Life is a Journey 8

INT. ALEX'S room- DAY
Alex enters and closes the door behind him. He goes and sits in his chair, staring into space.
INT. MARK'S HOME- DAY
Mark enters, closes the door and puts his umbrella in the corner. He goes to the couch and sits, thinking.
Int. head teacher's office- day
Victoria and Emily sit in front of Mrs. Saro.
Mrs. saro
Mrs. Tiko, thank you for coming on such short notice.
Victoria nods.
VICTORIA
I don't understand why my daughter was sent here when she clearly did not do anything wrong.
MRS. SARO
I'm sorry but school policy says students involved in fights whether or not they started it or not have to be seen by the head teacher with a parent. I hope you understand this.
VICTORIA
What kind of so-called policy is that? Emily should be rewarded for standing up for the poor girl. Not punished for it.
MRS. SARO
I assure you she is not being punished. Its just standard procedure to check if the child is under-going any difficulty at home which may reflect in school.
VICTORIA
And I can assure you that Emily is just fine. She has a family who loves her and there is nothing happening at home that is affecting her in any way. Those bullies are the ones with problems.
MRS. SARO
Alright, I can see that's that. Thank you for your time, Mrs. Tiko. You may leave.
EXT. FOOTPATH- DAY
Victoria holds Emily's bag as they walk.
EMILY
Mom, I didn't mean for this to happen. I felt I had to help her. You should have seen Diane, she was about to cry.
VICTORIA
And you did well, dear.
Victoria stops and bends down in front of Emily.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
I'm so happy your Father and I raised you right.
EMILY
Don't forget Mrs. Ward!
VICTORIA
Yes, her too. We should help others in need, even if it means getting into trouble ourselves.
EMILY
Don't worry, Mom. I'll be just like that Detective lady in the drama who helps everyone.
Victoria laughs and hugs Emily.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- NIGHT
Everyone is gathered having dinner.
CHARLES
I hear we have a hero in our midst.
Emily beams.
VICTORIA
Our little warrior princess.
MRS. WARD
Those bullies should be wary of you now.
ALEX
Yeah, if they mess with you, they mess with all of us.
EMILY
Thanks guys. I just did what I had to do. No biggie.
VICTORIA
Alex, remember we have to leave at 6 in the morning. So sleep early tonight.
ALEX
OK, Mom.
INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT (later)
Mrs. Ward and Alex are doing the dishes.
MRS. WARD
So, what is it?
ALEX
Huh?
MRS. WARD
You must have something to tell me. Or you wouldn't be sticking around to help with this. Come on, spit it out.
Alex sighs. He then goes to check if anybody is around before coming back to the sink.
ALEX
Just on the look-out for eavesdropper Ems. OK, its this. Mark likes me.
MRS. WARD
That's good, isn't it? You must be a dear friend to him then.
ALEX
In another way. He like likes me. You know, boy-girl but for him its boy-boy?
Mrs. Ward stops to look at Alex.
MRS. WARD
You mean he's--
ALEX
Yep, he's gay.
MRS. WARD
Oh my Lord! Didn't see that coming.
ALEX
Yep, really did not see it coming.
MRS. WARD
He didn't seem like the type though.
ALEX
There are some people who look 'normal' but you'd never think they are gay. Take Ian McKellen for example.
MRS. WARD
Who?
ALEX
You know the guy who played Magneto in X-Men?
MRS. WARD
Oh him. He's gay too? He was such a handsome bloke.
ALEX
Yeah, so Mark told me he liked me when we were sharing an umbrella in the heavy rain.
MRS. WARD
That sounds so romantic, except for the gay thing.
ALEX
I was freaked out. So I ran away.
MRS. WARD
You did what? Alex, you can't keep avoiding him forever. You have to talk it out. Let him know you appreciate his affections but that you don't feel the same way.
ALEX
I know. I'm still trying to get my head around it.
MRS. WARD
I hope it goes well. He's such a nice boy.
INt. car- day (travelling)
Alex sits beside Victoria on their way to the airport.
