I like my pace.
LOURDES
Well, it’s an open invitation.
CHICO
I’ll think about it.
LOURDES
You should give them to her anyways.
CHICO
Give what to who?
15 INT – BAR – DAY (CONT’D)
LOURDES
The girl. You should give her the earrings anyways.
CHICO
What’s the use?
LOURDES
You’re not going to wear them are you?
16 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT – DAY
GLORIA stares longingly out the living room window. CAESAR blasts his pecs behind her.
CUT TO:
She thumbs through a travel magazine while he continues his workout.
GLORIA
Your arm looks bigger.
CAESAR
Thanks.
GLORIA
Do you want me to fix you a shake?
CAESAR
Hon, what day is it?
GLORIA
Oh, it’s Wednesday, isn’t it?
CUT TO:
They eat dinner. Actually, GLORIA eats. CAESAR attacks and devours.
GLORIA
So I was thinking about night classes.
CAESAR
Oh yeah? What about ‘em?
16 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT – DAY (CONT’D)
GLORIA
I don’t know. I wanted to go back and get my GED and stuff. Then maybe transfer to a community college, get some loans. Travel maybe.
CAESAR
Really.
He questions this notion through silence.
CAESAR (CONT’D)
You know, I was thinking—-
17 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
The bathroom. CAESAR towels off while GLORIA brushes her teeth.
CAESAR
Hey.
GLORIA
(mouthful of foam)
Wha?
CAESAR
Rinse. Please.
She does.
GLORIA
What’s up?
CAESAR
Come here.
GLORIA
What for?
CAESAR
Come here.
She approaches. He takes her and kisses her. She smiles.
17 INT - CAESAR’S APARTMENT – NIGHT (CONT’D)
CUT TO:
They bump uglies under covers. Above the headboard is a mosaic of wrestling photographs.
CUT TO:
CAESAR is sawing logs. GLORIA sneaks out of bed and walks to the bathroom.
CUT TO:
She washes her face.
18 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
He does the same. He finishes, returns to bed, and attempts to sleep.
FADE OUT
19 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - DAY
The phone rings and rings. CHICO untwists his slumbering body, feels around, and finds the phone.
CHICO
Hello.
ZERA
Hey, it’s me.
CHICO
Who is this?
ZERA
Your sister.
CHICO
Oh, hey. It’s early.
ZERA
Yeah, I know. But I need you to do me a giant favor.
19 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Oh yeah?
ZERA
I have to go see Dwayne tomorrow and someone has to stay with Victor.
CHICO
Why don’t you just take him?
ZERA
You know I don’t want him to see his father like that. You know that.
CHICO
Shit.
ZERA
C’mon, Chico. You know I wouldn’t ask unless it was an emergency. Even Stephanie backed out.
CHICO
Okay, okay. But you have to come pick me up.
ZERA
Oh, I love you! I’ll make breakfast. But be ready!
CUT TO:
CHICO stares at his face in the bathroom mirror.
20 INT – CAR – MOVING – DAY
ZERA: Big t-shirt, big sunglasses, big hair. Her energy level is in sharp contrast with CHICO’S, who has now reclined his seat. She listens to old punk.
ZERA
You’re tired.
CHICO
It’s 8 in the morning.
20 INT – CAR – MOVING – DAY (CONT’D)
ZERA
You know what I heard?
CHICO
No.
ZERA
Lisa, your Lisa, she’s engaged. To a dentist. It’s in the paper back home.
CHICO
(turns away)
Why do you have to tell me that? Huh? How is that supposed to make me feel good?
ZERA
Just thought you’d like to know. She was nice. Mom always liked her.
CHICO
She cheated on me.
ZERA
Well, people make mistakes.
CHICO
I don’t. Not like that, anyways.
ZERA
I thought she was nice.
CHICO
Hey, isn’t your husband in jail?
She eyes him, turns up the radio. CHICO turns on his side and shuts his eyes.
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME - DAY
ZERA opens the door to their mother’s old room. They stand in the threshold and scope all the boxes that hold her belongings. Orange pill containers still line the dresser.
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
You finally put all her shit away.
ZERA
I didn’t know what to do with it. I might sell some or put some in storage or, I don’t know. Maybe you can take some of it with you.
CHICO
Why don’t you just leave it on the curb? When’s trash day?
ZERA
Why are you so angry?
