Life is a Journey

Opening scene is of the hustle and bustle of Suva City.
EXT. MHCC- DAY
ALEX TIKO. 20. Average built. Rectangular glasses. Short
black hair. Nervously pacing back and forth while
occasionally scanning the busy crowd of people. Wearing a
bag and clutching his phone.
ALEX
Geez, where the heck is this fella?
Makes a call while staring towards Tappoo City and sees the
face he anxiously had waited for. Puts his phone away and
runs toward that person, stopping by the roadside.
ALEX (CONT'D)
Chris! What the heck? Do you know
what time it is now?
CHRIS BALE. Same age, slightly chubby. Medium black hair,
his best friend. Struggling to cross the road while carrying
two duffel bags.
CHRIS
Hey man, sorry I overslept. When's
the bus leaving again?
ALEX
Uh like in 10 minutes! Of all days
to be late...
CHRIS
OK chill will ya? We'll make it.
Both hurry to a waiting taxi and bundle in.
ALEX
(to the driver)
ANZ National Stadium, as fast as
you can!
INT. TAXI- DAY
As the taxi nears their destination, Alex is uneasily trying
to catch a glimpse of the bus.
ALEX
I don't see the bus. You don't
think its left already, right?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
CHRIS
Can't be.
Chris looks at his phone.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Three minutes left.
ALEX
Oh crap!!!
CHRIS
(startled)
What? What?
ALEX
Its gone! They've left without us!
CHRIS
Eh? So early?
Alex looks at Chris unbelievably as the taxi arrives.
EXT. ANZ NATIONAL STADIUM- DAY
The taxi stops in the car park and Alex jumps out, looking
around, panicking. Chris gets out and joins him.
ALEX
Do you have anyone's number? Quick,
call someone!
CHRIS
(confused)
Huh? Call who?
Alex looks as if he's about to have a meltdown.
ALEX
Someone who might be on the bus!
CHRIS
Oh, geez why didn't you say so?
Chris takes his phone and scrolls through his contact list.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Seriously, you don't have anyone
else's number except mine? Gosh, I
feel so special!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 3.
ALEX
You know I hardly talk to them so
why should I keep their number?
CHRIS
Well duh, obviously for emergency
cases like this!
ALEX
(exasperate)
Have you found anyone yet?
CHRIS
Hmm...Ian said he wasn't coming,
Nina's sick, Paul's gone to
Lautoka...Ah! Evan...
Chris dials the number and Alex leans in to listen.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Evan? Hey where are you guys? In
school? Huh? How come?... Oh
OK...could you tell the driver to
hold on? Alex and I are coming. OK
set.
ALEX
Why is the bus in school?
CHRIS
Adam thought it would be better to
meet there instead. Sheesh, this
guy...didn't even tell us.
Both hurriedly board the taxi and head off again.
EXT. YAT SEN CAR PARK- DAY
Taxi arrives and stops.
INT. TAXI- DAY
Alex lets out a sigh of relief and gets off. Chris digs
around in his pockets and brings out some coins.
CHRIS
How much?
DRIVER
$4.50
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.
CHRIS
Woo...OK, here you go. Thanks.
DRIVER
Vinaka.
Chris gets out and tries to catch up to Alex.
INT. BUS- DAY
As they both enter, shouts of remarks fire at them.
STUDENT 1
Gosh, you guys.
STUDENT 2
Chris Bale, always late.
STUDENT 3
We should have left you guys...I
bluff.
Student 3 laughs.
CHRIS
OK guys enough already geez. We're
here, let's go!
Alex finds a seat and plops down hugging his bag. Chris
stuffs one of his bags into the above compartment and sits
with the other at his feet.
ALEX
If we had missed the bus, I would
have killed you.
CHRIS
Aw, you don't mean that do ya?
Alex gives him an annoyed look as the bus pulls out of the
car park.
INT. BUS- DAY (LATER, TRAVELLING)
Alex looks out the window at the passing scenery. Music
plays while mixed with the chatter of others on board. Chris
is eating a packet of chips and waves it in front of Alex.
CHRIS
Do you want some?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
ALEX
(looks at it)
No, thanks.
Chris shrugs and stuffs a mouthful, crumbs dropping onto his
shirt.
