I AM A FATHER

By

Mike Yaw

FADE IN:

1  INT, GREG’S HOUSE, BEDROOM - DAWN

The bedroom is messy, child toys litter the floor.

There’s a mess of bedsheets on top of the bed. A digital clock on the bedside cabinet begins to blare as it struck 5 am. A hand pops out from the mess of sheets and smacks the top of the alarm clock, silencing it. The sheets move as GREG MERVIL, a tall 25-year-old, usually handsome man with sharp features, rises from the bed.

Greg takes a towel, and his first uniform for the day and heads out of the bedroom door. SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM FULL SHOT of Greg crossing the doorframe, coming out the other side looking much more refreshed and changed into his Moonbucks uniform.  

CUT TO:

2  INT, GREG’S HOUSE, KITCHEN - MORNING

JACOB, a 1-year-old, plays around with his spoon on his stool.

GREG

*Chuckles* You’re splattering it everywhere Little man!

Greg takes the spoon and feeds Jacob a spoonful of mush. His Phone notifies him as a new message comes in, but he doesn’t read it.

GREG

You, be good to your auntie today! Daddy loves you!

Jacob does nothing but giggle, using his hand to grab more of his mush food and shove it into his mouth. Greg grabs a coat and heads for the front door, opening it for LUNA, a short brunette who looks tired of the world.

GREG

Thanks for this again Luna, I’ll be back at the same time as always.

LUNA

No prob, just leave the squirt to me.

Greg leaves as his front door shuts. SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT of Greg passing through an electrical post.

3  INT, MOONBUCKS, BEHIND THE COUNTER  - NOON

SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT of Greg walking to the counter, he talks to the person in front of the counter. He takes the order of CUSTOMER1, a middle-aged blonde woman who’s so mad she’s red in the face. Greg, with an awkward smile, tells the barista the beverage the woman wants. CUSTOMER2, a young energetic girl, steps up to the counter.

CUT TO:

4  INT, MOONBUCKS, EMPLOYEES AREA ONLY - AFTERNOON

Greg changes clothes, slinging a backpack over his shoulder. He stands up to leave and waves goodbye to MANAGER1, a man in his mid-40s too busy lecturing another employee to notice Greg’s departure. Greg shakes his head in humor as he leaves for the door.

SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT of Greg passing the door

CUT TO:

5  INT, 8 - 11 CONVENIENCE STORE, COUNTER - LATER

SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT of Greg exiting the changing rooms to take a position in front of the cashier in the convenience store.

STATIONARY CAMERA, QUICK CUTS :

-- Greg serves CUSTOMER3, an old woman who chatted away at him.

-- Greg stacks up the shelves

-- a bunch of rowdy teenagers knocks off a bunch of items

-- Greg fixes items that were dislodged

-- DUSK, Greg is browsing a book as he waits by the counter

-- NIGHT, Greg sweeps the floor

-- Greg grabs something to eat

-- Greg is leaving the store as another employee takes the next shift.

CUT TO:

6  EXT,  GREG’S HOUSE, FRONT PORCH - NIGHT

Greg steps up to his front door, looking drained of energy. The muffled sound of a soap opera playing on the TV can be heard from outside. A small smile plays on Greg’s lips, finding fond humor in his friend’s interests. He knocks on the door, suddenly finding it weird that his usual noisy son is impressively quiet.

The door swings open.

LUNA

You’re later than usual.

GREG

Sorry, my coworker was late for his shift.

Greg heads inside the house.

INT, GREG’S HOUSE, LIVING AREA - CONTINUOUS

Greg enters his own home passing the living area, still playing the cheesy soap opera, to lay his things on top of the dining table.

GREG

Where’s Jacob?

Greg takes out a cup and pours himself a cup of water.

LUNA

Here, see for yourself

Luna prepares her things to head out, stopping in front of the couch, and motions Greg over. Greg heads to where LUNA was standing and sees a passed-out JACOB on the couch, holding a small pillow to his stomach like the pose of an adult. LUNA turns off the TV.

GREG

Thanks for today Luns, tell Jamie I said hi.

INT, GREG’S HOUSE, LIVING AREA - CONTINUOUS

Greg enters his own home passing the living area, still playing the cheesy soap opera, to lay his things on top of the dining table.

GREG

Where’s Jacob?

Greg takes out a cup and pours himself a cup of water.

LUNA

Here, see for yourself

Luna prepares her things to head out, stopping in front of the couch, and motions Greg over. Greg heads to where LUNA was standing and sees a passed-out JACOB on the couch, holding a small pillow to his stomach like the pose of an adult. LUNA turns off the TV.

GREG

Thanks for today Luns, tell Jamie I said hi.

LUNA

Sure will! Take care, Greg!

Greg bundles up his son with a loving smile, in his arms and goes up the flight of stairs, then turns off all the lights.

CUT TO:

7  INT, GREG’S HOUSE LIVING AREA - MORNING

More than a week has passed, Greg is bouncing Jacob on his leg as they watch Harry Potter on the television.