CHICO
Because she jumped off a bridge.
ZERA
Maybe it was a cry for help.
CHICO
Right. All those pills I’m surprised she didn’t fly away.
ZERA slugs him in the gut.
ZERA
Be nice! She was in a lot of pain.
CHICO
Join the club.
ZERA
What?
CHICO
Never mind.
He shuts the door.
CUT TO:
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
In the kitchen, CHICO helps ZERA wash dishes- mostly by supervising and sipping his coffee.
ZERA
So Victor was up late and he won’t be up ‘til around noon. I’m staying at a hotel tonight and I’m going to the jail early in the morning.
CHICO
When are you coming back?
ZERA
Tomorrow night, unless it rains. I don’t like to drive.
CHICO
So maybe two nights?
ZERA
Yeah. Maybe.
CHICO
Fine, fine. So what am I supposed to do with the kid?
ZERA
He’s just a boy, Chico. Take him to the movies or something. You know he loves you. You know that at least, right?
CHICO
I don’t see why you don’t just take him with you.
ZERA
He shouldn’t see his father like that.
CHICO
I think maybe Dwayne’s ashamed of his kid.
ZERA
You know, you’re a real fucking prick sometimes.
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
Exit ZERA. CHICO sips his coffee.
CUT TO:
ZERA stands at the door with her bags.
ZERA
The only pill he needs is on his nightstand. It’s for when he wakes up.
CHICO
Okay.
ZERA
He’s just a boy. And he loves you.
CHICO
Okay.
ZERA
(kisses Chico’s cheek)
Thank you. Car keys are on the mantle. I’ll call if there’s any problems.
CHICO
Okay.
ZERA
Can you at least pretend to be excited?
CHICO bares both rows of teeth. The RENTAL CAR honks.
CHICO
Say hi to Dwayne for me.
He watches her leave and shuts the door.
CUT TO:
CHICO is channel surfing when VICTOR emerges from the bedroom. He’s still in his PJ’s.
VICTOR
Mom.
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
I’m mom today, kid.
VICTOR
Mom.
VICTOR begins to panic. CHICO darts up and holds VICTOR by the arms, rubbing them slowly.
CHICO
It’s okay, it’s okay. It’s me. It’s Chico. It’s me. Everything’s okay. Do you want me to make breakfast? Huh? You hungry?
VICTOR stares at CHICO momentarily, then hugs him tightly.
CUT TO:
They vegg out. Empty cereal bowls sit on the coffee table.
CHICO
You still hungry? Victor, you still hungry?
VICTOR shakes his head.
CHICO
So, what do you want to do? You want to do something?
CHICO asks even though he knows VICTOR can’t generally respond.
CHICO (CONT’D)
You want to go outside?
VICTOR
I have…
(laughs)
CHICO
Go get dressed and we’ll go play ball or something.
21 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
CUT TO:
VICTOR returns with the same PJ’s, tattered sneakers, and a sweatshirt.
CHICO
Hmm. I think you missed the point, kid.
CHICO tries to unzip the sweatshirt but VICTOR swipes his hand away.
CHICO (CONT’D)
Hey, alright, okay. You win. I gotta tie those sneakers, though.
He bends down to tie them.
VICTOR
Thank you! Thank you! Welcome!
(laughs)
CHICO
You are so weird.
22 EXT – STREET - DAY
CHICO bounces a basketball while VICTOR straggles.
CHICO
I guess your mom keeps you inside mostly, huh?
VICTOR laughs.
23 EXT – BASKETBALL COURT - DAY
There’s a 3-on-3 game underway on the only court. CHICO approaches the PLAYERS.
CHICO
Hey, you guys mind if we play half-court for a while? Me and the kid.
(points to Victor)
He’s a little, you know, out of it.
23 EXT – BASKETBALL COURT - DAY (CONT’D)
PLAYER
It’s game point, man.
CHICO
Okay, game point. We’ll wait.
CHICO and VICTOR sit where the PLAYERS have piled their street clothes.
Minutes pass and CHICO realizes that the game has gone beyond game point.
CHICO
Hey! Game point!
They ignore him.
CHICO (CONT’D)
Motherfuckers. Hey!
Nothing.
CHICO (CONT’D)
Here, Vic. Come here. Let me tie your shoes.
He positions VICTOR between himself and the game. Using his human shield, CHICO digs for money through one of the PLAYER’S belongings.