CHRIS
(muffled)
Wonder what Tsulu's gonna be like.
ALEX
I googled it, looks nice enough.
CHRIS
Uh-huh...so, what are your plans
for next year?
ALEX
Going to USP, you?
CHRIS
It's a secret.
ALEX
Huh? What do you mean?
CHRIS
I'll tell you later.
ALEX
Are you not planning to go to uni?
CHRIS
I am, just that I'll tell you about
it later.
ALEX
Why not now?
CHRIS
Just cause.
Alex continues to stare out the window. The warm afternoon
sun and breeze causes his eyes to slowly close and he drifts
off to sleep.
(Black Screen)
Alex hears an echo of Chris's voice.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
CHRIS
Alex! Alex!
Then it becomes clear.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Get up! We're here!
ALEX
(groggily)
Huh?...Oh!
Chris points at Alex's cheek.
CHRIS
You might wanna clean that up.
Alex wipes off the drool and follows Chris out of the bus to
reception with the others to check-in.
INT. ROOM- NIGHT
Alex, Chris and two other boys enter. A window and two sets
of bunk beds are all there is. Chris rushes over to one and
throws his bags on top.
CHRIS
Top bunk's mine!
Alex puts his bag on the lower bunk and lies down. The other
two, MATT and TOM do the same.
TOM
Chris, why'd you bring two bags?
We're here for only a night you
know.
Chris walks to the window and looks out.
CHRIS
Its filled with goodies, in case I
get hungry...don't worry I'll share
with you guys.
MATT
When's dinner? I'm starving!
TOM
It's at 7.
Tom looks at his watch.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
TOM (CONT'D)
45 minutes to go.
CHRIS
Guys, let's go exploring!
Silence.
Chris goes to Alex and tugs at him.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
C'mon man! Where's your sense of
adventure?
ALEX
Please let me sleep. After all you
put me through today.
CHRIS
Hey, I'm sorry about that. My alarm
clock was really weird. Plus, I
paid the taxi fare so I should be
forgiven right?
ALEX
I'm not mad, just tired.
CHRIS
Why are you tired? You slept on the
bus!
Chris starts to pull Alex out of bed. Alex grabs onto the
mattress.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Alex, we've been friends for as
long as I can remember and you
won't go with me?
EXT. AROUND TSULU- NIGHT
Alex and Chris are walking about and checking out the place.
CHRIS
This place is so cool!
ALEX
Yeah, its like a small town here.
CHRIS
Hey, look!
Chris is pointing at a sign outside a shop.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 8.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
They've got that new Magnum
flavour, the champagne one!
ALEX
We're gonna have dinner soon.
Shouldn't you have actual food
before dessert?
CHRIS
Alex, how can I deny my rumbling
tummy something so delicious that
I'm salivating as we speak?
Chris runs to the shop and enters while Alex goes after him
and waits outside.
INT. SHOP- NIGHT
Chris walks to the fridge and gets the ice cream. He then
goes to the cashier and pays. The cashier checks his coin.
CASHIER
Excuse me, that's $2. You only gave
me a dollar.
CHRIS
Huh? Isn't that a two dollar coin?
CASHIER
No. See?
The cashier shows him the coin.
CHRIS
Ay karaik...why they gotta make
these coins the same eh?
The cashier smirks while Chris digs around in his pockets
and finds only a 10c coin. He smiles sheepishly and calls
out to Alex.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Alex! Psssstt!
Chris gestures for Alex to enter the shop. Alex goes in.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
I'm short of a dollar. Do you have
any money with you?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
ALEX
What happened to all yours?
CHRIS
That taxi fare wasn't cheap you
know...and I spent most of it on
the snacks.
Alex sighs, taking a coin out of his pocket and hands it to
Chris.
EXT. SHOP- NIGHT
CHRIS
Thanks man... I owe you.
Chris holds his ice cream as if it were a bar of gold.
ALEX
Never mind it.
CHRIS
In that case...
Chris unwraps the ice cream and takes a bite.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Do you want some? I bit this side
so you can try some here.
Chris points at the still uneaten part.
ALEX
I'll wait for dinner.
CHRIS
You sure? This is yummy!
