Tides Edge

By
Amber Paradis
EXT ITALIAN RESTAURANT -NIGHT.
9pm. White lights frame the building. Bushes visible but not
prominent. Young couple entering the building.
INT ITALIAN RESTAURANT.
Family sitting at a table.
MARIA DeLUCA (19. Simple yet elegant. Shoulder length, dark
hair. Bubbly most of the time. Always smiling and joking).
ABBEY DeLUCA (21. Soft facial features. Longer, lighter
hair. Quieter, yet also stays smiling).
TED DeLUCA(52. Dark but graying, short business haircut.
Noticeable wrinkles. Stern demeanor).
VERONICA DeLUCA(49. Dyed auburn hair in an elegant updo.
Clearly botoxed face. Cares about appearance and material
items more than family at times).
Veronica and Ted on the left, Maria and Abbey on the right.
Casual talking but nothing really audible. Waiter comes with
the check, speaking Italian. Ted grabs the check, slides
credit card into the holder. Smiles exchanged.
EXT ITALIAN RESTAURANT, PARKING LOT -NIGHT.
DeLuca family getting into a shiny, black SUV. Veronica
getting right in no real expression on her face. Both girls
smiling and giggling. Ted smirking.
INT BLACK SUV.
Maria and Abbey giggling in the back. Ted driving. Veronica
on her phone not really paying attention.
EXT OPEN ROAD/DRIVEWAY.
SUV driving on a long, winding road. Not an over abundance
of trees, but it leads to a rather nice villa in a wooded
area. Secluded.
Villa is large. Two levels. Big glass windows. Wooden
exterior.
SUV slows as Ted pulls into the dirt driveway. Once in park,
parents get out, he wraps his arm around Veronica and they
walk up the stairs into the villa.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 2.
MARIA
(Whispering)
Are you sure that they wont know?
Its only our second night here
Abs...
ABBEY
(Giggles softly)
Yes, Mar. Well be fine. Dads
going to end up passed out at his
desk and mom will fall asleep with
her best friend Jose in hand.
Well be fine. Dont worry.
Maria nods, smiling in agreement and follows her older
sister inside.
INT STUDY - HALF HOUR LATER
Dimly lit. Large bookshelf filled with an assortment of
readings.
Abbey walks around the corner, peeking into her dads
office. Ted is nodding off, head bobbing up and down before
falling forward and staying that way.
ABBEY
(Very softly to herself)
Mhm. One down.
Abbey smiles and exits the studying, heading for the living
room.
INT UPSTAIRS HALLWAY/MASTER BEDROOM
Dimly lit hallway. Maria tiptoes slowly toward the entrance
of her parents bedroom. Stopping outside the door she takes
a deep breath and peeks in.
Veronica is passed out on the bed. Theres small glass, with
less than a sip of alcohol left in it, on hand on her lap.
Theres a half empty bottle of tequila on the nightstand
next to her.
Maria sighs while biting the inside of her lower lip.
Shaking her head and blinking hard, she heads downstairs to
meet Abbey in the living room.
3.
INT LIVING ROOM
MARIA
I dont know how youre always
right about these things, but thank
God you are.
ABBEY
Oh shush. If you think about it,
you planned this evening out, I
just worked out the kinks. Now grab
the keys and lets roll out shall
we?
Maria nods, taking a few steps toward the door grabbing the
keys off the hook. Keys in her palm so they dont make a
loud jingling sound. Her other hand reaches for the
doorknob, turning it slowly before stepping outside.
Abbey pauses with her hand on the doorknob following Maria
outside. With one foot outside she looks back inside, her
eyes shifting around before contently smiling, stepping
outside and shutting the door softly behind her.
INT BLACK SUV
Maria is sitting in the passengers seat, while glancing to
her right watching Abbey hop in. She shifts to face forward
as the vehicle is started and starts to slowly back out of
the lengthy driveway.
Some time passes as they make their way to a party.
Maria keeps fidgeting with her phone, getting angry.
Abbey glances over at her, smiling and rolling her eyes.
ABBEY
You know, youre going to have
awful thumbs when youre old... and
youre going to have loads wrinkles
from the stress you let those
stupid texts cause you.
MARIA
(Rolling her eyes and huffing)
You know, just because you have
three years on me doesnt mean
anything. And I mean, its not like
all I do is sit and text all day.
My hands will be fine, and Im not
stressed Im just... unimpressed.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 4.
ABBEY
Mhm. Okay, Mar. You tell yourself
whatever you need to but I mean,
generally when were on our way to
meet up with Italian boys, youre a
lot happier and not huffing in your
little technology bubble.
MARIA
Right, because we do this all the
time? Its nothing Abs, just get us
there, Ill be fine.
Abbey reaches to the radio dial, turning it on and up
slightly. Hearing the song, a small smirk grows on Abbeys
lips.
ABBEY
Aw shit, Mar. Its your jam. Dont
try and hide it.
Maria bites her lower lip trying to hold back a smile before
just turning her head and staring out the window.
MARIA
Nope. This song sucks. Totally
overplayed. I have no interest in
it. Just get us to the spot.
She shifts again feeling her phone vibrate, her glance
darting down the the lit up screen, another huff falling off
her lips.
MARIA
(To herself)
Youve got to be kidding me.
Abbey shrugs, looking defeated. She continues driving on,
not trying any more to talk her sister out of the weird
slump she was in.
MARIA
(Under her breath)
This is ridiculous.
ABBEY
Okay, I know that youre not pissed
at me or whatever, but if youre
going to sit there and bitch about
it you might as well at least fill
me in. I mean dont get me wrong, I
know you need your space and stuff
but were about to go to a party
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 5.
ABBEY (contd)
and its best if we dont show up
in this off mood. Itll ruin the
whole night and we both know thats
not what we want from our last full
night here.
Abbey takes one hand off the wheel to grab onto her sisters
hand, and gives it a small squeeze.
ABBEY
Whats up, Buttercup?
Maria bites down harder on her lip and lets out a heavy
sigh.
MARIA
Its not fair that youre using
Buttercup against me right now
you know?
Abbey smiles coyly.
MARIA
Well first, I dont even know how
great this party is going to be, or
whatever. Im texting the kid who
told us about it and I dont
know... he seems different now.
ABBEY
Different how?
MARIA
I dont know.. he just doesnt seem
like the same kid. He keeps saying
if we dont get there soon hell
just find another bella to dance
the night away with. Which, I mean
its whatever, but like I dont see
what the point was in inviting the
two of us and him and his friend
trying so hard if they were just
going to go off and find other
girls, you know?
ABBEY
So youre letting some kid that you
wont see any more after tonight
get to you? Mar, if hes saying he
can find another bella or
whatever, you know you will have no
issue finding another guy. Youre
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 6.
ABBEY (contd)
beautiful. I mean, come on now..
you take after your older sister
and shes a dime and a half.
Both sisters smile. Maria receives another text but doesnt
pay attention to it, but instead moves her hand to the dial
and turns up the radio. Her and Abbey sing along until they
arrive to the party.
EXT PARTY IN THE WOODS -NIGHT
The SUV pulls up and parks where they see a bunch of others.
Maria hops out first, leaving her things in the car. Abbey
keeps the keys clutched in her hands.
A few minutes past and the sisters make their way to the
crowd, the sound of house music getting louder.
ABBEY
(Under her breath)
Oh god.
She notices a group of young guys, in their 20s, doing lines
of coke off the the hood of a car parked closer to the
action.
ITALIAN GUY 1
Bella!
Dressed casual, faded slim fitting jeans, a beanie, short
dark hair showing. Nice smile, perfect teeth. He stumbles
toward the sisters as they get closer to the large mob of
people dancing around a bonfire.
MARIA
Ciao.
Her face stays stern.
MARIA
It sure looks like plenty of people
made it.
His face scrunches and he brings a hand to his ear.
Maria raises her voice.
MARIA
I said it SURE LOOKS LIKE PLENTY OF
PEOPLE MADE IT!
He nods and smiles coyly reaching out for her hand.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 7.
Marias facial expression softens.
ABBEY
Mar... Are you sure you want to go
off with him?
Marias hand slips into his. She just looks at Abbey smiling
while biting her lip and shrugs.
Abbey rolls her eyes.
ABBEY
Whatever. Just well meet back up
right here, okay?
MARIA
(Nodding while walking away)
Yeah, okay whatever.
Abbey stands with one arm across her midsection, holding
onto her other arm.
EXT BACK SIDE OF THE BONFIRE.
Maria is dancing with the Italian boy, red cup in hand.
CU Italian guys hand, slowly moving up the side of Marias
leg.
MARIA
Haha. No, no.
She grabs his hand, stepping out a bit, pulling him with her
laughing and sipping on her drink.
EXT FRONT SIDE OF THE BONFIRE
The same group of 20 something guys that Abbey had noticed
earlier notice her standing on her own, barely swaying to
the music thats blaring.
