DISCLAIMER: John From Cincinnati and its canon characters are the property of HBO and the show's producers; no copyright infringement is intended.
Shaun shreds the pool, Barry and Ramon cook breakfast, Jerri and Dwayne discover a youtube video about the café, Butchie and Kai check out the Billabong tour map, Erlemeyer takes Mitch for a ride, Tina and Linc visit the dealership, Emma and Cass order espressos, Cissy and Meyer find Dr. Smith, Bill takes Zippy for a drive, Freddy goes to the beach with Moana, Joe checks his harvest, Palaka guards the Bar.
Written by: SpiritontheWater, Walkara, backinthegame and theshriek.
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Opening Sequence Click to Listen
(Shaun sneaks out of room F in the middle of the night taking his board out to the pool area. He flips the breaker for the lights and begins ripping up the pool. He skates in smooth arching curves around the entire pool smoothly clearing the light in the deep end. After several flawless circles he flies out and lands on the landing across the pool from the four. He sees Adam standing on the opposite side with the tail of his board directly over the four)
Adam: Mind if I drop in?
Shaun: Blow it up dude.
(Adam drops in carving around several times over the light following the same lines as Shaun, he pops back up over the edge and lands solidly beside Shaun)
Adam: A little tight. Makes me miss the pool that we used to get in on Palm, big like dogbowl, you could carve that shit all day.
Shaun: I’m Shaun
Adam: I’m Adam, you live here now?
Shaun: Staying with my dad, and John.
Adam: John Monad.
Shaun: You know John?
Adam: He’s my friend.
Shaun: You been to Cincinnati?
Adam: Hell yeah I been to Cincinnati!
Shaun: (Looks across the parking lot at the El Camino) Wanna get wet?
Adam: I’m gonna get fucking high!
(The El Camino is seen cruising north on the highway, Shaun is at the wheel and Adam is riding shot gun, a full quiver of gear is in the back).
- SpiritontheWater
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(Barry arrives at the motel before sunrise and walks around carrying Teddy in his arms. He walks through the bar and checks out the construction then goes out and walks around the pool area, he notices several stickmen crudely drawn around the light, illuminated, in the deep end of the pool and turns abruptly walking out of the pool area toward the office, he stops on the shuffleboard court.)
Barry: Nine, eleven, fourteen, off. A rather random scoring system don’t you think Teddy? A tragic date... Hmm... Young mister Yost is fourteen I believe...
(He steps off the course and heads toward the office, before reaching the door to knock he notices a series of numbers scrawled on the asphalt in front of the door. A piece of bbq charcoal lies at the end of the string, he knocks at the door and after a few minutes, and several repeated attempts, Ramon opens the door)
Barry: I dreamed we were serving breakfast Ramon, for soldiers and others working here. I saw a large family gathering, everyone eagerly ttending; “Tomorrow’s another day”, a banner strung across the driveway read. Some sort of momentous occasion it seemed to me in waking. I wonder now though what might have appeared on that morning’s plate Ramon?
Ramon: (Rubbing his eyes and scratching his head,) More like El Dia De Los Muertos. I dreamt people were piled up as high as I could see... But if you’re talking breakfast today, then there’ll be hangovers involved... calls for a few special ingredients. I do Chorizo and eggs with green chiles and cheese... I can do ‘em omelets.
Barry: Wonderful! A meal that soothes the frightened mind, healing and nourishing at once... I’ve always enjoyed a spicy Bloody Mary following those times when I have danced with friends too late in the night and opened one too many bottles of bubbly... Mimosa’s?
Ramon: My cousin likes to have a Coors Light with his.
- SpiritontheWater
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(Shaun and Adam crane their necks looking for the entrance to an isolated parking lot just off the highway)
Adam: (suddenly gesturing at a point past Shaun’s nose) Is that it?
Shaun: (Jerks his head to the left and the steering wheel with it) Oh shit!
(The El Camino lurches toward the entrance as Shaun hits the gas instead of the brake, they narrowly miss a post marking the access and Shaun over corrects fishtailing the El Camino in the other direction, he cranks the wheel the other way and eventually straightens it out as he slams on the brakes coming to a complete stop. He slowly rolls the car forward into one of the stalls facing the ocean)
Adam: Fuckin A dude that was awesome, where’d you learn to drive like that?
Shaun: Uuh, I guess by watchin’ my dad...(Shaun pauses and takes a deep breath) Who’d a killed me if I’d hit that sign back there. This is my sponsor’s car.
Adam: Which Sponsor?
Shaun: Linc Stark, Stinkweed.
Adam: You said the magic word my good man (Adam takes his hat off and pulls out a crumpled up joint tucked in the band and hold it up) Always lite before a flight!
Shaun: I gotta lighter (He pulls out a bic lighter from his pocket and hands it to Adam who lights up and hands it to Shaun, Shaun takes a long toke and hands it back to Adam)
Adam: (Pointing to the surf still just visible by moonlight) Check it out, looks like some fat guy got here before us.
Shaun: (barely seeing the outline of a man) He looks like he knows what he’s doing though. Too fat to be my gramps, had me scared for a second there. We better get out there so we can get a couple sets in before we have to head back. I’d better have this car back before Linc comes looking for it or my ass is grass.
Adam: The magic word (He smiles and hands Shaun the joint again)
(Shaun takes another toke and both boys burst out laughing. They open the doors and smoke billows from the car. They get out still laughing and look at each other over the top.)
Adam: Cincinnati bro.
Shaun: They had some good ones.
(Both boys turn suddenly, looking like they’ve come to attention as they notice someone approaching the car)
Car Salesman: Never too early to lite the fires and kick the tires eh boys? (The man is carrying a surfboard and wetsuit; he’s wearing red board shorts and a Hawaiian shirt) Now unless I‘m wrong and you guys aren’t the two 25 cars gone back twenty years I’d say you don’t exactly have the pink slip to that rocket ship you just got a little thrill in and out of. And I’d be further sure as frat boys watch donkey sex that if you had creamed that sign upon approach here that once that incense you just blessed that interior with hit the olfactories of the true holder of that pink slip, along with him noticing the scratches and dents and not to mention the flat spot you left on that tire there, that you’d be in one big bag of shit. Wouldn’t I be right there?
Shaun: We were planning on having it back before anyone woke up.
Car Salesman: Hoping for that to be true and now hoping that tire doesn’t get looked at too close. I’d advise we take this cherry oldie you wanna be ready for back right to the spot you climbed in it at before the moon there sticks his thermos in his lunch box and makes ready for the shift change.
Shaun: But we were going to go surfing.
Adam: We got plenty of time and we don’t need anyone’s help.
Car Salesman: I just rode the last of those waves boys, look for yourself, she’s closed out for the day, (staring at Adam) and as for people needing help and shoulders to bear those crosses well that might be a conversation we have at another time, ‘cause from the look of you, you ain’t feeling too well... Hell do you boys even know where you are?
Shaun: Uuh California? (Both boys laugh)
Car Salesman: Ha ha and we’d all be in a place starting with a C if it weren’t for the work that needs doin’. Boys you’re at Walkara bluff, a name twisted into Walker point by some cocksucker not knowin’ his dick from his earlobe, but you won’t find it on any map nowadays and any public record’s probably been lost in the big one. No Boys, only a few have the privilege I’m passing on to you of knowing the turf their playing on. At one time that bluff behind you there was standing room only for a heard of the finest ponies a man could ever be so blessed by the almighty to lay his eyes upon. And don’t you go on buying onto that crap about the chief being a thief of them horses cause they were his property the moment their eyes met. Never have two creatures wanting freedom as much found a bond so eve and the apple meant to be. 1840 there abouts, Chief Walkara would gather up those ponies from where ever he could find ‘em, and it was a sight to behold I’ll tell ya. If there was ever a wave that ran on dry land it was that chief on the back of a pony riding like the wind with a gang of followers trailing for a mile behind him... Course it all went downhill after that. The bottle got him then them damn pioneers... That’s why ya gotta ride wild while ya can boys...
(The car salesman stops and looks at the boys who are staring out toward the surf now flat)
Car Salesman: Aw hell, You don’t care about that old Indian do you? Never mind he could a been any one of your fathers fathers father..s father.. What do you say we fire er up and I’ll show ya what she can do? Have ya home wrestlin’ yer rattlesnakes in no time. (The boys look at each other disappointed) Oh hell get in. Tomorrow’s another day. Haven’t you heard?
(Shaun hands him the keys and he hops in in front of the car salesman, Adam stuffs the roach back in his hat and get’s in the other side)
Car Salesman: (laughs) Wasn’t two days ago I was sitin' here feeling like takin her for a spin. Buckle up boys we’re gonna race the moon!
- SpiritontheWater
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(Ramon begins rubbing his head, and he backs up to let Barry in.)
Ramon: I need some coffee real bad. (He walks over and grabs the coffee pot from the auto drip machine.)
Barry: And you will be surprised without doubt Ramon, to learn that I am not one only in the habit of being served in highly decorated establishments where maitre d’ hush the waiters who rudely clatter dishes during ones morning repast, but I, are you ready for this Ramon? I, do waffles! And I am quite good at them if I don’t say so myself!
Ramon: (Stands with the pot in his hand staring blankly at Barry.) You threw me with that one, I’d a never thought it.
Barry: Yes, and I have brought four of my favorite waffle irons with me this morning, searching boxes at four am to find them. I have a rather large collection; a rather casual week on E-bay I must admit, but during which time I managed to gather a rather impressive history of these fascinating devices. Not all usable of course but intriguing and valuable I think... I’ll bring them in.
(Barry goes out to the car. Ramon fills the pot with water and fills the back of the coffee maker, then he dumps a pre-measured bag of Folgers in the filter and hits the switch.)
Ramon: (Staring at the coffee pot as it sputters to life.) Barry’s climbing pretty high.
Barry: (Returns to the door with four chrome plated waffle irons in his arms and bag in his hand) Take this bag Ramon, wonderful syrups and my own special batter mix. Oh, I should have asked, do you like waffles Ramon?
Ramon: I like them. They’ll work with omelets.
Barry: Wonderful. Where shall I plug these in?
(Ramon follows Barry into the kitchenette placing the bag up on the counter)
Ramon: That four way over here, that way when it blows we can put it out in one place.
(Barry goes about setting up in the kitchenette for his waffle prep. Ramon returns to the front and pours a cup of coffee while the machine is still brewing. He walks out and stands in front of the office looking out across the courtyard. He looks down and notices the numbers in charcoal at his feet and then looks up and sees several door lights illuminated at several rooms on the upper floor. He notices the lights in the pool area are on as well.)
Ramon: Some guests having their way without checkin' in first,looks like.
- SpiritontheWater
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(The car salesman takes the El Camino up to eighty five on the laststretch of straight road heading toward IB. The boys are all smiles. The first traffic lights of IB come into view)
Car Salesman: (Takes his foot off the gas and begins to slow the El Camino down) Ha! Beat ya ya grinnin’ goblin. Feels like she needs a bushing or two in that idler arm though... now don’t you boys go getting any fast ideas about you’re being ready to spew that much Co2 on this delicate landscape. I only do it to make a point, and the wildlife does not appreciate my point, that the moon will match you mile for mile until you take your eyes off her and stare straight into the light of that blow torch that’s about to come to work.
(They slow down and approach the first red light which is still blinking)
Adam: Damn dude! That was awesome.
Car Salesman: Glad you enjoyed the flight, but you might wanna modify that slogan of yours running bear, it’s lite before fight; the way you been saving your scalp these past couple of months.
(Adam looks surprised at the car salesman’s comment and when the car comes to a complete stop he opens the door and steps out on to the street)
Adam: Later dude, it was a rush.
Shaun: (Lifting his arm he pounds fists with Adam.) Where you going?
(Adam doesn’t answer and turns and crosses the street toward the beach)
Car Salesman: Let him go, that boys got more chasing him than OJ riding his bronco. He’s a fox though. He’ll jump a few more fences before the dogs get to him. Now lets let this stallion cool and get you back to the shady shack.
(Shaun sits quite as they pull up to the Snug Harbor Motel. The car salesman turns off the lights and shuts off the engine as they roll up in to the parking lot. He stops in the same place Linc parked it the night before. Shaun opens the door and steps out)
Shaun: Thanks for the ride mister.
Car Salesman: Don’t thank me, thank your lucky stars and the moon for shining, you’d be trading that surfboard in for a canoe up shit creek if it weren’t for the pull of that mothers weight.
(Shaun pulls their gear out of the back and sets it in the bushes along side the driveway. Ramon watches from out front of the office.)
Ramon: That boy’s takin’ his life in his hands now.
- SpiritontheWater
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(Moana sits on the bluff as the sky lightens, he flashes on a lava flow he lived near as a boy, he remembers the low rumble on a morning when a large fissure broke open. As the sun breaks the horizon he gets up to walk back into town.)
Moana: Mother Moon, you pullin’ Moana’s heart again.
- SpiritontheWater
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(Ramon walks back inside and hears Barry merrily singing “favorite things” to himself. He hands him a cup of coffee.)
Ramon: I’d slow down a bit if I were you, I don’t think we should be thinking early bird special.
Barry: The early bird gets the worm Ramon!
Ramon: (Steps around Barry and looks back into his living room, he sees four or five workers in addition to his cousin passed out on the sofa, recliner and floor in various twisted positions.) I think were talkin’ the one in the tequila.
Barry: (Smiles) I see. Brunch then! Lovely! We can adapt can we not Ramon? Is that not why the winged ones yet fly?
Ramon: (Walks back to the front office for another cup of coffee.) Maybe they were just smart enough to keep off the ground.
- SpiritontheWater
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(Shaun creeps in the apartment and hurriedly lies down and covers himself up on the futon Cissy threw in on the floor for him the daybefore. He lies on his back and looks up at the stained ceiling, he looks around and sees the gritty walls and his dads dirty laundry).