EXT. AROUND TSULU- NIGHT
They continue to explore Tsulu while Chris enjoys his ice
cream.
ALEX
We should be getting back. My
stomach's growling.
CHRIS
Right, me too. All that walking is
working up an appetite.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
ALEX
Geez, I'm surprised you're still
hungry after all those snacks.
Chris suddenly jumps in front of Alex and looks him in the
eye.
CHRIS
(creepily)
I've got a monster inside of me...
Chris giggles hysterically.
EXT. BALCONY OUTSIDE DORMS- NIGHT
Everyone is gathered, some distributing the food onto
plates, others chatting. ADAM is trying to get everyone's
attention.
ADAM
Guys, we're gonna have dinner
now...
No one seems to be listening.
ADAM (CONT'D)
Dinner is about to be served...
No response.
He walks to the table and searches for something. He finds a
serving spoon and a pot.
ADAM (CONT'D)
Yo! Attention!
Adam bangs the serving spoon against the pot. This time the
chatter dies away and everyone looks at him.
ADAM (CONT'D)
Finally! OK, everyone take a plate
each, juice is there and if you
want seconds, just help yourself.
After this, we're gonna build a
bonfire by the poolside beach. That
is all.
Everyone lines up to get a plate and then huddle in their
little groups. Alex and Chris get theirs and sit near the
balcony railing overlooking Tsulu.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
CHRIS
This smells sooo good!
He eats a few forkfuls and sighs.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
What are your plans for the break?
Anything interesting?
ALEX
My parent's anniversary is coming
up...and Grandpa's staying with us
for two weeks.
Chris's forkful of food stops in mid-air.
CHRIS
Oh no.
ALEX
Oh yes, my nightmare is coming
again.
Alex eats. Chris's face shows a sign of worry.
CHRIS
I feel for you man, I really do.
What kind of Grandparent doesn't
like their own Grandkid?
ALEX
Dunno. Maybe his old age is making
him cranky. Or he just plain
doesn't like me for some reason.
CHRIS
At least you got Mrs. Ward there
with you,..and your sis since your
parents are busy and all.
ALEX
Yeah. You should come over more
often during that time. He won't be
able to do anything to me while
you're there.
Alex laughs.
CHRIS
Maybe.
Matt spots them and walks over with his plate and sits down.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
MATT
You guys know about the going back
in time thingy video right?
CHRIS
What's that?
A piece of food flies out from Chris's mouth. Matt clearly
disgusted, flicks the offending particle off his arm while
Chris gives an apologetic smile.
MATT
As I was saying. They're gonna show
pictures and videos of the class as
far back as possible. You know
since we're going our separate ways
after this.
ALEX
I didn't hear anything about that.
MATT
Guess Adam forgot to mention it.
Anyway everyone's gonna be at the
common room for that. I'm thinking
of bailing.
ALEX
Why?
MATT
Cos its gonna be embarrassing
that's why! No doubt they're gonna
bring up the time I pooped in
class!
CHRIS
Hey man, there's nothing bad about
that. Its all part of our memories
together.
ALEX
Now that you mentioned it, I kinda
forgot about that time!
Alex laughs.
MATT
See what I mean? That was like in
Class 2 so I think no one remembers
that...but this video thing is
gonna remind everyone again!
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 13.
CHRIS
OK, if that's what you want then
yeah...you can hide out in our room
until its over.
MATT
Yup, good thing I brought my PSP
with me.
Matt eats.
ALEX
Where's Tom?
MATT
He's hanging with Joseph and them.
They're also not going to the video
thing. They gonna be playing cards.
CHRIS
You know, I don't get why you and
them don't wanna go to the video
thing. I mean that's what this
whole break-up party is about man!
MATT
I didn't want to come in the first
place. But since Summer was so...
CHRIS
Oh man...seriously? Just because of
her you came?
MATT
What? She's going to New Zealand
soon and it'll be my last time to
see her.
CHRIS
Geez..you can still see her on
Facebook you know.
Matt takes a bite of his food while Chris mutters away.
ALEX
Have you guys decided what to study
yet?
MATT
I'm doing Law.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 14.
CHRIS
Whoa, Law?! Chi chi man...Lawyer
Matt.
ALEX
What about you, Chris?
