Life is a Journey 9

ext. nasese seawall- day
Alex sits at the shelter staring out to sea. His phone rings and he picks it up- 'Home', flashes on the screen. He waits for it to stop- 10 missed calls. Putting it down, he continues to look ahead.
int. alex's home, kitchen- day
All the adults are gathered. They sit at the table while Victoria paces back and forth.
Charles
Darling, why don't you take a seat?
victoria
How can I?! I'm worried sick about Alex.
Mrs. ward
I'm sure he'll be alright.
Victoria shoots a look at Grandpa who's wringing his hands.
VICTORIA
Are you happy now, Dad? Are you satisfied? Isn't this what you wanted?
grandpa
I'm sorry.
VICTORIA
That's been your favorite word ever since you arrived.
Suddenly the sound of the front door opening causes everyone except Grandpa to dash out.
Int. alex's home- day
Alex closes the door behind him and is met by them. Muffin runs to Alex and he bends to rub her.
VICTORIA
Alex, honey. Are you alright?
Alex stands upright with a crushed look.
alex
No, why should I be? Imagine waking up this morning and being told, no- overhearing that you've been living a life that's not meant to be yours. How do you think that makes me feel? You couldn't possibly imagine! And on my birthday too! How ironic!
CHARLES
Alex, please calm down. Give us a chance to explain.
Alex runs past them and up the stairs as they watch helplessly.
Int. alex's room- night
Alex lies on his bed, singing along to Keane's 'Somewhere Only We Know'.
ALEX
"Oh simple thing where have you gone?
I'm getting old and I need something to rely on
So tell me when you're gonna let me in
I'm getting tired and I need somewhere to begin
And if you have a minute why don't we go
Talk about it somewhere only we know?
This could be the end of everything
So why don't we go
Somewhere only we know?
Somewhere only we know?"
INT. outside alex's room- night
Victoria stands outside, hesitating to knock at the door. She walks away, stops, then goes back. She taps on it.
VICTORIA
Alex? Its time for dinner. Please come.
She hears the music turn off and the door opens. Alex comes out. Victoria links her arm with his and they go.
Int. kitchen- night
As they both enter, everyone looks at them. Victoria lets go of Alex and they take their seats.
CHARLES
Dig in, Alex. You need your strength after what's happened.
ALEX
Tell me. I want to know.
VICTORIA
Why don't you eat first?
ALEX
I have no appetite.
MRS. WARD
We made your favorite spaghetti.
ALEX
Please, stop. I can't eat now.
Charles clears his throat and drinks from his cup.
CHARLES
Alright then. As you wish.
VICTORIA
But please just listen before you ask any questions.
Alex nods and Victoria gives Charles a reassuring look. Charles takes her hand and squeezes it.
CHARLES
We knew this girl. No, it was more like we knew her parents. They were regulars at the bakery.
VICTORIA
One thing we knew for sure about them was that they were quite strict with Sophie. She was an only child.
CHARLES
So Sophie goes to this party and had a one-night stand. They were both drunk and she wasn't in her right mind.
VICTORIA
Then she found out. That she was pregnant with you. Poor girl, she was so scared. Of course her parents heard word of it and forced her to make a choice.
CHARLES
Either she give you up or be disowned. She was from a prominent family and a scandal like that would have caused much trouble, for her and her family.
VICTORIA
You have to understand, Alex. Sophie was only 18 and still in high school. So she chose to give you up.
CHARLES
Even if she did keep you, she wouldn't know how to survive on her own, let alone look after a baby.
VICTORIA
So she came to us. She knew we were good people. She begged us to take you in.
CHARLES
That's the whole story...do you want to ask us anything?
Alex looks at Grandpa.
ALEX
Is that why you treat me differently? Since I'm not your real grandson.
Charles and Victoria look at each other.
GRANDPA
Yes, now you know.
Alex then turns to Mrs. Ward.
ALEX
Did you know?
MRS. WARD
No, I'm just as shocked as you are.