Shaun: This place looks like shit... Chief Miracle Boy said shit!...
(Out of the corner of his eye he sees a dark black bug crawling on floor beside him, grabbing one of his dad’s shoes he smashes it.)
Shaun: Fuckin’ Bitch! (He looks over and sees John awake and staring at him smiling)
John: Fuckin’ Bitch Shaun! Life in his hands!
Shaun: (Lies back with his hands behind his head.) Thank your lucky stars.
John: I do thank my lucky stars! Mother’s weight!
Shaun: (closes his eyes) Peanut butter butter John.
- SpiritontheWater
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(The phone rings in the office and Ramon answers)
Ramon: We’re closed (person on the other end asks for Barry) just a second...
(Ramon hands the phone to Barry shrugging his shoulders)
Ramon: First call on the new phone since Butchie smashed the old one. It’s for you.
Barry: (takes the phone) Good morning?
Sam Hostetler: Good morning Mr. Cunningham. This is Sam Hostetler from Hostetler manufacturing and steel supply? I have good news for you. Hope I'm not callin' too early but we get started before daylight around
here.
Barry: Splendid, good news before sun up is like the crying gull at waters edge.
Sam Hostetler: Yeah, well, I’m calling to let you know I just happen to have a flagpole ready to go for ya, a thirty-five footer just like you thought you might need.
Barry: (drops the oven mitts and potholders he's holding) Wonderful!... I am in awe that such could be wrought from the fire with such glorious speed!
Sam Hostetler: Well, it just happens we came across one sitting in the yard. It’s not too pretty to look at as she lays but it’s one we ended up getting dumped back on us after some city counsel woman managed to get it taken down out front of IB elementary last year. Seems some parent complained that flying the flag was discriminatory and unconstitutional. The school board had gone out on a limb having it made so they tore it down right away to keep from having to pay for the legal trouble of keeping it up. I’ll let you have it for a song plus labor Mr. Cunningham and I can have it up soon as a hole’s dug and reinforced.
Barry: I’m seeing stars Mr. Hostetler. The idea of seeing our flag waving proudly over these premises.. I’m giddy with joy.
(Ramon interrupts overhearing the conversation)
Ramon: Used to be a huge flagpole in the driveway, holes covered up. Probably still good.
Barry: Mr. Hostetler... I’ve just been informed by my business partner that there used to be a flagpole on these premises and that the foundation may be still existent!
Sam Hostetler: Well that would save us some time if it’s big enough to handle it. I could come out and look at it this morning if you got the time.
Barry: We do have the time, and would be more than happy to see you and show you around our newly claimed refuge.
Sam Hostetler: I could be there in an hour, I’ll just need to take some measurements and talk to my foreman who’s due in any minute now.
Barry: It’s a date Mr. Hostetler. I look forward to a most wonderful experience. I would invite you too for brunch, the preparation of which is already underway and eager to be served before noon, your man would be welcome too of course?
Sam Hostetler: Lemme get a look at what we got and we’ll go from there?
Barry: Very fine sir. We await your arrival on this shore. Until then.
Sam Hostetler: OK, see you in a bit then.
(Barry Hangs up and gives the receiver back to Ramon)
Barry: We may now claim our land Ramon. Even today perhaps. And a flag beneath the stars and stripes? One of our own? Do we declare an independence in doing so, our little theater?
- SpiritontheWater
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(Magdalena wakes in Joe's tent, on his cot. Joe is sleeping in an army issue sleeping bag on the ground beneath her. She slips from under the covers and walks outside, just as day breaks over the horizon. When the light hits her, she feels a surge up her spine. 'Datura,' she remembers. Shuddering with a strange intensity, she takes a deep breath of morning, savoring the sense of hope that always seems to fade by afternoon. She surveys Joe's plants, a little uneasy about the sheer volume of them. Upon closer inspection, she notes the pungency and color. 'Una cosecha fina,' she muses. The smell reminds her of her grandfather. Her eyes glaze at the thought of him, so dearly had she loved him: his stories, his visions, his heart, always quoting Casteneda: "un guerrero debe tener siempre presente que una trayectoria es solamente una trayectoria; si él se siente que él no debe seguirla, él no debe permanecer con ella bajo ninguna condiciones. Su decisión a guardar en esa trayectoria o para dejarla debe estar libre de miedo o de la ambición. Él debe mirar cada trayectoria de cerca y deliberadamente. Hay una pregunta que un guerrero tiene que hacer: 'Hace esta trayectoria tienen un corazón?'",* he whispered those words, one of his many mantras, in her ear when she was a child. And when she grew older, he introduced her to 'El Cacto Divino' and 'Humito'. He showed her the multi-verse and taught her how to project her spirit from a trance. He died several years after she crossed the border in search of work to support her mother and sister's children. She thought of all this and let her heart swell, bittersweetly. 'Me vuelven para encontrar a mi hijo,' though she was unsure whether they were even in America at the moment, considering Joe's camp was somewhere way off Monument Road, in the gray area between Border Field State Park and Mexico.)
Joe: (Suddenly appearing behind her) Whaddaya think 'bout them purdy buds. (He nods at his crop, and smiles like a new father)
Magdalena: (startled, she jumps) Jesus Christ! Joe you scared me! Please don't ever sneak up on me again. (She puts her hand on his chest, and smiles, amused by herself.)
Joe: Sorry 'bout that Mags. (Turning his attention back to the plants) I'd say we're ready to harvest.
Magdalena: Yes. Today is the day.
Joe: Shit! I gotta run to town and get some fuckin' supplies. You wanna come?
Magdalena: No. I will stay here. I will start to manicure the crops and hang them to dry. This will take all day, if not two days, But we must act quickly, while the buds are at their peak.
Joe: Believe it or fuckin' not, I got some goddam experience at this too, Mags. Been growing my own plants since Nixon was in Office.
Magdalena: Of course, Joe. You better get going if we're gonna make a dent in this. Could you bring me back some supplies from the market also
(Joe nods. She tells him what she needs, and he nods again. Unconvinced that he'll remember, she sends him to find a pen and piece of paper so she can make a list. After a few minutes, Joe finds a pencil and a receipt. After she writes a few items down, she takes a fifty-dollar bill from the wad in her pocket, folds it in the receipt and hands it to Joe. He smiles at her and takes his leave.)
Magdalena: Joe! Remember to ask your friend about my son.
Joe: (getting in the van, he turns around) That's my first stop, Mags.
- Walkara
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(Mitch & the chemist are standing outside Mitch's sanctuary clasping coffee mugs; neither is drinking. Erlemeyer is staring idly at the elephant cage.)
Erlemeyer: It's time
Mitch: For what?
Erlemeyer: Shaun had a flashback
Mitch: What?
Erlemeyer: After all this time you can't accept that there are things outside of your control?
Mitch: What? We have to get over there.
Erlemeyer: You have to get over there. (He produces his keys from his pocket and heads down the stairs.) I'll drive
Mitch: Whatever
(They cross the skate-ramp and climb in the car; after turning over for what seems like an eternity the car starts. Erlemeyer does a u-turn)
Mitch: Where the hell are we going? Butchie's shit hole is that way (He points behind him.)
Erlemeyer: Do you think that matters?
Mitch: Hell yes it matters!
Erlemeyer: Do you have to know where you're going to know where you've been?
Mitch: What's that supposed to mean?
Erlemeyer: Have you ever asked yourself what makes you special?
Mitch: Well, I guess... up in the air. (He twirls his hand above his head)
Erlemeyer: (grunts)
Mitch: Well what then?
Erlemeyer: Shaun is special
Mitch: Then why are we going this way?
Erlemeyer: We're going to see Joe.
Mitch: Who is Joe?
Erlemeyer: Joe is another one left behind.
Mitch: Are you high, or have you been talking to John?
Erlemeyer: I dreamed last night. Shaun has a flashback; Vietnam Joe must let go.
Mitch: And what does this have to do with me?
Erlemeyer: Should we not wonder why those in pain look for answers in their past and not their present? Do we not see that those blind to the present destroy our future?
Mitch: And I'm blind to the present?
Erlemeyer: No, you will shield Shaun's eyes from the past.
- backinthegame
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[Cass stands outside the café waiting for Emma. Dwayne is at his usual spot, and he is looking at the traffic statistics for YostClan.com.]
Jerri: [Indicating Cass] Do you think that Blondie is gonna grace us with her presence or is she just going to stand out there all the fuckin’ day.
Dwayne: I saw her filming at the hotel last night.
[Emma arrives, and she and Cass enter the Café. They walk to the counter to place their order.]
Cass: It is so hot right now. Can you make me an Espresso Spritzer? [Still facing his computer, Dwayne cringes because he knows that Jerri isn’t going to like a special order.]
Jerri: An Espresso Spritzer? What the fuck is an Espresso Spritzer? [Jerri gets a crazy Trixie look on her face, and Cass starts to look concerned for her own personal safety.]
Emma: Jerri we will have two double lattes.
Jerri: That is more like it. [Starts making the espressos. Cass silently mouths a “Thank you” to Emma.]
Emma: I was surprised when you told me that you wanted to meet here. This place doesn’t usually draw in a lot of tourists.
Cass: I haven’t been here before, but when I saw the youtube video about the place last night, [Both Dwayne and Jerri look at Cass in shock.] I thought we could meet here.
Jerri: [To Cass] The harelip didn’t tell me he made a video.
Dwayne: I didn’t. [Goes to youtube and quickly does a search for the café. He immediately finds a video and clicks on it. The front of the café is shown and then the video moves inside the café where you
see the Car Salesman.]
Jerri: What the fuck? Who the fuck is that?
- theshriek
-------------------------
(Sam Hostetler arrives at the Snug Harbor Motel to inspect the site for the flagpole, he pulls up in an old green utility truck layered with equipment and supplies in various states of deterioration. Upon seeing the truck, Ramon calls to Barry who is in the kitchen)
Ramon: I think your guy’s here.
Barry: Dr. Smith?
Ramon: The flagpole guy. Starts his work day early.
(Barry comes out into the office and proceeds out to the courtyard. Ramon follows. Sam gets out of his truck and walks toward them. Ramon picks up a shovel off the grass)
Barry: (Smiling) Mr. Hostetler I presume?
Sam: That I am sir. (He puts out his hand)
Barry: (Shaking his hand) It is very nice to meet you Sir, I am so excited that this momentous occasion has come up on me so much sooner than I had anticipated. That you actually had a flagpole meeting our needs is to me nothing less than a miracle. One among many manifesting themselves around here lately.
Sam: Some things have a way of working themselves to good.
Ramon: (Standing a few feet from them.) There are holes over here, were there used to be a pole.
(Ramon scrapes with the shovel, around the covers of two cement utility boxes inset in the ground in the courtyard. Mr. Hostetler grabs a couple of tools from the side of his truck)
Barry: I did not imagine, Ramon, that beneath our very feet, lay the very support and foundation, waiting for this moment in time.
Ramon: Like buried treasure. Probably lots of stuff buried around here.
Sam: (Walking over the them, he takes one of the tools and with some effort pries off the covers of the two boxes.) Well, lets have a look see...(Peering down into the larger of the two spaces he sees a large round cover with an H in weld bead on top) Well I’ll be, what do you know about that? Looks like my pop was here before me, he’s the one sure as we’re standing here, screwed this cap on this shaft, and it’s a big one too. We might have to sleeve it.
Ramon: (Looking at the cover.) That your pops signature huh?
Sam: Yes it is, he would have turned that cap at the shop. Took pride in his work no matter if it ended up buried or not. God rest his soul.
Ramon: (Crosses himself) Amen
Barry: God rest his soul. Yes. (Slowly shaking his head.) Another strange connection bordering on the miraculous is it not? That after so many years, our Mr. Hostetler should arrive here at the Snug Harbor, and be greeted so unexpectedly by this enduring mark, rought by the very hand of his father. Extraordinary.
Sam: Yeah well, ‘ol dad was a pretty busy guy back in the day. I see ‘em every now and then. Always makes me smile. (He bends down and takes a measurement.) Gonna be pretty close. (He uses and other tool and struggles to crack the cap loose, then he unscrews it an removes it. After doing so he drops a weighted line down the open shaft to measure it’s depth.) She’s gonna work just fine Mr. Cunningham, all we’ll need is to weld maybe... three... rings, for the width, and our boy’ll slide right in her.
Barry: I am breathless gentlemen. The vision has my head spinning.
Ramon: The other box is electrical?
Sam: Yep. Probably had a flood light here somewhere. (He screws the cap back on loosely and drags the covers back over the boxes.) Well, sir, let me get back to work on this and I’ll give you a call this afternoon. (He shakes hands with Barry and then with Ramon.)
Barry: Thank you Mr. Hostetler, I am excited beyond words now.(He shakes his head.) Don’t forget our invite to Brunch, if you are able to take a break?
Sam: We’ll see about that, right now I’d better check my boys, had ‘em start buffing that pole this morning having a good feeling that this was gonna work, who knows what they might have got to polishin’now. We’ll see ya later. (He get’s in his truck and starts it up.)
(Barry and Ramon return to the office)
Barry: (Snickers.) Polishing poles.
(Ramon raises an eyebrow.) You gotta flag you gonna fly?
Barry: I do, in mind, Ramon.
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Barry leaves Ramon halfway back to the office and turns toward the Bar)
Barry: Excuse me Ramon, I will rejoin you in a bit.
(Ramon returns to the office and Barry enters the bar. He walks over to the covered pool table, he sees the eleven ball just obscured beneath the plastic)
Barry: Eleven ball, center pocket.