One walks up behind her, placing his arms around her waist,
trying to get her to dance.
A large smile pulls across her face and she starts dancing
without even turning around to see who it is.
8.
EXT BACK SIDE OF THE BONFIRE.
The two are still dancing and as Maria goes to take another
sip of her drink, she realizes the cup is empty and breaks
away from the guy stumbling a bit.
His face changes from a smile to a surly expression.
ITALIAN GUY 1
No no, Bella. Dancing.
He grabs for her arm but Maria pulls away, her face
confused.
MARIA
Im just going to grab another
drink.
ITALIAN GUY 1
No, you drink what I give. Its
gone.. oh well.
He reaches out for her arm again while raising an eyebrow.
MARIA
No, Im thirsty so Im going to get
another drink. Jesus..
ITALIAN GUY 1
Whatever with you then, Bella. Not
all that pretty, you know?
He throws his arm down before walking away, finding another
girl to dance with almost instantly.
Maria huffs and stomps over to the drinks, before just
grabbing a bottle and wandering off to find Abbey.
EXT FRONT SIDE OF THE BONFIRE
Abbeys still dancing. Her eyes are closed moving to the
music. She still hasnt turned around to see that its one
of the coke heads.
Maria is rounding the corner when the Italian guys friend
comes up to her.
ITALIAN GUY 2
Ciao, Bella. You are having fun?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 9.
MARIA
I, ah-
She pauses distracted, still looking confused and for her
sister.
MARIA
Yeah. Its tons of fun, but I,
um... I cant talk. My sister, I...
Her voice trails off as she sees Abbey dancing with someone
she doesnt recognize and notices that hes even more handsy
than the guy she was just with.
MARIA
Abbey!
Abbey is in a haze, lost in the music and dancing and
doesnt respond.
Maria moves herself past the guy in front of her and walks
over to Abbey, stopping right in front of her before
tripping over her own feet and falling into her.
ABBEY
Excuse you.
Her eyes open as she gives Maria an odd look. Something
about her sisters demeanor lets Abbey know that something
isnt right. She steps forward then turns around to excuse
herself from her dance partner.
Realizing who he was, she just links arms with Maria and
walks with her toward a large tree, away from the haze of
the crowd.
ABBEY
Whats going on?
She notices the bottle in her sisters hand and her gaze
shifts between the bottle and Marias eyes a few times.
MARIA
Its, I dont know, nothing I
guess. I just.. I feel like maybe
we should finish this bottle I
managed to grab, and call it a
night.
Abbey looked around and then back at the bottle again.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 10.
ABBEY
You realize were both going to get
shitfaced if we finish that, right?
MARIA
Yeah.. thats kinda the point, Abs.
ABBEY
And then what? We pass out in the
woods that no one knows were in
and Mom and Dad find out we have
the car, then we miss our flight
and th-
MARIA
(Cutting her off)
Okay, no. Im just saying its our
last night here, yeah? Homeboy that
was texting me earlier was a
creeper and Id much rather just
get drunk and have a wonderful
night thatll surely be one to
forget. Cmon, you know you want
to.
She holds the bottle out in Abbeys face, waving it side to
side.
ABBEY
I know you just want to have fun
but if hes a creep or whatever, I
think its probably better if we
just leave. I mean, I was just
dancing with someone I didnt know
which is normally fine but, I dont
know... hes kinda sketch too.
She glances back and eyes him down.
ABBEY
Maybe we should just call it a
night?
MARIA
So we drove out here for nothing
then? Whatever...
Maria starts walking toward where they parked, turning away
from her sister with attitude and almost falling once again.
ABBEY
Honestly, Maria? You cant even
walk properly and youre getting
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 11.
ABBEY (contd)
upset with me because I feel like
we should call it a night?
Maria says nothing, only waves a hand in the air back at her
sister.
Abbey lets out a heavy sigh and follows her.
EXT PARKING AREA IN THE WOODS.
Maria is fumbling with the handle to the passengers side
door. Noticing, Abbey speeds up her steps and walks over to
her the door for her.
Maria huffs and then climbs in, shoving her bag to the
floor.
Abbey ignores how stubborn and rude her sister is being and
just gets in, throwing the SUV into reverse and heading back
on the road.
INT BLACK SUV -A FEW MINUTES LATER
Theyre on the road back, neither are talking to each other.
Abbey clearly is unsettled by the silence.
A few more minutes go by, Maria is leaning on the window
staring off into space. Still looks upset and drunk.
Abbey starts looking around at things they pass. Her face
looks concerned.
ABBEY
I know youre pissed at me or
whatever right now, but can you
find the GPS. I think I took a
wrong turn or something.
Maria rolls her eyes.
MARIA
You can get it on your own. Youre
the one who wanted to go in the
first place.
ABBEY
Really? God, youre such an ass
when you drink.
Marias head turns sharply, eying down her sister.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 12.
MARIA
WOW! OKAY.
Abbey ignores her and leans to the to the left, bending down
to try and find the GPS.
CU her hand is on the floor, messing around with all the
contents that have spilled out of Marias bag.
ABBEY
(Under her breath.)
Shit.
Maria continues to sit there, not helping but just staring
out the window. Lights start to shine bright on her face,
she turns to face forward just in time to see them drifting
into the oncoming lane.
MARIA
ABBEY, LOOK OUT!
Abbey sits up, her foot pushing hard on the gas pedal,
grabbing the wheel and pulling it hard to sift back into the
correct lane.
The truck they nearly hit head on flys by them, horn
blaring.
ABBEY
(Out of breath, panicked.)
That. That was WAY too-
EXT ROADWAY -SAME TIME.
The SUV continues drifting to the right, out of their lane.
Its only seconds until the SUV hits a large oak tree.
The impact is loud and hard.
INT BLACK SUV -MOMENTS LATER.
Flashes between black and bright lights shining.
Both sirens and the word "signorina" are echoing.
13.
INT HOSPITAL -THE NEXT DAY.
Maria is laying in a hospital bed. Shes receiving oxygen
and has noticeable bandages on her head, and arms.
DOCTOR RAMANO
Signorina DeLuca. You are awake.
How is the pain?
He enters the room with a smile on his un-shaved face.
She looks around, confused and wincing in pain but not
responding to his question.
DOCTOR RAMANO
Try to not move too much. You have
many injuries. Lucky girl youre
still breathing, even if you have a
little help.
He chuckles pointing to the machine before walking up to the
foot of her bed to check her chart, the florescent lights in
the room reflecting off his bald head.
MARIA
Wher-
Her hand slowly moves to her throat as she attempts to clear
it. Dr. Ramano points to the water at her bed side. She take
the cup and sips it slowly. Wincing as she swallows.
MARIA
Where are my parents? Wheres
Abbey?
DOCTOR RAMANO
Your parents are with Abbey.
He wont look her in the eyes when Abbey is brought up, but
continues to stare at the chart.
MARIA
Well right... but where is she? Is
she like me? Is she okay?
He looks up, a large fake smile pulling across his lips.
DOCTOR RAMANO
For now... you rest, okay? I will
be back later to see how youre
feeling.
He walks out of the room after marking a few things down in
her chart.
14.
Maria can see out her door the doctor talking with some
other staff, looking back at her shaking his head slowly.
The fake smile on his face completely gone.
INT SAME ROOM -LATER IN THE DAY.
Veronica and Ted are sitting at Marias bedside. Noticeable
that theyve both been crying.
TED
Buttercup? You awake?
Maria opens her eyes slowly, feeling her fathers hand
holding her own.
MARIA
Yeah, barely.
She laughs lightly and tries to sit up a bit before stopping
and cringing from the pain.
TED
Honey, you shouldnt try to move.
Youre pretty busted up. Has Doctor
Ramano come to see you yet? He said
hed give you something for the
pain.
MARIA
Yeah, I think he was here earlier.
I dont know. Dad. Where is Abbey?
Why are we in separate rooms?
Moms head falls forward as she starts crying again.
Ted takes a deep breath in, attempting to hold back his own
tears.
TED
She, ah.
He sniffles and his free hand moves to his nose, wiping it
quickly. His head shakes and he clears his throat.
TED
She didnt make it, Buttercup. The
force of the impact and the way her
body... the way she came into
contact with the, ah, steering
wheel.
His voice breaks.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 15.
TED
Shes with Meme now, in a better...
His voice fades out.
Maria stares straight forward. Her face is blank. She blinks
slowly, you can hear her heartbeat pounding loudly, over the
sound of Dad still trying to talk. A single tear falls from
each eye before she closes her eyes completely.
INT HOSPITAL CHECK OUT DESK -ONE WEEK LATER.
Maria, Ted, and Veronica are at the desk filling out papers.
One spot on the paper reads "Oxycontin 40mg".
NURSE
Okay, so shes not a minor but we
like to make sure you know what
your daughter is going to need for
the best home recovery.