VICTOR
Thank you! Thank you! Welcome!
CHICO
Hold still.
No one is the wiser. Loot in hand, CHICO grabs VICTOR and they haul ass, laughing.
24 INT – CAR – MOVING – DAY
CHICO counts the score.
CHICO
Some people are real backwards, huh, Vic?
(pause)
24 INT – CAR – MOVING – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO (CONT’D)
You don’t care, do you, kid?
VICTOR laughs.
CHICO (CONT’D)
40 bucks. Let’s go to the movies.
25 INT – MOVIE THEATER - DAY
The handful of THEATER GOERS are not amused with VICTOR’S uncontrollable laughter.
THEATER GOER
Shhht!
CHICO plays it cool. VICTOR could care less.
THEATER GOER
Shut up!
CHICO
Don’t listen to them.
THEATER GOER
I’m calling the manager.
CHICO
Fuck you.
The THEATER MANAGER approaches.
MANAGER
Sir, I’m going to have to escort you out now.
CHICO
What for? We’re watching the show.
MANAGER
Sir. You’re creating a dist--
CHICO
Can’t he laugh? The movie’s funny.
25 INT – MOVIE THEATER – DAY (CONT’D)
MANAGER
Sir, please.
CHICO
He’s sick, okay? The fucking kid is sick. C’mon, Vic.
They get up.
CHICO (CONT’D)
(points to Theater Goer)
Enjoy the show, dickface. Your theater is shit, anyways.
26 INT – CAR – MOVING - DAY
VICTOR stares out the window.
CHICO
Some people. Some fucking people.
CHICO whips into a liquor store.
He leaves the car running, looks at VICTOR, thinks, then puts The Club on the steering wheel. He runs in.
VICTOR hums to himself. CHICO returns with a bottle of Mad Dog 20/20, red.
CHICO
You okay? You hungry?
(pause)
You want to hear the funniest joke in the world?
27 INT – VILLEGAS HOME - NIGHT
They watch the tube. CHICO casually downs the hobo juice.
Pretty soon, the bottle is half gone and CHICO is totally gone. He’s three sheets and then some.
VICTOR looks over at the bottle, laughs, waits, then reaches for it.
27 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – NIGHT (CONT’D)
He takes a whiff then laughs. He takes a sudden drink and reacts like any normal person would. He laughs again.
He gets up and walks away with the bottle.
CUT TO:
Sometime around midnight, CHICO gets up to piss. He stumbles into the restroom and freezes instantly.
On the floor crumpled near the toilet is VICTOR. His pants are soiled. He’s motionless. Whatever hooch was left is down his front or on the floor.
CHICO has no idea what the next move is. He waits for a signal. It comes: VICTOR moans. CHICO dives in.
CHICO
Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck. Kid, I’m sorry, kid. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.
He holds his nephew.
CUT TO:
CHICO uses a cup to pour warm water on him in the bathtub. The poor kid tries to get it together.
CHICO
I know. I know.
CUT TO:
CHICO tucks VICTOR into bed.
CHICO
Are you okay? How do you feel?
VICTOR moans.
CUT TO:
Once VICTOR is asleep, CHICO slides off the bed and walks into the living room.
27 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – NIGHT (CONT’D)
He lies on the couch, sighs, and slowly drifts away.
28 INT – VILLEGAS HOME - DAY
CHICO awakens to ZERA striking his face. He backs himself into the corner of the couch.
CHICO
Hey! Hey! Hey! Fuck!
ZERA
Motherfucker!
CHICO
What?
ZERA
Why is my son hung-over? Huh? Why is he? He’s on meds, Chico! Okay? He could die! He could fucking die!
CHICO
I fucked up, okay? I fucked up.
ZERA tosses CHICO his things.
CUT TO:
The kitchen.
CHICO
But he’s okay now, right? He’s okay.
ZERA
You’re fucking lucky he’s okay.
CHICO
I’m sorry. He got the bottle while I was asleep.
ZERA
While you were drunk, right?
CUT TO:
28 INT – VILLEGAS HOME – DAY (CONT’D)
Living room.
CHICO
How many times, huh? How many times do I have to say I’m sorry? Just give me a ballpark figure.
ZERA
Go to hell.
CUT TO:
VICTOR sits quietly on the edge of his bed.
29 EXT – VILLEGAS HOME - DAY
CHICO carries his backpack.