(Barry walks over and stands beneath the header of stickmen over the bar, he looks up at them)
Barry: A community... Friends...Romans... (He snickers)
(Barry turns back and looks to the corner where the stage has been built, walking over he climbs the set of stairs and walks out center stage, he looks down and sees faces, rapt, looking to him as if yearning for a word of hope. He sees Butchie and Kai, Cissy and Mitch, Dr. Smith and Cass, Tina and Luke, Freddy and Palaka, Moana, Erlemeyer, Joe, Meyer and Daphne, Jerri and Dwayne, then Shaun, leaning back to the bar smiling, and Adam, sitting on a stool next to him. Ramon is wiping up behind the bar. And in the shadows, standing, there are several others, unrecognizable)
Barry: (Throwing his arms out in a welcoming gesture) I am...
(The bright light and sudden noise draws Barry’s attention as the door to the bar opens. Barry looks over and sees the Car Salesman standing just inside)
Car Salesman: Sorry to disturb rehearsal, if that’s what I’m doing, but I’m looking for a Mr. Cunningham, told by the manager he’d be in here.
Barry: (Looks back at the bar and sees now only empty seats and the disarray of equipment and supplies, he shakes his head and lets his arms drop to his sides) I am he whom you seek...
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Freddy is tossing in bed. Palaka can hear him talking in his sleep from the other room)
Freddy: I give you those fucking keys...but we’re not fucking gone.... I got outta that volcano once and I’m not planning on....
Palaka: (staring up at the ceiling) You’re not gone boss... have your dream now...
(In Butchie’s room, John stares at Shaun as he awakens)
John: We’re not fucking gone...my father opens the door and lets the light in... Three rings and our boy’ll slide right in her!...
Shaun: I was gone John.
John: I need some coffee real bad Shaun.
Shaun: I want some peanut butter waffles.
- SpiritontheWater
----------------------------
Car Salesman: Not here to crucify you, no sir, that’s already been done once. Instead I got a proposition for ya since I heard you were lookin to transform tawdry assignations into upliftments and performing other evanescences of the like.
Barry: (walks down from the stage and approaches the Car Salesman hand out stretched) Very pleased to meet you, are you a patron of the arts?
Car Salesman: It’s been said. Thing is I got a friend of mine you just might enjoy talkin’ to. Indian fellow hangs out on the beaches hear abouts. Got a knack for theater; storytelling and the like. Seems he’s got a thought of directing a little play of his own and, well, when I put two and two together I had a thought this might just be the place he could get his big break so to speak.
Barry: (Beaming) Are you an answer to my prayers? I was awake last night, rummaging, and the thought did occur to me that we would need a writer and director and others of course to enlighten this darkened room!
Car Salesman: Well the cast of characters I am sure you’ve got already at hand, so if I send him by you wouldn’t be frightened of a sort such that looks like he just crawled out from under a rock, beach living being what it is?
Barry: I am not put off by outcasts nor wanderers. Rather, it has been my experience that the dispossessed walk often beneath the shadow of Gods hand and possess gifts rarely seen of, and a compassion and passion for living few men attain in even the most blessed of lives.
Car Salesman: (Puts his hand out and shakes hands again with Barry) Great! I’ll send him your way then. That is if I can find him. Hard to spot him unless he’s dancing around a bonfire somewhere.
(The Car Salesman leaves and Barry, giddy, turns out the light and runs quickly back to the office)
- SpiritontheWater
----------------------------
(Sam Hostetler arrives back at the shop and slides the large steel door a little wider as he walks in to where his boys and apprentice are busy on the flagpole)
Samuel V: It’s gonna work isn’t it?
Sam: Yep boys, and guess what? Yer grandad set that shaft for whatever pole used to be there; that pole you’re working on there is going up in the very same place.
Samuel VI: Are you going to give it to him pop?
(All works stops on the flagpole, the apprentice shuts off the grinder and sets it down to hear the answer)
Sam: Boys, you know we have to. My brother making that lighthouse for that school was one of the finest things he ever did make, and you know how much it means to me now that he’s gone. But something about this place I just been... Some thing going on there, I got a good feeling about this place.
Samuel V: Like you had last night?
Sam: Yes son, just like I had last night. It just wouldn’t be right to put that flagpole up without your uncles lighthouse on top. You go get it out of the office and bring it in here. And I want you boys to
polish it up good. I’ll see about getting it to light again.
Apprentice: Good thing I hadn’t got around to cutting that mount off then?
Sam: Good thing. (Sam inspects the work and nods his approval to the young man)
(Sam’s two boys run into the office and clamor against each other to reach a bronze lighthouse about three feet tall, exquisitely detailed, from it’s place on the top shelf above their dad's desk. Together they carry it out to the shop and set it down in front of their father.)
Sam: (Smiles and sets his hand on top of it) People are gonna see this light again for miles around! Make it shine boys, make it shine!
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Face down in bed, right arm crooked above his head, Butchie lifts his left hand, dangling over the side, and scratches his naked lower back. He swings his right arm down, to the empty spot where Kai should be. Her absence further rouses him from sleep.)
Butchie: (Lifting his head, he brings his arms under his chest, props himself up, brushes his hair behind his ear, and looks around) Kai? Where the fuck are ya?
(At the other end of the trailer, Kai sits in a chair by the table, legs drawn up, looking over the Billabong Tour Map.)
Kai: Huh? (She turns her head toward his voice) I'm over here.
(Butchie rolls out of bed and swaggers over to her. He pulls a chair up beside her, and sits his bare ass down, lifting one leg up to the seat to hang his elbow off.)
Butchie: What fuckin' time is it? (peeking through the window blinds next to him) Shit, it's dark outside. Do ya think Shaunie and John are okay at the motel by 'emselves?
Kai: Freddy said he'd keep an eye on 'em.
Butchie: Yeah, but we can't just fuckin' leave 'em alone every fuckin' night. There's no fuckin' tellin' what kinda shit those two piss-pots'll get into without some goddam adult supervision.
Kai: I'll be gone next week anyways.
Butchie: (Ingoring her last comment) We'll just haveta fuckin' get our own room at the hotel. Ramon's been cleanin' out Room E.(He yawns) Fuuuuck...let's go back to bed.
Kai: I can't sleep.
Butchie: What's wrong?
Kai: Nuthin'.
Butchie: Whatcha lookin' at? (He leans toward her and throws his other arm around her chair)
Kai: The tour map. (She leans into him)
Butchie: (Looking over the destinations) Right on! Bali, Sumbawa, Sumatra! Fuck! you're making me hard!
Kai: Literally, I see. (She wraps her hand around his manhood)
Butchie: (Reacting) I got wicked fuckin' morning wood. Awww...owwww..don't...don't be startin' somethin' ya ain't gonna fuckin' finish, Kai.
Kai: (She releases her grip and takes the map in both hands) Sorry, dude...you're gonna have to give yourself a happy ending this time.
Butchie: Fuckin' cocktease. (He leans forward, kisses her on the cheek, and walks back to the bed. Lying on his back, he takes his shaft in his hands and looks back to Kai.) At least give me somethin' to fuckin' work with.
Kai: Looks like ya already got somethin' to work with. (She smiles)
Butchie: Give me some fuckin' inspiration then.
Kai: (She turns her head back to the map, seemingly dismissive, then folds it up and rises to her feet. Her naked body is barely covered by his black, stickman t-shirt, through which Butchie can see the contours of her nipple piercings. She walks toward him, slowly, teasingly, stops at the bed and pulls the shirt over her head, exposing her naked curves. She looks at his hand, encouraging his monster). Let me show ya how to do that.
(Immediately limp, a surge of red runs through his body. A swell of shame, overpowering and smothering everything else.)
Kai: (She straddles him) What's wrong? (She wraps her arms around his neck and presses herself against his chest)
Butchie: Nuthin' (Head hung, he pulls away from her)
Kai: Tell me.
Butchie: Christ, I said it was nuthin', okay?? (He throws her arms off him and makes to get out from underneath her)
Kai: (She puts her arms back around him and pulls him to her. She takes his face in her hand and kisses his right cheek, his left, the tip of his nose, his forehead, then his lips; resolute, softly, lovingly) Okay. (She cradles his head in her hands and kisses the top of his head.)
(Kai lays down on top of Butchie and they kiss passionately at first--his hands running up and down her back, her arms wrapped around his neck--then lightly, kissing themselves back to sleep in each other's arms.)
- Walkara
---------------------
(Driving west down Imperial Beach blvd in his pick-up truck, Bill converses with Zippy, caged, in the passenger seat)
Bill: Sorry, Zip. Trackin' Joe and his "friend" down will have to wait until after we fuckin' meet with the goddam Chief at the station. (pause) No fuckin' clue what Mr. Mandatory Retirement wants, but I'm inclined to think that he's found himself ass-fucked, intending to take further advantage of my years of experience in Imperial Beach, despite the goddam fact that he's solely responsible for forcin' me outta the fucking department. (Bill shakes his head) Time behind a desk leaves cocksuckers of his sort ill-equipped to take command on the goddam street. (pause) It's possible, considering my experience in zoning, but the fact that I was 'cuffed two days ago, for my attempt to establish some fuckin' order, gives me doubts on that score. Christ! for all I know, he could be calling me the fuck over there to inspect that goddam fruity dog's "fulminating fungus." I ask ya, Zip: what kind of self-respecting Officer of the Law wants to be seen cradling a poofy, goddam poodle around town?? And he's the fuckin' Chief! Jesus Christ! A person would never guess that the soft, old man lugging the fucking pom-pom around used to be a street cop in New York City. Thank God Sipowicz isn't around here to see what's become of him. Before being shown the damn door, I thought I was a lock for his job, but after my Lo got sick, The Job took a backseat--and I don't regret a second of it. But now that she's gone, God rest her soul,all the goddam free time is driving me fuckin' crazy. Hell, when a man spends his entire adult life honing his skills as keeper of the peace, it's not so easily fuckin' disregarded. Mandatory retirement, my ass!It's a goddam shame to let all my years of experience and decoration go to shit when I'm as sharp and able as ever to do my goddam job! (Listening) Alright, fine, Zip, have it your way: it's not my goddam job anymore--but it is my goddam job to keep an eye on that Yost boy, which is severely inhibited by my capacity as a goddam civilian.
(Bill pulls into the Sheriff's Department at the Veteran's Park and parks his truck.)
Bill: (looking back at Zippy, right before he closes the door behind him) You want me to crack the window for ya?
Zippy: Squawk! (Zippy nods)
(Bill cracks the window, closes the door and walks into the station.)
- Walkara
-----------------
(Spooning, Linc and Tina lay in the hotel bed, asleep. Linc's rightarm is tucked under Tina's pillow and his left is thrown over her side. The Phone Rings)
Linc: Uhhhhh....(He reaches over Tina for the phone, and,straining, catches it and brings it to his ear, the cord falling across her face in the process) He...hello...?
Cissy: (in the phone) Rise and fuckin' shine, Linc! You're buyin' me a car today.
Linc: Huh? (He rubs his eyes and sits up, lifting the cord from Tina's face) Fuck...Cissy? Can't this wait 'til later?
Cissy: Hell no, it fuckin' can't, numbnuts! Mitch is god-knows-where with the fuckin' chemist, and I don't have a motherfuckin' car! Get over here and pick my ass up!
Tina: (Waking up to Cissy's voice through the phone, she sits up in a hurry, getting her hair tangled in the phone cord in the process) What's wrong, Linc? Is Shaunie okay? (She untangles the cord from herself)
Linc: (putting his hand over the receiver, whispering) He's fine. Fuckin' Cissy wants to go car shopping.
Cissy: (hearing a beep on her phone) Hold on for a goddam minute: I got another fuckin' call.
Tina: When does she want us to pick her up? (Tina sits up,throws the covers off her legs and sits on the side of the bed. She gathers her hair into a ponytail, grabs a clip from the nightstand and fastens it behind her head) I'm gonna hop in the shower.
Linc: (He reaches his free hand around her tight, toned waist and pulls her back to him, kissing her back and shoulders) I've got a better idea. (He puts the phone between his neck and shoulder and uses his newly freed hand to turn her around, facing him. He kisses her lips, and runs his hand down her stomach into her panties)
Cissy: Hey! I'm fuckin' back, douche bag. That was fucking Dickstein, says he needs to meet with me about more Hospital bullshit. They're tryin' to fuckin' ruin that Doctor. He's comin' here to pick me the fuck up, so I'll just meet ya at the Auto mall later.
Linc: (hands still down Tina's panties) Actually, meet me at Cherry Oldies on 8th and Palm at 4 p.m. okay? You said you wanted somethin' with muscle this time, and the, ah, "salesman" there has muscle to spare.
Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever. You bringin' Nina goddam Hartley with ya or what?
Linc: Tina? (He takes the receiver in his right hand, and keeps the left occupied between her legs)
Cissy: Yeah, I mean her, wise ass. I left my fuckin' cigarettes in her car.
Linc: Yeah, she's comin'. She has to drive; my car's wrecked too,remember?
Cissy: How could I fuckin forget?! You wrapped the goddam Miata around that fuckin' beast! Tell Tina to leave the fuckin' nun's habit at home today, huh.
Linc: Okay, and you do the same.
Cissy: Very fuckin' funny, dickhead. I burned mine when I ran off with The Big Kahuna. The sisters are still fuckin' prayin' for me. Good fuckin' luck!
Linc: Okay, well, I guess we'll see ya later...
Cissy: No shit. And don't be late, fuck-nuts. (She hangs-up the phone)
Tina: (Sitting up again) I forgot that Cissy used to be a nun. I can't even imagine that: talk about changing...
Linc: Been a ball-buster as long as I've known her. I can't even picture her praying, let alone being celibate for Jesus.(They laugh)
Tina: I'm gonna go get in the shower. (She takes Linc's hand out of her, gets up and walks to the bathroom)
Linc: (following her) Wait for me.
(In the shower, they wash each other clean while working up a fresh sweat.)
