T H I S C H R I S T M A S  T O G E TH E R

 

by Krystina Haggerty

 

 

FADE IN:

 

EXT. MONTRESSOR – NIGHT

 

The last bit of sun sinks behind a horizon ofplateau tops. Camera PULLS OUT wide to reveal entire town of BENBOW from highup. Slowly PULL IN to THE BENBOW INN sitting over a canyon.

 

On the steps of the inn, 7-year-old JIMHawkins sits watching the sunset, waiting. Camera settles in front of him.Behind him the DOOR OPENS. We see a pair of feet. Jim twists around to look upat his mother SARAH Hawkins. ANGLE UPWARDS to her face.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (concerned)

                        Jim,dear, itÕs time to come

                        insideÉitÕs getting late, youÕll

                        catchyour death of cold out here.

                                   

ANGLE DOWNWARDS from SarahÕs P.O.V. to Jim.

 

                                    JIM

                              (pouting)

                        ButMomÉ DaddyÕs not home yet.

                       

CLOSE UP of SarahÕs face looking pensivelyout at the horizon. She looks back down to her son and then CLOSES THE DOOR.Camera FOLLOWS her as she settles down behind him, pulling him into her lap.Sarah sets her chin on JimÕs head with a SIGH.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Daddyshould be home soonÉ weÕll

                        waitfor him together, okay?

 

                                    JIM

                              (smiling)

                        ÔKay.

 

Camera PULLS OUT wide.

 

FADE TO SCREEN BLACK

 

INT. BENBOW INN – LIVING ROOM –NIGHT

 

From JimÕs P.O.V., who is sleeping on a couchagainst the wall. Slowly FADE IN SOUNDS of FIRE CRACKLING, and the VOICES ofSARAH and LELAND Hawkins.

 

                                    SARAH(V.O.)

                        ÉHe was up for hours waiting for

                        you,Leland, sitting outside in

                        thecoldÉ where have you been?

 

                                    LELAND(V.O.)

                              (exasperated)

                        WeÕvebeen through this already.

                        IÕvehad to stay overtime at work;

                        weneed that extra money. ThereÕs

                        beencutbacks, theyÕre closing off

                        anew level every dayÉ

 

BLURRY FOCUS from JimÕs P.O.V. from black toSILHOUETTES of Sarah and Leland standing against firelight. We see only thefuzzy figures of Leland pacing, Sarah standing.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Iunderstand that, butÉ we need you

                        here.You canÕt keep doing thisÉ

                        thinkof how itÕs affecting your sonÉ

                        howit affects us.

 

                                    LELAND

                              (stoppinghis pacing)

                        ButÉplease, Sarah, listen to meÉ

                        ifI lose my job, all weÕve got is

                        theInnÉ we wonÕt be able to live

                        offof that, canÕt you see?

 

                                    SARAH

                        Maybewe wonÕt, but thatÕs

                        SomethingweÕll face together

                        whenit comes. For now you have to

                        thinkabout whatÕs most importantÉ

                        youdonÕt even notice your own son

                        anymore.He loves you so much, but

                        allhe ever sees is your back.

                        Youhave to decide if these couple

                        extracredits are more important

                        thanlosing your family.

 

                                    LELAND

                              (coldly,turning

                              towardsJim)

                        Iam thinking about whatÕs most

                        important.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Mostimportant to who, Leland?

 

Leland doesnÕt answer. HEAVY FOOTSTEPS asLeland approaches Jim. ANGLE UP to Leland, FILLING UP FRAME.

 

                                    LELAND

                              (pickingup Jim,

                              whispering)

                        Goodmorning, my solar flare.

 

                                   

 

                                    JIM

                              (sleepily)

                        DaddyÉyouÕre homeÉ

 

Jim smiles up at his father. Camera PULLS OUTto show Leland holding Jim, heading towards stairs.

 

                                    JIM

                              (continuing)

                        Iwaited for you.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Mommytold me you didÉ what did

                        yousee in the stars?

 

Leland climbs stairs holding Jim, MOVING OUTOF FRAME. JimÕs voice prattling about his day FADES OUT as they move upstairs.

 

PAN TO Sarah watching the two disappear. Shesighs. FOLLOW as Sarah moves over to the couch and sinks down into it, holdingan OLD BLANKET of JimÕs that he had been sleeping under.

 

INT. JIMÕS BEDROOM – NIGHT

 

WIDE SHOT of Leland tucking in Jim. PULL INon Jim.

 

                                    JIM

                              (gesturingwildly)

                        Éand then, out of nowhere, this

                        BIIGship came swooping down, right

                        overmy head! It was huge! It was

                        two– no – five times the size of

                        ourhouse! I wanted to go after it

                        butMommy said no, of course. She

                        said-she said- Daddy, are you

                        listening?

 

Pan to Leland, who is startled out ofthought.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Huh?OhÉ yes, of course, Jim,

                        IÕmlistening.

 

                                    JIM

                        Shesaid, James Pleiades Hawkins,

                        YouÕrenot to go near those ships,

                        youhear me? There are very

                        important,rich people on those

                        ships,and they donÕt want a kid

                        aroundcausing any trouble! I

                        promisedIÕd be good, I just

                        wantedto look, but she said no.

                        Butaww, it was so cool, you

                        shouldhave seen it!

 

                                   

 

                                    LELAND

                              (distracted)

                        YeahÉI should haveÉ

 

                                    JIM

                              (haughtily)

                        Oneday, IÕm going to have

                        oneof those ships all to

                        myself!And IÕll look at it

                        asmuch as I want! And fly it,

                        too!IÕll fly it all over the

                        etherium!And all those important,

                        richpeople will come to me and

                        myship! DonÕt you think so,

                        Daddy?DonÕt you think IÕll have

                        aship like that?

 

                                    LELAND

                        JimÉ

 

                                    JIM

                        Well,maybe not just like it,

                        minewill be much betterÉ

 

                                    LELAND

                        Jim,itÕs time to go to sleep nowÉ

 

                                    JIM

                        Aww,do I have to? IÕm not sleepy!

 

                                    LELAND

                        Yes,you do, and yes, you are.

                        Mommysays so.

 

                                    JIM

                              (muttering)

                        Oneday, IÕm going to sleep

                        wheneverI want, tooÉ

 

                                    LELAND

                        Butnot today. Good night, Jim.

 

Leland bends towards Jim, hesitates, and patsthe headboard instead.

 

                                    JIM

                              (settlingin)

                        ÔNight,Daddy.

 

Leland turns and walks to the door. FOCUS ONLeland from the front.

 

                                    JIM

                        Ilove you!

 

Leland stops, hesitates.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Ilove you, too.

He steps out of frame.

 

INT. JIMÕS BEDROOM – MORNING

 

Outside the curtains of JimÕs window themorning is dark and threatening rain. Pale light fills the room.

 

We see Jim sleeping soundly. Slowly he stirs,opens his eyes and looks at the empty doorway. He slides out of bed and beginsto stumble towards his dresser. We see his floor littered with old, secondhandtoys and storybooks. He narrowly avoids tripping on them in his drowsiness.

 

                                    JIM

                              (thinkingaloud

                              tohimself)

                        Ibetter clean this up later,

                        BeforeMommy throws a fitÉ

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

 

We see the last section of stairs. Changedinto his day clothes, Jim hops down into frame, pulling on his last sock. Heloses balance and trips the last few steps, hitting the landing in a backwardssprawl. CUT TO the InnÕs few guests sitting at round tables, all of whom arestaring at Jim. PAUSE, CUT BACK to Jim.