ZERA
You’re so fucking selfish, Chico. You know that? You’re so--
CHICO
If you’re so goddamn perfect how come your life’s a wreck?
That was below the belt. ZERA quietly judges him then slowly shuts the front door.
CHICO (CONT’D)
(to himself)
Fuck.
30 INT – CAB – MOVING – DAY
CHICO spots something on the ride home.
CHICO
Stop here, please.
31 INT – APARTMENT - DAY
An empty apartment. Empty until a small bathroom window slowly slides open and a gloved hand reaches in.
32 INT – LEON’S - DAY
LEON chats with a BIG BLACK DUDE and a BIG MEXICAN DUDE both dressed in bright white coveralls like painters use. DOS VECES reads the paper.
LEON
What can I say? It’s out of my hands. So just go by the house tonight and we’ll talk.
The mysterious duo walks out. LEON pats MEXICAN DUDE on the back.
LEON (CONT’D)
Thank you, gentlemen.
(spots Chico)
Look at this guy. Just the man I wanted to see.
CHICO
Sorry I came by without calling—-
LEON
No, I was about to have Dos Veces send for you.
CHICO
Why, what’s up?
LEON
You read the paper today?
CHICO
No, not today.
LEON
It looks like someone’s been crawling into apartments all over by the airport. Now the cops are asking questions.
32 INT – LEON’S – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Yeah?
LEON
And I know you’re over there a lot so--
CHICO
No, man. I never go out there.
LEON
Really?
CHICO
I mean, yeah. I go out there once in a while. But I’m cool, man. I swear. I’d never.
LEON
Alright.
(lights a square)
Just watch yourself. I don’t want anything getting back here.
CHICO
Leon, man, c’mon—
LEON
Nothing.
(pause)
If a cop so much as drives by this place, then this…
(points to the space between them)
… doesn’t exist.
CHICO
I’m cool, Leon. I promise.
CHICO holds his breath. He knows LEON is waiting for him to crack. He never does.
LEON
How you been, man? You doing okay?
32 INT – LEON’S – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Yeah. I’m fine. I’m fine. How you been?
LEON
Great. You know, if you need money, I’d rather you come ask me for it. You know that, right?
CHICO
I’m fine, man. I appreciate it though.
They shake hands and hug.
CHICO (CONT’D)
Hey, what did you get for that weird looking pendant thing I brought last month?
LEON
Do you really want to know?
They laugh.
CHICO
Okay, okay. I get it. See you later, Leon.
33 INT – CAFÉ - DAY
GLORIA looks up from her travel magazine when she hears CHICO knocking at the window. He waves.
34 EXT – CAFÉ - DAY
GLORIA holds the little black velvet box in her hand.
CHICO
I wasn’t sure when your birthday was so you can open it whenever.
GLORIA
I can’t, I can’t take this.
CHICO
Is your boyfriend wondering where you’re getting all the jewelry?
34 EXT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
GLORIA
(pause)
How’d you know?
CHICO
I saw you kiss him the other day.
GLORIA opens the box.
GLORIA
These are nice.
CHICO
He seems very… healthy.
GLORIA
(putting on earrings)
He’s nice. He wants to be a pro-wrestler.
CHICO
Really?
GLORIA
(laughs)
Yeah.
She mock poses, all sucked-in cheeks and doe-eyed.
CHICO
You’re so pretty.
(pause)
So do you want to go out with me tonight or what?
GLORIA
(deep breath, exhales)
How about tomorrow? At five, here.
CHICO
Okay.
He takes an awkward step towards her, then turns and leaves. GLORIA stares.
35 INT – BAR - DAY
LOURDES rests her head on her folded arms on the bar next to CHICO. He makes a quarter disappear and reappear in his hand and whistles “Danke Schoen.”
AD LIB: LOURDES guesses which hand the quarter is in.
Near the jukebox, a COUPLE dances.
LOURDES
You’re happy.
CHICO
I got a date.
LOURDES
That earring girl?
CHICO
Mmm-hmm.
LOURDES
Oh.
(pause, goes back around bar)
Love is just a fancy word for burden.
CHICO
What’s that supposed to mean?
LOURDES
Nothing. Chris always used to say that.
CHICO
Chris who?
LOURDES
My ex-fiancé.
He drops the quarter.
CHICO
No shit? I never knew that about you.