- Walkara
----------------------
(Barry sees Ramon standing in front of the office with a piece of paper copying down the numbers scrawled on the asphalt)
Barry: Forgive me, Ramon if I stammer my good news to you, so much has been unfurled before my eyes and ears I am in wonder that I am not in seizure at this very moment.
Ramon: You think you might have had one last night that these numbers might have been part of?
Barry: (stops for a second and looks baffled at the numbers.) I don’t think so. I assumed you had written those... with the charcoal?
Ramon: I don’t think...
Barry: Ramon! I will burst if I can not tell you that just now, I receive confirmation that my vision is not just some Ethel Merman school boy fantasy but a real curtain opening has presented itself to fulfill my ever glowing wish, and realize a theater for the arts here. For the community, for our guests, and for us Ramon, with Meyer Dickstein, Dr. Smith,... and a most intriguing man I have yet to lay eyes upon. Our permanent partnership, soon to manifest a cornucopia of mesmerizing phrases and masquerading faces, laughter and tears, lights and... roses. (he pauses and lifts his chin and merrily starts to sing) Every thing’s coming up roses.. (he pauses again and stares ahead) but not merely a theater... more like a cultural... (he sweeps his hand across the sky as if illuminating a sign) Road Side Attraction....a vista point where one might pull off the road and find their way again... having been led astray by bogus directions from a cunning trickster who pumped their gas ... (spreads his arms out to the motel) Rooms of Restoration! (he nods his head with satisfaction). A well for parched travelers to draw from Ramon.(he looks around at the motel and puts his hands on his hips) we have much to do!
Ramon: We’re gonna have waffles and omelets first though right?
Barry: (smiling again) We are Ramon, we are. (just before following Ramon inside he looks back toward the courtyard) We’re going to need a fountain Ramon.
Ramon: Drinking or Garden?
- SpiritontheWater
----------------------------
(Shaun emerges from Butchie’s room, helmet on and skateboard in hand. He skates over to the pool and looks for a moment then skates over to the office. Seeing him coming, Ramon opens the door)
Shaun: How’s it going Ramon?
Ramon: Doin' good Shaun. Looks like you’re ready to tear up the streets huh?
Shaun: Yeah, we need less pavement and more beaches. Can I get some coffee for my friend John?
Ramon: (motioning toward the coffee pot) Help yourself. Mr. Cunningham’s making waffles for a brunch later.
Shaun: (enters the office and fills a cup putting a lid on it when he’s through) Thanks Ramon. Is he gonna make peanut butter waffles?
Ramon: Didn’t mention it. I don’t really know what kind of waffles, but I’ll ask him.
(Shaun skates back over to his dad’s room and enters. John is sitting at the table)
Shaun: Here’s your coffee John (John takes the cup and drinks from it, he grabs his tongue looking distressed)
John: If that’s what it’s like, I don’t want to.
Shaun: Sorry John, I thought you said you wanted coffee.
John: (holding his tongue and looking confused) I don’t know Butchie instead.
Shaun: They're making waffles later!
John: (He smiles) Waffles ring a bell.
Shaun: Cool, well, I’m gonna go skate and see if I can find my dad, so I’ll be back later.
John: Cool. Go skate a good one Shaun.
(Shaun leaves and John gets up and follows him out the door)
John: Radio silence. I’m gonna take a dump a grown man can be proud of.
- SpiritontheWater
------------------------
(John walks over to the office and stares in at Ramon, Ramon slides the doors open)
Ramon: Ready for another cup of coffee?
John: Coffee hurt my tit
Ramon: Maybe you like tea better.
John: Chamomile Billy.
Ramon: I got some Chamomile, in the kitchen.
(John puts his hand out for Ramon)
Ramon: It’s ok, you can follow me, Barry’s making waffles.
(Ramon and John enter the kitchen)
Barry: Oh! Hello there. Have you come for brunch?
John: I’ve come to see the light shine again for miles around. I want some peanut butter waffles.
Barry: I can do peanut butter waffles. They are delicious! What a marvelous idea! Ramon do we have..?
Ramon: In the cupboard, I’m getting him some chamomile. (he opens a cupboard and pulls down the package of tea bags)
(John steps back toward the living room and sees the workers sleeping)
John: Like it’s just another day at the beach. ... justice must be served... little Freddy should not have been humiliated even for a second!
(Barry gasps, Ramon puts a tea bag in a cup and pours hot water in it, he hands it to John)
John: (taking the cup) I’m a parched traveler...not a monkey on crack.
- SpiritontheWater
-----------------------
(Inside the VFW, Joe is sitting alone at the bar; he finishes his drink and places it firmly on the bar. Ernie looks up from where he was working.)
Ernie: You want another one?
Joe: Yeah, I reckon so, then I gotta get back to my crop. Man I'm too old for that shit. Sometimes I think I ought to go hire me a bunch of god damn border jumpers.
Ernie: Make it part of the welcome tour, huh?
Joe: Right!(Mitch and Erlemeyer enter the VFW and walk up to Ernie at the bar)
Erlemeyer: We're looking for Joe (Joe stares straight ahead; Ernie doesn't look at him.)
Ernie: Well he ain't here.
Erlemeyer: (to Joe) Don't be afraid Joe, you can help.
Joe: (looking up) Did that frat boy send you?
Erlemeyer: Not exactly. Joe, this is Mitch
Joe: Yeah; I know... he does health coverage.
Erlemeyer: Mitch here lost his nerve
Joe: Well he came to the right place for that. A lot of courage to be found in any one of these bottles.
Ernie: You want a drink?
(Mitch ponders the bottles behind the bar)
Mitch: You have mineral water?(Ernie stares at him blankly; Joe grimaces.)
Ernie: Nope. We have tap water.
Mitch: No thanks then.(Ernie turns to Erlemeyer)
Ernie: You?
Erlemeyer: No thanks. I had one worm too many.
Joe: (shrugs) Not much to do around here if you're not drinking.
Erlemeyer: Mitch got a pungi stick through his knee. Joe's footgot a boo boo. Joe left his friends behind. Mitch left his family behind. Mitch was lost. Mitch tried to find himself through drugs. The chemist showed him the way. Joe tried to lose himself in drugs. Joe found himself. Mitch found the wrong Mitch. Mitch built himself a shrine. Joe's eyes saw a world without borders. Mitch's eyes saw only Mitch. Mitch wiped Shaun out.
Mitch is back in the game. Now Joe must let go. Shaun will not know where Joe's been. Magdalena's son will be Joe's new friend to bring home. Shaun will soon show his feelings.
Joe: If you're not with John, how do you know all this?
Erlemeyer: I became eligible.
Mitch: I think I need to talk to Shaunie
(Behind them we see Shaun at the bar nursing a Roy Rogers; he looks over his shoulder.)
Shaun: It's alright gramps; I already knew.
(Mitch, Joe and Erlemeyer smile as if hearing Shaun, but none of them acknowledge him. Mitch wipes a tear from his eye with his knuckle.)
Joe: I think I need to roll me a fat one
(He pushes his remaining change towards Ernie and leaves towards the door. Mitch and Erlemeyer follow.)
Ernie: Fuck me, the three stooges.
- backinthegame
-------------------------
(Shaun skates down the street toward the surf shop, as he goes hejumps curbs and retaining walls along the way maneuvering his board by every means and busting tricks off every available surface he encounters, until he comes to Jojo’s house. Jojo see’s him coming and flies out in front of him landing in the street turning several thee sixties on a dark spot on the asphalt. Sliding forward on his tail he glides up and stops in front of Shaun)
Jojo: Where you been man? We were out looking for you after your grandma came screaming at us that you’d been kidnapped or something.
Shaun: I went to Cincinnati.
Jojo: Where the fuck is that dude?
Shaun: I don’t know. Wanna come with me to the shop, I gotta get my dad. Gonna be some waffles and omelets I think back at the motel in a little while, you can come.
Jojo: (pushes off ahead of Shaun) Sure, I’m starved...(The two boys ride down the street hitting every obstacle available for a trick, jump or grind they can find along the way.)
- SpiritontheWater
--------------------------
(Shaun and Jojo arrive at Kai's trailer. Shaun hops off his board and knocks on the door.)
Shaun: Dad? Kai? Wake up. They're making waffles at the motel.(Inside the trailer, Butchie stirs. Kai sleeps in the crook of his arm.)
Butchie: (yawning and stretching) Shaunie? That you?
Shaun: It's me, dad. You hungry? Barry and Ramon are making "brunch." Breakfast plus lunch: get it?
Butchie: Fuckin' A. I'm always fuckin' hungry, buddy: you know that. Let me and Kai get fuckin' ready and we'll meet ya there...cool?
Shaun: Right on. See ya there, dad.
Butchie: (yelling after him) Watch out for cars and shit, Shaunie. (He turns to Kai and rouses her) Rise and shine, Kai.(Shaun and Jojo skate off)
(Back inside the trailer, Butchie stands up and arches his back. He scratches the usual suspects, then puts his right palm under his chin, left hand on the top of his head, and cracks his neck. He switches hands and does the other side.)
Kai: (Sitting up in bed) Fuck. I'm tired.
Butchie: Well, that's just too fuckin' bad, (He grins at her) Shaunie wants us over at the motel for "brunch".
Kai: "Brunch?"
Butchie: Yeah, you know: breakfast plus fuckin' lunch.
Kai: I know what-the-fuck 'brunch' is, Butchie. Just never been to one.
Butchie: I never pass up a free fuckin' meal. (He pulls his boxers up and grabs his shirt)
Kai: Even when ya should...there's still a huge stain in my jeepfrom the time you got loaded after eating all that adobo chicken and poy then puked your fucking guts out in the backseat.
Butchie: Ahh, memories...(Butchie gives her a half grin and pulls his t-shirt over his head.)
(Standing up, Kai walks to her closet and gets dressed.)
- Walkara
------------------------
(Sitting opposite the Chief, in his office, Bill rolls his eyes, irritated.)
Chief Clark:...I can't stress the point enough, Jacks. You hear? Under no circumstance, are you to confuse this temporary need of your service with being back on The Job. Consider yourself an outside contractor whose services are subject to my oversight and say-so. Understood?
Bill: Jesus Christ, Clark! How goddam thick do you suppose I'd have to be in order to miss the point of that endless fucking diatribe?
Chief: Is that a 'yes' or 'no,' Jacks?
Bill: (hand to his forehead, overcome by irritation) That's a yes, goddammit! What's next? Am I expected to grovel on my hands and knees for permission to be armed?
Chief: No weapons, Jacks. You're job is to coordinate between the police department and the parties throwing the event on Saturday. Can't say I'm lookin' forward to the traffic woes, but our city could certainly use the goddam spotlight. (He sits down and reaches under the desk, fussying with something) Poor girl; how's your paw?
Bill: Don't tell me you got that goddam mutt under your desk. Jesus, Clark! You're turning into an old woman right before my fuckin' eyes.
Chief: Watch it, Jacks! I won't tolerate your disrespect. And I don't appreciate you calling Gail O'Grady a mutt. She's a certified purebred. A three time regional champion. I'd like to see your goddam birds do something besides shit and squawk.
Bill: You only reveal your fuckin' ignorance, Clark. 'Least my irds know better than to lick their own assholes.
Chief: Yeah, they're too busy spreadin' goddam bird flu.
Bill: You'd best be biting your goddam tongue, 'less you plan on swallowing it later.
Clark: Get the fuck outta my office, Jacks. And remember:
Bill: (interrupts him) --I know, I know...(under his breath) Repeats his-fuckin'-self more that Her Ladyship.
Chief: What's that Jacks?!
Bill: (parroting the theme of Chief Clark's lecture) "I'm not a goddam cop anymore."
Chief: (As soon as the door closes behind Bill) Fuckin'albatross.
(Bill walks outside and gets in his truck. Zippy sits in his cage,and when Bill turns the ignition, he flaps his wings)
Bill: I suddenly feel a strange craving for waffles...and peanut butter. And a Spanish--no: Denver Omlette. (Listening to Zippy) To the Snug Harbor then.
- Walkara
-----------------------
(Meyer is talking on the phone to Daphne, simultaneously answering Cissy's demands while encouraging her to extinguish a cigarette from the pack she forced him to pick up for her on his way to pick her up.)
Dickstein: Listen, my little maven, I will leave all the details to your superior taste, but I'm pulling into the Internet Cafe's parking-lot as we speak.
Daphne: I will meet you at the motel after your meeting. Don't let that mesuggeneh's mishegoss upset you.
Dickstein: (parking the car) Don't worry yourself on that count, my dear. We are allied to prevent the Machine from chewing the good doctor up and spitting him out. Now if we could only find him...
Cissy: (Grabbing the phone from Meyer) He'll have to call you back sweetheart. (She snaps the phone shut and tosses it in his lap, hitting him in the shvantz.)
Dickstein: (Picking his phone up, he gives Cissy a disapproving look, flips it open and hits he '1' key. Daphne answers after one ring) Sorry about that dear...I didn't want to let you go without saying goodbye to my bubby.
Cissy: Nobody puts baby in the fuckin' corner, huh?
Meyer: (Gives Cissy the same disapproving look) I'll see you later, my love.
Daphne: A gezunt ahf dein kop, my love. (Dickstein hangs up the phone, gets outta the car and follows Cissy into the Internet Cafe. Inside, Jerry and Dwayne are huddled around the computer. Cass and Emma exit with espressos in hand just as Cissy and Dickstein enter. The place is strangely vacant today.)
Cissy: What the fuck happened to your customers? Yesterday this place was a three-ring fuckin' circus. Today it's a goddam ghost town in here.
Jerri: I ate their heads off. I couldn't take all the fuckin' noise. Told 'em to come back after lunch.
Cissy: I hope you got some fuckin' money outta 'em first, considerin' that's the fuckin' point of runnin' a business.
Jerri: Look who-the-fuck's givin' out. The surf shack's been closed all goddam week, Cissy. Doris was peerin' thorugh the fuckin' windows early this mornin'.