Ted re-reads all the forms.
Maria is standing, still has a blank expression on her face.
There are less bandages on her but still present.
The nurse continues talking to both the parents, trying to
get Marias attention but gives up quickly, seeing how out
of it she is. She leans in closer to Dad.
NURSE
(Whispering)
That should go away soon. Her being
so... ah, aloof? Is hard, loosing
someone, but time heals, you know?
Ted just shrugs and nods in attempts to be polite.
TED
Alright, Sweetie. Lets go home.
INT DELUCA HOME. MARIAS ROOM -MORNING.
The time on her phone reads "7:49". Maria is laying in bed
awake with phone in hand. Her eyes wide open, looking like
she hasnt slept since coming back home.
She rolls onto her back, staring at the ceiling as her phone
alarm goes off. She holds it up above her face, still having
a blank look on her face as she presses dismiss.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 16.
TED
(Hollering from downstairs.)
HONEY! You awake?! Youve gotta
take your meds! Maria?
She sighs heavily, slowly getting to her feet.
MARIA
Yeah. I know.
Her feet drag as she walks into the bathroom adjoined to her
bedroom. Stepping inside she flicks the light on and stands
in front of the small medicine cabinet.
Her eyes trace over the marks on her face. Studying every
bruise and scrape. Her right hand moves slowly up to a cut
above her right eyebrow, her fingers slowly feel the length
of it. She rolls her eyes and brings her hand down onto the
sink.
MARIA
(Under her breath.)
Whatever.
INT DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN -SAME TIME.
TED
Op! I hear her moving around.
Thats always a good sign.
Hes making coffee and preparing breakfast for himself,
Veronica, and Maria. Dressed in his day clothes, clean and
showered.
Veronica sits at the table, staring blankly into space.
Still has on her pajamas and a robe. Her hairs a mess, no
make up on.
INT UPSTAIRS MARIAS ROOM -SAME TIME.
She reaches out to open the medicine cabinet, and grabs out
the bottle of pills prescribed to her.
The label reads "Take one tablet as needed. Do not take more
than 6 in 24 hours."
Maria contemplates exactly what she could do. Her lower lip
curls inward, her teeth gently biting down on the small cut
not healed from the crash.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 17.
Her foot starts tapping rapidly, eyes shifting across the
label over and over. Until she just shrugs. The palm of her
free hand presses down on the top of the pill bottle, and
twists it open. She shakes out one and lets it sit there for
a minute.
She starts biting on her lip harder, her foot tapping
picking up its pace as well.
She sighs heavily and pours out two more pills, tosses them
into her mouth and swallows them hard. Getting water after.
Her eyes close and the tension in her face relaxes. She sets
the bottle on the side of the sink and walks back the her
bed, laying down and turning her phone off. Then throws the
blankets over her head.
INT DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN -SAME TIME.
Ted is setting the table then walks over to the stove to
grab the pan of eggs off the stove, looking toward the
stairs.
TED
Maria! Cmon now. Breakfast is
ready!
VERONICA
Stop yelling. Ill go see if shes
even up.
She pushes back from the table and walks toward the stairs,
shoulders slumped.
TED
I was pretty sure I heard footsteps
hon, I just didnt want to invade
her privacy.
Veronica ignores him and starts heading up stairs.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Her eyes are half open. Shes sprawled across her bed. The
blanket is still covering everything except her face.
Veronica opens the door slowly and peeks her head in.
VERONICA
Maria. Dad just made us breakfast.
Get out of bed and come downstairs.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 18.
Maria groans something but its not audible.
VERONICA
Im not asking you. Im telling
you. Get out of that bed or Ill
get you out of it.
Her foot starts to creep out of her blanket.
MARIA
Whatever. Im coming. I mean.. they
called for bed rest and all but
yeah, let me get out of bed and
walk down a flight of stairs then
sit in an uncomfortable wooden
chair and get two bites down before
loosing my appetite. Sounds
awesome, Mom. I dont know how Im
not jumping for joy.
Veronica folds her arms across her chest.
VERONICA
At least you have the option to do
any of those things, whether youre
in pain or not.
She turns sharply and heads back down stairs hollering back.
VERONICA
Now get up!
INT KITCHEN, A FEW MINUTES LATER.
Maria is coming down stairs, taking each step slowly and in
a soft manner. Her face is has no expression, but her eyes
are puffy.
Ted looks back and forth from Maria to her mother confused.
Both women are clearly upset.
TED
Ah, Maria! Morning, sweetie.
He smiles and motions her to take a seat next to Veronica.
She gives her mom a look as she sits two seats away instead,
making a point of it.
MARIA
Hi.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 19.
She picks the fork up in front of her barley picking at the
food in front of her.
VERONICA
Eat your food, Maria. Its going to
get colder the longer you push it
around like that.
Maria says nothing but instead puts the smallest bite
possible on her fork and moves it to her mouth. A large,
fake smile pulls across her face after she swallows.
MARIA
Delicious. Im stuffed.
VERONICA
Do not give me that attitude, Maria
Annebell. Just eat your breakfast
and go back to your precious bed
rest.
TED
Whoa! Whoa! Whoa!
Maria huffs.
MARIA
Whatever. Im going back to bed.
She drops her fork on her plate and pushes her seat back
before standing and walking back up the stairs.
TED
What the hell was that?
Veronica shakes her head.
VERONICA
Nothing.
She grabs her cup of of coffee and sips off it.
TED
That was not nothing. Whatd you
say to her when you went up there?
Veronica continues to not respond, and averts her eyes from
looking at her husband.
TED
You know this is why she is how she
is. Look at us! We cant even feed
out recovering daughter a nice
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 20.
TED (contd)
breakfast without something going
down.
He shakes his head and takes a few deep breaths.
TED
This isnt how its supposed to
work... you and I both know that.
VERONICA
This isnt how whats supposed to
work, Ted?
TED
Like an actual family! Jesus, we
lost one kid, Veronica! Do you
really want to push the other one
away?
He walks over to the counter, placing both hands down on it,
looking down shaking his head.
TED
I dont want to lose Maria too.
Veronica slams her mug down and gets to her feet.
VERONICA
(Shouting)
Maria is still alive, in case you
havent noticed! Is Abbey? Will she
ever be? No. No she wont because
that one up there drug her ass out
to some party! You can sit around
and feel sorry for her but Im not
falling for her little pity party,
Ted. Not this time.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Maria is laying in bed, rolling her eyes as the flutter open
and closed. Shouting from downstairs is heard but not
completely audible.
Her cell phone is laying on the night stand next to her bed
and lights up, making a loud vibrating sound.
She rolls onto her side, almost in slow motion, feeling the
effect of taking more pills than suggested.
Through half lidded eyes, the screen of her phone and text
message is shown:
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 21.
"DANNY:
Ria! Youre back.. thats great... we should see each other
sometime.. if you want."
She huffs and attempts to toss her phone back onto the
nightstand but her aim is off and it lands on the floor.
INT DOWNSTAIRS KITCHEN -SAME TIME.
TED
You know that isnt fair!
Theyre mid argument. Ted is leaning with his lower back on
the counter while Veronica has made her way to stand face to
face with him.
Both show signs of frustration in their face and body
language.
VERONICA
This world isnt fair though, I
mean right? Look at us! Perfect
young powerful couple clouded with
the illusion of what having a child
could mean to our relationship.
She lets out a light, sarcastic laugh.
VERONICA
We both should have known from the
beginning that this is how wed end
up, Ted.
Ted stands looking into his wifes eyes confused.
TED
You know what?
He throws his arms up and starts walking away.
TED
Im done with this conversation,
Veronica. I hate it when youre
like this.
22.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -NIGHT
The curtains are open and no light is coming in, marking
that its been hours and shes still in bed passed out.
Shes near the edge of the bed with an arm resting across
her chest. While still asleep, her arm slides off of her
chest and rolls out, hitting off her nightstand.
Her eyes open quickly, retracting her arm slowly, making
muffled pain noises.
Slowly, she sits up. Her hands move to her face to rub her
eyes. Glancing over at her windows, her face turns
quizzical.
MARIA
(Whispering to herself)
Shit.
She sighs deeply before turning her head quickly to the
floor when she hears her phone vibrating.
MARIA
(Same tone as before)
Howd you get down there?
Still confused, she tries to swing her legs over the edge of
the bed and groans loudly before laying down on her back,
closing her eyes in pain.
INT TEDS OFFICE -SAME TIME.
His head turns sharply in the direction of his daughters
room, looking concerned hearing her groan.
TED
(Shouting)
Veronica! Go check on Maria, yeah?
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Her she huffs hearing her dad yell.
MARIA
(Hollering to Ted)
No dad! Im f-
Her voice breaks, feeling more pain as she starts to get
worked up, not wanting to deal with her mom.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 23.
MARIA
...Fine. I promise!
INT TEDS OFFICE -SAME TIME.