MAX (O.S.)

(Frustrated) FUCK!!!

The sound startles Greg as he nervously looks out the window to see what was happening. He lays his eyes upon MAX CROCE, a short and skinny 24-year-old man, with dazzling and soft features. Greg takes Jacob in his arms and heads out to his new neighbor.

EXT, MAX’S HOUSE, FRONT YARD - CONTINUOUS

GREG

Hey there! I’m Greg, I -uh - live right next door.

MAX

Hey, I’m Max and this little guy right here is my son.

Greg is startled to know the new neighbor is a father. Max nudges a small form that is clinging to his leg. ANDREW, a small brooding boy stares up at Greg.

GREG

Aw, he’s adorable! So… your wife with you?

MAX

(Chuckles bitterly) Ha! No. (Max lowers his voice to a whisper) That rapist bitch died a year ago. Terrific car crash.

Greg was too stunned to speak, clearing his throat not exactly knowing what to say. Max picks up another box, smaller this time, and tests if he can carry it inside.

MAX

Well, Nice talking to you but these boxes won’t move themselves.

GREG

Well…Uh…I can help, I mean two sets of arms are better than one.

Max smiles for a brief moment before bashfully turning away from Greg.

MAX

Well, if you insist. (He starts walking towards his front door) Just so you know, I have no money to pay you.

Greg sits Jacob down on a couch, picking up another box to take inside.

SIDE PROFILE, MEDIUM CLOSE UP SHOT of Greg passing through the door frame carrying a box.

8  INT, MAX’S HOUSE, LIVING AREA - CONTINOUS

MONTAGE :

Max’s house is semi-furnished, Greg is talking animatedly towards Max, who only listens as he arranges books on a shelf. Their sons are sitting on the worn-out sofa, playing blocks with each other.

FADE TO:

It’s night, Max opens the door for Greg who has brought over a box of donuts, and Jacob is situated on top of his arms.

FADE TO:

On a different night, Greg comes over to take Jacob home, who he started leaving with Max and is asleep on the couch with Andrew.

FADE TO:

It’s morning and Greg and Max are watching the TV together with their sons. They laugh and turn to each other, stares lingering just a bit too long. They turn away awkwardly.

FADE TO:

Greg is supporting a sleeping Jacob in his arms, saying goodbye to Max by the front door. Max kisses Greg’s cheek, slamming the door quickly afterward. Greg stands there shocked before a grin slowly creeps upon his face and he turns to return to his own house.

CUT TO:

9  INT, MAX’S HOUSE, LIVING AREA - NIGHT

Jacob and Andrew are asleep on top of Greg. Greg slowly gets up from the couch, supporting the heads of the two kids as they fall softly on top of the couch. He heads for Max, who was tapping away on his laptop, coffee at his side, by the dining room.

GREG

Out as a light, both of them.

MAX

(Laughs as he closes the laptop) Best dad ever.

The two stares at each other with soft smiles for a while, Greg grows shy and heads back to the living area. He retrieves three roses.

GREG

I know, I’m barely getting by and you’re also not in the best situation. But I still wanted to get you something.

Greg hands over the flowers to Max, who was sitting shocked, but still receives the flowers.

GREG

Happy Birthday, I love you.

Max stands up and rushes over to hug Greg as tight as he can, burying his face in the crook of the other man’s neck.

MAX

Thank you! I love you too!

Max pulls back and the two share a sweet kiss that lingers for a moment. About to go in for another, Max’s phone dings with a notification. He detaches himself from Greg and heads over to read over the message that he received. A wide grin spreads across his face, and Greg just watches him silently.

MAX

I think I have a way to solve YOUR money problems.

FADE TO BLACK

QUICK CUT TO:

10 EXT, CORPORATE BUILDING - DAY

There’s heavy traffic as a bunch of angry drivers honk their horns at each other. Greg stands outside the building, looking small against the towering architecture. He takes a deep sigh, gathers all his courage, and enters the main doors, where RECEPTIONIST1 welcomes him with a gentle smile.

RECEPTIONIST1

Hey, you must be our new maintenance worker, right?

GREG

Yep, that would be me.

RECEPTIONIST1

Alright, just head to B1, Brenda will orient you on everything.

Greg smiles in towards the woman, but as he leaves, CAMERA PANS to GLORIA, a 25-year-old woman with long bleached hair looking like your average rich girl, looks at the retreating Greg with interest and malice.

CUT TO:

11 INT, CORPORATE BUILDING

(In each shot CAMERA PANS to show the whole situation and then CUT TO the next shot)

MONTAGE:

Greg is cleaning the men’s bathroom as Gloria walks in and begins chatting with him. Greg is visibly uncomfortable.

Greg is having lunch. Gloria sits down in front of him. Greg stands up and leaves.

Greg is fixing a printer of EMPLOYEE1 when Gloria pops up and talks to him, placing her hand over his shoulders making the man uncomfortable.

Greg leaves for work and Gloria can be seen watching him from afar.