Cissy: Yeah, but business fuckin' blows over there.
Jerri: Ya ever considered that recent fuckin' events mightn't have improved those prospects, and that, were anyone there to open the fuckin' door, you'd be swimmin' in maggots too?
Cissy: Maybe I'd know if Kai hadn't fuckin' quit. I've got way too much bullshit to deal with to tend shop too. Meanwhile, Mitch's floated off with Erlemeyer--no surprise there. I guess I'll have to hire someone new.
Dwayne: (Timidly interrupting) Ummm, I could post a notice that you're looking to hire on the website if you'd like?
Cissy: I guess it can't fuckin' hurt. (She sits down and dictates to Dwayne the job specifics and what she is looking for in an employee. He tries to make it sounds as appealing as possible without lying, despite her descriptions to the contrary.)
Dickstein: (to Jerri) Any further correspondence from 'Cincinnati' that you need my assistance crafting a reply to?
Jerri: Shut the fuck up and sit down.
(Meyer sits down at a table, pulls some papers out of his briefcase and a pen from his coat pocket. When she is finished with Dwayne, Cissy joins him at the table)
Jerri: (from behind the counter) Ya wanna coffee, Cissy?
Cissy: Thanks. (turning her attention to Meyer) How the fuck are we gonna "enlist" the doctor in this scheme of yours if we can't fuckin' find him, Dickstein?
Dickstein: The young man at his office said he'd be back later this evening.
Cissy: I've gotta fuckin' meet Linc at 8th and Palm at four to look at fuckin' cars.
Dickstein: We'll meet back up at the Snug Harbor afterwards then. (His phone rings) Hello? Yes. And Shalom to you, Barry. (listening) Yes, yes, Ramon informed me about the brunch earlier. I'm just finishing up with Cissy, then we'll be on our way.(Listening) That sounds fantastic, Barry. I look forward to hearing about it over breakfast--excuse me: brunch. (Pause) Indeed. Goodbye. (He hangs up, and looks at Cissy) Your grandson requests your presence at the Snug Harbor for brunch.
Cissy: Let's get the fuck over there then. (to Jerri) You comin' or what?
Jerri: Why the hell not? Dwayne?
Dwayne: I am rather hungry...
Cissy: Let's fuckin' go then.
(They all file out and Jerri locks the door behind them. Spotting Doris across the street, talking to Ted the bicycle guy, Cissy hurries to Dickstein's car and lays low until the car is out of view. Jerri and Dwayne follow behind them in Jerri's car.)
- Walkara
------------------------
(Tina blow-dries her hair, while Linc shaves over the sink next to her. She finds her eyes wandering over to him, distracted by the way he looks at himself in the mirror. There's something very familiar about it to her, as if he's considering something he's unable to bring to aconclusion. When he notices her stare, he turns and smiles. She smiles back. Something about the exchange makes her feel awkward; she feels alienated from him for the first time. He seems to see that in her eyes, and turns to her)
Linc: Hey. You okay? (He rinses his razor under the sink for the final time, taps it against the side, and sets it down on the counter.)
Tina: I'm fine...are you okay?
Linc: Honestly? I'm pretty fuckin' stressed-out.
Tina: Why?
Linc: Promise not to get mad?
Tina: No. I can't promise that without knowing what you're gonna say?
Linc: It's just that Stinkweed thinks we're havin' the event in Huntington.
Tina: What?? What happened?
Linc: They think that because, as far as they knew, that's where it was always gonna be.
Tina: But all the flyers and press coverage say it's in I.B.
Linc: Which is why they're sending the Chairman of the Board down here in a few days to hire a replacement for Jake. Wonderboy sold him out. And there's not really shit I can do to stop it. The problem is, as slimy as Jake can be, I need him if I'm gonna be able to pull all this off. Stinkweed is threatening to reschedule the event, and lose the Yost's in the process if that's what it comes to. Because this is supposed to be a non-profit exhibition, they aren't all that interested in funding it. They only care about the competitions. But they're contractually-bound to sponsoring this as part of their deal with the Yosts, so they're gonna take their displeasure out on Jake.
Tina: Why did you think I'd be mad?
Linc: I don't know...'cause I didn't tell you before.
Tina: Oh. (She leans over and kisses him, then wipes a smudge of her lipstick off his lip with her thumb) You'll figure something out, Linc.(The Phone Rings)
Tina: (Walks to the nightstand and picks it up) Hello?
Shaun: (On the other end) Hey Mom.
Tina: Hi Shaunie. What's goin' on?
Shaun: We're having brunch at my dad's motel. You and Linc are invited.
Tina: That sounds great, Shaun. We'll be right over. See you soon.
Shaun: Bye mom. (He hangs up)
Tina: (to Linc) That was Shaun. He invited us to a brunch at the motel.
Linc: Another community meal, huh? Not that I'm complaining, but who the fuck is paying for all this food?
Tina: Cissy said the new owner won the mega-millions lottery.
Linc: No shit? Fuck, let's go eat then. (He finishes buttoning his shirt, takes her hand and they exit.)
- Walkara
-------------------------
(John walks out of the kitchen and goes over to the new shuffleboard equipment sitting in the corner of the office. He puts his tea down and takes the equipment out to the shuffleboard court)
John: We’re coming nine eleven fourteen
Ramon: (kicks his cousins foot and wakes him up) You left my shovel on the grass last night.
Cousin: Que? (he closes his eyes and starts to turn on his side but Ramon kicks him again) Oh ok. I’ll go get it.
Ramon: No, I already got it, get your guys up and outta here, we gotwork to do. What I told you about takin’ care of your tools? You wanna be a contractor no?
Cousin: Si. (gets up and rousts his helpers who eventually get up and file out of the office after grabbing coffees)
(Ramon checks the grill which is getting started then returns to the kitchen with an extension cord)
Ramon: I think we better plug a couple of those in another circuit. (he re-routes a couple of the waffle irons and plugs the extension cord in in the living room)
Barry: If you think so Ramon. I am most ready. I hope the mickey mouse waffles will not offend as childish, my hope is that they will put a smile on otherwise grouchy morning faces.
Ramon: I’m gonna work out on the grill so I’ll take this large pan (he grabs a bag of supplies) I’ll take this other stuff out on the table and you can bring out your waffle stacks as you get ‘em done. I’ll take a mickey mouse one (he smiles to himself) I always liked those.
Barry: (looks around the kitchen) I guess you’re right Ramon, not enough room for the two of us in here. I was hoping though to observe your magic with your omelets.
Ramon: I think I’ll be making them for quite a while. You just do your thing.
Barry: Very well Ramon, (he does some sort of disco typedance move) Doing my thing! (Barry turns and twists the knobs and flips the switches on the four waffle irons and starts to sing) You can tell by the way I use my walk...(he stops) Oh my, did I just sing that out loud?
(Ramon throws a bag full of green chiles on one side of the grill and places a large omelet pan on the other, he then begins cracking eggs in a large bowl, his cousin and the workers start walking over to him)
Ramon: You guys get over to the bar and straighten that place upfirst, you got your stuff laying everywhere in there. You can eat after the other people we got commin’. (disappointed they turn away and saunter over to the bar) Lazy bird don’t get no worm.
(Ramon places another small pan amongst the chilies, the skins of which are already starting to char and loosen, and squeezes a tube of chorizo in to it. It starts to sizzle as the paprika stained grease starts to bubble)
Ramon: (savoring the smell) Don’t ask me what’s in it cause you don’t want to know.
(Ramon notices Freddy as he steps out of his room to stand out front,Palaka soon follows, a couple other doors open on the second level and three or four people emerge who had joined the palm tree news event last
night.)
(A car pulls in the driveway as John slides a puck down the shuffleboard court stopping on the eleven)
John: Eleven ball center pocket!
- SpiritontheWater
--------------------------
(Barry walks out with the first stack of waffles in a large aluminum pan)
Barry: Oh my goodness Ramon, I had no idea so many had arrived already. And there is Butchie! (Raising his voice) Butchie Yost!
Butchie: (turns and sees Barry standing behind the serving table with the pan of waffles outstretched) How’s it goin’ Barry? I haven’t ate this good in a year, I’m putting on serious weight since you took over buddy!
Barry: For you Butchie Yost, one time tormentor and now first witness and tenant of all that shall transpire on these sacred grounds, this brunch is in your honor, and no hard feelings remain.
Butchie: (surprised at the gesture and a bit embarrassed) Bring it on good buddy, when I heard fucking waffles I put my stomach in first gear and high tailed it right over here! (Butchie walks over to the table) and if you’re planning on being the next Howard Johnsons, I’m just gonna have to put your name on a few banners for flyin’ at every fucking contest!
Barry: (sets the large tray down and takes a plate to hand to Butchie) Truly, no hard feelings, we do not know the path abruptly forked, nor why it may split again to lead us to our final destination. But I am happy now that I am where I am, and for your part in seeing to it.
Butchie: Shit, lighten up Barry, I meant to hit you with the broom part really. Actually it kind of scared the shit out of me when I wacked you.
Barry: Not another word about it now. Here, a syrup you might enjoy, and assorted fruit. (he motions to the other items laid out down the table) Ramon has a most amazing omelet as well.
Butchie: Well load me up! ’cause I ain’t going swimmin’ for at least an hour!
Barry: (raises his hands up to the others standing around) Come one and all! Brunch is served! We are pleased to have you!
- SpiritontheWater
--------------------------
(Barry goes into the office and re-emerges with a tray of cups. He glides towards the grill where Ramon is holding court making omelets for a growing line bearing paper plates)
Barry: A drink Ramon? (Ramon looks up at him by raising his eyebrows not his head)
Ramon: I see your cups have grown.
Barry: Your jabs Ramon cannot dishearten me in the midst of these festivities. (Barry raises his nose and moves to Cissy at the head of the line)
Barry: (to Cissy, his face beaming) Some freshly squeezed juice?
Cissy: Freshly squeezed? did you fucking squeeze it?
Barry: (with a small cough) Well, no, not myself, but my understanding is that the fruit retains the best part of its flavor.
Cissy: Well count yourself fucking lucky Mitch isn't here. If it's been in a carton, then its fucking poison (she grabs a cup from the slightly abashed Barry).
(As Barry moves down the line, we see Shaun and Jojo skate by. They buzz the line, passing Cissy, Butchie, Kai, John, Linc and Tina. Shaun looks them all in the eye, but shouts out only to John in passing towards Butchie's cabin)
Shaun: Hey John!
John: Hey Shaun!
Butchie: (shouts after Shaun) Took your fucking time getting here.
Shaun: Had some business to take care of.
Butchie: (under his breath) Yeah right, the business end of a fucking joint.
- backinthegame
----------------------------
(Shaun and Jojo enter Butchie's cabin to dump their stuff)
Jojo: Man, I'm fucking high.
Shaun: (grinning) Yeah.
Jojo: I gotta eat dude.
Shaun: Peanut butter waffles; it's the only way to go
Jojo: You should try my brother’s recipe... it's all about the herbage.
(they walk back outside over towards Butchie and Kai)
John: Waffles ring a bell (he fakes taking a toke from a joint).
- backinthegame
---------------------------
[Jerri, Dwayne, Emma, and Cass stare intently at the computer monitor as the Car Salesman begins to speak.]
Car Salesman: Here at the Internet Café in Imperial Beach, the Internet is juiced. [The quartet enters into a trance-like state as they watch the ad.] With the Internet my words can be heard uncensored. My words can have many authors, but they will still be my words. No one who speaks my words will be taken off-line. [The trance ends for the group] Espressos, café lattes and even specialty drinks like Espresso Spritzers are available [Jerri throws Cass a look] to quench your thirst as you cruise the information superhighway. So come on down to the Internet Café and tell them I sent you.
Jerri: [talking to the screen] But who the fuck are you?
Emma: Just be thankful for the free ad Jerri. [She and Cass walk out of the café.]
- theshriek
----------------------------
(People are scattered across all over the Snug Harbor, grouped in dissolving and resolving combinations, eating waffles and omelettes. Somehow supply always just meets demand.)
(Freddy finishes his second mushroom and ham omelette, and Shaun rolls by with peanut butter-smeared waffle and a glass of milk to wash it down.)
Shaun: Here.
Freddy: Are those ears on the fuckin' waffle?
Shaun: It's Mickey Mouse.
Palaka: Ooh...(to Shaun) Can ya hook a brother up, my man?
Shaun: Sure. (He skates off)
Freddy: (eating his waffle, suppressing all physical evidence of his intense enjoyment, he starts talking with his mouth full) Who puts fuckin' peanut butter on waffles?
Palaka: Canadians.
Freddy: What makes ya say that?
Palaka: I dunno.
Freddy: Whaddaya mean 'you don't fucking know?!' You just fuckin' said it.
Palaka: Someone told me that Canadians go fucking bananas for peanut butter.
Freddy: Do you have any fucking clue how much disinformation is spread using "someone told me" as a preamble, ya fuckin' dope?
Palaka: My ma used to make me peanut butter and banana sandwiches. She always cut the crust off. At the supermarket, where I buy groceries, they have bread with the crust already gone. Fuckin' technology! That's what I'm talkin' about.
(Shaun comes back with a waffle prepared just like Freddy's and gives it Palaka, then leaves)
(Kai and Cissy sit on the curb. Kai is eating a waffle without peanut butter. Cissy is eating a Snickers bar and smoking a Marlboro Red. Cass walks toward them, filming.)
Cissy: (seeing Cass) Go point that goddam thing at some other asshole.
Cass: (Self-consciously) I'm trying to get a shot of everybody.
Cissy: (Bares her teeth with a big false grin that says 'fuck off') Satisfied, princess?
(John walks over)
Kai: Hi John.
John: Hi Kai. (turns to Cissy) Cass slapped it on Mitch. She didn't see the colors.