ALEX
Why does Grandpa have to come for you and Dads' anniversary?
VICTORIA
He just wants to. And he likes to visit from time to time. Why do you ask?
ALEX
Its just that I don't like him visiting. He acts differently towards me.
VICTORIA
I think I know what you mean. Don't think too much about it. Grandpa's just...Grandpa.
ALEX
I can't wait for these three weeks to be over with.
Int. nadi international airport, arrivals lounge- day
Alex and Victoria wait for Grandpa to arrive. Victoria glances at her watch.
VICTORIA
He should be out any minute now...
(beat)
...Honey, I need to go to the bathroom. I'll be real quick.
ALEX
OK.
Victoria leaves and Alex continues to wait. Then people start coming out and he searches the sea of faces. Emerging from the crowd, he spots Grandpa. 70s. Receding grey hairline. Slightly plump. Alex waves to get his attention. Grandpa sees him and goes in that direction.
ALEX
Hi, Grandpa.
grandpa
What are you doing here?
ALEX
Mom and I came to pick you up.
Grandpa grunts and hands his luggage to Alex.
GRANDPA
Here, make yourself useful now, boy.
Alex takes it as Victoria joins them.
VICTORIA
Hi, Dad.
GRANDPA
Vicky.
VICTORIA
How was the flight?
GRANDPA
It was alright, except for the food. Do they really expect us to feel full with just a bread roll, jam and a small fruit salad? All this fuss about the Fiji Airways re-branding and they can't even fix up their menu!
VICTORIA
I'm sure they're working on it, Dad. We better get going. Do you want to stop somewhere for lunch?
GRANDPA
Any good restaurants around here? I'm starved!
INT. Port denarau, bonefish seafood restaurant- day
The trio are eating.
GRANDPA
How's the family?
VICTORIA
Everyone is well.
GRANDPA
April still with you?
VICTORIA
Yes.
GRANDPA
Why is she still working there? The kids are big enough, they can take care of themselves.
VICTORIA
Its her choice. She's like family to us.
GRANDPA
The business is going well too, I suppose?
VICTORIA
Yes, even with the recent increase in price, the bakery is doing exceptionally well. How is Sydney?
GRANDPA
Very hot this time of year. Fiji's the best place to be; not too hot and not too cold, its just right.
VICTORIA
Then you should have stayed.
GRANDPA
You know very well why I moved. The memories of your mother still haunt me. I felt that if I didn't leave, I would be consumed by everything that reminded me of her here.
VICTORIA
How's Blake and Ethan?
GRANDPA
Your brothers and their families are well. Nikita just entered Med school and Simon got a job at UNICEF.
VICTORIA
Glad to hear they're all doing great.
Grandpa glances at Alex.
GRANDPA
You're awfully quiet.
Alex looks at Grandpa while peeling a prawn.
ALEX
Oh...uh...
GRANDPA
Never mind.
Alex looks at Victoria and she shrugs her shoulders.
INT. EMILY'S CLASSROOM- DAY
Emily takes out her lunch box and looks back at Diane. She sees her eating boiled vegetables. Emily gets up and goes to her.
EMILY
Hey, Diane. Do you want to share lunch with me?
Diane looks up, surprised.
EMILY (cont'd)
It must suck being the new kid. If you want, I can be your friend.
diane
You are very kind, thank you. I'd like that.
Emily pulls out the chair next to Diane and sits, opening her lunch box.
EMILY
I asked my nanny to make extras. Do you eat Mac N Cheese? Its yummy! I've also got ham sandwiches and choc-chip cookies. Here.
Emily shares her lunch, putting it into Diane's lunchbox.
EMILY (CONT'D)
Come on, don't be shy.
Emily bites into her sandwich and smiles at Diane.
INT. CAR- DAY (TRAVELLING)
Grandpa sits beside Victoria and Alex is at the back.
GRANDPA
Vicky, could you turn on the radio? The silence in here is deafening.
Victoria switches on the radio and Kenny Rogers' song 'Lady' plays.