LOURDES
This was way before I moved into town. We went to high school together. Sweethearts,
35 INT – BAR – DAY (CONT’D)
LOURDES (CONT’D)
the whole bit. It was kinda hokey, really. Anyways, Chris always used to say that love was just a fancy word for burden. And at the strangest times, too, like at dinner or doing laundry or something.
CHICO
Fancy word for burden? Huh. What a charmer. No wonder you dumped him.
LOURDES
I didn’t dump him. I was crazy for him.
CHICO
Oh, I thought you said ex-fiancé.
LOURDES
I did.
CHICO
Then what then?
LOURDES
He was killed during a robbery. He was 20 years old.
CHICO couldn’t follow that one up with directions. She pulls out 2 beers.
LOURDES
To burden.
CHICO
Yeah, no shit.
On the dance floor, the DANCING COUPLE clings tightly to one another and spin, spin, spin.
36 EXT – PHONE BOOTH - DAY
CHICO waits for a response.
VICTOR
Hi.
36 EXT – PHONE BOOTH – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
Hey, Vic, it’s me. How are you?
VICTOR
Hi.
CHICO
Is your mom around?
VICTOR
Hi.
The phone changes hands.
ZERA
Hello.
CHICO
Hey, it’s me. I just want--
Click.
CHICO (CONT’D)
Fuck.
37 INT – APARTMENT - DAY
CHICO scopes a sliding glass door. He puts on his gloves.
FADE OUT
38 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT - DAY
GLORIA plays director. She operates a camcorder perched on a flimsy tripod and holds a script.
CAESAR plays the lead. He sports tighty-whities and a cape. He does breathing exercises.
CAESAR
Ready? Hit record, please.
(breathes, exhales, leaps into character)
38 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT – DAY (CONT’D)
CAESAR (CONT’D)
We’ll break you bones! We'll grind you into putty! We'll tear your faces off! Next time we see you guys, it'll be in the street! You haven't heard the last of us! We know where you live! We know where your parents live! We are the generals, you are- fuck! I- fuck!
GLORIA
It’s okay, babe.
CAESAR
Fuck, fuck, fuck! It’s “This is war,” first, then “We are the generals”--
GLORIA
“You are the enemy.” Right. You were doing great, though, babe. I still think take 11 was the best.
CAESAR
Look, just, be quiet for a second, okay?
He meditates.
GLORIA
I’m going out tonight.
CAESAR
Where?
GLORIA
Movies or something.
CAESAR
What, you need money?
GLORIA
No.
CAESAR
Going alone?
GLORIA
Yeah.
38 INT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT – DAY (CONT’D)
CAESAR
Well, can you finish helping me out here or what?
GLORIA
Yeah, of course.
He repositions.
CAESAR
You recording?
GLORIA
Now I am.
CAESAR gulps air.
39 EXT – CAFÉ - DAY
GLORIA pulls up. CHICO, already waiting, hops in.
40 INT – CAR – MOVING - DAY
They ride in silence.
41 INT – COFFEE SHOP - DAY
They sit at a secluded booth and drink coffee.
CHICO
If you only had one word, what would it be? It’s the only word you could ever use.
GLORIA
(thinks)
Love.
CHICO
What if you loathe somebody, are you going to say you love them every time you see them?
GLORIA
Love’s generic.
41 INT - COFFEE SHOP – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
So you want to be generic?
(pause)
Help. The word is help.
GLORIA
I think I know what you’re saying.
CHICO
How can you know what I’m saying?
GLORIA
Well, I know what you mean.
CHICO
I don’t even know what I mean most of the time. You can understand what I’m implying, maybe.
GLORIA
Okay, let’s drop it.
The WAITRESS approaches.
WAITRESS
You through with these?
CHICO
Could we get the check, please? And a dollar’s worth of pennies?
WAITRESS
Yeah, so are you through with these or not?
GLORIA
(defensive)
No.
42 EXT – OVERLOOK POINT - DAY
They race to the top of the summit. They split the penny supply and launch them at the highway cars below. GLORIA takes a handful and lets them fly.
43 EXT – SUSPENSION BRIDGE SHORE - DAY
They sit on a picnic table and smoke a joint.
CHICO
Does he make you happy?
GLORIA
For now, far as I can tell. I don’t know. I put up with a lot of shit sometimes.
CHICO
I’d make you happy.