 

                                    JIM

                              (smilingsheepishly)

                        Goodmorning!

 

He quickly picks himself up and makes a shortbow. The Inn guests mutter a return greeting and look away. FOLLOW as Jim skipsover to the BAR in the top right corner.

 

Sarah stands behind the counter, arms full ofcleaning rags and glasses. She sees Jim approaching and sighs in relief.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Jim!Thank goodness.

 

A glass attempts to escape the pile and shefumbles for it. She scrambles to put the glasses all on the counter.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Willyou help Mommy out and take

                        thesedishes to the kitchen?

 

Sarah jerks her head towards a pile of dishesin a BOX on the floor.

 

                                    JIM

                        ÔKay!

 

He hobbles over to the box. Pulling up thelong sleeves of his shirt, he grabs each end of the box – not withoutdifficulty, as itÕs almost the same size he is – and we FOLLOW as hecarries it awkwardly past the swinging door into the kitchen.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – KITCHEN

 

Jim steps up onto a short stool, and dumpsthe dirty dishes into the industrial sink with a splash and a loud clatter. Jimwinces and jumps down off the stool, dropping the box. He rubs his nose withthe sleeve of his shirt as he STEPS OUT of the kitchen.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

 

We see Sarah serving an INN GUEST, a bulkyold Benbonian woman with a toad-like face fixed into a scowl. The alienÕs eyesnarrow as Jim comes up and TUGS on his motherÕs apron.

 

                                    JIM

                        IÕmdone, Mom.

 

We see Jim from SarahÕs P.O.V.; he issplotched with soapy water. Sarah ROLLS HER EYES.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Thankyou, JimÉ now, will you

                        Helpthe other guests with break-

                        fast?And please, try not to

                        spillanything else on your

                        clothes!

 

Jim giggles and runs off. We see him sayinggood morning personally to the OTHER GUESTS: an alien with a trunk-like noseand spectacles pouring over thick books, and a Benbonian mother with twins, aboy and a girl.

 

Jim approaches the SCHOLAR alien.

 

                                    JIM

                        Goodmorning, mister! Would you

                        likeme to get you anything?

 

                                    SCHOLAR

                              (withoutlooking

                              upfrom his book)

                        Nono no, thatÕs quite alright,

                        youngman. Now please, shoo!

                       

Undaunted, Jim approaches the BenbonianTWINS.

 

                                    TWINBOY

                        Hallo!

 

                                    TWINGIRL

                        Hallo!

 

                                    JIM

                        Goodmorning!

 

                                   

 

 

                                    TWINBOY

                              (holdinga

                              toydrum)

                        Wouldyou like to hear the songs

                        welearned?

 

                                    TWINGIRL

                              (clutchinga

                              flute)

                        TheyÕrereally quite good!

                             

                                    MOTHER

                              (warningly)

                        NowchildrenÉ

 

                                    TWINBOY

                        Ohcome on, Mum!

 

                                    TWINGIRL

                        Wejust want to play a little

                        while!

 

                                    TWINS

                        Please?

 

                                    MOTHER

                              (begrudgingly)

                        Oh,alright. But keep it down!

 

Jim stands back as the twins kick up thetune.

 

                                    TWINBOY

                        ÒWhenI am grown to man's estate

                        Ishall be very proud and great

                        Andtell the other girls and boys

                        Notto meddle with my toysÓ

 

They laugh and start to dance. Jim joins in,until the song ends.

 

                                    TWINBOY

                              (toJim)

                        Hey,do you know any stories?

 

                                    JIM

                              (hesitates)

                        WellÉ

                       

                                    TWINGIRL

                        Ohplease, tell us!

 

                                    MOTHER

                        Children,he doesnÕt have to if

                        HedoesnÕt want toÉ

 

                                    TWINS

                        AwwÉ

 

                                    JIM

                        WellÉI do know oneÉ itÕs my

                        favorite,ever since I was

                        reallylittle.

 

                                    TWINBOY

                        Whatis it?

 

The OTHER GUESTS begin to PULL UP around Jim.Sarah stands back, surprised and amused. Jim climbs up to sit on the TABLE andclears his throat theatrically. We see him telling the story. Time passes.

 

                                    JIM

                              (gesturing)

                        ÉAnd then, out of nowhere,

                        Flintand his band of blood-

                        thirstypirates swooped in on

                        theunsuspecting galleon! Flint

                        lootedthe ship, gathered up

                        Allthe treasure, and poof!

 

Jim leaps to his feet and the audienceflinches in rapt surprise.

 

                                    JIM

                        Flint,his pirates, and all the

                        treasuredisappeared! But itÕs

                        saidthat Flint hid his plunder

                        onTreasure Planet, where the

                        lootof a thousand worlds is

                        piledhigh, waiting for someone

                        toclaim it.

 

He concludes with a smirk as the audienceapplauds. Sarah wraps her arms around JimÕs shoulders, smiling.

 

                                    SCHOLAR

                              (clearinghis

                              throat)

                        Hrumph,a remarkable son you

                        have,Mrs. Hawkins, and a fine

                        Innif I might add.

 

There is a general murmur of assent.

 

                                    SCHOLAR

                              (continuing)

                        Willyoung master Hawkins be a

                        minerlike his father? A fine

                        occupationfor such a determined

                        andhard-working young lad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    JIM

                              (shakinghis

                              head)

                        Nope!IÕm gonna be a spacer!

                        IÕmgonna have my own ship one

                        day,and IÕll fly all over the

                        etheriumwith my crewÉ and one

                        day,IÕm gonna find Treasure

                        Planet!

 

The guests laugh.

 

                                    MOTHER

                        Andquite an imagination, too!

                        Ifonly all youth had dreams

                        ThatgreatÉ

 

                                    TWINBOY

                        IÕmgonna be a pirate!

 

He swipes at his sister with an imaginarycutlass, one eye shut and hobbling as if on a peg leg.

 

                                    MOTHER

                              (flabbergasted)

                        Youmost certainly will not!

 

The children laugh and get caught up in animaginary game of pirates.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM –NOON

 

The morning passes and the guests are gone.We see Jim going around the tables stacking dishes. He gathers a dangerouslylarge pile, and we FOLLOW as he carefully makes his way through the swingingdoor into the kitchen.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – KITCHEN

 

From JimÕs P.O.V. we see Sarah washingdishes. She glances at Jim as he comes in.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (slightlyflustered)

                        Oh,here, let me get that-

 

She quickly takes the PILE OF DISHES fromJimÕs hands. He steadies himself, wiping his hands on his sides. She tips thedishes into the sink and speaks without looking at him.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Really,I donÕt know where IÕd be

                        withoutyou, Jim. Thank you for

                        entertainingthe guests this

                        morning.

                             

                                    JIM

                        Aww,it was nothinÕ. I liked them,

                        theywere nice.

 

Jim uses the short stool to hoist himself uponto the counter beside the sink. He sits with his feet dangling off the edge,watching his mother wash the dishes.

                       

                                    JIM

                              (continuing)

                        Ihad lots of fun playing with

                        thosekidsÉ do think they could

                        bemy friends?