GRANDPA (cont'd)
Now this is what I call real music. Not like the crap they have nowadays like that Micki Ninaj. Did you see the video for her song about a snake? I had to switch channels as I felt my stomach starting to hurl!
ALEX
Its Nicki Minaj, Grandpa.
GRANDPA
Eh? Ninaj, schminaj, who cares? Don't tell me you listen to that train-wreck?!
VICTORIA
No, he doesn't. Alex likes to listen to ballads. His got a bit of an old soul.
GRANDPA
Well...that's good to know.
EXT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Mrs. Ward is collecting the beddings she left out to be sunned.
EXT. MS.ROSE'S HOME- DAY
Ms. Rose is doing some gardening. She looks over and moves closer to the fence.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN THE NEIGHBOURS.
MS. ROSE
Good weather today, isn't it?
MRS. WARD
Yes.
MS. ROSE
I've never seen you do that before.
MRS. WARD
We're expecting a visitor today.
MS. ROSE
Oh, who?
MRS. WARD
Victoria's father. She's gone with Alex to pick him up. He's staying for a few weeks.
MS. ROSE
I see.
Suddenly Muffin runs out and starts to sniff at the beddings.
MRS. WARD
Muffin! Get away!
Muffin then goes to lie on the porch.
MS. ROSE
That dog!! I suppose you've heard what she's done?
MRS. WARD
Yes, Charles checked out the hole this morning. He'll fix it up when he gets back.
MS. ROSE
Glad to hear it.
MRS. WARD
That reminds me. Hold on.
Mrs. Ward goes inside and then comes out holding a covered dish.
MRS. WARD (CONT'D)
Here, a little something to express our apologies.
Mrs. Ward shows it to her and Ms. Rose peeks at it.
MS. ROSE
What's that?
MRS. WARD
Beef lasagne.
MS. ROSE
Thanks, but no. I'm a vegetarian.
MRS. WARD
Oh, I'll make a vegetable one then.
MS. ROSE
No need for that.
MRS. WARD
Alright then.
EXT. emily's CLASSROOM- DAY
Charles waits for Emily to be dismissed. She then comes out.
CHARLES
Hey, honey.
EMILY
Dad!
EXT. FOOTPATH- DAY
Charles carries Emily's bag as they walk home.
CHARLES
You excited about Grandpa coming?
EMILY
Yeah, I wonder what he got for me!
Charles laughs.
CHARLES
I'm sure it'll be something nice.
As they reach the gate, the car pulls up. Grandpa gets out and Emily runs to hug him.
EMILY
Grandpa!! I'm so happy to see you.
GRANDPA
Hey, squirt! Me too.
Charles joins them as Victoria and Alex exit the car.
CHARLES
Hey, Dad.
GRANDPA
Good to see you, Charles.
VICTORIA
OK, let's all go inside.
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Everyone is in the living room.
VICTORIA
Dad, I'll show you to your room.
Grandpa goes upstairs with Victoria whiles Alex takes up the luggage.
CHARLES
The rest of us will get dinner ready, let's go!
INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT
Spread across the table is a variety of food; vegetable chopsuey, beef lasagne, chicken stew and tin fish curry. Muffin sleeps in the corner as everyone tucks in.
GRANDPA
This chicken stew is delicious. Who made it?
CHARLES
That will be me.
GRANDPA
Good, good. Men should know how to cook as well. I used to cook for Vicky's mother all the time when she became ill. Alex, you know how to cook? You're not just depending on your mother or Mrs. Ward, are you?
MRS. WARD
He knows. Made me breakfast one time.
GRANDPA
How about actual food like these?
VICTORIA
He'll learn to.
GRANDPA
I'm sure Alex here has a mouth of his own to answer me.
ALEX
I know how to cook simple stuff like noodles. But I'll learn to make other dishes too.
GRANDPA
That's better.
CHARLES
Alex is in USP now. He's growing up so fast.
VICTORIA
Yes, he studies Literature.