TED
Dont give me that, Maria.
He gets up from his desk and leaves the office, passing
Veronica in the hall who is just getting up from her own
bed, walking to the doorway with a stagger.
VERONICA
Did you say something to me before?
No longer in her pajamas, but still looks a mess, her words
slightly slurred.
TED
(Under his breath)
Jesus.
He walks past her taking a deep breath in before reaching
Marias door, knocking twice softly.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Maria hears the knock and sighs.
MARIA
Dad, Im fine honestly!
She winces in pain, clearly not okay.
Ted opens the door and walks in anyway. Once he sees how
shes looking, he heads right to her bathroom to grab her
pills.
MARIA
No dad, its fine. Stop.
She gets to her feet, taking every step hurting but she
doesnt want him to notice she took more than she should
have.
Ted stops once he notices her getting out of her bed.
TED
Maria! I just heard you four rooms
away, practically yelling in agony.
Get back in your bed, Ill get you
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 24.
TED (contd)
your meds and some water, then
bring you something to eat. Youve
been up here all day.
She looks at him confused. But just shakes her head no.
MARIA
Just stop!
He looks at her, now just as confused and shrugs.
TED
Im only trying to help.
Maria stays standing where she is, facing her dad, not
saying anything. She bits her lower lip and shrugs much like
Ted just had.
MARIA
(Low and raspy)
Just.. dont.
Ted looks at her again, still confused.
TED
(Slightly raised voice)
Dont what? Help my kid whos
clearly in pain and probably
shouldnt even be standing right
now? Dont come in until Im
welcomed in. Dont wear the shoes I
have on? What? You need to be a
little more sp-
Maria cuts him off, visibly upset.
MARIA
All of it! Jesus! You think that
just because now that Abbey is gone
and Im the only kid left, that NOW
is when you should start being a
good parent, when the reality is
that it should have happened LONG
before this. Before Italy, before
her and I turned eighteen. Hell,
before we became teens. You and mom
should have stepped up to the plate
before I was even born! You cant
just turn on daddy-mode and think
itll be okay because NOW you
realize that you and mom fucked up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 25.
Ted is standing in his place, his mouth is moving but no
real words are coming out.
MARIA
Truth sucks right? Realizing whats
actually going on. It hurts huh?
TED
Ria... Im trying.
MARIA
Well dont! God, I dont know how
many times I can say it. If you
want to fix something.. focus on
that wife of yours.
TED
She is your mother, Maria! Dont
speak like she is some perfect
stranger!
Maria huffs, rolls her eyes and crosses her arms.
MARIA
(No longer yelling)
She never told you what actually
happened this morning did she?
Ted slightly shakes his head.
TED
N-no... she said it was nothing
then her and I, well just, no she
didnt. Why?
Half a laugh leaves her, as she looks around. Looking
everywhere except her fathers eyes as she debates telling
him what actually happened knowing that he really is just
trying to do whats best.
She just shrugs again.
MARIA
Ask her, again. Be sincere.
She starts walking to her bathroom to get her pills on her
own.
Ted stands there watching her.
TED
I just dont want to lose two
daughters when I actually have a
chance with one still, Maria.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 26.
He head falls low and he turns on his heals to leave her
room.
Maria makes the few small steps and enters her bathroom once
Ted has left.
Once again she finds herself standing face to face with her
mirror. Noticing again each mark from the accident.
She uses her hands to brace herself of the sink and looks
down, slowly reaching one hand to turn the faucet on. As the
water comes out the same hand moves slowly to grab a tiny
dixie cup. Once its filled, she sets it off to the side and
looks up at herself in the mirror once more.
As she opens the medicine cabinet, her foot starts tapping
again, this time slower.
She takes slow, deep breaths as she reaches for the pill
bottle. Once she has it in her hand, she twists the top off
in the same manner and pours three into her hand once more.
This time not as hesitant.
She pops them in her mouth quickly, then grabs the water and
swallows hard. After, she puts the bottle back, not looking
in the mirror as she closes it, but instead just turning in
a swift motion to toss the cup in the small waste bin.
Her steps back to her bed are still slow, but more relaxed
than before.
Right before she reaches the bed, Maria glances down and
notices her phone that she still hadnt checked. She bends
down to grab it and makes her way back to her bed, crawling
in and wrapping right up in her blanket.
There are three missed texts on her phone all from Danny.
Instead of replying, she presses send on as his name is
selected on the screen of her phone.
EXT THE BOARDWALK
Danny, (21. Blond buzz cut hair, lanky), is walking by
himself smoking a cigarette.
A ringing phone is heard. He starts patting the pockets of
his ratty jeans until he feels his phone and reaches in to
grab it out.
The screen shows:
"Ria" with a photo of Maria.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 27.
A small smile pulls on his lips. He answers the phone with a
peppy voice.
DANNY
Maria freaking DeLuca! Look whos
alive...
He takes a long pull off of the cigarette and makes an
embarrassed face.
DANNY
Shit, thats really not what I
meant to say.. I ah, Im sorry.
Howre you doing?
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
MARIA
No.. no, youre.. its.. Im okay,
Daniel. How have you been? I
couldnt help but notice the fact
youve been blowing up my phone
today.
She rolls onto her back. Her eyes half lidded.
EXT THE BOARDWALK
Hearing Marias response, he loosens up again and the smile
comes back to his face.
DANNY
Ive been pretty okay, honestly.
Just kinda missed my main girl! It
seems like you and your family were
across the pond for a long, long
time.
He pauses to again take a drag off of his cigarette before
flicking it off to the side, stepping on it, and walking on.
DANNY
And ah, yeah... sorry for blowing
up your phone. I just missed you.
28.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Her manner is the same. Her eyes are still half lidded.
A small giggle escapes her after a moment of silence on both
ends.
MARIA
I guess I missed you too.. kinda.
She lifts an arm above her head and starts just staring at
her hand. Moving it in slow, awkward motions.
MARIA
Im supposed to be on bed rest...
but if you wanted to come by and
watch movies or just talk like we
used to. Id be down for that.
EXT THE BOARDWALK
The smile on his face grows bigger and he attempts to remain
calm, cool, and collected before he responds to what Maria
just proposed.
DANNY
(clears his throat)
I mean, that sounds pretty alright
I guess. I can bring over The
Godfather series, because Im not
sitting through all of the
Sisterhood movies again. That was
just cruel.
He nods his head a few times, still smiling.
DANNY
Alrighty then, DeLuca. Ill see you
tomorrow afternoon.
Once he hangs up, he slides his phone back into her pocket
and continues on walking with a bit of a skip in his step.
INT DELUCA HOME KITCHEN -MORNING.
Ted is up early again making breakfast. His head turns to
face the living room area when he hears feet coming down the
steps.
Veronica steps into the kitchen with a hand on her forehead,
stepping right to the nearly empty coffee pot.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 29.
VERONICA
Jesus, Ted. You know youre not the
only one who needs coffee in the
morning.
She scoffs and reaches up for an empty mug before Ted hands
her a cup.
TED
Two sugars, half and half, and one
ice cube.
He looks at her with a blank expression.
TED
Good morning to you too, dear.
Veronica looks at the cup as Ted starts to walk to the table
to sit down where there is a plate with one piece of toast.
She glances around at the rest of the table that isnt set
like the morning before.
VERONICA
What? No family time today?
Ted takes a bite of his toast, not looking at his wife.
TED
Nope.
She looks at him confused and leans on the counter sipping
her coffee.
TED
Let Maria sleep, okay? She was in a
lot of pain last night and Im
guessing shell be sleeping most of
the day like she did yesterday.
VERONICA
You cant baby her, Ted. She needs
to deal with what life has thrown
at her
He takes another bite of his toast and looks at his watch
taking note of the time.
Veronica rolls her eyes.
VERONICA
(Sarcastically)
Youre going to be late, run off
now.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 30.
Ted finishes his toast and his cup of coffee then gets to
his feet and walks toward the door before turning to look at
his wife.
TED
I mean it. Give Maria the time she
needs.
He exits the house, shutting the door with force and
Veronica stays put in her place against the counter. One of
her arms folded across her chest, the other one clutching
onto her coffee.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -SAME TIME.
Marias eyes jump open hearing the door slam. She sits up
fast, breathing heavy as if she just woke up from a
nightmare.
MARIA
Jesus!
She starts looking around, letting out a deep breath, slowly
catching her breath. She moves a hand to her face, brushing
hair out of it before getting to her feet.
Her legs are wobbly, but she grabs her phone and sends a
text message to Danny, speaking the words as she makes her
way to the bathroom.
MARIA
"Danny boy, I do believe we spoke
last night about having a movie
day. Chick flicks are packed
away... bring on the Godfather.
xoxo
Ria."
This time when she enters the bathroom, she opens the
cabinet right up and takes the pill bottle in her hand,
promptly pouring three into her palm, tossing them back and
dry swallowing them. She places the bottle back in its
place and begins to get a shower ready.