CHRIS
I can't decide really...I've always
wanted to be a pilot but then I
watched Criminal Minds so I thought
maybe a Detective. And then I saw
how cool doctors were with their
white coats and stethoscopes.
MATT
Geez Chris...make up your mind.
CHRIS
I dunno! Maybe I should close my
eyes and pick one out.
MATT
And you, Alex?
ALEX
Literature.
CHRIS
Ah, no doubt about that you
bookworm.
MATT
Mrs. Chand would have been proud of
you. I don't know how you liked her
class, so boring.
ALEX
It's the teacher, not the subject.
MATT
Anyway, waiting for the FSLC
results is nerve wrecking.
CHRIS
I just hope I pass...I'm not aiming
too high but a pass on the dot is
all I ask for.
Adam is tapping on the pot to get everyone's attention
again.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
ADAM
Guys, I forgot to mention that
we're also having a trip back down
memory lane in the common room. So
please make your way there after
this.
ALEX
I'm done. Chris, hurry up.
Alex gets up and drinks. Chris nods and stuffs his mouth
with his last bits of food. Choking, Matt passes a cup of
juice for him to drink.
CHRIS
Thanks, woo almost had an accident
there.
Chris laughs.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Set, let's go.
MATT
(sarcastically)
Have fun.
INT. COMMON ROOM- NIGHT
Everyone is seated, waiting. A laptop and projector is set
up with Adam standing next to it.
ADAM
We live in a circle of life. We're
born, learn to walk and talk, go to
school, graduate and get a job.
Then we get married, have kids and
raise a family. Then it starts all
over again.
We've all been together since
kindergarten. While some of you
joined throughout the years until
now. For the last 13 years, you all
were my second family away from
home. I'm sure most of you would
share my sentiments.
After tonight, we will be going our
separate ways. Some, overseas and
the rest, here in Fiji, to continue
on this circle of life.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
ADAM (cont'd)
Its been a wonderful journey
guys...
(beat)
...I wish you all the best and one
day we will meet again.
Adam plays the video. At the end of it, an applause breaks
out followed by a cheer.
EXT. TIKI POOL- NIGHT
Everyone is gathered. Some swimming, others sitting around
and some building the bonfire. Alex and Chris sit at the
pool edge, feet in the water, overhearing various
conversations.
STUDENT 1
OMG I totally forgot all about
Matt's poop incident! I can't
believe someone took a picture of
it!
STUDENT 2
I remember I was sitting behind him
and asked for his sharpener when I
smelt something funky. At least we
got the whole afternoon off!
Laughter ensues.
STUDENT 3
Man, that picture of Carl, Sean and
Fred with their cardboard trays
going around selling for our Bring
N Buy...that was gold!
STUDENT 4
That time we prepared for talent
quest was so fun. Even cooler when
we won!
They sigh.
STUDENT 5
Remember how we made Ms. Ledua cry
during Teacher's Day? So emotional
that speech Adam gave back then.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
STUDENT 6
And when we were about to sit for
FSLC where Mr. Yadua gave us that
pep talk in the PEMAC room...isa.
Alex gazes around.
ALEX
After that video I'm feeling so
nostalgic, it's crazy.
CHRIS
Yeah, it helps you think about all
those things we did together as a
class. Adam was right, it was like
a second family.
ALEX
Mmmhmm...we should go to school and
take some pictures.
CHRIS
The only thing I'll not miss about
school is Mrs. Nui, that bully.
Alex laughs and nods.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
That evil witch, always putting me
on toilet duty and on detention
just cos I was eating in class.
ALEX
She was nice to me though.
CHRIS
Only because your parents gave her
discounts!
Alex smiles and leans back, looking up.
ALEX
Wow, look at all those stars!
Both of them look up and admire the beautiful night sky.
ALEX (CONT'D)
Wanna know something cool?
CHRIS
What?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.
ALEX
I learnt in Church that God's
thoughts toward man are more in
number than the stars in the sky
and the sand on the beach. Pretty
amazing, huh?
CHRIS
Really? Wow...
ALEX
Yeah, you should join sometime.
Hey, come this Sunday. We're having
a Sports Day Competition.
CHRIS
Sounds great but...
ALEX
But what? I know you're free on
Sundays playing League of Legends.