GRANDPA
Literature? Why not study something more practical? Who's going to pay you to sit around and read poems?
ALEX
But that's what I love more than anything. I want to be a writer.
GRANDPA
Well you better be a pretty good writer if you want to make a living. Don't expect to be living off your parents.
VICTORIA
Dad, please, that's enough. Charles and I support whatever the children want to do. We won't force them to do anything they don't want.
Grandpa makes a grunt and Victoria smiles at Alex.
GRANDPA
What about our Emily? What do you want to do?
EMILY
I want to be a detective just like Nancy Drew.
GRANDPA
Nancy who?
CHARLES
She reads a lot of those Nancy Drew books. She has quite a collection.
GRANDPA
Being a cop is dangerous work, Emily.
EMILY
But I love mysteries, adventure and solving puzzles.
GRANDPA
How about you become a business woman like your Mother?
EMILY
That's not for me, Grandpa.
GRANDPA
I'm just giving you some advice. Vicky, how are you raising the kids? You can't let them do whatever they want. You have to keep them in line.
VICTORIA
(upset)
Just like how you kept my brothers and I in line?!
Everyone freezes, silence. Victoria glares at Grandpa.
VICTORIA
Dad, don't tell me how to raise my kids. They're mine, not yours. You can't just stroll in here and start ordering us- me, around. I'm not that same 18 year old girl you can control anymore!
Looks of shock are covered on the faces around the table.
GRANDPA
I'm sorry. I'm sorry for trying to teach you to be a parent. I'm sorry for enforcing my beliefs onto you and your brothers. I'm sorry for everything.
Awkward silence, Mrs. Ward looks around.
MRS. WARD
Anybody for dessert? I made a lovely apple pie.
Int alex's parent's room- night
Victoria stands out in the balcony, arms folded, staring at the sky. Charles comes and wraps his arms around her.
CHARLES
You OK?
VICTORIA
Yes...no. Sometimes I wonder how I even put up with him. He just drives me crazy.
CHARLES
I think we all have that one person in every family that's like that. Like they say, you can't pick your family.
VICTORIA
I got so mad at him for beating down on Alex...
(beat)
...Do you think he treats Alex differently?
CHARLES
Not really. Is it because of what happened tonight that you're asking this?
VICTORIA
Yes. Alex also mentioned it in the car today.
CHARLES
Do you think its still because of--
VICTORIA
Charles, don't. We swore we'd never bring it up. Ever.
CHARLES
I'm sorry. I just thought that maybe your Dad still resented us for what we did.
VICTORIA
Its all in the past now. I don't want to think about it. Goodnight, I'm going to bed.
Victoria turns around and kisses Charles on the cheek before going in. Charles stares after her with a sad look.
INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT
Mrs. Ward, Alex and Emily are sitting at the counter with a cup in front of them.
EMILY
I've never seen Mom like that before.
Mrs. Ward and Alex nod their heads.
MRS. WARD
Your Grandpa means well but does it in the wrong way.
ALEX
And its just his first day here.
They drink from their cups at the same time.
MRS. WARD
Alex, do you remember what day it is tomorrow?
ALEX
What?
EMILY
How could you forget! Who's the forgetful one now, huh?!
Alex looks at them both, confused.
MRS. WARD & emily
Your birthday!!
ALEX
Oh! My mind's been occupied lately.
Mrs. Ward gives Alex an understanding look and Emily catches this.
EMILY
Am I missing something here?
MRS. WARD
Hmmm?
EMILY
That look you just gave him. That meant something didn't it?
MRS. WARD
Don't read too much into it, Ms Nancy Drew!
Everyone laughs.
INT. USP, book center- day
Alex is looking at the novels. Mark enters and goes to the shelf behind him. As Alex turns, Mark glances up. Both have awkward looks as their eyes meet.
MARK
Alex...
Alex looks away then back at Mark.
ALEX
We need to talk.
Mark nods.
EXT. Stone tables- day
Mark sits opposite Alex while fiddling with his fingers.