 

Sarah glances at Jim, then turns herattention back to the dishes.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (cautiously)

                        Well,honeyÉ I donÕt know how

                        longtheyÕre going to be aroundÉ

                        youshouldnÕt get too attached

                        tothem.

 

Jim bows his head, swinging his feet inrhythm.

                                   

                                    JIM

                              (disappointed)

                        OhÉMom?

 

                                    SARAH

                        Yes?

 

                                    JIM

                        Doyou think IÕll ever have

                        friends?

 

Sarah turns her head sharply to regard herson. Her mouth opens as if sheÕs struggling to find a response. She sets thedish she is holding in the sink and turns towards him.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Whatmakes you say that?

 

                                    JIM

                        OhÉI dunnoÉ itÕs justÉ I donÕt

                        reallyhave anyone to play withÉ

                        thekids at school are mean to me.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (concerned)

                        TheyÕremean to you? What do they

                        do?

 

Jim pulls at his shirt nervously and looksaround, as if the children he is talking about might be listening.

 

 

 

 

 

                                    JIM

                        TheyÉthey say thingsÉ bad thingsÉ

                        sometimesthey push me. I can

                        hearthem whispering when IÕm

                        aroundthem. They wonÕt lemme

                        playwith them, or talk to themÉ

 

Jim sniffs. Sarah stares for a moment, takingthis in.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Theypush you? Oh, honeyÉ what

                        dothey say? What kind of bad

                        things?

 

                                    JIM

                        Theycall me namesÉ they call me

                        aÉa loserÉ and they say bad

                        thingsabout Dad. They say I

                        shoulddrop out of school and

                        gowork in the mines with Dad.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (upset)

                        JimÉ

 

Sarah sweeps up Jim into a hug. He makeslittle reaction, except to hold on to her arms.

 

                                    JIM

                        Mom,why are they so mean to me?

                        WhatÕswrong with Dad?

 

Sarah lets go of Jim, studying him.

 

                                    SARAH

                        WellÉthose kids just donÕt know

                        howwonderful you areÉ YouÕre very

                        gifted,JimÉ they just havenÕt seen

                        thatabout you yet.  

 

                                    JIM

                        Butwhat about Dad?

 

                                    SARAH

                              (bitingher lip)

                        YourfatherÉ. WellÉ heÕs a

                        hard-workingman just like

                        anyoneelseÕs dad. HeÕs just

                        notas respected for what he

                        doesis allÉ heÉ

 

                                     VOICE

                              (off-screen,

                              calling)

                        Hello?Anyone present?

 

 

SARAH

                              (looksup to

                              thedoor)

                        OhÉIÕm sorry, Jim, someone is

                        hereÉyes, IÕll be right there!

 

Sarah steps back, wiping her hands on atowel, and makes her way out of the kitchen. Jim watches her, swinging hislegs. He jumps down and follows, and we FOLLOW him out into the DINING ROOM.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

 

From JimÕs P.O.V. we see Sarah greeting twonew guests. Jim steps closer but stays at a distance, by a table. Both guests,one tall and one short, are obscured by thick coats, which are soaked withrain.

                       

                                    SARAH

                        Here,let me help you with that.

 

Sarah reaches for the coats as the guestspull them off, hanging them on the coat rack by the door.

 

                                    CARLITO

                              (withobvious Spanish

                              accent)

                        Grac’as,my lady.

 

We get a better look of what the two guestsactually look like. Both appear much like greyhounds standing on their hindlegs; both are covered in very short, steel blue fur. Round, deeply blue eyesglance around the DINING ROOM. Their long muzzles are set into grins, andfloppy ears poke through their white wigs. They are both rather well-dressed in18th century period clothing. The taller figure is a man roughlymiddle-aged, and the shorter is a young boy about Jim's age.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Please,youÕre welcome to sit

                        down.

 

As if cued, Jim pulls out two chairs andhurries forward to take the baggage from the aliensÕ hands. As Jim draws near,the boy, Poquito, smiles. Jim smiles back shyly. The father, Carlito, nods atJim as he sits down.

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Wehope you not bothered we

                        staya bit, se–orita?

 

The son scrambles into the chair next to hisfather. Jim stands and stares, baggage in hand.

 

                                   

 

 

 

 

 

                                    CARLITO

                              (continuing)

                        Myson and I, we heard of the Inn

                        atthe docks of the village and

                        wethought it a place nice to

                        staywhile the shop is being

                        readied?

 

Sarah comes up beside Jim.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Ofcourse, sir, you and your son

                        arevery welcome here.

 

                                    CARLITO

                              (grinning)

                        Bueno!We will only stay a few

                        nights,yes? Ah, my name is

                        CarlitoRiley, and I am opening

                        aÉwhat would you call it?

                        Metalworking?Yes, a shop of

                        metalworkingwith my son, Poquito.

 

Carlito gestures to his son, who grinswidely.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Niceto meet you, Mr. Riley.

 

She holds out her hand, which Riley claspsand shakes gently.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        IÕmSarah Hawkins, and this

                        hereis my son, Jim. Jim, can

                        yousay hello to our guests?

 

                                    JIM

                        HelloÉ

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Well,hola, Jaime! You should

                        showPoquito around, he is

                        needinga friend here.

 

Jim perks up at the mention of a friend. Hesmiles and nods. Sarah looks down at Jim.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Jim,will you take the luggage

                        upand show the Rileys to

                        theirroom?

 

                                    JIM

                              (nodding)

                        ÔKay.

 

Jim gets a better grip of the luggage andbegins to haul it towards the stairs. Poquito and Carlito follow, Poquito rightnext to Jim. We FOLLOW from behind.

 

                              POQUITO

                        Hi!My name is Poquito! My dad

                        andI just moved here. He

                        doesnÕtspeak Galactic nearly as

                        wellas I do, but thatÕs because

                        Ispeak it perfectly! DonÕt you

                        thinkso? But thatÕs okay, DadÕs

                        gettingkinda old you know, you

                        canÕtblame him. You sure do have

                        anice house. This is your house,

                        right?Does it always rain here?

                        ItdidnÕt rain much back home,

                        Itwas always hot there, it was

                        terriblein the summer, it was

                        sohot, is it hot here in the

                        summer?Hey, do you talk? Do you

                        likeit here? Do youÉ

 

The sound of PoquitoÕs voice FADES OUT as thecamera stops at the bottom of the stairs, and the three climb up OUT OF FRAME.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM –EVENING

 

Jim sits with his chin on his knees in frontof a heating stove, watching the flames inside. The OLD BLANKETis wrappedaround his shoulders, and he toys absentmindedly with the fringes. His eyes beginto water and he buries his face in the blanket. In the background are thesounds of Carlito and Sarah conversing. We see PoquitoÕs HAND settle on JimÕsshoulder. Jim jerks his head up to look at Poquito.

 

                                    POQUITO

                              (voicetrembling)

                        Hey,JimmyÉ

 

Poquito puts his hands behind his back androcks back and forth on his heels.

 

                                    POQUITO

                              (continuing)

                        Areyou crying?

 

Jim opens his mouth to answer but isinterrupted by a slamming noise. CAMERA JERKS over to door, where Leland isstepping in out of the rain. Leland quickly shuts the door. There is amomentary silence. We see that Leland is drenched with rain and his clothingand face are smudged with coal. He slouches from fatigue.