GLORIA
You barely know me.
CHICO
You’re happy now, right?
GLORIA
Yeah.
CHICO
Then I’d do this forever.
GLORIA
I think you’re wasting your time.
CHICO
(pause)
My mom jumped off that bridge.
GLORIA
Is she okay?
CHICO
I don’t know.
44 EXT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT COMPLEX - NIGHT
They stand at the entrance.
GLORIA
I could have taken you home.
44 EXT – CAESAR’S APARTMENT COMPLEX – NIGHT (CONT’D)
CHICO
I want to walk.
GLORIA
Okay.
CHICO
Did you have a decent time?
GLORIA
Yeah, I did. I really did.
CHICO
We should go out again sometime.
GLORIA
Yeah, maybe.
CHICO leans in. Reluctant, GLORIA kisses him back. She looks at him, runs upstairs. CHICO’S on Cloud 9.
So much so he fails to notice CAESAR down the sidewalk just ending his evening jog.
CAESAR strolls down and casually lays CHICO out.
CAESAR pounds him like dough. CHICO can do little in the way of defense. After enough abuse, CHICO reaches into his waist and draws the .38.
He points it right at CAESAR, who instantly becomes a shit-brick factory. He bails.
45 MONTAGE SEQUENCE
GLORIA and CAESAR have a shouting match.
CHICO gathers himself, roams the streets.
GLORIA gathers her things.
CHICO watches STREET MUSICIANS perform.
CAESAR tosses GLORIA out.
CHICO walks past the café.
He sees GLORIA crying at a table. She sees him, lets him in.
They look at each other, blood and tears. They kiss.
45 MONTAGE SEQUENCE (CONT’D)
FADE OUT
FADE IN
POV: Over the hood of a big, old convertible as it shoots down the highway.
FADE OUT
46 INT – CAFÉ - DAY
GLORIA lies asleep next to CHICO. Clothes all over. He watches her. She wakes, looks up.
GLORIA
What?
CHICO
Nothing. Just looking.
GLORIA
Cut it out.
She half-turns away.
CUT TO:
GLOIA looks up at him sternly.
CHICO
I’m just looking.
GLORIA
It’s creepy.
CUT TO:
They’re sitting up now.
GLORIA
Did you pull a gun on him?
CHICO
(pause)
It wasn’t loaded.
46 INT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
CUT TO:
She’s vacant.
CHICO
What’s the matter?
GLORIA
I don’t… I feel bad.
CHICO
About what?
GLORIA
I just did a really shitty thing to Caesar.
CHICO
But I thought you were leaving him.
GLORIA
No, I’m not.
She gets up and walks across the room.
CHICO
What about tonight?
GLORIA
What about tonight?
CHICO
I thought you liked me.
GLORIA
Why, because we fucked?
CHICO slowly burns a hole through her.
CHICO
You’re just like the others.
He gets up and prepares to leave.
46 INT – CAFÉ – DAY (CONT’D)
GLORIA
What? What did you say?
He dresses and heads for the door.
GLORIA
What the fuck did you just say to me? What were you thinking? That you were going to win me over, that I’m going to fall in love with you? That we’re getting married? I’m fucking 17 years old, man! Grow up!
47 EXT – CAFÉ – DAY
He exits. She shouts from the door.
GLORIA
This isn’t some goddamn movie, alright! That’s not how shit works!
He stops and about-faces. He gives her the finger.
CHICO
Asshole!
He jets.
GLORIA
Fuck.
She closes the door.
48 INT – BAR - NIGHT
The joint is packed. LOURDES is busy.
CHICO’S been drinking hard. He clings to the bar with one hand and hold up two fingers with the other.
CHICO
Tequila.
LOURDES
I’m cutting you off, sweetheart.
48 INT – BAR – NIGHT (CONT’D)
CHICO
One’s for you.
LOURDES
I can’t.
CHICO
(angry)
Come on!
LOURDES would kick him in the balls if she didn’t care so much. She sets him up.
LOURDES
These are on me.
CHICO
Here’s to…
(initiating a toast)
… getting back- no! To burden.
Bottoms up.
LOURDES
I’m calling you a cab.
CHICO
Thank you.
He walks out like a character in a Tennessee Williams play.
49 INT – CAB – MOVING - NIGHT
CHICO sees something.
CHICO
Here. Stop here.