CHARLES
It all happened before we met Mrs. Ward. She knew nothing about it.
VICTORIA
If you want to meet her, we can arrange a meeting.
ALEX
No, I don't want to meet a woman who would choose to abandon her own son. No matter what the circumstances were.
GRANDPA
Why don't you?! She's your mother, your real mother! Who gave you life, brought you into this world!
VICTORIA
Dad!
CHARLES
When Alex is ready, then we'll take him.
Suddenly Emily slams her spoon down and glares at everyone.
emily
(upset)
Stop! Stop it! Enough!
Everyone is silenced and looks at Emily who is about to break down in tears.
Emily (cont'd)
Why are all you talking about Alex that way? You all sound like he's some animal ready to be returned to its owner! He's my brother! And no one and nothing's going to change that!
Emily gets up and looks at Grandpa.
EMILY (CONT'D)
(screams)
I hate you!!! You've ruined everything!!!
She then runs out. Everyone at the table sits in silence.
Int. emily's room- night
Emily is covered underneath her blanket, crying. Alex enters and goes to her bedside. He sits on the edge of her bed and slowly pulls off the blanket.
ALEX
Wow, Ems. Are you really crying for me? I'm touched.
Emily sits up and wipes her face.
EMILY
How can you joke about this?
ALEX
I'm just saying.
EMILY
Now I get why Grandpa doesn't give you stuff. Just because you're not Mom and Dad's real son doesn't make you any different. You're still human.
ALEX
You know you're quite smart. You'll make a great detective some day.
Alex rubs Emily's head playfully.
EMILY
Whatever happens, don't let Grandpa get to you. I'll protect you if I have to!
ALEX
I can't let a little girl defend me! What kind of big brother would I be if I let that happen?
They both laugh.
EMILY
Seriously, Alex. We're brother and sister till the end, no matter if our blood is different.
ALEX
I'm so happy to have you as my lil sis. I wouldn't exchange that for anything in the world.
Alex hugs Emily.
INT. KITCHEN- NIGHT
Alex sits at the counter looking at his birthday cake, still untouched. He gets up and goes through the drawers searching for something. Bringing out a birthday candle and a lighter, he sticks the candle onto the cake and lights it. He gets Muffin and holds her in front of it.
ALEX
There's only 15 minutes of my birthday left. Let's make a wish and blow out the candle, OK?
Alex closes his eyes as he makes his wish. He then opens it again and blows out the candle. He puts Muffin down and takes out the candle.
ALEX (cont'd)
I'd give you some cake but I don't want you to get sick.
Muffin goes back to her bed and sleeps.
ALEX (CONT'D)
Happy 21st birthday Alex Tiko.
Alex goes and gets a knife, plate and fork. He cuts a piece and puts it onto the plate. Going to the fridge, he takes out the milk and grabs a cup. Pouring a cup of milk he then sits and eats a forkful of cake. As he continues to eat, tears slowly build up until he begins to sob uncontrollably.
BEGIN DREAM SEQUENCE.
Victoria is at the supermarket. She looks at some items on the shelf then hears a familiar voice behind her. She turns and sees Alex. Pushing her trolley, she makes her way to him as he puts his phone away.
VICTORIA
Alex, what are you doing here? Don't you have classes?
Alex looks at her confused.
ALEX
Do I know you?
VICTORIA
What kind of question is that? I'm your mother!
ALEX
I think you have the wrong person, lady.
VICTORIA
What's the matter with you? Are you sick?
Victoria puts her hand against Alex's forehead but he pushes it away.
ALEX
Look, I don't know what's up but I don't know you.
VICTORIA
But you're Alex...you're my son!
ALEX
The only mother I have is at home who just called me. You must be out of it.
Alex starts to walk away but Victoria grabs his arm. He looks back at her.
VICTORIA
This doesn't make any sense. You look like Alex and sound like him. How could you not be my son?
ALEX
But I'm not Alex! I'm not your son!
VICTORIA
No...no...no!!!