 

                                    JIM

                        Daddy!

 

 

 

 

Jim scrambles off the floor and runs over tohis father, arms upheld. Leland gives Jim a weak smile and looks up at Carlito,Poquito, and Sarah. Sarah stands above CarlitoÕs table as if in shock. Shesnaps out of it and hurries over to Leland.

 

                                    SARAH

                        LelandHawkins, youÕre soaked!

 

Sarah tugs LelandÕs JACKET out of his handsand the CAP off of his head, throwing them both on the coat rack. She shoos athim.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Goupstairs and change before you

                        catchpneumonia or some ungodly

                        disease!Good heavensÉ

 

                                    LELAND

                              (flustered)

                        Yes,of course, Sarah, I was just

                        aboutÉ

 

He jerks away and begins to trudge up thestairs. We go back to Jim, who drops his arms to his sides as he watches Lelandclimb out of sight. He slumps back to his spot by the stove with a sigh.

 

Leland steps back down the stairs, now in dryclothes, hair slicked back. Sarah is setting supper around a table, crammedwith a few extra chairs. Jim is slouched in a chair next to Poquito, who ischatting away about his previous hometown. Carlito is listening to his son,nodding.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        ÉAnd there were buildings, Jimmy,

                        tallskyscrapers that climbed high

                        intothe etherium, and little

                        boxeswith moving pictures in them,

                        wecalled that television, it was

                        socool! I really miss it, you

                        guysdonÕt get television out here,

                        huh?My favorite show wasÉ

 

Carlito turns his head to regard Leland.Smiling, he rises to meet Leland, extending a hand.

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Ah,Sr. Hawkins, at last! If I

                        mayspeak, you are looking much

                        moredry.

 

Leland smiles and shakes CarlitoÕs hand,wincing at CarlitoÕs strong grip.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Whythank you, sir, and welcome

                        toBenbow. I see youÕve already

                        metmy wife and son?

 

                                   

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Yes,sir! Full of delight, the

                        bothof them. Your Jaime has been

                        givenus a look around the town,

                        wefeel very welcome. Ah, forgive

                        meÉI am Carlito Riley, and this

                        Ismy son, Poquito.

 

Carlito gestures over to Poquito, who isstill talking to Jim. Jim is listening attentively to PoquitoÕs mention ofpirates.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Yeah!Big, nasty pirates, with

                        greatugly faces and missing

                        teethÉI saw one once, he came

                        tomy dadÕs shop!

 

                                    CARLITO

                        PoquitoÉ

 

                                    POQUITO

                              (lookingup)

                        Huh?Oh, hello, mister.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Hey,kid.

 

                                    JIM

                        Hi,Dad!

 

Leland glances at Jim, then looks away toSarah, who is carrying the last of the food over to the table. Leland andCarlito stand respectively as they wait for Sarah to sit, then sit downthemselves. They begin to pass food around, until everyone has something ontheir plate.

 

                                    CARLITO

                              (glancingaround)

                        Someonewould like to say grace?

 

Jim, who has food halfway to his mouth,quickly puts down his fork. There is an awkward pause as everyone looks around.Finally, Sarah raises a hand.

 

                                    SARAH

                        IfI may, Mr. RileyÉ

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Youare most welcome,

                        Sra.Hawkins.

 

Sarah puts her hands together timidly.Everyone follows suit; Carlito and Poquito bow their heads reverently.

 

                                    SARAH

                        UhÉthank you for the, uhÉ food

                        weare about to eatÉ and for our

                        wonderfulguests.

                                    CARLITOAND POQUITO

                        Amen!

 

Everyone starts to eat, and Sarah breathes asigh of relief. After a while, Carlito looks up at Leland.

 

                                    CARLITO

                        So,Sr. Hawkins, your wife tells

                        meyou work in the mines hereÉ

                        howdoes it go?

 

                                    LELAND

                        Well,to tell the truth, itÕs

                        Debilitating.The rain water tends

                        tocollect and floods the lower

                        levels,weÕve been using this

                        clunkysort of machine to pump out

                        thewaterÉ the industryÕs been

                        takinga hit lately, demandÕs not

                        highenough, and the mines are

                        beingscraped raw with no one

                        buyingÉ

 

                                    CARLITO

                        Andthe mines are owned by thisÉ

                        Dopplerfamily, yes? Are not

                        theyconcerned?

 

                                    LELAND

                        TheDopplers? Those fools donÕt

                        knowa thing about mining, nor do

                        theycare about the workforceÉ

                        meaningno offense, of course.

                        Nowthat Delbert, heÕs a good man,

                        hejust needs to get his head out

                        ofthose books and look out the

                        window.Society gap, you see.

                        Thereare the haves and have-nots,

                        thereÕsnothing in-between,

                        andignorance either way. And

                        aboutthe workforceÉ why, just

                        lastweek one of our men was

                        caughtin a cave-in, and what did

                        theydo? Booted him! No concern

                        oftheirs that he was completely

                        crippled.And the working

                        conditionsÉthe feverÕs spreading,

                        youcan see it. Too much coal in

                        theair and no ventilationÉ

 

                                    JIM

                        Daddy,are you going to be booted?

 

                                   

 

 

 

LELAND

                              (curtly)

                        Ofcourse not, Jim. And donÕt

                        interrupt,this is an adult

                        conversation.

                                   

                                    JIM

                              (quietly)

                        ButDad, IÕm almost eight years

                        oldÉIÕm old enoughÉ

 

Carlito and Leland continue to talk, ignoringhim. Jim hangs his head and pokes at his food with his fork. Poquito glances atJim and looks away.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – JIMÕS BEDROOM –MORNING

 

Jim wakes up. He shivers as sits up, pullingthe blankets tight. He blinks sleepily over at his window. There is a whiteglow behind the curtains. Jim slides off the mattress, pulling the blanketswith him, and goes over to the windowsill. He pulls aside the curtain with onehand and rubs the sleep out of his eyes with the other. Looking out the window,he suddenly squeaks and jumps back. He stumbles out of the room.

                       

                                    JIM

                              (shrieking)

                        Mom!Mom! ItÕs snowing!

 

Jim leans over the railing to LOOK DOWN intothe DINING ROOM. Sarah steps into view, wiping her hands on her apron as shelooks up at Jim.

 

                                    SARAH

                        ItÕswhat?

 

                                    JIM

                        Snowing,Mom, itÕs snowing!

 

                                    SARAH

                        Oh?É James Pleiades Hawkins, you

                        stepback this instant before

                        youfall!

 

Jim sets his feet back on the floor.

                             

                                    JIM

                        CanI go out, can I?

 

                                    SARAH

                              (hesitant)

                        WellÉ

 

Jim doesnÕt stay to listen. He turns and runsback into his room, flinging the door shut behind him. Camera SWITCHES to thebottom of the stairs. Jim comes barreling into frame, the long sleeves of hisjacket flying out behind him as he skids to a stop at the end of the stairs,heading for the door, big grin on his face. He is stopped suddenly by a handgrabbing the collar of his jacket. His feet slide out from under him, and hehangs inside his jacket. He looks up to see Sarah holding onto his jacket.

                                    JIM

                        Whatis it, Mom? CanÕt I go?

                        Please?

 

                                    SARAH

                        Youcan go, but not in that.