Unless you got a very good excuse.
CHRIS
I won't be able to go...
ALEX
Why? Got something planned?
CHRIS
I'm leaving...
ALEX
Leaving? What are you talking
about?
CHRIS
We're going to Canada...
(beat)
...and we're not coming back.
(Silence)
CHRIS (CONT'D)
Dad got a job offer that he
couldn't refuse... Aren't you gonna
say anything?
ALEX
Is this one of your pranks? Cos if
it is you nearly got me there.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.
CHRIS
Alex, do I look like I'm bluffing?
Chris stares Alex seriously in the eye and Alex looks as if
his whole world came crashing down.
ALEX
So that's why you didn't want to
tell me yet.
CHRIS
I didn't want my leaving to spoil
the break-up party.
ALEX
When are you leaving?
CHRIS
Tomorrow afternoon.
ALEX
So soon?!
CHRIS
I know.
Both of them stare ahead. The others are gathering for a
picture in front of the bonfire which is burning away.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
They're taking a photo, c'mon let's
go.
Getting out of the pool, they make their way to take the
group photo. There's a bit of shuffling around as people get
into position. Once its done, Alex and Chris walk over to a
bench and sit.
ALEX
When did you find out that you were
leaving?
CHRIS
Last week. Sorry I didn't tell you
earlier, I didn't know when or how
to.
ALEX
It's OK. I'm not angry, I'm happy
for you.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.
CHRIS
(voice breaking)
You're a great friend, Alex, one
could ever ask for. I'll email you
as often as I can.
ALEX
(pained)
Who's gonna be my partner in crime
when you're gone?
Alex gives a little laugh.
CHRIS
Don't worry, I'm sure you'll make
another friend in USP.
ALEX
I wanna watch TV...I'm going back
in. You?
CHRIS
Sure, it'll be my last time to
watch Shortland Street anyway.
They both laugh as they make their way back to their room.
INT. ROOM- NIGHT
Alex, Chris and Matt are siting on the floor. Varieties of
snacks are open and being eaten.
CHRIS
I can never get tired of eating
Twisties. I was born to eat them!
Chris pops a handful into his mouth. Alex is munching on a
Milky Bar while Matt has a lollipop stuck between his lips.
ALEX
I think UFOs is better.
Chris throws him a surprised look.
CHRIS
No, Twisties is better. They come
in different flavours.
Chris counts off his fingers.
CHRIS (CONT'D)
There's Chicken, Cheese, Pizza and
Extra Cheese! And then there's the
Blue Tongue one.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
ALEX
OK, OK. This Milky Bar is a bit
plain. I prefer the Milk n Cookies
one.
MATT
Chris, why did you buy so much
snacks? We won't be able to finish
them all!
CHRIS
I'll give the leftovers to the
others tomorrow...for breakfast!
Chris laughs and Twisties bits fly out. Alex and Matt look
at each other then at Chris.
MATT
I'm going to sleep.
CHRIS
So early?
MATT
It's been a long day, I'm tired.
ALEX
Night then.
Matt gets up and heads to his bed. Alex also does the same.
CHRIS
You guys are such party poopers.
The night's still young!
Chris after watching them both in bed starts to pack up the
snacks and puts them back into his bags.
INT. ROOM- EARLY MORNING
Alex is having trouble sleeping. Sounds of gentle snores
fill the room. Suddenly, there's a commotion of noise from
outside the common room. Alex slides out of bed and stands
next to the door listening.
MATT
Why's it so noisy?
ALEX
They're drunk.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 22.
Alex shuffles back to bed, lies down, trying to block the
noise with his pillow. He then gets up again after a while,
taking his iPod out of his bag, he goes to stand by the
window staring out.
Westlife's song "Too Hard to Say Goodbye" plays. Alex closes
his eyes and flashbacks of him and Chris are shown. Scenes
of them sitting together in class, taking the bus home,
playing video games, and having lunch behind the Home
Economics room.
ALEX
(singing along quietly)
"I can't turn the page or hold back
the time.
It's too hard to say goodbye.
There will come a day I'll have to
walk alone.
And I'll have to make it on my own.
Just can't say goodbye"
He then looks at Chris and his eyes get teary.
THE END.