INT DOWNSTAIRS LIVING ROOM -A FEW MINUTES LATER
Veronica is sitting at a desk typing away on her laptop. She
doesnt look as rough as the day previously, but her face
shows signs of a hangover.
While typing, her hands are shown up close. Theyre shaky
each time she pauses for a moment.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 31.
Theres a knock on the door that startles her. She snaps out
of the zone and makes her way to the door.
Her hand reaches for the knob, but before opening it she
steps closer and gets on her tiptoes to look through the
peephole.
VERONICA
Who is it?
Danny is scratching the back of his neck on the other side
of the door. He has on a baggy hoodie and a beanie that
rests lazily on the crown of his head.
DANNY
Its Danny, Mrs. DeLuca. Maria
invited me over.
Veronica huffs and steps back to open the door. As soon as
she does so, a large fake smile pulls onto her lips.
VERONICA
Danny! Wow its just been too long,
hasnt it?
He looks at Veronica suspiciously.
DANNY
I ah, I didnt know you felt that
way, Maam. You sure didnt seem to
when I was dating Abbey... which...
Im ah, Im very sorry to hear
about your loss. Truly.
The smile falls off her face almost instantly and she whips
around to strut back to her workspace.
VERONICA
Shes upstairs. The room next to
Ab-
She pauses in her steps as well as words.
VERONICA
Next to what used to be Abbeys
room. Im sure you know right where
that is.
DANNY
(Shyly)
Yes, Maam. I do.
He makes his way to the stairs and pauses before going up,
looking over at Veronica.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 32.
DANNY
I really am sorry, Mrs. DeLuca.
Abbey was a very special person to
me and to a lot of others. I dont
know your loss personally, but I do
know shes missed and love by a lot
of people. You and Mr. D raised two
great daughters.
Danny makes his way up the stairs.
Veronica, just sitting down, stares at the screen of her
computer. Her hands are resting on the keyboard not moving.
Everything is completely silent then a sudden gasp leaves
her and she starts hyperventilating.
Her hands are shaking almost double the speed of before and
she reaches down to the bottom drawer of her desk. Once she
opens it, two bottles of whiskey are shown.
She grabs the one closest to her and rapidly undoes the top,
tossing the cap off to the side, immediately bringing the
bottle to her lips and taking several large gulps.
Pulling the bottle away, she slams it onto her desk and lets
out a heavy sigh.
INT MARIA BEDROOM -A FEW MINTUES LATER
Maria steps out of the shower already feeling the effects of
her meds kicking in. Her steps are light and airy as she
makes her way back into her bedroom, sporting only a towel.
Danny is on the other side of her door and knocks before
stepping in, not waiting to be let in.
DANNY
Oh! I, ah.. sorry.
He starts to turn around to exit the room and wait for her
to change but Maria walks over to him laughing and grabs
onto his arm.
MARIA
Dan... its not like were
strangers.
DANNY
Well right, but your mom is right
downstairs and I dont know I
mean.. I honestly thought we were
going to watch movies today...
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 33.
Maria laughs again, stepping past him to close the door.
MARIA
That is what were doing.
Danny stays standing where he is and pulls his beanie over
his eyes.
DANNY
Get dressed then. I know we arent
strangers but I like to think Im a
little more respectful than to just
watch you get dressed.. even if
Ive seen it all before.
MARIA
Oh whatever.
She laughs and glides over to her dresser taking out
undergarments, dropping her towel and putting them on. As
she makes her way to her closet, looking through her
clothes, she looks back at Danny who still has his face
covered.
MARIA
Take the hat off your face, ya
goof. My lady bits are covered.
One of his hands makes its way to the top of his head,
pulling the beanie off and shoving it into the front pocket
of his sweatshirt.
He glances over at the girl, barely dressed and shakes his
head letting out a slight giggle.
DANNY
Barely, Ria. Your lady bits are
barely covered.
She shrugs with a smirk on her face and pulls out an
oversized sweater from her closet, tossing it on.
Danny takes his bag off and takes a seat on the bed, setting
it next to him, grabbing the movies out.
Maria turns around to face him, giving him a look.
DANNY
You okay? You look, I dont know...
off all of a sudden.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 34.
MARIA
Danny...
She pauses and walks over to the bed, sitting on the other
side of him.
MARIA
Can I ask you something? And I want
you to be completely honest when
you answer.
He says nothing but just nods while looking her in the eyes.
MARIA
Did you really love her?
His brows furrow and he tries to play the question off.
DANNY
Love who?
MARIA
Dont be a dumbass, I asked you to
be honest. You know I mean Abbey.
Danny breaks the eye contact and slowly his eyes move
downward.
DANNY
I mean... as far as I know, yes?
MARIA
You dont sound too sure yknow.
DANNY
Well we were together all of high
school and then she didnt really
take to kindly to the break up. And
I mean, I told her it was for the
best. It obviously was but...
MARIA
But you didnt tell her that the
best was me?
Danny shakes his head and his gaze goes back up to Marias
eyes.
DANNY
How do you tell a girl youre
leaving them for their sister?
Maria shakes her head and looks away from him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 35.
MARIA
Try being the sister, Danny.
Remember that one time two weeks
ago when we had that little
argument while I was in Italy? I
told you I was on my way to a party
with Abbey and that those guys
invited us and you got all
protective and jealous? I had to
lie to Abbey and say I was talking
to those guys. I couldnt tell my
own sister that oh hey, sorry Im
so angery. My boyfriend, you know
your ex, yeah were arguing right
now because he doesnt trust me
over here in another country.
Whyd you choose me over her?
Her eyes start getting watery and she sniffles staring at
Danny waiting for him to talk.
DANNY
What do you want me to say, Maria?
That Im sorry? Well Im not. I
know that it probably sucked lying
to her, but no one said you had to.
MARIA
How am I supposed to come clean
about something like that, Danny?
How? I held her every night for two
weeks when she would cry at night
because she missed you. I did that.
Not you or anyone else. I consouled
the girl who, in some twisted way,
had her heart broken by me.
DANNY
No... you didnt make me choose
okay? I did that on my own and Im
sorry it hurt her but, no. I didnt
love her, Maria. I didnt and I
never would have because of how I
feel about you.
His hand moves to cup her face, the pad of his thumb gently
running over one of the marks from the accident.
Maria turns out of the embrace sharply.
MARIA
I got pissed at her that night
because of you. You had me mad, I
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 36.
MARIA (contd)
showed up to the party mad. I acted
rude toward perfectly kind people
because she thought I was already
mad at them. I got piss drunk and
acted like a stubborn twat to her,
because you didnt trust me and I
couldnt get it off my mind. I
didnt grab the damn GPS for her
because I was pissed and didnt
want to help her. I caused the
accident because you hurt me
emotionally.
Her arms cross her chest and she averts her eyes from Danny
completely, looking out the window.
MARIA
(Coldly)
I lost the best freind I ever had
in this world because you didnt
love her.
She turns her head back to look him in the eyes.
MARIA
And the worst part? You were still
on my mind the whole time I was in
the hospital. You were on my mind
the flight home. Each time my phone
went off I knew it was you and
something about that made my
stomach flip.
A half smile plays on her lips in disbelief of herself. A
few tears roll down her cheeks.
MARIA
I honestly hate myself because of
what you do to me and because of
what you made me lose. Yet I still
want you here right now, and I
dont want you to leave.
Danny has a broken look on his face. He cocks his head to
the side before he speaks.
DANNY
You basically just said that its
my fault Abbey is dead. Thats ten
kinda of twisted, Maria.
He shakes his head and takes the beanie out of his pocket,
slipping it back onto his head.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 37.
DANNY
I know youre in a broken place
right now. You lost your sister..
your best friend. But if you think
Im going to sit here and be your
punching bag, youre wrong.
Grabbing his bag, Danny gets to his feet and starts walking
toward the door, turning back to look at Maria before he
leaves.
DANNY
You need to cope with this. I dont
know how, but not however you have
been. Ive been here for fifteen
minutes at most and I just saw you
go from the top of the roller
coaster to the complete bottom. I
dont know if you mean everything
you said, but I do care about you
Maria. You need help before we try
to work whatever this is out.
He shakes his head again and opens the door, then exits.
Maria drags her legs up to her chest, clutching onto them
with both arms. She buries her face in her knees and starts
sobbing uncontrollably. Her breathing is rough and it shakes
the headboard of her bed that her back is resting on.
INT DOWNSTAIRS LIVING ROOM -SAME TIME
Danny is walking down the stairs when Veronica notices and
tries to grab the bottle and hide it, but instead tips it
over, spilling it all over herself.
He hears the bottle fall and looks over at her.
DANNY
You okay Mrs. DeLuca?
VERONICA
Fine. Move on with your day, Danny.
She shoots him a glare and huffs.