 

EXT. BENBOW INN – FRONT DOOR

 

The door opens and Jim hobbles out. He islayered heavily in jackets, scarves, mittens, and galoshes. We see Poquitostanding in the snow. Poquito is staring curiously at Jim. He breaks intolaughter. Jim frowns and begins to tear off the extra layers.

 

                                    JIM

                        Aww,shattup, you blue-furred

                        scrat.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        IÕmso sorry, Jimmy, itÕs justÉ

                        youlook like a furry snowball

                        inthat outfit. Reminds me of my

                        oldpet Fluffy, always constipated.

 

                                    JIM

                        Ohyeah? HowÕs this for

                        constipated?

 

Jim scoops up a handful of snow and pelts itat Poquito. The snow hits Poquito straight on the nose. Poquito blinks for amoment in surprise, then breaks into laughter again.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Oh,Jimmy is gonna pay for that!

 

Poquito scoops up a handful of snow. Jimsqueals and dives for cover just as a snowball whizzes past him and strikes thedoor of the Inn. The two begin to dig trenches on either side of the lawn,taking turns lobbing snow at each other. 

 

We see Delbert Doppler coming up the walkway.Delbert is a rather gangly, dog-faced humanoid with floppy ears, ovalspectacles, and a tiny ribbon in his hair. He trudges through the snow in arather extravagant outfit, mutter aloud to himself when he almost trips. Jimpeeks over the edge of his trench and sees Delbert coming.

 

                                    JIM

                              (whispering)

                        Poquito!SomeoneÕs coming!

 

Jim is suddenly struck square in the middleof the face with a snowball. We see Poquito clasp his hands over his mouth.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Oh!Sorry, Jimmy!

 

                                   

 

 

                                    JIM

                              (wipingthe snow

                              offof his face)

                        SHH!LetÕs surprise him!

 

Poquito nods and the two shrink low into thetrenches. We follow from DelbertÕs P.O.V. as he comes closer. Suddenly a rainof snowballs hits him, splattering his glasses.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (yelping)

                        Goodgracious!

 

Poquito and Jim roll with laughter. Delbertdesperately tries to clear his glasses, hands shaking.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Youtwo, uhÉ delightful youths

                        shouldmind yourselves. I say,

                        whatwas that for?

 

                                    POQUITO

                              (shrugging)

                        Noreason.

 

                                    JIM

                        AndweÕre not children.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Ofcourse not, Master Hawkins,

                        child.Is your mommy home?

 

                                    JIM

                        SheÕsin the kitchen, sir.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Ah.Spank you. I mean, thank you.

 

Delbert smiles and walks past them. Poquitomuffles giggles behind his hand. We see that the back of DelbertÕs coat isweighted with snow.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM

 

We see coals being stoked in the heatingstove. PULL OUT to Sarah, who sets the poker against the wall and moves over toa chair, sinking into it. She holds her head with one hand, and clasps a cup oftea with the other. We hear the ticking of a clock on the wall, and the crackleof the small fire. Sarah lets out a long, peaceful sigh.

 

There is a sudden KNOCK at the door. Sarahjolts to attention, shaking the hand holding the tea. Droplets off tea sprinkleonto her hand, and she hisses in pain as she quickly sets the cup on the tableand stifles her hand in her apron. She clutches it for a moment before hurryingto the door. On opening it she looks somewhat surprised, then smiles and leansagainst the doorframe.

 

                             

                                    SARAH

                        Oh,hello, Delbert.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Goodmorning, Sarah! Mind if I

                        Comein?

 

Sarah shakes her head and steps aside.

 

                                    SARAH

                        No,of course not! I was just

                        sittingdown to tea, you can

                        joinme if youÕd like.

 

She helps him remove his coat, blinkingcuriously at the pile of snow. Delbert looks quite plain without the coat.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Certainly,that would be wonderful!

                        Ishould love a cup of teaÉ

 

Delbert catches the expression on SarahÕsface and looks at his coat, blushing.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (stuttering)

                        Oh,uh, you seeÉ the family is

                        overfor the holidays at the

                        Manor,and uh, my aunt is in

                        fashiondesignÉ

 

Sarah holds up her hand to stop Delbert asshe puts the coat on the coat rack.

 

                                    SARAH

                        ItÕsalright, Delbert, I

                        Understandperfectly.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (relieved)

                        Oh,thank goodnessÉ I mean, itÕs

                        notthat I donÕt like my auntÕs

                        clothing.ItÕs just, it really

                        isnÕtme, I donÕt dress like

                        thatyou see and I look quite

                        ridiculousas I donÕt even like

                        towear those kinds of coats

                        theyÕreso heavy and confining

                        andpurple just really isnÕt

                        mycolorÉ

 

                                    SARAH

                              (laughing)

                        Delbert,itÕs fine! Have a seat

                        AndIÕll bring you some tea.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (flabbergasted)

                        AhÉthank you, Sarah.

 

Sarah moves off to the stove and Delbert sitsnext to the chair that Sarah was previously in, muttering to himself. Sarahreturns to her seat with another saucer and teacup, which she places in frontof him before sitting down. She takes a sip of her tea.

 

                                    SARAH

                        So,Delbert, how is the doctorate

                        coming?

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Splendid!IÕm expecting to receive

                        itany day nowÉ just, uhÉ working

                        outthe kinksÉ

 

Delbert attempts to figure out how to holdthe small teacup with his paw-like hands. He finally resigns to holding it withboth hands and lapping at it. Sarah ignores this.

 

                                    SARAH

                        IseeÉ so you have your thesis all

                        workedout?

 

Delbert almost drops his teacup.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (stuttering)

                        Th-thesis?

 

                                    SARAH

                        Youknow, that paper on

                        yourastrophysics theory youÕre

                        requiredto write for the

                        doctorateÉyouÕve only been

                        talkingabout it for months.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Oh,that thesisÉ

 

Delbert coughs and sets the teacup on thesaucer with a clatter.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (continuing)

                        Comingalong great, marvelous, just

                        havingsome trouble with

                        procrastination– pro – demonstration,

                        demonstratingmy theory, you see.

 

Delbert forces a cough and Sarah raises aneyebrow in amused suspicion.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (continuing)

                        Butby my word, Sarah, it will be a

                        Stunningthesis! Why, finally I will

                        Beable to able to procure myself

                        aplace in the limelight of

                        astrophysics;the Academy will bow

                        atmy feet, and finally I will

                        achievethe title I have toiled

                        forthese past years: Doctor

                        DelbertDoppler.

 

Delbert finishes with a rather theatricalpose. Sarah just stares at him for a moment.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Uh-huh.Well, no one deserves it

                        morethan you do, Delbert. So,

                        whatdo you plan to do with that

                        title?

 

Delbert pauses and drops his arms.

 

                                    DELBERT

                        Youknow, Sarah, I really do not

                        havethe slightest inkling. I just

                        likethe sound of ÒDoctorÓ.

 

Sarah rolls her eyes.

 

                                    DELBERT

                              (desperateto change

                              thesubject)

                        So,uh, how have things been

                        Betweenyou andÉ you knowÉ

 

                                    SARAH

                        Leland?

 

Sarah sits back in her chair, clutching theempty teacup.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        HeÕsbeen getting distant latelyÉ

                        morethan usual, anywayÉ

 

Her gaze drifts to the window, which aredepicting springtime scenery.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Hehardly ever talks to Jim,

                        justscolds himÉ I mean, I can

                        appreciatehis diligence to his

                        job,but I have a feeling itÕs not

                        goingto be long untilÉ

 

Delbert shakes his head.