END DREAM SEQUENCE.
INT. ALEX'S PARENT'S ROOM- NIGHT
Victoria bolts upright, breathing heavily. She looks beside her to see Charles snoring quietly.
VICTORIA
(gasping)
It was just a dream. A dream...
She gets out of bed and goes out.
INT. ALEX'S ROOM- NIGHT
Victoria enters and goes to sit on his bedside. She watches him sleep. Reaching out, she strokes his face lovingly and sweeps the hair off his eyes.
VICTORIA
(whispering)
My boy...my Alex...my son. Even if you are someone else's, I love you so so much...as if you were my own flesh and blood.
Victoria bites her lip as the tears roll down her face. She covers her mouth and cries.
Int. lecture room- day
Claire
So virtue and villainy not only applies to people but to concepts as well. We saw how there's good and bad Literature, good and bad films, good and bad songs and so on. OK, that's it for today.
The class starts to pack up and leave as Claire calls out.
CLAIRE (cont'd)
Don't forget to read Flannery O’Connor's, ‘A Good Man is Hard to Find’ for tutorial on Friday! Thank you.
Claire looks for Alex in the crowd.
CLAIRE (CONT'D)
Alex, can I see you for a moment?
Alex goes to her.
ALEX
Yes, Ms Waisale?
CLAIRE
Are you OK?
ALEX
What do you mean?
CLAIRE
After that day at the rugby field. I was expecting the worst but you seem...fine.
ALEX
No need to worry about me. I'm doing well. Is that all? I have to go.
CLAIRE
Er, yes you may leave.
Claire watches Alex leave with a confused look on her face.
Ext. usp, stone tables- day
Alex sits there, waiting. Mark then arrives and sits down opposite him.
Mark
Alex, what's up? Your text sounded weird.
ALEX
I've got some awful news.
MARK
Oh my God! Did something happen?
ALEX
Yeah, something I'd never imagined to be possible.
MARK
You're making me scared here.
ALEX
I was...I'm...adopted.
Mark reels in shock.
MARK
Say what? You're...adopted?
ALEX
You heard right. Found out last night. And to make it more dramatic, it was my birthday too.
MARK
Oh man. How are you though? You must be feeling terrible!
ALEX
Yeah, at first. Still a little.
MARK
So how did you find out?
Alex relays the story to him.
ALEX
Story of my life, huh?
Alex gives a small chuckle.
MARK
I feel so bad for you. I can't fathom what you must be feeling.
ALEX
Isn't it funny? How two events involving my heart happened. First, Claire and now this. Can my heart handle anymore pain?
MARK
You'll get through this. Be strong. You can do it. I'll be right by your side cheering for you.
ALEX
Thanks. I'm glad to have a friend who sticks by me.
Mark smiles at Alex. Alex stares off into the distance.
INT. ALEX'S HOME, KITCHEN- DAY
Alex sits with his parents at the table. Charles hands him a piece of paper with an address. Along with it, is a photo of Sophie.
CHARLES
Just in case you want to visit her.
VICTORIA
She works at SPCA as a vet nurse. I think that's where you got your love of animals from.
Alex looks at the photo of a smiling young woman holding a kitten.
ALEX
Does she...have a family?
CHARLES
We don't know. We haven't been in contact for a while.
VICTORIA
I'm sure she'd be happy to see you. To see how well you've grown. To see what a healthy and kind young man you've become.
ALEX
I don't know if I want to see her.
CHARLES
Take your time. Its up to you.
VICTORIA
Whatever you decide, we'll support you. Always.
Victoria holds his hand as Charles rubs Alex's back. Alex continues to look at the picture.
Int. mark's home- day
Mark sits on the couch doing his homework on the small table. His Dad exits from his room.
MARK
Hey, Dad. You're going to work now?
Mark's dad
Yeah, some guy called in sick and they've asked me to come in.
MARK
Do you have a minute? I want to talk to you.
His Dad glances at the kitchen clock.
MARK'S DAD
Is it important? I have to go soon.