Cissy: (looking at Cass) What the fuck is he talkin' about?
Cass: Ahh...I'm not sure.
Cissy: (Looking at Kai) Is this the little fuckin' slut that gave Mitch a "lift?"
Kai: I think that's a question for Mitch, Cissy
Cass: (turning to leave) Good one, John. (she shakes her head and puts a safe distance between herself and Cissy)
John: Cissy wiped Butchie out. Mother-son handjobs. Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ! Jesus Christ!
(Turning white, Cissy stands up and walks in the opposite direction as Cass.)
Kai: What the fuck did you say that for John?
John: We are all frail vessel, Kai. (He spins 180 degrees and walks off) Don't be ashamed of your flooring.
(Bill pulls into The Snug Harbor. He gets out of his truck and unlocks Zippy's cage. Zippy perches on his shoulder. He goes and stand in the food line.)
Bill: (annoyed by the disorderly line) Excuse me! I'm gonna need everyone to get into single goddam file. (No one moves)(raising his voice) I said NOW! goddamit! (The crowd merges into a single person line. Bill is still dissatisfied with the crooked line, but lets it go)
(Zippy flies off)
Bill: Don't you be wanderin' too far, ya hear? We've got a goddam mission to attend to.
(Across the lot, Cissy walks over to Butchie, who's sitting on the air conditioning unit, just outside the office.)
Cissy: What're you fuckin' doin' over here?
Butchie: Just chillin'. (He gives her a quick smile, and folds his arms, bracing for the inevitable)
Cissy: Talked to Kai, says she's tryin' out for Billabong.
Butchie: Yeah...
Cissy: Good for fuckin' her. 'Bout time she showed the rest of he world what the rest of us assholes already knew.
Butchie: Yep.
Cissy: You better not fuck things up while she's gone.
Butchie: Thanks for the vote of fuckin' confidence, ma.
Cissy: I just sayin', girl's like that don't just spring from the walls like Grandma fuckin' groundhog.
Butchie: (chuckles) Who the fuck's "grandma fuckin'groundhog?"
Cissy: Fuck if I know. That's just somethin' Jerri fuckin' says. Some Irish bullshit, probably.
Butchie: Where's Dad?
Cissy: Who the fuck knows? Preparing the next sermon of the fucking mount, for all I know.
Shaun: (Skates over)Hey Gram. Gramps'll be at the beach later. (he gives Cissy a hug) Hey dad. (he sits next to Butchie)
Butchie: (putting his arm around Shaun) Hey pal. You ready to go see who bust bigger?
Shaun: (gets up) Sure. Can John come too?
Butchie: (looks down, feeling guilty) Alright, Shaunie--but he's sittin' in the fuckin' back again.
Shaun: I'll go get him
Butchie: Get Kai too.
Shaun: Cool. (To Cissy) Love ya, Gram. Go easy on my dad, okay?
Cissy: (nods) Okay, Shaunie.
Butchie: (standing up) Why don't you come down to the fuckin' beach and watch us?
Cissy: Can't. Linc and the human cum-rag are takin' me car shoppin'
Butchie: Lay off Tina, ma.
Cissy: If she can take that many dicks at once, she can take whatever I dish out. What the fuck do you care anyway?
Butchie: Just cut her a fuckin' break. (He turns away from Cissy) We've all done things we ain't fuckin' proud of. (He walks away)
(Cissy sits down in his spot on the air conditioning unit, lights another cigarette and taken a long, deep drag)
Tina: (walking over) Me and Linc are going back to our room, but we'll meet you at the dealership at 4, okay?
Cissy: What-the-fuck-ever. I'll have Jerri drop me off at the dealership.
Tina: Alright. Well...see you later. (She walks off)
Cissy: (to herself) Off to spread her moist thighs and pink buns for Linc.
(Bill returns to his truck after eating two waffles and Denver omelette and three glasses of juice. Zippy is perched atop the tree Mitch was stuck in the day before.)
Bill: (he whistles) C'mon, Zip. (Zippy swoops down and lands on Bill's shoulder) Where to? (he listens) Monument fuckin' road? (pause) That'll take all goddam day? (pause)Fine! just quit pissin' in my ear. (He starts the car and drives away)
- Walkara
--------------------------
(Ramon spoons a portion of Chorizo in the center of the egg and follows with half that amount of the roasted poblano chile. He then adds a layer of grated jack cheese and skillfully folds the two sides of the omelet around the ingredients sliding it out of the pan and onto the plate)
Barry: (watching) Masterful Ramon! you have, without a doubt, a connection with the western culinary realm, cracking whip as it were on the plain, taming the wild for the farmers reward, spilling bounty from fields tilled and fenced to those starved of the tastes and flavors our difficult pioneering quest has led us to. At this end of the world. Our seaside camp at trails end.
(Ramon cuts the omelet, which looks like a long egg burrito, in half, and slides half on a paper plate for Barry to try.)
Barry: (taking a bite) Oh! spicy, Ramon! But oh... mmn... wonderful... oh my goodness.
(Ramon sees a lady approaching the table dressed in black)
Ramon: Looks like we got us an pioneer with a chip on her shoulder.
Woman in Black: (taking an aggressive tone) You can’t do that here! Serving food like this is a violation of public standards and a health hazard! You're breaking the LAW!
Ramon: (to himself) There’s one in every crowd.
Barry: I assure you ma’am, our intentions are of the highest caliber and our ingredients are simply the finest! (he holds out a plate to her with a mickey mouse waffle on it) Waffle?
Woman in Black: (stares at the waffle as if it’s poison) I’m reporting you this afternoon! You’ll be hearing from the authorities!
Ramon: You work for those authorities?
Woman in Black: Who I work for is none of your business, (snotty smile) but should your lights go out, you might wonder if your bill was received! (she turns and marches off back down the driveway)
Barry: Most unpleasant.
Ramon: Probably don’t like what she sees when she looks in the mirror. (walks back into the office) I’m going to get my horn.
- SpiritontheWater
---------------------------------
(The woman in black walks down the street to her car, opening the passenger side door she leans in and gathers up her bible an a tuna casserole she’s prepared for the potluck at the Church of Christ congregation hall which occupies the lot just south of the Snug Harbor Motel. Closing the door she is startled by Moana who she runs into nearly dropping the casserole)
Moana: ‘scuse me ma’am
Woman in Black: I suppose you’re heading to that hippie commune I just came from, You’d be better off young man to come with me to the Wednesday afternoon social right here in this building (she motions across a small parking lot toward an old building with a faded sign once reading “Fresh Fish”, over which is nailed a sign now reading “Church of Christ”.)
Moana: No ma’am, I think I’m going to the Snug Harbor there. You have a nice afternoon anyways.
Woman in Black: (abruptly walks around Moana mumbling as she walks off) Another terrorist invading our peaceful community, we simply must do something about this lawless cancer threatening our god given land.
Moana: (walking on talking to himself) I’ll let you get to your gossip meeting then.
(Moana walks up the driveway of the motel and approaches Freddy who is standing in front of his room finishing his waffle and drinking from a large plastic cup)
Freddy: (holds out his empty plate) If you’re still here you might as well get you a mickey mouse waffle and a damn hot omelet.
Moana: We need to talk about them safety deposits.
Freddy: (stares at Moana) We can do that once you’re done having fucking breakfast. You don’t want to go swimmin’ on an empty stomach!
(Moana pauses and stares at Freddy. Palaka walks over toward the two)
Moana: I’ll get a plate bra, we don’t have no hurry to go down to the beach and see if a big wave is breakin’
- SpiritontheWater
--------------------------
(Shaun goes into Butchie's cabin, John follows and sits at Butchie's bed in his camo wet suit smiling to himself)
Shaun: Ready John?
John: I'm ready already. Right from left. Waffles down, surfs up!
Shaun: Well I hope you didn't have too many or it'll be waffles up.
John: Peanut butter. That's how we do it in IB!
(Shaun grabs his gear and heads outside with John at his heel; they pass Jojo on the way to the car)
Shaun: Catch us at the beach later, if not we'll hit it in the morning, OK?
Jojo: OK bro (he gives Shaun the Shaka sign, Shaun reciprocates)
- backinthegame
-------------------------
(Bill is driving through Border Field National Park, following Zippy's directions. He comes upon a clearing, and pulls into Joe's camp. He parks his truck and frees Zippy from his Cage. They exit and approach Joe and Magdalena, harvesting.)
Bill: Jesus H. Christ! (to Zippy) What the fuck are we doin here, Zip?
Joe: (Nervously) Ah, hey there, Bill. Um...whaddaya doin' here? How the fuck d'ya find this place?
Bill: (Gives Zippy a dirty look) You just never-fuckin'-mind about that. (Surveying Bill's crop) Quite the goddam operation ya got goin' here, Joe. (Shakes his head) I'd say about four or five hundred plants.
Joe: Five. (puts his hands in his pockets) So, um, what'd ya say brought ya out here?
Bill: I didn't. (walks past Joe, over to the pretty Mexican woman standing at a distance, watching them.) Hello. (offers his hand) Bill Jacks. Retired Policeman.
Magdalena: Hablo muy poco inglés. (shakes Bill's hand) Mi nombre es Magdalena Lopez. Te reconozco de la barbacoa ayer por la noche
Bill: (Listening to Zippy's translation) A pleasure to make your formal acquaintance. (Bill notices that she has bandages around her arms and torso) What the hell happened? (he points to her wounds)
Magdalena: Los perros me ataqué. Joe me ahorró y trató mis heridas.
Joe: (standing behind Bill) She said--
Bill: (motioning for him to shut up, listening to Zippy again) Those miserable goddam strays! (takes her hand) You okay?
Joe: The Doc patched her up. She's here lookin' for her son that went missing. Says he works for The Coyote. She wandered over the border last week lookin' for help, and got herself locked up and fuckin' deported.
Bill: Which begs the question of why-the-fuck she's here, harvestin' reefer with the likes of you, you fuckin' pothead nit-wit.(Joe gives him a blank look)
Magdalena: ¿Hay un problema?
Bill: No. No problemo. Except the I'm standing right in the fuckin' middle of an illegal goddam drug operation. An accessory after the fact. Every second of which is a goddam disgrace to my 16 years on the force.
Joe: (to Magdalena) He ain't gonna fuckin' squeal.
Bill: (To Zippy) I hope you're fuckin' happy, Zip. My old man is turnin' over in his grave considerin' all the degenerates and shit-heels you've allied me with. (Looks at Magdalena) Now tell me about your son.
(Magdalena tells Bill everything she can think of about her son that might help, with Zippy translating for Bill, and Joe translating Bill's questions for Magdalena.)
- Walkara
------------------------
(Cissy opens Jerri's passenger door, gets out, and slams it shut. Jerri drives away. Cissy walks to the Cherry Oldies lot with purpose. She puts her sunglasses on to disguise the sparkle cast in her eye from the gorgeously curved classic American cars. A black '67 Pontiac Firebird with a flawless body. A blue with white racing-striped Chevey Camero. A '68. Cissy's trained eye savors the two cars for a moment; their similar bodies, often confused for each other by the untrained eye. Cissy runs her hand along the hood. She stops, looking ahead, and sees her dream car: a 1968 Shelby GT500-KR Convertible finished in red with black racing stripes. She walks toward it, dizzy with excitement)
Salesman: (leaning against Superbee to her left) Nope. (he shakes his head)
Cissy: (turns to him) This your fuckin' place?
Salesman: Welcome to Cherry Oldies! And, yes, in answer to your accusation, I'm the goddam proprietor. You can call me Dave.
Cissy: What the fuck d'ya mean, 'nope.'?
Salesman: I mean, Sister Yost, that you couldn't handle that car.
Cissy: My old man had one just like it, 'cept his was fuckin' yellow.
Salesman: Ah, yellow. A primary color. Not an obvious choice, but demanding goddam attention and awe nonetheless, bouncing sunlight from it's gleamin' fuckin' curvatures. I'll tell ya somethin': a car like that is a goddam parade all by it's lonesome. Folks can't help but stop and stare, mouth's a-fuckin'-gape in wonderment. Yes ma'am, a car is an extension of the man, or woman, as the case may fuckin' be.
Cissy: So it's not for fuckin' sale.
Salesman: Not to you.
Cissy: Why the fuck not?
Salesman: 'Cause you ain't fuckin' ready for that kinda power.
Cissy: What the fuck is that supposed to mean?
Salesman: What does it mean? A thing either is or isn't, it either does or doesn't. You follow?
Cissy: Fuck no.
Salesman: What 'it'meansis beside the goddam point, is my point. Whatisis what fuckin' matters. What 'it'meansdon't got a goddam thing to do with it. What 'it'does is what 'it'means.
Cissy: (rolling her eyes) Whatever. (She takes the sunglasses off, having spotted Tina's car pulling into the lot.)
Linc: (getting out of the car) Sorry, we're late, Cissy. We lost track of time. (He walks around to Tina's side and takes her hand. They approach Cissy and the Salesman. Tina waves at Cissy) See anything ya like?
Salesman: She was makin' eyes at my Shelby.
Linc: (Interrupting) Fuck that! No way am I buyin' you a $250,000 dollar car.
Salesman: Had you let me fuckin' finish, friend, I would've informed you I'd already pissed on her interest.
Cissy: (walks over to a black '69 Corvette Stingray) I'll take this one then.
Salesman: I'll be damned!...of course! (nodding his head) I like the way you think, Mrs. Yost. This one makes fuckin' sense. I've got a feeling about this one. (He suddenly cocks his head to the left, listening) Okay, well, I think we've got ourselves a deal.
Linc: Are you kidding me? No way is that the equivalent of a Miata.
Salesman: (Wrinkles his face and cringes) Jesus-god! A fuckin' Miata??! (Shudders) The Stingray it is!