 

                                   

 

 

                                    DELBERT

                        IwouldnÕt worry about Jim. HeÕs

                        stillyoung but heÕs a strong

                        boy,heÕll make it through.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Ihope youÕre right, Delbert, I

                        reallydo. I just donÕt know how

                        hewill take it if anything should

                        happento his father, especially at

                        Christmas.He just adores Leland.

                        Ionly want him to be happy, thatÕs

                        all.

                       

                                    DELBERT

                        Well,he seemed perfectly jovial

                        whenhe was pelting me with balls

                        offrozen hydrogen dioxide this

                        morningalong with his blue

                        accompliceÉ

 

                                    SARAH

                        Hedid what? Oh, IÕm so sorry

                        aboutthat, DelbertÉ that explains

                        thesnowÉ

 

Sarah gets up and goes to the door.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        IÕmgoing to have a talk with

                        himaboutÉ

 

She stops dead as she pulls open the door. Alarge bundle of maroon fur FILLS UP THE FRAME. Sarah gasps and clutches at herchest as Jim pokes his face out from under the creature, grinning.

 

                                    JIM

                        CanI keep it, Mom? Please?

 

                                    SARAH

                              (stuttering)

                        IÉuhÉ

 

The bundle stirs and blinks two huge, goldeneyes at Sarah, pupils wide.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Jim,what is that?

 

                                    JIM

                        ItÕsa kitty! Or at least, thatÕs

                        whatDad told me it wasÉ he showed

                        meone once that lived in the

                        mines,they eat scrats.

 

Jim hugs the kitten to his chest. The kittenlays like a ragdoll in JimÕs arms, bemused. It starts to purr, making a soundlike a motor.

 

                                    JIM

                              (continuing)

                        Poquitoand I found her all alone,

                        Ithink sheÕs lostÉ can I keep her?

                        Sheneeds a family, and I thought

                        shecould share ours.

 

Sarah blinks speechlessly at Jim and thekitten. She sighs.

 

                                    SARAH

                        AlrightÉ

 

Jim gives a gleeful shout, and he and Poquitotumble into the Inn, tracking snow.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Butit better be house trained!

                        Jim,did you hear me? Jim? Jim!

 

INT. BENBOW INN – JIMÕS BEDROOM –MORNING

 

                                    POQUITO(V.O.)

                              (singing)

                        Up!Up! Wake up, Jimmy!

 

Jim is jostled awake to Poquito jumping upand down on his bed. He jumps up in surprise, loses his balance, and slips overthe side of the bed and onto the floor.

 

                                    JIM

                              (yelps)

                        Poquito!How did you get in here?

 

Poquito sits simpering on the bed.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Mrs.Hawkins! She told me to wake

                        youup for school. Dad left early

                        toset up shop. School, Jimmy!

                        Myfirst day! IÕm so excitedÉ

 

Poquito squeals and claps his hands. Jim raisesan eyebrow.

 

                                    JIM

                        CouldnÕtyou have done it a little

                        moregently?

 

Poquito just giggles in response. Jim rollshis eyes and sits up.

 

                                    JIM

                        Comeon, weÕll be late for school.

 

 

EXT. BENBOW INN – FRONT DOOR

 

Jim stands outside the door, books tuckedunder his arm. At his feet the kitten sits bored, ears flickering and huge eyeshalf lidded. Jim shivers in his jacket next to Poquito, who still looksecstatic.

 

The door opens and Jim looks up to see hisparents embrace farewell. Leland is dressed for the mines. Sarah pulls away andlooks at LelandÕs face with concern.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Areyou all-right? You look kind

                        ofpaleÉ

 

Leland rubs his eyes.

                                   

                                    LELAND

                        IÕmfine, Sarah, just a little

                        tiredÉdonÕt worry, IÕll be back

                        tonight.

 

She smiles.

 

                                    SARAH

                        IÕmholding to that, you know.

 

Leland steps outside, shoulders slumped. Hedoes not look at Poquito or Jim as he walks past, heading straight for thedocks. Sarah glances at JimÕs disappointed face and bites her lip.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Leland!

 

Leland stops but does not turn around.

 

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Willyou please take Jim and his

                        friendto school today?

 

Leland spins around and gapes at Sarah.

 

                                    LELAND

                        ButÉ

 

                                    SARAH

                        Please,Leland.

 

Leland appears to struggle for a moment, thensighs and waves at them.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Comeon, then, I havenÕt got all

                        morning.

 

Jim smiles and clutches his schoolbooks,following after Leland. Poquito and the kitten tag along.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Ooo,a boat ride! I like boats.

                        Doyou like sailing, Jimmy? I do.

                        Iremember this one time with my

                        grandpa,PedroÉ

 

EXT. DOCK

 

The four approach and climb into a LONGBOAT.Leland reaches over and unties the boat from the BOLLARD, and pushes the boataway from the dock. His movements are obviously sluggish. The boat floats inthe air and we see Leland moving around the boat, powering up the thrusters andengine, and unfurling the solar sails. Jim is watching everything that Lelanddoes carefully. We hear that LelandÕs breath is raspy. He pauses and places ahand on his chest.

 

                                    JIM

                              (concerned)

                        Dad?Are you okay?

 

Leland jolts as if startled, and withdrawshis hand. He coughs. His back is kept towards Jim.

 

                                    LELAND

                        Ofcourse, Jim, IÕm fine. JustÉ

                        sitthere and donÕt bother me,

                        allright? IÕm trying to concentrate

                        here.

 

                                    JIM

                        SorryÉ

 

The thrusters kick in and the longboat startsto rise up above the dock. The thrusters die and the engine flares, sending theboat forward. Leland half sits, half collapses next to the tiller. Poquito andJim look over the side of the boat.

 

                                    POQUITO

                              (awed)

                        AyeÉ!

 

Far below we see the town of BENBOW, clingingto the edges of the ravine. Various small ships can be seen. The sky isovercast, and a morning fog obscures much of the landscape. The kitten peers upover the side of the longboat, blinks, and gives a cry, scurrying back down tothe bottom of the boat.

 

Jim looks over and sees that Leland hasfallen asleep. Carefully he climbs over and sits on the other side of thetiller, obviously taking control of the boat. It begins to descend towards theSCHOOL.

 

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – BALL FIELD

 

The longboat finishes a smooth descent abovethe outskirts of the field. Leland stirs and looks around in surprise.

 

                             

                                    LELAND

                              (groggily)

                        Huh?When did weÉ

 

Jim and Poquito gather up their things.

 

                                    JIM

                        Youfell asleep, so I drove. That

                        okay,Dad?

 

                                    LELAND

                              (confused)

                        YouÉ

 

                                    JIM

                        Well,Ôbye, Dad! We gotta go to

                        schoolnow.

 

Jim jumps out onto the grass. Poquito wavesto Leland.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Thanks,Mr. Hawkins, sir! You have

                        areally nice boat! Almost as nice

                        asmy grandpaÕs! ÔBye-Ôbye!

 

Leland waves back weakly as Poquito climbsout. The kitten mews and jumps out of the boat after Jim and Poquito. Lelandstares at them for a moment and shakes his head. The longboat lifts off intothe fog.