DANNY
Sorry for intruding. Ill get going
now.
He purses his lips and makes his way to the door, opening it
and stepping out of the house, closing the door quietly
behind him.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 38.
Veronica looks at the mess shes made but doesnt attempt to
get up and clean it at all. Instead she sits there, staring
at the place Danny just stood and talks to herself.
VERONICA
(Drunkenly)
Little shit. He really thinks that
were so dumb! HELLO! I wasnt born
tomorrow.
He face furrows realizing something about the sentence
doesnt sound right but is too drunk to care.
VERONICA
(Mocking)
Oh hi, Im Danny. I think you dont
know that Ive been with both your
daughters. I seem like such a
charming little guy but Im a
little douche!
She reaches for the bottle that landed on the floor, and
brings it to her lips, taking a few more large swallows
before dropping it back to the floor. She leans her head
back as her eyes flutter closed.
INT MARIA BEDROOM -A FEW MINUTES LATER
She pulls her face out of her knees and attempts to choke
back the sobs that continue to leave her. Her arms unwrap
themselves from her knees and she runs both hands through
her hair, taking in a deep breath.
She slowly extends her legs and kicks them over the side of
her bed. Once her feet hit the floor, she grabs her phone
from the nightstand next to her bed and she holds the power
button down.
Once its off she makes the same familiar walk to the
bathroom, opening the cabinet right away.
Her breathing is rough as she untwists the cap and dumps six
pills into her hand and tosses them back. She swallows them
roughly and sniffles away the rest of her tears.
She slams the bottle back into its place, then reaches up
to swing the mirror closed.
Taking a few steps back, Maria leans onto the wall and
slides down slowly, letting her body relax completely.
The screen darkens as her eyes start to close.
39.
INT DOWNSTAIRS LIVING ROOM -HOURS LATER
Ted walks into the awkwardly silent house. After taking a
few steps in he looks around.
TED
Veron-
He sees his wife passed out at her desk and grimaces as he
steps closer and gets a whiff of stale whiskey that had
spilled hours before.
He sighs and walks over to her, nudging her arm a few times.
Each nudge a little rougher than the one before in hopes
hell be able to get some sort of response.
TED
Veronica. Veronica! Cmon, hon.
Youre at your desk. Why not get up
to bed? Veronica.
He continues to nudge her for a few more minutes. The
biggest response he gets is a small grumble.
TED
(Mocking quietly)
Work was great! How was your day?
Not bad? Oh thats good! Hows
Maria? Swell? Oh great.
He makes his way to the stairs starting to walk up them.
TED
Maria! You awake yet?
As he makes his way up the stairs, everything slows down the
closer he gets to the top.
INT MARIAS BEDROOM -A FEW MOMENTS LATER
Ted opens the door and looks around confused when he doesnt
see his daughter in her bed.
TED
Maria?
He steps in and starts looking around. He makes his way to
her bed and tosses blankets around, almost stripping the
bed.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 40.
TED
(Worried tone)
Maria!?
In a sudden moment he turns to the closed bathroom door and
rushes to it, throwing it open and seeing Maria on the
floor.
He drops to her side and moves his hands to her face,
turning her head to face him.
Her breathing is shallow, almost unnoticeable. Ted stands up
and turns the faucet on cold, filling a dixie cup, then
getting back to her side, tossing it in her face. He gently
taps her cheeks, trying to wake her.
TED
Maria! Cmon, buttercup!
He turns his head back toward the door to holler to his
wife.
TED
VERONICA! JESUS, VERONICA WAKE UP
AND HELP ME!
His attention shifts back to his daughter who is still
unresponsive.
Holding onto her head, he uses his free hand to reach into
his side pocket and take out his phone.
He dials 911, and keeps the phone on speaker.
911 OPERATOR
911, whats your emergency?
TED
I think my daughter overdosed? I
dont know. Shes on the floor in
her bathroom. Shes barely
breathing. I cant wake her up.
911 OPERATOR
Okay sir. Whats your name and
location please?
TED
Ted DeLuca. 213 Maxwell Drive.
911 OPERATOR
Okay Mr. DeLuca and we have that
youre located in Cambridge,
Massachusetts. Is that correct?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 41.
TED
Yes, Maam. Please, Ive already
lost one daughter. Send help,
please.
911 OPERATOR
Your local dispatch is on their way
sir. Would you like me to stay on
the line until they get there?
TED
I dont know. I dont know what to
do. I just, is there anyway to let
them to know to just come in? I
dont want to leave her side and my
wife isnt awake right now.. and
she- They just need to come in and
just get here. Okay?
INT DELUCA HOME KITCHEN -MORNING.
Sirens are heard a few minutes later.
The paramedics are shown rushing into the house.
Ted is upstairs still holding Maria as he hears footsteps in
his home.
TED
Up hear!
Hes rocking gently with his daughter in his arms.
The paramedics make their way upstairs and continue to
follow the sound of Teds voice as he keeps letting them
know where they are.
Less than a minute later they step into her room and into
the bathroom.
PARAMEDIC 1
Sir, were going to need you to
step out of the room so she can get
your daughter to the hospital
safely.
Ted nods and gives Maria a kiss on the forehead before his
arms start to unwrap from her body.
TED
(To Maria)
Itll be alright, Sweetie.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 42.
He gets to his feet, his eyes never leaving his daughter and
he backs out of the bathroom and the other medics go in.
Ted stands to the side of the entrance, watching them check
her vitals.
The same paramedic that spoke to Ted before, turns to face
him once more.
PARAMEDIC 1
Sir, were going to need you to
move out of the way so we can get
the stretcher in here, okay?
Ted folds one arm across his chest and uses his hand to rest
his other arm on it. His free hand runs down his face as he
nods and slow steps over to his daughters bed and sits down
in disbelief as the stretcher is brought it.
It only takes a few moments to get her on and they make
their way out of the bathroom and out of her room, down the
stairs.
One of the medics stays to speak with Ted.
PARAMEDIC 2
Do you know what your daughter may
have taken to put her in this
state, Sir?
TED
(Shrugging)
I, um, she was in an accident and
was supposed to be on bed rest. She
was prescribed oxy... something?
Maybe she took one too many? I... I
dont know. I was at work and my
wife was working downstairs and
just.. I dont know. It couldnt
have been intentional. It couldnt
have been.
PARAMEDIC 2
Alright, its not that uncommon for
someone to accidentally take more
than the suggested dosage. Does she
have a history of abusing
medication or other drugs?
TED
What? No! Of course not! She
graduated high school in the top
five of her class. She was accepted
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 43.
TED (contd)
into one of the most prestigious
universities in the country. Shes
not some kind of junky!
PARAMEDIC 2
Im just asking questions to help
us find out exactly what happened.
Youre welcome to ride along with
us or, if youd like to take your
wife with you, you two can follow
behind.
Ted lets out an awkward half chuckle and shakes his head.
TED
Yeah... my wife.
PARAMEDIC 2
Sorry what?
TED
Nothing ah, yeah well follow
behind. Just please get her there
and get her help.
The medic nods and exits the room.
As he makes his was down the stairs to follow out the rest
of the medics, he notices Veronica at her desk, still passed
out and pauses realizing what Ted was talking about just a
minute before.
INT DELUCA HOME LIVING ROOM -TEN MINUTES LATER
Ted is standing next to his wife. Bending slightly, she
scoops under her legs and puts an arm around her shoulders,
lifting her out of her chair.
TED
Lets go, Veronica. You need to
wake up.
He makes his way upstairs carrying her to the bathroom.
She mumbles gibberish as they reach the top. He eyes are
half lidded and they enter the bathroom.
He sets her down gently in the tub, then takes hold of the
shower head, aiming it at her. Letting out a deep breath, he
turns the water on cold.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 44.
Veronica moves slowly when the water first hits her then she
comes to realize whats happening and her eyes jolt open.
VERONICA
JE- TED! What? Stop! What are you
doing?
She puts her hands up trying to block the water from soaking
her any further.
Ted reaches back over to the faucet and turns it off.
TED
Our daughter just overdosed. Youre
coming with me to the hospital. Get
yourself dressed and meet me
downstairs in four minutes.
He tosses the shower head off to the side and exits the
bathroom to make his way back downstairs.
A few minutes later, Veronica comes downstairs. She doesnt
say anything and just looks at Ted whos sitting on the
couch waiting for her.
He gets to his feet, grabbing his keys off the the coffee
table in front of him, making his way to the door promptly.
Veronica follows behind him, looking ashamed and they exit
their house.
INT HOSPITAL WAITING ROOM
DR. CABANA, (64. Short. Stubby. Gray hair. Balding), makes
his way over to Ted and Veronica holding a folder, glancing
down at it.
DR. CABANA
Mr. and Mrs. DeLuca?
Ted half raises his hand and nods at the doctor who motions
with his head for them to come over and talk with him.