MARK
It is. Do you want to sit?
His Dad takes a seat and Mark closes his books.
MARK'S DAD
Well? Do you need money or something?
MARK
No, nothing like that.
MARK'S DAD
What is it then?
MARK
You know how its normal for guys to like girls? And girls to like guys?
MARK'S DAD
Uh-huh...
MARK
Well...I'm not...like that.
MARK'S DAD
What do you mean?
MARK
I don't...like girls. I...I like...I like boys.
Mark watches his Dad's face change.
MARK(cont'd)
Dad?
MARK'S DAD
You're telling me...you're...gay?
Mark nods. His Dad takes in a deep breath.
MARK'S DAD
I have to go. I'll be late.
His Dad stands and leaves as Mark goes after him.
MARK
Dad! Dad! Wait...
The door slams shut as Mark stands there staring at it.
EXT. NASESE SEAWALL- DAY
Alex sits under the bench shelter staring out to sea. He watches a mother play with her baby at the next shelter while the Dad takes pictures. Taking out Sophie's picture, he looks at it and then at the address on the piece of paper.
EXT. SPCA- DAY
Alex arrives and looks at the building. He then walks in.
Int. SPCA- day
Alex enters the front office. The receptionist is busy on the phone. He goes to look at the noticeboard. The receptionist finishes her call and puts the phone down.
receptionist
Hi, there! Are you here to look at our animals? Are you looking to adopt?
ALEX
Uh...not really. I just came to see someone.
RECEPTIONIST
Oh, who?
ALEX
Her name's--
Just then SOPHIE VUNISA enters from the back holding a bundle of files and hands it to the receptionist.
sophie
Amy, could you have a look at these and let Dr. Singh know which cases are urgent? Thanks.
Amy
Sure thing.
Sophie returns back inside and Amy looks for Alex.
AMY
(puzzled)
Huh? Where did he go?
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Alex enters and goes up to his room. Muffin follows him.
Int. alex's room- day
Alex lies on his bed with Muffin beside him. He strokes her as she sleeps. A knock sounds at the door.
ALEX
Come in!
In comes Mrs. Ward holding a present in her hands.
MRS. WARD
I didn't get a chance to give you this.
Alex sits up and takes it. Mrs. Ward sits on the chair near his bed.
ALEX
Mrs. Ward, you didn't have to.
MRS. WARD
Its my pleasure. Open it.
Alex unties the ribbon and opens it. He takes out a framed picture of the family photo taken on his and Emily's back to school party.
ALEX
We already have this in the kitchen.
MRS. WARD
Yes, I know. But isn't it better to also have it here?
ALEX
You're right.
He sets it on his bedside table.
MRS. WARD
Your parents told me that they gave you your birth mother's address. Did you go visit her?
ALEX
No, I figured she might be at work so I went there instead.
MRS. WARD
Did you see her?
ALEX
Briefly. I ran out when she came in.
MRS. WARD
Oh. Do you want me to come with you for moral support?
ALEX
Its OK. I can do it on my own.
MRS. WARD
I guess this picture's going to mean more to you now.
ALEX
Did you find that I was different in any way? From them?
MRS. WARD
No, not a single thing! You seemed more like their real son, adopted or not!
ALEX
I've had a great life, amazing family and loving parents. I can't imagine what my life would have been like if Sophie did keep me. I wouldn't have known my parents, Ems or you...and Muffin!
MRS. WARD
Don't talk like that. What's done is done. You can't go back into the past and change what's happened. We've got to move on with time.
ALEX
I know but I can't help but wonder, you know?
INT. ALEX'S HOME- DAY
Victoria and Emily enter. Grandpa sits on the couch watching TV.
GRANDPA
Emily! How was your day? What did you learn?
Emily ignores him and goes into the kitchen. Victoria looks at Grandpa and follows Emily. Grandpa sits there, sad.
Int. kitchen- day
Emily sits at the counter while Victoria prepares a sandwich for her.