 

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – FRONT

 

As Jim, Poquito, and the kitten walk up, wesee the SCHOOLTEACHER, a tall young woman with red hair. She smiles at them.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        Goodmorning, James.

 

They stop. Jim blushes.

 

                                    JIM

                        GÕmorning,maÕam.

 

She notices Poquito grinning next to Jim.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        Oh,helloÉ are you new here?

 

Poquito nods fervently.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                    POQUITO

                        YesmaÕam! My nameÕs Poquito Riley,

                        Ijust moved here with my dad. HeÕs

                        ablacksmith you know. I think heÕs

                        reallygood at it but IÕm his son,

                        youdonÕt have to believe me if

                        youdonÕt want to. This is a nice

                        schoolby the way, IÕm very

                        excitedabout joining my friend

                        Jimmyhere!

 

The smile on the schoolteacherÕs face looksfixed by this point, as she tries to take in what Poquito just said.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        IseeÉ well, itÕs nice to meet you,

                        Poquito!

 

The kitten MEOWS and the schoolteacher looksdown at it.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        OhÉ!Is this your pet?

 

Jim shakes his head.

 

                                    JIM

                        No,sheÕs mine.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        AhÉ

 

She bends down to the look at the kitten.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                              (continuing)

                        SheÕs,ummÉ adorableÉ what is

                        hername?

 

                                    JIM

                        Patches.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        ÒPatchesÓ?Whyever did you name

                        herthat?

 

                                    JIM

                        ÔCausethatÕs what Poquito had

                        allover him after we gave her

                        abath.

 

Jim smiles widely. Poquito scowls down atPatches. The schoolteacher laughs.

 

 

 

 

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        Well,remember, Jim, there are

                        nopets allowed in the school-

                        house,not after that incident

                        whenSamson tried to bring a

                        mantabirdto classÉ

 

Her face darkens a moment and she shudders.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                              (continuing)

                        No,youÕll have to leave Patches

                        outside.

 

                                    JIM

                        Yes,maÕam.

 

Jim and Poquito move off towards the back ofthe school, where the PLAYGROUND is.

 

EXT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – PLAYGROUND

 

Students of various ages and races play inthe back of the schoolhouse. Everything seems to be in a state of neglect. Theplay equipment is rusty an squeaks, and the paint is chipping. The olderchildren are clustered around the wall, talking. The rest of the children areplaying on the play structures and swing sets. When they see Jim and Poquitowalk up, they start to make a fuss over Poquito. Poquito enjoys the attention.

 

The children begin to dart out of the way asa trio of boys come up. The fur on Patches begins to rise, and she growls. Thethree boys all appear to be about a year or so older than Jim. Two are human;Samson is heavy-set, Thomas is tall with freckles. The other is alien withtentacles for legs, a tuskrus. Jim steps back apprehensively as Samson stepsup.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Hey,Hawkins. WhoÕs the new kid?

 

Poquito smiles and holds out a hand to shake.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        IÕmPoquito Riley! Nice to meet

                        you!WhatÕs your name?

 

Samson recoils from PoquitoÕs hand.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Riley,eh? WhatÕs your father?

 

Poquito looks thrown off.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        MyfatherÉ?

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Yeah,densadron. You knowÉ banker,

                        merchant,minerÉ?

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Oh!You mean his job! My fatherÕs

                        ablacksmith. ButÉ

 

Samson shrugs.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        ThatÕsnot too bad. At least your

                        fatherisnÕt a miner.

 

Samson shoots a sidelong glance at Jim, whoblushes. Finally, he takes PoquitoÕs hand and shakes it.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        IÕmSamson, by the way. Freckle-

                        Facehere is my brother, Thomas.

                        Ourfather owns the bank in town.

                        Agood, respectable job, donÕt

                        youthink? Father says IÕll

                        probablytake charge of the bank

                        someday.Oh, and this is Bleacher.

 

Samson gestures over at Bleacher. Poquitoblinks.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Bleacher?WhyÕs he called that?

 

                                    THOMAS

                              (withan obvious

                              lisp)

                        ÔCausehe bench-pressed some kid

                        intoone last year.

 

Poquito looks at Bleacher uneasily. Patcheshisses. Samson jumps back in surprise.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Whatis that?

 

                                    JIM

                        SheÕsmy cat. We found her

                        yesterday.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Youfound it? You couldnÕt afford

                        tobuy a pet so you took in the

                        uglything?

 

                                    THOMAS

                              (laughing)

                        Itlooks like a burnt gill-rat!

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Itprobably has all sorts of

                        diseasesÉhey, maybe if youÕre

                        luckyyouÕll catch one, Hawkins!

 

Jim sinks his head into his jacket anddoesnÕt respond. Samson shakes his head.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        WeÕrewasting our time with these

                        scrats,guys. But listen, Riley;

                        IwouldnÕt hang out with a wimpy

                        loserlike Hawkins, here. Unless

                        youÕreinto charity.

 

Samson smirks and turns his back on them,Thomas and Bleacher following suit.

 

                                    THOMAS

                        Seeyou in class, Hawkins!

 

Jim, Poquito, and Patches stand in silencefor a moment. Poquito looks bewildered.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        IdonÕt understand, Jimmy. Was it

                        somethingI said?

 

Jim shakes his head.

 

                                    JIM

                        NoÉitÕs not you.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        OhÉthey donÕt seem to like you

                        verymuch. Is there, uhÉ some way

                        Ican help? I can talk to themÉ

 

                                    JIM

                              (muttering)

                        No,you canÕt helpÉ donÕt bother.

 

Jim begins to trudge off towards the front ofthe schoolhouse. Poquito looks after him, and Patches mews. The school bellRINGS and the children hurry to the front of the building.

 

INT. DOPPLER SCHOOL

 

The children scurry into the schoolhouse, thefloorboards creaking. Light filters through the dusty windowpanes. The room isdark and taken up mostly by rows of desk. There is one, long digital screen atthe front of the room; the screen is broken in places. The children clamor intotheir seats. Poquito is trying to shake off the kitten at the door.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Stay!You have to stay out here,

                        Patches!

 

Patches look up at Poquito, perplexed.

 

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Sorry,kitty! WeÕll be back soon!

                        Seeyou later Ôbye-Ôbye!

 

Poquito quickly shuts the door. Patchesstares at the door and curls up with a sigh. Poquito skips up next to Jim, whois wiping his eyes. The two settle into adjacent seats. The younger childrenhave begun a loud numbers game in the corner. Jim takes out a notebook with atattered leather cover and flips to the middle. We see on the page an etchingof a daring-looking young man, a sack of coins in one hand. Jim begins to readthe story aloud, just loud enough for the audience to hear.

 

                                    JIM

                        ÒRobinHood lived long ago. He was

                        verybrave. He was very smart, too.

                        Allthe poor people loved him. He

                        wouldsneak up on the rich people

                        andsteal their treasure. He gave

                        thetreasure to the poor people.

                        Thesheriffs tried to catch him.

                        Robinwas too quick for them. He

                        madethe rich people very angry.

                        Theycould not catch him either.

                        Robinwas too smart. He was a hero.

                        Hemarried a beautiful lady and

                        livedhappily ever after.Ó

 

Jim takes out a pencil and starts to answerthe questions at the bottom of the page. He suddenly stops and looks behindhim. Samson sits in the desk directly behind Jim, grinning. He sets his pencilback down on his desk.