Once they walk over, Dr. Cabana puts his hand out to shake
first Teds, then Veronicas hand.
DR. CABANA
Pleasure to meet you...
TED
Ted DeLuca.
He points to Veronica.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 45.
TED
This is my wife, Veronica DeLuca.
Hows Ab- ah, Maria. Hows Maria is
she okay?
DR. CABANA
Its nice meeting you both. Maria
is stable right now. We ran some
blood work and should have the
results shortly. I just had a few
things I wanted to talk about with
you two if thats okay?
Both the parents nod.
DR. CABANA
So from what the medics told me
when she was brought in, she was
recently in an accident and was
taking medication for the pain,
correct?
TED
Yes, thats correct.
DR. CABANA
Judging from her lack of being able
to regain consciousness on her own,
its safe to say that she took more
than prescribed. In my thirty two
years experience Ive seen this
more times than I like to say. I
dont like to make this judgment
but more often than not, when a
patient comes in whos overdosed on
a rather heavy prescription drug,
its one of two cases. Either
theyre used to doing such things
and they just messed up this time,
or...
He pauses and switches eye contact back and forth between
Veronica and Ted.
DR. CABANA
Or this was intentional and your
daughter was trying to if not end
her life... come very close to it
as a call for attention. Now I hate
standing her saying this to the
both of you. I dont know about
your family or about Maria herself,
but judging from the look on the
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 46.
DR. CABANA (contd)
two of your faces... one of the two
is the case.
The camera shows both Ted and Veronica.
Veronica is avoiding eye contact. Her arms are folded across
her chest and her eyes avert from the doctors gaze.
Ted has his hands in his pockets. His face is in a state of
shock, but understanding at the same time.
DR. CABANA
Now, from my understanding, one of
you was home with Maria, correct?
Veronica shifts her head up to give the doctor eye contact
and slowly nods.
VERONICA
(Low and broken)
I was.
DR. CABANA
Were you aware of what was going on
with your daughter while you were
in the house?
She shakes her head.
VERONICA
No. She had a friend visiting her
and then he left. I just figured
shed fallen asleep... Thats how
shes been spending her time since
shes been home.
Ted literally bites his tongue as he hears his wife walk.
His hands come out of his pockets and fold across his arms
and he lets out a heavy breath.
Dr. Cabana looks at Ted.
DR. CABANA
Mr. DeLuca, is there something you
feel you should add or..?
He looks at his wife, giving her a you might as well tell
him or I will look.
Veronica speaks before Ted has the chance to.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 47.
VERONICA
I honestly dont... I dont know
what was happening up there. Her
friend said something to me and..
we recently lost our oldest
daughter and I decided to have an
afternoon nightcap.
DR. CABANA
So you intoxicated while your
daughter was taking drugs in the
same house as you while your
husband was at work?
VERONICA
I had passed out... I guess and-
TED
(Cutting her off)
Theres nothing to guess,
Veronica. I came home and I
couldnt wake you up. I hollered to
you when I found our daughter
unconcious the floor above you. God
knows how long she was there for!
VERONICA
Im sorry Im not perfect! Yes! I
messed up! People. Make. Mistakes,
Ted.
Dr. Cabana starts writing notes on the folder hes been
holding onto then looks back at the two.
DR. CABANA
I see you two have somethings to
work on but here and now is not the
time or place.
As he extends an arm to Teds shoulder in attempts to calm
him down. A nurse walks over to the trio holding more
papers.
NURSE
Doctor Cabana heres the blood work
for Ms. DeLuca.
He takes the papers from her and looks over them. Ted and
Veronica both seem to forget about the argument they were
just in and stare at Dr. Cabana as he reads over the
results.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 48.
TED
Well? How bad is it? What can you
tell us?
DR. CABANA
Well...
He continues glancing over the work.
DR. CABANA
Why dont we walk to my office so
we can all sit down and talk about
this.
INT DR. CABANAS OFFICE
Ted and Veronica sit on one side of the desk, their chairs
basically as far apart as possible while still being in
vacinity of the desk.
Dr. Cabana closes the door and walks over to his chair,
sitting down and letting out a deep sigh.
DR. CABANA
Okay. What weve found out from her
blood work is that your daughter
did indeed overdose. However, its
by much more than thought.
TED
(Leaning forward)
How much exactly?
DR. CABANA
The blood work shows she had nearly
three hundred and sixty milligrams
of Oxycontin in her system. Thats
highly lethal. If you hadnt have
found her when you did... things
could be a whole lot worse right
now.
TED
Thre- Hold on how is that even
possible? Shes supposed to take
one? Theres no way she took that
many... not Maria. Shes not that
kind of girl.
DR. CABANA
Thats what a lot of parents think,
but you said before you just lost
your other daughter, correct?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 49.
Both of them nod their heads slowly. Veronicas eyes are
starting to water up. She, once again, avoids eye contact as
much as possible.
DR. CABANA
Were Maria and her sister close? In
age, likeness, or just in general?
TED
They did a lot together. There was
like, a three year age difference
but it wasnt a huge leap or
anything. They never really
fought... They were each others
best friends.
DR. CABANA
Has Maria been in contact with a
therapist or anyone to talk through
the loss?
TED
No...
His head drops forward, falling into his hands.
TED
(To himself)
I knew she wasnt okay.
He lifts his head and speaks to Dr. Cabana.
TED
Last night she was in a lot of pain
and she kep saying she was fine and
she got upset with me for trying to
help. I just thought she was angry
about being in pain and decided to
direct it at me because I was
there... because it was easier.
DR. CABANA
Were going to keep her here until
she is fully stable and the drug is
out of her system. Well moniter
her pain and help her accordingly,
but Id like to meet you all three
of you once shes up to it.
Veronica is looking down and her hands fiddling in her lap
when she suddenly looks up.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 50.
VERONICA
Talk to us about what?
She sniffles a few times. Dr. Cabana moves a box of tissues
closer to her. She reaches out and takes a few, wiping her
eyes and nose waiting the doctors reply.
DR. CABANA
Its clear from the actions Maria
has taken and the small scene out
in the waiting room, that youre
all in some sort of need. Whether
its just family therapy or
something more. Im not saying any
of this to overstep, but it is
something Id like to discuss in
further detail with the three of
you once Maria is able to do so.
TED
I agree.
Veronica turns sharply to look at her husband.
VERONICA
Ted! Were fine. We arent a family
of nut jobs. So Maria accidentally
took one too many pills. So I
started drinking earlier than I
should have. That doesnt mean its
grounds for some Dr. Phil stunt.
Maria will be fine. Ill be fine.
Well all be fine.
Ted doesnt respond to Veronica but instead reaches forward
to shake the doctors hand.
TED
One of us will be in with her
everyday. Im more than willing to
look into whatever you think will
help not only our daughter but our
family as well.
VERONICA
(Under her breath)
Jesus Christ.
She rolls her eyes and gets to her feet, tossing the tissues
into the waste bin.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 51.
VERONICA
Ill be in the car whenever youre
done entertaining this joke of a
suggestion.
DR. CABANA
Im sorry you feel this way Mrs.
DeLuca. I really do feel its in
the best interest for all of you.
As Ive said previously, Ive seen
this many times before. Im only
trying to help the best way I know
how.
VERONICA
Were not some charity case. We are
the Delucas. Were strong. Well
be just fine.
She leaves the office and slams the door behind her.
TED
I apologize for my wifes behavior,
Doctor Cabana. I meant what I said
however. I do feel like help is
something the three of us need and
even if my wife doesnt come
around, Maria and I will listen.
DR. CABANA
You have nothing to apologize for.
Ive gotten much worse responses. A
lot of times people feel its not
in the interest of me as a doctor
to try and help a family as a
whole, but Ive been doing this jb
for long enough to meet the some of
the very best in the business. Ill
do my best to help you all out.
Ted gets to his feet once again reaching to shake the
doctors hand.
TED
Well thank you still. Well be
seeing you soon.
DR. CABANA
Yes of course. By the way, you can
see your daughter if youd like.
Shes asleep as of right now but
shes alive.. which, as we just
discussed, is nearly a miracle.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 52.
Ted nods and makes his way to the door to exit.
TED
Thank you. Honestly.
INT HOSPITAL MARIAS ROOM
Ted makes it a point to leave work early every day for the
next four days so he can visit with Maria.
Veronica is yet to visit her.
Each time Ted stops in Maria is still asleep, until the
fourth day.
He enters the room nearly tiptoeing noticing Marias eyes
are closed. A nurse is just leaving after coming in,
checking her vitals.
NURSE
(Whispering)
Shes was awake fore a while
earlier. Longest she has been since
she got here. Maybe shell wake up
for you too.
TED
Thanks you.
As the nurse steps out Ted walks over to take a seat at
Marias bedside. He reaches out and grabs onto her hand.
TED
(Softly)
Hey, buttercup. The nurse said you
were awake for her earlier... Im
proud of you.