EMILY
Can Grandpa leave already? I get mad whenever I see him.
VICTORIA
I know how you feel. I feel it too. But he is still my father and your grandpa. We still need to show kindness and love.
EMILY
But he doesn't deserve it. After what his done.
VICTORIA
He is not the bad guy. Emily, remember what we learned in church? About how God still forgave sinners when they hung Jesus on the cross?
EMILY
Yeah, but its different.
VICTORIA
No, its not. Even though man did such a bad thing to His Son, God still was kind and loved them. So God set an example for us to learn and follow. Even though Grandpa was bad towards Alex, we still should treat him as we've always done. OK, honey?
EMILY
(reluctantly)
OK...
VICTORIA
Good girl. Here, eat up.
INT. MARK'S HOME- NIght
Mark sits on the couch eating a sandwich. The front door opens and his Dad stumbles in, drunk. He slams the door.
MARK
Dad! Are you OK?
Mark gets up and goes to him. He helps him to the couch and his Dad sits down heavily. Mark sits opposite him.
MARK(CONT'D)
You've been drinking?
MARK'S DAD
Yeah, because of you!
MARK
Me?
His Dad starts to laugh noisily.
MARK'S DAD
To think that my only son is gay! Gay!
MARK
Dad, its not a bad thing. I'm still me, still your son.
MARK'S DAD
Ha! Who wants a son that likes boys? You might as well have been born a girl yourself!
MARK
Please, try to understand. I didn't choose to be this way!
MARK'S DAD
Oh, so you're saying I made you that way?
MARK
No...
MARK'S DAD
Then tell me. How did you end up like this? Is it to spite me? Huh?
MARK
Dad, calm down...
Suddenly his Dad gets up and advances toward him.
INT. alex's home, KITCHEN- NIGHT
Everyone is having dinner. Its quiet. Victoria looks at Charles.
CHARLES
Can I have everyone's attention?
All heads turn toward him.
CHARLES (cont'd)
Because of what happened last night we didn't celebrate an important occasion, Alex's birthday.
VICTORIA
Let's sing 'Happy Birthday'! Everyone, 1,2,3!
Everyone sings it and Grandpa halfheartedly does it. Victoria then goes to the cabinet and comes back, presenting Alex with a cupcake.
VICTORIA (cont'd)
Happy 21st, Alex. And may many more birthdays come.
Alex takes it and sets it beside him.
CHARLES
Do you have a birthday wish?
ALEX
I made one last night.
VICTORIA
Share with us!
Alex looks around at everyone.
ALEX
I wished that my family will always be happy no matter what happens. That whatever the world throws at us, we can be brave and strong enough to face it...together.
Victoria is about to cry upon hearing it. She claps her hand. The rest follow her lead.
CHARLES
Well said, Alex. Well said.
MRS. WARD
We're proud of you.
EMILY
Yeah, you make the cheesiest speeches!
Laughter goes around the table except for Grandpa who eats quietly. Then the doorbell rings.
CHARLES
Who could that be? And this time of night too.
GRANDPA
I'll get it.
VICTORIA
Thanks, Dad.
Grandpa gets up and shuffles out. Moments later he screams.
VICTORIA (CONT'D)
Dad?! What's wrong?
Everyone gets up and rushes out.
INT. ALEX'S home- NIGHT
They gather around the front door and are shocked to see someone lying there, covered in blood.
GRANDPA
Who is this? We should call the police.
ALEX
No, wait.
Alex goes closer and gasps.
ALEX (CONT'D)
Its Mark!
Mark weakly reaches out an arm.
MARK
Help...me...
Mark then falls down. Alex rushes to his side, shaking him.
ALEX
Mark! Mark! Wake up!
MRS. WARD
Someone call 911!
Grandpa scurries to the phone and makes the call.
VICTORIA
Quick! Bring him in!
Alex gently lifts him up with the help of Charles. They lay him on the couch.
ALEX
What happened to you?
Mark looks at the faces looking down on him. His eyes then close and his head limps to one side.