ALEX
About what happened--
MARK
You don't have to. I get it. I know that you're not...like me.
ALEX
I appreciate your feelings for me but I can't accept them. I'm sorry, truly.
MARK
And I'm sorry that you had to find out about me that way.
ALEX
I had no idea though. You--
MARK
Don't look the type, right?
Mark chuckles nervously.
MARK (CONT'D)
You know what? Nobody else knows. Not even my Dad. Or my Mom, I should think.
ALEX
Did you always know you were...like that?
MARK
No, just knew a few years back. During my prom actually. The prettiest girl in school asked me to be her date. She dressed up real pretty but I didn't find her attractive. None of the other girls caught my fancy. I thought something was wrong with me. Then I realized I was into guys when I was obsessed with Ian Somerhalder. I collected all his pictures and would look at them. My Dad wonders why I haven't got a girlfriend yet.
ALEX
Have you thought about telling him?
MARK
Yes, but I'm scared how he'll react. His only child, his son, gay?
ALEX
You should tell him before it gets any harder. You never know.
MARK
I'm just waiting for the right moment.
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Alex enters, drops his bag onto the couch and goes to the kitchen.
INT. KITCHEN- DAY
Mrs. Ward is baking something. Alex goes up to her.
ALEX
Ooh, is that my cake?
MRS. WARD
No, its for your Dad. Of Course its yours, silly!
They laugh.
ALEX
Where's Grandpa?
MRS. WARD
Out with your parents.
ALEX
I'm gonna take Muffin out for a walk. Be back soon.
MRS. WARD
Alright, birthday boy.
Alex whistles for Muffin and they leave.
INT. KITCHEN- DAY (later)
Victoria, Charles and Grandpa enter and sit at the table. The cake is covered and sits in the middle.
GRANDPA
What's the cake for?
CHARLES
Its Alex's birthday, he's 21 now.
VICTORIA
It feels just like yesterday when he was a baby.
GRANDPA
Do you plan on telling him?
VICTORIA
Dad, please don't bring it up.
GRANDPA
Why not? Alex is an adult now. He has a right to know. You can't keep it from him forever.
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Alex and Muffin return and they head to the kitchen. But stop short at the sound of angry voices. Muffin sits.
INTER-CUT BETWEEN ALEX AND THOSE IN THE KITCHEN.
CHARLES
We're his parents and we want what's best for him.
GRANDPA
So keeping Alex from his birth mother is what's best for him?!
Alex stumbles backward in shock, nearly losing his balance, he grabs onto the small table. Regaining his composure, he goes closer to listen.
VICTORIA
Its what Sophie wants. When she's ready to meet him, we'll tell Alex.
GRANDPA
Why don't you just put the boy out of his misery and let him know the truth, for goodness sake?!
CHARLES
He's not ready to know this. We don't know how he'll take it.
GRANDPA
For crying out loud, Charles! He won't die from knowing. And he's not a boy anymore that you can shield from the world.
VICTORIA
Alex is my son and nothing will change that! I don't want him to know how his birth mother abandoned him!
Alex appears at the doorway, visibly shaking.
ALEX
I'm adopted?
All heads turn to Alex in surprise. Victoria moves toward him but he backs away, angry.
VICTORIA
Alex! Honey...
CHARLES
We can explain...
ALEX
Is it all a joke? Is this some act for my birthday? Cos its not funny.
VICTORIA
Alex, please just hear us out--
CHARLES
We planned on telling you, when you were older. I'm sorry.
ALEX
(tearing up)
So its true then. Why is this happening?! Did I do something so terrible to deserve this?! To find out that the family I have and love...is not my own?
Alex then turns and runs out. Mrs. Ward and Emily are coming in and he rushes past them leaving both of them in surprise. Victoria and Charles go after him. They stand at the door and Victoria tries to follow but Charles holds her back.
VICTORIA
Charles, what are you doing? Let me go! Please!
CHARLES
Alex is in shock now. Its best to let he be.
Victoria starts to cry as she stares after Alex's back.
THE END.