CUT TO:

12 INT, MAX’S HOUSE, LIVING AREA - NIGHT

Greg enters the house with a loud sigh, dropping all of his things by the door. Max, who’s sitting down on the couch, turns his head towards the noise. Greg plops down and lays his head on top of Max’s legs.

MAX

(chuckles as he starts stroking Greg’s hair)

Long day?

GREG

The worst. That Girl from sales just doesn’t stop, not only that but doesn’t she like have any work to do? She’s like a leech -

Greg talks animatedly and Max lends an ear, listening intently to each word.

FADE TO BLACK

CUT TO:

13 INT, CORPORATE BUILDING, CEO OFFICE - NIGHT

The room was dark, but light filters in as the door opened and Greg walks in. WIDE SHOT of Greg taking a seat in front of CEO ESTEVAN, a short fat man in his 40s, sporting the usual balding scalp and a neatly trimmed mustache. Men in black suits stood to watch at each corner of the room.

ESTEVAN

Congrats my boy! By tomorrow, I’m officially promoting you to sales team 2 lead by -

GREG

(Cuts the other man off abruptly) I know why I’m here sir.

Estevan looks startled but it didn’t last as a smirk form across his face. He locks both hands together and places them in front of him.

ESTEVAN

I was actually trying to be nice, you know. But... since you insist on getting to the point, might as well.

Estevan takes out 3 pieces of paper from a folder on top of his desk. 3 papers for three separate individuals. This time around it was Greg who was caught off guard.

GREG

Wha-

ESTEVAN

You know them?

GREG

Of course, they’re -

ESTEVAN

I have connections high and low, Mr. Mervil. With one word I can make them go (Estevan uses his fingers to mimic a gun pointing at Max’s picture) boom.

Greg stares on in silent horror as he processes Estevan’s threat.

ESTEVAN

You gotta understand where I’m coming from, I’m just a father who wants to grant his baby girl’s wishes. As a father yourself, I’m sure you understand?

Horror turns into rage, as a few drops of silent anger flow down from his cheeks.

GREG

F-Fuck you

Greg was able to grit out, but Estevan only smiled as if he found the whole situation amusing. EXTREME CLOSE UP of Estevan as he smiles with malice.

ESTEVAN

Glad we could come to an agreement

CUT TO:

14 EXT, GREG’S HOUSE - MORNING

HENCHMAN1 and HECHMAN2, both well built and around 6foot tall, were walking out of Greg’s residence, one of the men was carrying a crying Jacob while the other was pulling a single piece of luggage full of clothes. An angry Max follows after them.

MAX

(Angry, frantically shouting, and trying to pull the men back)HEY!STOP! WHERE ARE YOU TAKING HIM! NO! STOP! NO! Greg’s-

HENCHMAN2 hands over the luggage to HENCHMAN1, who takes it and continues to walk over to the sleek black car that’s parked by the sidewalk.

HENCHMAN2

The girl he’s been telling you at work? They’re getting married, he’s too ashamed to face you so he sent us instead. Capiche?

MAX

(Startled but trying to fight back his doubts with reasoning) No, NO! YOU’RE LYING HE ISN’T LIKE THAT! HE WOULDN’T DO THAT TO ME! HE WOULDN’T do that to us!

EXTREME CLOSE UP of HENCHMAN2’s eyes as his glasses fall over slightly. A look of pain, pity, and guilt flashes over them for a brief second.

HENCHMAN2

I’m just doing what I’m paid for, nothing more nothing less.

HENCHMAN2 walks away from Max, who’s now crying as he grabs his phone, trying to dial Greg’s number. The line keeps disconnecting as the black car drives away.

FADE TO BLACK

1 year later

CUT TO:

15 EXT, GREG’S MANSION - MORNING

Max stands outside of a mansion with a sprawling yard covered in beautiful flowering plants, the mansion itself was also a beauty to behold. Towering with what looks like marble and gold as its main materials. Max was holding an envelope tight to his side, debating whether he should or shouldn’t continue with his plans. With a deep breath, he gulps the last bit of his self-respect and rings the intercom. The voice of a girl answers him.

NANNY1

Hello, who are you? (a baby’s cry) Shh…Little Lily, it’s ok, it’s okay.

MAX

(Blanked out, not knowing what his original purpose was) Oh, Is that…Gregory’s child perhaps…?

NANNY1

Why yes! Little Lilian, Such a beautiful young girl, takes after her mother. Such beauties. But you know -

Max tunes out as he walks away, the voice of the Nanny speaking on the intercom continues as Max retreats further and further away.

CUT TO:

16 INT, MAX’S HOUSE - NIGHT

ANDREW

Goodnight, dad.

The young boy snuggles into bed as Ma kisses his son’s forehead.

MAX

Goodnight, Love you.

ANDREW

Love you too.

Ma exits the room and closes the door as gently as he could. A wave of nausea passes through him and he grabs onto a nearby wall for support. Thinking that water may help ease what he’s feeling, he heads to the kitchen but as he walks to the refrigerator doors, he faints completely.

TRANSITION