Cissy: (to Linc) All the times you fucked this family, I'd say this is getting off cheap, asshole.
Tina: (turns to Linc) She has a point, Linc.(After Linc finishes writing the Salesman a check, he and Tina get back in her car and drive west, toward the beach. Cissy takes her keys from the Salesman and gets in her stingray. She turns it in the ignition and listens to her new car's growl. She revs the engine, and lets the growl fade into a purr. She puts the car in reverse, puts her sunglasses back on and peels out of the parking-lot. She turns on the radio Hear)
Salesman: (arms folded) It's a beautiful fuckin' thing.
- Walkara
------------------------
(Ramon goes in the office and returns with his trumpet in hand, he blows several blasts of various length)
Ramon: Last call for waffles!
Freddy: (to Palaka) Go get me another one of those mickey mouse waffles but no peanut butter, just some maple syrup.
Palaka: Sure thing boss (he heads over toward Barry)
Freddy: (to Moana) I know why you’re still here. And I know you don’t know why you’re still here.
Moana: That’s what I wanna talk to you about.
Freddy: I know! That’s why we are going to take a walk on the beach! So you can sort it out and get your fucking head on straight.
(Palaka returns with a regular square waffle on a plate and holds it out for Freddy to take, Freddy, arms folded, just looks at it)
Palaka: They were out of the ones with the ears boss, said they were the popular ones, all gone.
Freddy: If they was all out, then why’d you fuckin’ bring me one I didn’t tell you to get?
Palaka: Ahh, uhh I don’t know? I thought you were still hungry. We could cut this one and give it some square ears (he starts cutting the waffle with a plastic knife)
Freddy: (to Moana) Let’s go (Freddy and Moana walk off down the driveway, Palaka sits down and continues to work on the waffle)
Palaka: All right boss, you go, I’ll keep an eye on the place.
Ramon: Looks like that’s it then.
Barry: Now, Ramon, I have to leave. It’s dreadful of me to leave you with a kitchen mess but I ask, however, that I may be allowed to leave the waffle irons as they are, and I will pick them up later, also that you do not attempt to clean them as I am sure you will be tempted. I have a special solution at home that I would prefer to use. If you will just set them aside. And as for these leftovers, I am looking at wall covering and fabrics today and will be keeping a nice young man waiting if I do not leave at this very minute.
Ramon: There won’t be any leftovers once the guys are finished. You go and don’t worry about it.
Barry: That is good, you will, I trust, keep them on their tasks today, that tomorrow will show the bar in better condition?
Ramon: And I’ll talk to them about the bear thing too.
Barry: (get’s in his car to leave and rolls down the window) Thank you Ramon, not to harshly, perhaps a kind admonishment will suffice.(Ramon picks up some of the remaining brunch and carries it over to the bar. Palaka wanders back over to the table and sees a bowl of fruit remaining with the condiments)
Palaka: Hmm, tempting me with that apple there. (He takes an apple slice and dips it in some honey. He holds it up) health, wealth and a full tummy for Palaka right ma? (he eats it).
- SpiritontheWater
----------------------------
[Cass and Emma get their Mickey Mouse waffles. Cass has peanut butter on hers; Emma’s sticks with just syrup. They go and sit down to eat.]
Cass: I can’t believe that they have Mickey Mouse waffles. When I was a kid, my Mom made Mickey Mouse waffles every Saturday morning. And even thought we didn’t have a lot of money she would take me to Disneyland once a month. I just loved the rides, Cinderella’s castle, and just the magic of the place.
Emma: The Swiss Family Robinson Tree House was my favorite. Say, is that why you have so eagerly embraced this project with John? I mean there is an enchanted feel to him…to everything surrounding him.
Cass: Yes! I had let the disappointments and negatives of life slowly erode my sense of magic. Then I was watching the film I took of John at the festival and suddenly I was awash in that feeling again. I don’t know why I felt it, but I did.
Emma: I felt the same way, when I saw him step out of the van. I was afraid to breathe because I thought that if I did that feeling would be lost to me forever.
Cass: Emma! Somehow we need to use my camera and your gift of words to bring back that sense of magic back to everyone. [Emma nods.]
- theshriek
------------------------
Click, minimize, listen
(Butchie gains speed, then reverses and ascends the wave, gaining as much height as possible. He drops his center of gravity and launches, as if to do a re-entry on the lip. When he reaches the point of maximum elevation, he grabs both rails and leans back, transitioning masterfully. As if doing a back flip from a diving board, he flips, careful to it follow through. He centers himself, holds his board tightly, and rides out the landing. He rides the water over to Kai, John, and Shaun, straddling their boards and watching him.)
Shaun: Bitchin' rodeo flip, dad. You boosted major air.
Butchie: Thanks, buddy. (Butchie drops off his board into the water, then pulls it to him and straddles it) Your turn.
(Shaun scans the waves for the right one, and, spotting it, paddles out. He gathers speed, approaching the bottom of a steep, vertical wave that's lip is ready to break. Before turning up the face, Shaun plants his feet solidly for balance, to refresh his sense of the board. He crouches down a little at the knees and waist, then turns hard, up the face of the wave, keeping speed. Just before his board hits the lip, he rotates his shoulders forward into the heart of the wave, then snaps his board around to follow his shoulders. He comes off the lip and catapults down the wave face, and centers his balance to execute a turn at the bottom of the wave, successfully. He carves back over to the others.)
Butchie: That's my boy! (Shaun drops into the water) You fuckin' murdered that wave, dude.
Kai: That was fuckin' sweet, Shaunie. Like father like son. (She looks at Butchie)
John: Shaun's my father's son too. Somebody call an ambulance.
Shaun: How'd I look comin' off the lip?
Butchie: Fuckin' bad ass! Did your old man proud. (Looks at Kai) This one's all you, babe.(Kai paddles off)
Butchie: She's a fuckin' charger.
John: Set off the airport metal detectors.
(Kai catches a wedge-y backside wave that’s waist to chest high with a steep close-out section at the end. She pumps down the line, gathering enough speed to launch into the air without losing control. She bottom turns at a 25 degree angle to project herself off the wave, where the lip meets the whitewash. Staying low and centered, with her eyes focused on the lip, she angles the board down the line, a little bit ahead of the wave, to adjust for the wave's movement while airborne. Pointing the board out the back, she bends her knees and uses her body like a spring to pop into the air. When the top half of your board is out of the water, she turns her shoulders into the spin, pushes her back foot into the spin, and springs off the lip. In the air, she sucks her legs and board up for style and height. Once she starts spinning, she transfers her weight to the front foot while staying low. Spinning blindly, unable to see where she's going. she keeps level in the air while staying low and centered. Her front knee is bent and her back leg is extended, pushing the tail around. She keeps her stance a bit wider than usual for better balance, with her arms bent at a 90 degree angle at her sides. Looking down between her legs on the toe-side rail, she bends her knees and absorbs the landing with strength and perfect timing. She stays low with a wide stance, most of her weight on the back foot to help continue with the momentum of the wave, re-connecting her fins to the water. She rides it out, and cruises, buzzing with adrenaline, back to the others)
Butchie: Jesus Fuckin' Christ, Kai! That was fuckin' epic--a flawless fuckin' backside air reverse. Fuckin' Conan-style! Classic!
Kai: (dropping into the water, she paddles over to Butchie and kisses him) Gracias, Brosef.
Butchie: Shit! I'm gonna have to pull out some bigger guns next time 'round. (Looks at John) You're up, pal.
John: We're boning now. (He paddles off)
(John positions himself diagonal on the wave, giving himself the momentum to spin. He builds up speed, and follows it with a small turn. He kicks his legs in and keeps them up, then kicks with his left leg to go left. He pulls himself up on the board, eye level, and whips his head left. Keeping his body in position, he spins a full 1040 degrees, then lets his legs down to stop spinning. Landing perfectly on the water, John zig-zags back to his brasse.)
Butchie: Holy Shit, John! You fuckin' flew! Fuckin' filthy, Brah. You had the fuckin' Glide,
Shaun: Full on!
Kai: Hella haggard, John.
Butchie: Johnny Monad's the fuckin' Conductor!
John: The Church of the Open Sky is HUGE!
- Walkara
-------------------------
(After parting ways with Joe at the VFW, Erlemeyer and Mitch get in the Erlemeyer's "car" and drive back to the Yost's house. While en route, Mitch's memories of what transpired at the VFW fade. By the time they're back, he has no memory of where they've been, but feels strangely connected to Shaun. Erlemeyer is left with a vague recollection, but only the name 'Joe' is concrete in his memory. They exit the "car" and walk up to Mitch's treehouse, empty but for Erlemeyer's pile of blankets on the floor.)
Mitch: (leaning against the wall, he slides to the floor) Since Shaun moved in with Butchie, we've got a spare room in the house. Why doncha move your stuff in there?
Erlemeyer: How's Cissy gonna feel about that?
Mitch: I'm pain' the damn mortgage!
Erlemeyer: If it's all the same to you, I prefer it out here; better reception.
Mitch: Reception?
Erlemeyer: Can you hear the transmissions? Listen closely:(Mitch crosses his legs and centers himself, waiting for something to happen. He hears only the hum of distant traffic and Erlemeyer's labored breath.)
Mitch: I got nuthin'.
Erlemeyer: Maybe the signal is revealed to us all in different ways.
Mitch: By 'the signal' you mean whatever the fuck is giving that extraterrestrial his orders?
Erlemeyer: I think it's bigger than that.
Mitch: When did you start hearing things?
Erlemeyer: I was standing on the porch the other day, and I heard something. A stir of echoes; voices; thoughts. It comes and goes, but today I feel as though I've been tuned to the highest frequency. Every which way I turn, I hear these mysterious whispers. Some fade after time, leaving me with an empty impression of their content.
Mitch: What do you remember?
Erlemeyer: Mostly cryptic things.
Mitch: For instance...
Erlemeyer: (He closes his eyes, takes a deep breath, and imagines himself as an antenna. Through the static, he receives a message) Something is growing.
Mitch: What the hell is that supposed to mean?
Erlemeyer: Not sure, but it concerns Cissy and yourself.
Mitch: "Growing," huh?
Erlemeyer: The bard said "We know what we are, but know not what we may be." Perhaps this 'joker in the deck' from beyond is here to show us what we need to be.
Mitch: Why? What's at stake?
Erlemeyer: The future, I suppose.(The two old friends grapple with the gravity of this thought for a while in silence. Suddenly Mitch's cell phone rings)
Mitch: Hello?
Cissy: (on the other end) Where the fuck've YOU been?
Mitch: Hey Cissy. (He looks at Erlemeyer, rolling his eyes) With Erlemeyer.
Cissy: You and the fuckin' chemist better pile in that fuckin' piece of shit of his, and get your asses down to the fuckin' beach. Butchie and Shaun are rippin' shit up! There's a huge fuckin' crowd gathered on the goddam pier.
Mitch: We'll be right there.
Cissy: You gonna get wet this time? You are supposed to fuckin' be surfin' in the goddam expo in a few days. We wouldn't want the big fuckin' Kahuna to get dusted by his son and grandson, would we?
Mitch: Maybe tomorrow.
(Mitch and Erlemeyer get into the "car" and drive to the beach)
- Walkara
------------------------
(Cass wanders through the thickening crowd. Emma [played by Anna Gunn] and her cameraman Luke [played by John Hawkes] stand at a distance, filming.)
Grom: Did you see that video on Youtube, of those four (he points to Kai, Butchie, John, and Shaun on the water) surfing yesterday? It was so sick.
Teenage Girl: I was there...I mean, here. It was awesome! It felt like I was out there on the water with 'em.
Grom: Yeah, miracle boy's got game. Still a freak though.
Teenage Girl: I think he's gonna be better than his dad.
Grom: Fuck Butchie Yost! My old man says he ruined surfin'--took the "grace" outta it.
Teenage Girl: He's just jealous, and bitter 'cause Butchie raised the bar too high for him.
Grom: Then pissed it all away. Fuckin' junkie. He's washed-up.
Teenage Girl: Tell that to the backside snap under the lip he just busted.
Grom: One time me and my brother found him passed-out cold under the pier, so we pissed on him.
Teenage Girl: That's disgusting! You are such a loser...go away.
Grom: We laughed so hard. He didn't even wake up.
Teenage Girl: Are you still here?
Grom: Jeez...you don't have to be a bitch about it. (He storms off indignantly. Cass follows him with the camera's eye until he disappears into the crowd, then walks over to Emma and Luke)
Cass: I'm gonna walk down to the beach.
Emma: Okay. Call me tomorrow.
Cass: (nods her head and waves) Bye.
(Cass points her camera down the long walkway, and films as she goes. People mixing together, each ollowing his or her own rhythm. Cass hears the drums, the beat, the pulse of this collective. Everyone performs a task. Each casts their eyes to the horizon, where the ovements of four figures across the wild ocean speaks to something deep inside them all. 'A vision of harmony and exclamation. A punctuation mark on the world's beauty.' Butchie's board carves it's heart and courage into the water, and onto the crowd. The waves seem to obey Kai, her contours over its surface keep faith, speak in ripples about hope. John and Shaun, surfing in unison, zig zag back and forth; they walk the water like saviors, surfing silent sermons to every pair of open eyes, saying "See." When Cass reaches the sand, she takes off her shoes and walks barefoot across the beach to where Dwayne sits, Indian-style, peering into his laptop. Cass looks above at the sky and takes a deep, content breath.)
Dwayne: Hey watch out! You're about to step on a smuck of...
Cass: (still at distance, camera at her knees, pointing at the ground in front of her, she stops in her tracks) What?! (she steps forward, right into the smuck and gets stung) FUUUUUCK!!! Shiiiit! Shit, shit shit! (she hops up and down)
Dwayne: (realizing he's too late)...Jelly fish...