50 INT – APARTMENT - NIGHT
A gloved hand crashes against the bathroom window. The glass fragments twinkle and explode. He climbs in.
50 INT – APARTMENT – NIGHT (CONT’D)
CHICO slices himself all up. He drips blood. He knocks tables and chairs over. He’s not even taking anything.
He’s less of a burglar and more of a tornado.
He finds a bed and collapses on it.
51 INT – APARTMENT - DAY
He wakes up to a 9mm muzzle in his face. The COPS and beleaguered HOMEOWNERS stand all around.
CHICO
Well, I’m fucked.
52 INT – POLICE STATION - DAY
CHICO sits in the interrogation room looking like a flood victim. One DETECTIVE does all the talking. The other DETECTIVE stands by.
DETECTIVE
Well, you’re fucked. Any way you look at it. The question is, how fucked do you want to be? We know you’re all over the airport break-ins. We know that
CHICO
I wouldn’t know, sir. I live in Westlake.
DETECTIVE
Look, Chico, here’s the deal. You’re obviously not the brains of this operation. You slipped and you got caught and the beat cops get all wet ‘cause they get some action and everything’s well and good. But what interests me, what interests my partner, isn’t what you did, but who you work for. So, c’mon. Don’t be stupid. Who cuts your checks?
CHICO
I have no idea what you’re talking about.
52 INT – POLICE STATION – DAY (CONT’D)
The SILENT PARTNER DETECTIVE shows CHICO the contents of the manila folder he was holding.
DETECTIVE
We’ve got you all over jobs all over town. Not to mention the airport shit. So when they come up here from the lab with the results you can forget about daylight for a good long while. But the truth is, you got hardly any priors, and if you make bail, you’ll be back on the street in 3 hours. All you gotta do is say a name. C’mon, man. I don’t want you in jail. Be a friend. I’m your friend, Chico. We’re just talking. Just talk to me. Say the name.
CHICO weighs his options…
CHICO
Can I, uh, get one of those Dunhills?
Mouth hands him a smoke and Harpo holds out a lit Zippo. He takes a long drag.
CHICO
A priest, a horse…
53 EXT – LEON’S - NIGHT
LEON is pinned beneath a mound of cops.
CHICO (V/O, CONT’D)
… and a one-legged lady walk into a bar.
They cuff LEON, digging their knees into his kidneys.
CHICO (V/O, CONT’D)
Bartender looks up and says, “What is this, a fucking joke?”
LEON breathes fire.
The DETECTIVES laugh V/O.
54 INT – CELL - NIGHT
CHICO sits solemnly in the corner.
FADE OUT
55 INT – JAIL - DAY
CHICO uses the payphone.
LOURDES
Hello, Red’s.
CHICO
Hey, Lourdes. It’s Chico.
LOURDES
What the hell happened to you, you fucking jerk? I was worried.
CHICO
I know, I know, I’m sorry. I had a bunch of shit on my mind.
LOURDES
Where are you?
CHICO
Uh, on a business trip.
LOURDES
You’re unemployed.
CHICO
Yes, I know that. Listen, are you still leaving town?
LOURDES
Yeah, tomorrow. No later than 6pm.
CHICO
Perfect. I’m coming with you.
LOURDES
Oh, awesome!
55 INT – JAIL – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
I’ll pitch in for gas and shit.
LOURDES
Yeah, great. But I can’t leave any later than 8, okay?
CHICO
That’s fine, that’s fine. How about I just meet you at the bar?
LOURDES
Cool. This is going to be so cool.
CHICO
Yeah.
LOURDES
Why the sudden spark?
CHICO
I’ll tell you all about it on the road.
LOURDES
Fair enough.
CHICO
Okay, bye.
LOURDES
Bye, Chico.
56 INT – CELL - DAY
CHICO stares out the tiny plastic window. Over the PA:
SHERIFF
96 one time, Villegas! You’re out!
57 EXT – JAIL - DAY
ZERA and VICTOR wait for CHICO outside. He walks up, pauses, then hugs his sister like never before.
58 EXT – PLAYGROUND - DAY
VICTOR runs around playing. ZERA and CHICO chow down on greasy burgers.
ZERA
I thought you quit doing this shit when mom died.
CHICO
I’ve never been a nine-to-five type person, you know?
ZERA
So what, now what?
CHICO
Basically, I have to leave town for a little while.
ZERA
Where to?