 

                                    SAMSON

                              (whispering)

                        Hey,Hawkins, whatÕs the answer to

                        numberthree?

 

Jim frowns.

 

                                    JIM

                        ThatÕscheating.

 

                                    SAMSON

                        Sowhat? The hag will never know.

                        Justtell me. Come on, pal.

 

Jim glares at Samson.

 

                                    JIM

                        WhydonÕt you use your daddyÕs

                        moneyand buy the answer?

 

Jim turns away from SamsonÕs astonished face.Poquito shakes his head and leans over to Jim.

 

 

 

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Jimmy,I donÕt understand. If heÕs

                        sosmart, why did he give the

                        moneyaway?

 

INT. DOPPLER SCHOOL – NOON

 

Jim wrings his hands nervously. His stomachGROWLS. He looks up to his teacher, who is writing battle dates on the digitalboard. The younger children are sleeping by the wall. Jim looks over at themand stifles a yawn. Poquito is still reading from his copy of the notebook. Hisears perk up and he looks towards the door. Poquito nudges Jim earnestly, whoalmost falls out of his chair.

 

                                   

                                    POQUITO

                              (whispering

                              excitedly)

                        Jimmy!SomeoneÕs coming!

 

                                    JIM

                        HuhÉ?

 

Jim turns in his seat just as the door creaksopen. The kids who are still awake turn to see the man – KENT - thatwalks in. Kent is dressed shabbily in clothing covered with coal dust. At themuttering that has risen up from the students, the schoolteacher turns to lookat Kent in surprise. Kent takes off his cap quickly, rocking on his heelsanxiously.

 

                                    KENT

                        IÕmsorry to disturb your class,

                        Miss,butÉ

 

He hesitates and his eyes flicker towardsJim. Kent walks to the front of the classroom and begins to talk to theschoolteacher. We canÕt make out what is being said. The children start towhisper to each other. Jim clutches the edge of his desk. The schoolteacherturns to look at Jim.

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        JamesHawkins?

 

                                    JIM

                              (shakily)

                        Yes,maÕam?

 

                                    SCHOOLTEACHER

                        Thisyoung man has come to take you

                        homeearly. Gather your things.

 

Jim looks around as he puts together hisbooks and stands up. All the children are staring at him; Samson, Thomas, andBleacher are huddled together snickering. Poquito waves at Jim as he heads forthe door.

 

                                    POQUITO

                        Seeya later, Jimmy!

 

Jim joins Kent at the door. Kent opens thedoor and steps outside. Jim looks over his shoulder at the class beforestepping outside as well. The door groans shut.

 

EXT. ROAD FROM DOPPLER SCHOOL TO BENBOW

 

Jim walks next to Kent in silence. He seemsto struggle for a moment, then tugs on KentÕs hand.

 

                                    JIM

                        Excuseme, mister, but whatÕs the

                        matter?WhyÕd you take me out?

 

Kent looks anxious.

 

                                   

                                    KENT

                              (stuttering)

                        Oh,wellÉ you see, JimÉ

 

Kent clears his throat.

 

                                    KENT

                              (continuing)

                        Iwork with your dad, and heÉ

                        wellÉhe asked me to come get you.

 

                                    JIM

                        Why?Is something wrong? Is

                        somethingwrong with Mom? Does

                        sheneed me?

 

                                    KENT

                        WellÉyes and noÉ thatÕs not

                        reallyÉyou see, your dad had to

                        comehome early, too. YourÉ

                        yourfather is sick. Very sick.

 

Jim frowns, slightly distressed.

 

                                    JIM

                        Ishe okay? HeÕs okay, isnÕt he?

                        HeÕllget better, right?

 

                                    KENT

                        IÕmnot sure, Jim, IÕm not sureÉ

                        Ihope soÉ

 

Jim stumbles along next to Kent, looking atthe ground in shock. His eyes begin to water. Kent watches Jim apprehensively.Jim begins to sniffle. Kent hesitates and picks up Jim with some strain. Hecontinues to walk towards Benbow.

 

INT. BENBOW INN – DINING ROOM –EVENING

 

Sarah stands by the window, watching therain. The only sound is the clock on the wall. Sarah squints out the window, asif trying to focus on something. She hurries to the door and flings it open. Kentstands outside the door, clutching Jim. Both are soaked. Kent tries to smile.

 

                                    KENT

                        Excuseme, my lady, but I believe

                        thisbelongs to you.

                       

Sarah is visibly relieved. She reaches forJim.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Kent,thank goodness!

 

Kent hands over Jim, who Sarah can barelyhold. She turns from the door and Kent follows her inside, shutting the doorbehind him.

 

                                   

                                    SARAH

                              (continuing)

                        Iwas beginning to worry about you.

                        Wasthere any trouble?

 

                                    KENT

                        Notparticularly, no.

 

Kent slips off his jacket and puts it on thecoat rack.

 

                                    KENT

                              (continuing)

                        Ithink the schoolteacher might

                        havebeen a bit, uhÉ startled by

                        myappearance, but once I

                        explainedthe situation to her,

                        shewas more than supportive.

 

                                    SARAH

                        ThatÕsgood, I was hoping sheÕd

                        understandÉthis hasnÕt happened

                        before,not like thisÉ thank you

                        somuch for everything, Kent, we

                        reallyappreciate you going out

                        ofyour wayÉ

 

                                    KENT

                        Oh,itÕs no problem, Mrs. HÉ

                        howis he, by the wayÉ?

 

Sarah bites her lip.

 

                                    SARAH

                        IÕmnot sure; the doctorÕs upstairs

                        withhim now.

 

CU: Jim stares blankly into space. With astart his eyes suddenly widen, and he struggles to escape SarahÕs arms.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Jim?Jim, what is it? WhatÕs wrong?

 

                                    JIM

                              (dismayed)

                        Patches!I left her at school!

 

Jim hurries to the door.

 

                                    SARAH

                        Ohhoney, not now, IÕm sure Poquito

                        willtake care of herÉ

 

Jim tugs on the doorknob and opens the door.Sitting on the doorstep, soaking wet, is Patches. She lets out a long, sobbingcry.

 

                                    JIM

                        Patches!IÕm so sorry!

The kitten pads into the room, shaking offits fur. It slinks dejectedly over to the heating stove. Jim shuts the door.The sound of a door opening and closing upstairs is heard. Everyone looks up tosee the DOCTOR leaning cautiously over the rail.

 

                                    DOCTOR

                        Mrs.Hawkins, may I speak with you

                        fora moment?

 

                                    SARAH

                        Yes,of course, IÕll be up there

                        ina second.

 

Sarah heads for the stairs. Jim moves tofollow her, but is caught by the shoulder by Kent.

 

                                    KENT

                        Holdon there, buddy.

 

Jim stands impatiently under KentÕs hand,watching Sarah speak to the doctor. After a moment the two come down. Thedoctor takes his hat, nods to everyone, and leaves. Sarah turns to Kent andJim. Kent clears his throat.

 

                                    KENT

                        ÉMrs. Hawkins?

 

Sarah dabs her eyes with her apron, handsshaking.

 

                                    SARAH

                        HeÉheÉ the doctor says heÕll

                        recover,in a few weeksÉ

                        respiratoryinfectionÉ all that

                        dustfrom the mines, the weather;

             &nbs