Cass: (hobbling over to him) Thanks for the heads-up (sarcastically). How did you know to warn me anyway? They were covered in sand, almost like somebody put 'em there on purpose.
Dwayne: (alarmed by her inference) I saw in on 'The Feed.' I'd never do that.
Cass: The 'feed?' (sitting down, cradling her stung foot) What 'feed?'
Dwayne: (shows her his computer screen, mirroring her camera) On the Yost site.
Cass: This just gets weirder and weirder...damn! my foot hurts! .
Dwayne: Do you want me to pee on it for you?
- Walkara
-------------------------
(Dr. Smith sits behind the reception desk staring out the window, the car salesman walk across his view and enters the clinic)
Car Salesman: not going to get the business you’re wanting referencing that bitter goddess on your store front doc.
Dr. Smith: to be honest I have yet to understand it myself.
Car Salesman: Nor anything else been happening in your altered reality I’d say either huh?
Dr. Smith: Well, that is true, although I can’t imagine how you’d have any awareness of it. Are you in need of medical attention?
Car Salesman: Well that could be a point worth debating, but that’s not why I’m here. Name’s Dave as I’ve been called lately, (he thrusts his hand out and shakes hands with Dr. Smith) proprietor of Cherry oldies on eighth and palm, and I ain’t here to offer you that black Cadillac either, although you are a mite bit closer to bein’ ready for that land yacht than the other fella.
Dr. Smith: Cadillac? I am sorry, sir, but I am without understanding or answer I’m sure to what ever it is you have come to ask of me.
Car Salesman: But I can’t be sorry for that see, ‘cause these words are gonna end up only echoes in after hour rounds made by nurses long after you’ve checked out. But let me get to the crux of my visit to your place of healing. You been used to thinking life’s a one way gurney ride through the sterilized assembly line and you been put on earth to stich and sew wound after wound, deciding who to tie and who to cut and you’re pretty damn right ‘cept when it comes to your role in it all. Truth is, doc, the day you turned twenty and signed those admissions forms, your life stopped being lived and started livin’ you. Make sense? Probably not. Doesn’t matter. What you got is a chance to decide now, seein’ you got yourself a free trip to Cincinnati, as to which part outside the slaughter house you’re gonna play from here on out. You can have Twenty or you can have Forty. Just don’t get lost sitting on the fence when you go out on break at this human barnyard, looking at the green grass on either side, debating yourself as to which might look greener and therefore taste better. Grass is grass, tastes pretty much the same. Lest of course you’re eatin where some hungry coyote’s gone and pissed markin’ his territory while trying to figure his way in. Don’t’ eat too close to the fence post. Remember that. You’re in the right fuckin’ place and ya’ did the right thing for the family.
Dr. Smith: I am not following... but you must know, that I am frequently suddenly changed, in every way like the boy of twenty I once was, not knowing where I just was. And in waking, feeling a need and even a responsibility to recreate myself, as if I am in some parallel universe. I have been re-imagining the past twenty years.
Car Salesman: That tells me you’re getting there, and what you’re doing, as you just described it, is exactly the process. But what I’m shouting here though some pretty thick clouds you’re still coming down through is that you got a few miles of road to travel still, and in any gear but reverse being the right selection is more accurately my point. You’re still thinking you just drove off a cliff walking out of that hospital. I’m here to tell ya’ you didn’t end up smashed up on the beach below that bluff like you rightly thought you surely woulda’. Thelma and Louise didn’t do what you did Doctor, what they did was suicide no doubt about it. Not for you my boy. You took a leap of faith and you’re gonna be blessed for it. Soon as you change that sign out front that is...
(Dr. Smith looks up and the car salesman is gone. He steps outside and looks down the street in both directions. He locks the door to the clinic, gets on his bicycle and heads for the pier)
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Freddy and Moana stand on the beach just south of the pier looking back to where Butchie and the others were surfing)
Freddy: Damn three ring circus everywhere that dipshit goes.
Moana: Looks like they got a pretty good thing going brudda.
Freddy: Until the get they get tossed up on the shore and the land sharks start their fucking feeding frenzy.
Moana: Maybe they just safer in the water huh?
Freddy: I used to watch that kid riding on Butchies back when he paddled out. All that boy wanted to do was be with him. But the cocksuker had to go and leave it all behind. Fuckin idiot if you ask me.
Moana: Is that why you giving up the business, feel bad for him?
Freddy: I don’t feel bad for anyone. You make your own choices and if you can’t swim stay outta the fucking water.
(The sun is getting low in the sky as Freddy and Moana turn and walk on down the beach away from the crowd, Moana stops and picks up a shell and examines it)
Freddy: Those safe deposits aren’t gonna empty themselves out if you’re planning on turning shell collector.
Moana: That’s what I been trying to figure out. When I go back I’m not sure I wanna keep doing it like we always done it.
Freddy: You go back with that thought in your head and the Chinaman will see to it you wind up just like those shells there. Fuckin’ Dead.
Moana: I been lookin’ back and don’t like what I see no more.
Freddy: And do you like what you see here, you gonna sell used cars or what? That money ain’t gonna fly itself over here?
Moana: Gotta be some way we could get it and maybe start something new up here? Is that what you been thinking brah?
Freddy: I ain’t been thinking nuthin’... just knowin' life's too fucking short for trying to be something you ain’t never been.
(They continue to walk south as the shadows grow and the ocean breeze begins to cool the shore. Freddy stoops down and picks up a shell, he looks at it for a second and puts it in his pocket)
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Barry drives south looking out toward the horizon as if searching, Teddy is in the passenger seat tightly seat belted with is arms outstretched)
Barry: You may have noticed Teddy that we are traveling away from our home rather than toward it’s comforts and warm lights. And away too from the Snug Harbor Motel where your friend likely sits tossed an wondering about how he might escape his uncomfortable surroundings. We are now driven rather than driving I’m afraid. Toward a new light of a sort I fear is not so pleasant or tame; burning coals perhaps; a rite of passage I do not know... Don’t be afraid Teddy, adventurers face such unknown with a requisite trepidation often stumbling out into clearings opening to grand vistas only dreamt of.
(Barry slows down as he see’s a parking lot before a small bluff obscuring the beach on the other side. He pulls in and parks the car. Getting out he walks around and opens the door to release teddy from his seat. He carries him to the trail leading up and over the bluff. They walk the short distance to the top. Looking down he see’s a man working around a small fire that is coming to life. Looking out and off to his right he see’s the sun still above the horizon. A few clouds hang in the
air above it)
Barry: Preparations for the night. I think we are about to witness a beautiful sunset Teddy.
(Further up the beach he sees two figures walking down the beach and further still behind them another small group following.)
Barry: Evening shell collectors Teddy, remaining discoveries must surely await them on this deserted stretch. We should find that box tonight, our little collection should be displayed now on those empty shelves in the hallway.
(The man by the fire sees Barry and waves, summoning him down the small hill, he says something but Barry can’t hear it.)
Barry: It seems we are invited Teddy. Shall we cast our fears aside and take adventurous steps? We will be cautious around the fire but I must say I would welcome the warmth just now. The temperature has dropped. But you don’t notice do you? Lucky Bear.
(Barry begins walking carefully down the narrow trail to the sand)
- SpiritontheWater
--------------------------
(Mitch and Erlemeyer park the car and cross the street from the pier, they see Butchie Kai and Cissy standing on the sand on the south side, Butchie and Kai are finishing rinsing off and getting out of their wet
suits at the shower area there)
Erlemeyer: Well Mitch, Those clouds are telling me this is the end of the day here. Gonna take a walk of it’s all the same to you.
Mitch: No, not at all, you go and enjoy.. Looks like were gonna have a nice one tonight...I think I’m gonna go talk to Cissy there (Erlemeyer nods an walks off finding a place to sit on a wall just north of the pier. Mitch walks over to where Cissy is talking to Butchie and Kai)
Cissy: Even the big Kahuna’s got to stop and watch the fireworks doesn’t he?
Mitch: Yeah, Cissy, let’s take a walk, I think we need to take this one in together
Cissy: (shocked but softened, smiles and puts her arm through his) Well, wonders never cease, lead the way! (she looks at Butchie and Kai) We’ll be seeing ya.... (as they walk off she turns and gives them the thumbs up) Great fuckin air today.. both of you! (Cissy and Mitch walk off down the sidewalk and out onto the sand)
Butchie: Well fuck me! There’s a sight I thought I’d never seen again.
Kai: If we hurry I bet we could get a spot at the end of the pier.
Butchie: Well hell, you don’t think I’m gonna let the old man show me up! (sticks his elbow out, Kai puts her arm through and leans into him) Let’s watch this fucker fire my lady! (they walk up on the pier and start toward the end) Hey, where’d Shaunie get off to?
Kai: Don’t worry Butchie, I saw him taking off with some friends down the beach. I think they met some chicks.
Butchie: That’s my boy! Like Father like Son!
Kai: (swings her leg up and tries to kick him in the butt) Yeah, like father like son...
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Meyer and Daphne sit on a blanket just south of the pier)
Meyer: That was a most spectacular thing we just witnessed Daphne. We are in the presence of greatness, I hope you realize...
Daphne: (smothering her face into Meyers neck, kissing his neck and tonguing his ear) Mmmnh I wish these people would leave so we could cover up right here.
Meyer: A most spectacular Sunset is about to ensue and we don’t want to miss it my... oh my...
(Meyer is temporarily overtaken by the lavish attention given to his neck while looking around up at the pier and surrounding stragglers left
on the beach).
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Jerri and Dwayne sit at a table in a taco place just off the sand just south of the pier)
Jerri: Nice to eat somebody else’s food for a change. They make some damn good tacos here (she takes another bite and looks at Dwayne who sits staring at the computer, his basket of Tacos untouched.)
Dwayne: I’m not getting anything now. Maybe the feed has just gone down or there is some interference?
Jerri: (reaches over and closes the laptop) Fucking something more important than those fucking stick figures you think? Take a look at the sky if you wanna see something worth getting a feed from. And eat your tacos they’re getting fucking cold.
Dwayne: (looks at his watch) We got another twenty minutes before sunset.
Jerri: (leans over the table and pulls her collar down exposing a bit more of her breasts) You wanna see the sun go down or the moon rise? I’m taking you off line either way.
Dwayne: (sits back and smiles. He starts unwrapping his tacos) I’ll eat my tacos and we’ll watch the sunset together.
Jerri: (sits back and smiles) All hail the power of the tit... I need another margarita (she looks for a waitress)
- SpiritontheWater
----------------------------
(Bill walks down a dead end street lined with expensive beach front homes carefully shielding his breast pocket, he walks up to an opening in the beachfront wall posted with a sign reading “Beach Access”. He walks down a paved path and sits down on a bench facing the ocean. Opening his pocket, zippy flies out and returns to land on his shoulder)
Bill: You see Zip, even the rich and greedy can’t steal every bit of this beautiful strip of sand we got here at the end of the world. We make ‘em cut a whole in the wall so us poor bastards can have a seat and take a look at what’s all of ours. (he looks up and sees a couple out on their balcony sipping drinks and awaiting the sunset, he raises an imaginary glass) Evenin’! (they don’t return the greeting) Here we go myLo, I lost count now we've had so many.
(Bill pulls his harmonica out of his pocket and plays a short blues riff to which Zippy bobs his head and cheeps. He drops the harmonica to his lap and stares out at the horizon)
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Joe stokes the fire at his campsite and looks over to Magdalena who is bundling up in some blankets)
Joe: We’ll it ain’t much but it’s home. Gonna have a nice sunset tonight, not that we’ll be seein it proper from here, but the looks of those clouds we should get a nice bit of color once that bad boy bottoms out below the horizon. (he offers her a plate) This little hibachi of mine ain’t much either but I’ve managed from time to time to pull some pretty good grub off it. These skewers are some of my favorites.
Magdalena: (looking very comfortable and happy, she looks up to the sky) Gracias Mr. Joe. It is delicious, and I am going to be most happy this night underneath these stars.
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Linc and Tina sit in the El Camino in the same parking lot up the coast that Shaun and Adam were at before sunrise)
Tina: Well that was a wild ride.
Linc: This baby’s juiced to beat the band that’s for sure. Not as much elbow room as I’m used to but I can sure appreciate the muscle.
Tina: Well a bench seat’s always been a preference of mine.
Linc: (looks at Tina and laughs) You are a bad girl aren’t you?
Tina: I’ve seen my share of sunsets.
- SpiritontheWater
------------------------
(Doctor Smith gets off his bike and leans it against the climbing tower at the surf camp, he walks over and climbs up on one of the picnic benches. He looks back toward the radio transmission compound and then out toward the horizon)
Dr. Smith: I am here, and who ever I am, I am just going to wait to find out who exactly that is. Bring it on ye gods and goddesses (he laughs at himself)
- SpiritontheWater
-------------------------
(Ramon pulls a folding chair out in front of the office and sits down. He places a cup of tea on the bbq shelf, leaning back he opens an x rated magazine)
Ramon: Ahh, quite at last... Lord, you got some crazy white people around here, I’m tellin’ ya...(he sees Palaka walk across the courtyard carrying a flashlight which he is randomly aiming around the landscape and structures before entering the bar) see what I’m sayin’? (he looks up at the sky and notices the clouds) gonna be a nice show tonight.
- SpiritontheWater
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(John and the Car Salesman sit on a small outcropping looking down on the growing bonfire as Barry and the others approach)
John: This is big and huge.
Car Salesman: Could be son, but thing is you never can tell for sure. Sometimes folks just don’t get it. But (he laughs) we give em a light show and a little stink and there’s no tellin’ who’s gonna sit right up at their desk and raise their hand!
- SpiritontheWater
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(Cass is seen driving inland toward the mountains, gaining speed, hair blowing in the wind, tears in her eyes, away from the sunset as the closing song begins)
- SpiritontheWater
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The End - sort of
Closing song
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