CHICO
Portland, Oregon.
ZERA
What’s in Portland?
CHICO
A change of pace. I got a friend going with me. She can help me find a job. Something legit. When things cool off I’ll come back.
ZERA isn’t buying it.
ZERA
When are you leaving?
CHICO
Tomorrow.
(watching Victor kick a tree)
Man, that kid’s something else.
59 EXT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - DAY
CHICO stands by ZERA’S car window.
59 EXT – CHICO’S APARTMENT – DAY (CONT’D)
CHICO
I’ll call as soon as I get a phone number.
He reaches in to hug her. She wells up and doesn’t let go. Neither does he.
ZERA
I’m not stupid, Chico, okay?
CHICO
I never thought you were.
ZERA
This is bad, isn’t it?
CHICO nods.
CHICO
I’ll be fine, I promise. I just have to disappear for a while.
She lets go but still holds his hand.
ZERA
I love you.
CHICO reaches out and holds VICTOR’S hand.
CHICO
Take care of your mom, big man. She’s all I got left.
VICTOR
Thank you!
CUT TO:
Their car pulls away and out of sight.
60 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Sleepless, CHICO clutches a baseball bat. Every passing car a threat.
60 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT – NIGHT (CONT’D)
FADE OUT
61 INT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - DAY
He hurriedly packs some things.
62 EXT - CAFE - DAY
GLORIA sits outside on her break. CHICO walks up.
CHICO
I’m sorry I fucked things up. I’m sorry I pulled out a gun on what’s-his-face. I’m sorry I called you an asshole.
GLORIA
Yeah, I know you are.
CHICO
I’m leaving town. Today. For a long time.
GLORIA
Am I supposed to feel bad?
CHICO
No. Just thought you should know. You ever been to Portland?
GLORIA
Oregon? Nope.
CHICO
Well, thanks for everything.
CHICO smiles, waves, and slowly walks backwards like someone looking for footing without turning their head.
GLORIA gets up, pulls him close, and kisses him softly.
GLORIA
You’re a great person, Chico, really. You’re just fucked in the head.
62 EXT - CAFE – DAY (CONT’D)
They hug.
CHICO
I know. But I’m trying. I’m trying.
He walks away, the weight of the world just slightly lifted.
GLORIA watches him turn the corner and disappear.
63 EXT – CHICO’S APARTMENT - DAY
He races in and out of the place loading his car as quickly as possible.
CHICO is so determined to evacuate he fails to notice an unfamiliar vehicle- a black Jeep Cherokee- creeping into the parking lot.
He’s got the last armful of clothes as he runs outside. He sees the Jeep and instantly recognizes the BIG BLACK DUDE driving as the guy from LEON’S.
It’s too late. The BIG MEXICAN DUDE, the other painter, was already waiting by the door.
The first bullet catches CHICO in the base of the neck. The other seven are dispersed evenly throughout his body. He’ll be dead in less than a minute.
The MEXICAN DUDE tosses the weapon at CHICO’S feet and removes the latex gloves as he hops into the getaway car.
64 INT – JEEP – MOVING - DAY
The BLACK DUDE checks the rearview.
BLACK DUDE
He’s at peace now.
He floors it.
65 EXT – BAR - DAY
LOURDES sits on the hood of her big ol’ convertible. She can’t wait any longer.
She reaches in her backpack, removes a small pad and pen, and begins writing a note.
LOURDES (V/O)
Chico, I waited as long as I could. I know you probably have a good excuse so my new address and phone number are at the bottom of this letter.
She sticks the note on the bar’s front door where CHICO would see it.
LOURDES (V/O, CONT’D)
I really hope you make it out to Portland to see me. I won’t have too many friends and it would be nice to see a familiar face.
She tosses her backpack into the passenger’s seat of the already-loaded car and hops in.
66 INT – CONVERTIBLE – MOVING - DAY
Morning on the highway.
LOURDES (V/O, CONT’D)
I hope you are doing better. I know how overwhelming things get sometimes.
She undoes her braids, her long, dark hair now whipping around. She slips on some shades and cranks the radio.
LOURDES (V/O, CONT’D)
Always remember: Life and death are static. So move, move, move. See you where the sun sets. Love, Lourdes.
The big machine will carry her across one horizon, then another, then another until she reaches her new home. Alone, alive, and wholly unafraid.
FADE TO BLACK