Marias eyes are still closed but her mouth starts to move
slowly.
MARIA
What? You mean youre not proud of
me when Im sleeping my days away?
She slowly opens her eyes, her head turning to the side to
face her dad.
MARIA
No mom? Surprise, surprise.
Her eyelids flutter as she rolls her eyes.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 53.
TED
I told her I was coming her after
work, but she said she has some big
story do... I dont know.
He shakes his head and sighs, before looking to Maria with a
smile.
TED
But, this is the first Ive seen
you awake and speaking in quite a
while. Howre you feeling?
She just shrugs.
TED
Same here kiddo. Same here.
He lets go of her hand and reaches to her bedside table to
pour her a glass of ice water.
As he extends his a hand holding onto the cup, he raises his
brows.
Maria grabs the cup and takes a few sips.
MARIA
Thanks.
The two sit there in silence for a few more minutes as she
finishes the water.
Maria takes a deep breatht hen breaks the silence.
MARIA
Theyre going to want me to go to
some rehab place or therapist
arent they?
TED
(Sighs)
Doctor Cabana did mention something
about therapy, but not just for
you. He thinks its something that
all of us as a family would benefit
from.
Maira laughs sarcastically.
MARIA
Yeah, cause I can see Veronica
DeLuca going through with that one.
She wont visit her daughter, why
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 54.
MARIA (contd)
would she visit a complete stranger
to talk about her problems with?
Ted just shrugs.
TED
Im guessing thats why she isnt
here, honestly. Shes just scared,
Maria. She does love you, you know.
MARIA
Cute way of showing it.
The door to Marias room opens and Dr. Cabana walks in.
DR. CABANA
Ah! Mr. DeLuca, Im glad youre
here today. I got word that Marias
been doing a lot better and not
sleeping quite so much.
He looks at her and smiles.
DR. CABANA
This is excellent news!
MARIA
(Sarcastically)
Yay!
She holds her cup out to her dad who pours more water into
it.
DR. CABANA
Well, now that Ive got two of the
three DeLuca crew here, Id like to
talk to you both about setting up a
talk with a colleague of mine. Her
name is MARY NEWMAN. I gave her a
call the other day after you and
your wife left. Shes more than
willing to asist the three of you
with the help bother her and myself
feel is best for your family.
Ted looks at Maria hopeful shell respond better than her
mother did.
She continues to lay there not saying anything.
Doctor Cabana shrugs and clasps is hands together with a
smile.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 55.
DR. CABANA
Im going to take no protesting as
a yes, Im willing to try this?
Maria takes a sip off of her water and lets out a deep
breath.
MARIA
Yeah I guess.
A small, genuine smile makes its way onto Ted face.
TED
Yes. Ill talk to my wife. Ah, when
should we plan for this little
meeting or whatver it is?
DR. CABANA
Dr. Newman is in the building on
Tuesdays, Thursdays, and both
Saturday and Sunday. If you and
Mrs. DeLuca are free tomorrow, I
think thatd make perfect timing.
Ted nods, the smile on his face growing.
TED
Tomorrow it is.
Maria turns her head to look at her dad confused.
MARIA
Dont you have work tomorrow?
Howre you going to meet with
people here?
He just shrugs and looks back at his daughter.
TED
I guess Im just going to have to
call out, huh?
MARIA
You never miss work. Even when we
go on vaction, you dont miss work.
TED
Well, somethings are just more
important arent they?
DR. CABANA
Thats what I like to hear! Ill be
sure to let Mary know that youll
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 56.
DR. CABANA (contd)
all be around tomorrow so she can
have things ready for you.
He turns around and starts to leave, then pivots back toward
Maria holding a hand up.
DR. CABANA
Wait! I almost forgot the whole
reason I came in. Howre you
feeling today, Ms. DeLuca? Pain
level okay, or at least bearable?
She just shrugs.
MARIA
Im fine I suppose right now.
DR. CABANA
Wonderful. Ill be back later to
check again.
He once agian turns to the door and makes his way out of the
room.
MARIA
Do you really think mom is going to
show up tomorrow. And dont give me
some good dad answer. Be honest
with me.
Ted just sighs and shrugs.
TED
I have no idea, Maria. She wasnt
all too keen on the idea the other
day but if she wants this family to
be.. well, a family again... Shes
going to have to, isnt she?
Maria nods and turns her head straight forward to stare at
the ceiling, closing her eyes once again.
TED
Alright. Ill let you get some
sleep, kiddo. Im gonna go talk to
Mom and see if I can persude her at
all.
MARIA
Alright..
Ted gets up and starts walking toward the door. Maria opens
her eyes and sits up a little bit.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 57.
MARIA
Dad?
Ted pause and turns around.
TED
Whats up, Mar?
Maria opens both of her arms not saying anything.
Ted turns back and steps quickly to his daughter, wrapping
both his arms around her.
Maria hold onto him tight, burying her face in his shoulder.
MARIA
Im sorry.
TED
Shh. You dont have anything to be
sorry for.
One of his hands smooths the hair on his daughters head in a
comforting manner.
TED
Ill get her to come around... I
promise. None of us are going to
lose any more family.
Maria nods slowly and pulls out of the embrace. She looks
into her dads eyes and nods once more.
Ted nods and makes his way to the door once more, opening it
and waving back at his daughter before leaving the room.
EXT HOSPITAL PARKING LOT -MORNING
Danny is sitting in his car, finishing a cigarette. He has
one hand on the steering wheel, tapping along the the song
on the radio. He turns his head to exhale out the window. He
takes a few deep breaths, looking from the dashboard of his
car to the entrance of the hospital.
Once his cigarette is gone, he opens his door and tosses it
to the ground, stepping on it as he bring a leg out. In one
swift motion, he takes the keys out of the ignition and
reachs to the seat next to him, grabbing a small teddy bear.
58.
INT HOSPITAL MARIAS ROOM
Maria is laying in bed, finishing up the meal the nurse had
brought her for breakfast. Her had turns toward the knocking
thats heard at the door.
MARIA
Its open.
Takes another bite of the toast on the plate in front of her
and watches as the door opens.
When she sees its Danny, she swallows hard and just kind of
stops everything.
He walks in slowly, holding his hands behind his back.
DANNY
Hey, Ria. I ah, I heard about
well... I heard you were in here
and I thought Id come and visit.
INT DELUCA HOME KITCHEN -SAME TIME
Ted is sitting at the table with coffee and two pieces of
toast while he reads the papers, waiting on Veronica. As he
flips the page and takes a sip of his coffee, he hears steps
coming down the stairs and ajusts in his seat.
He sets the paper aside and walks over to the coffee pot,
grabbing a mug off the shelf and pour his wife a cup.
Preparing it just the way she likes it.
Veronica comes into the kitchen, dressed for the day. Not
looking nearly as rough as previous days.
TED
Morning.
VERONICA
Good morning.
She steps over to him, grabbin the mug as he hands it to
her.
TED
Did you sleep well?
She looks at him half concerned, not sure if hes being
serious.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 59.
VERONICA
I slept fine. Whats this about,
Ted?
He shrugs and walks back to his seat, sitting down and
taking a sip off of his coffee.
TED
Dr. Cabana said that today we could
meet with someone that would help
all of us, and I know youre either
going to say no or be hesitant. I
dont want to pressure you into it,
but I know its something Maria
would really like too, Veronica.
She leans onto the counter, staring at her husband, tapping
her finger on the side of the mug.
INT HOSPITAL MARIAS ROOM -SAME TIME
Marias gaze wanders Danny a few times before she says
anything. She pushes away the tray table and takes her glass
of water. Making a point to sip it slowly, still looking at
him.
Danny stands where he is, still holding the bear behind his
back.
DANNY
Say something? I know we didnt
really leave things on good terms
last time we spoke... I dont want
it to be like that.
Maria shrugs.
MARIA
What do you want it to be like,
Danny? I see you and I think of
Abbey and how much I hurt her and
how shell never know that because
I was selfish. I choose a boy over
my sister.
Danny gradually makes his way closer to Marias bedside.
Nodding along to what she said.
DANNY
I know.. I get that. And I mean,
its not like its what I want to
hear but I obviously care for you
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 60.
DANNY (contd)
and whether I like it or not, I
respect how you feel.
MARIA
If you understand that, why are you
here right now? Last time we spoke
you told me to find a way to cope.
I did. Now look where Im at.
He just shakes his head.
DANNY
Please dont blame this on me too.
INT DELUCA HOME KITCHEN -SAME TIME
TED
Say something, anything. I just
want to know where youre at in all
of this.
Veronica takes a long sip off of her coffee and brings her
gaze from the floor up to meet Teds.
VERONICA
What am I supposed to say? That I
will go and well be some perfect,
happy, suburban family. Like well
be brand new all of a sudden and
itll be like Abbey was never here?
I cant do that for you, Ted. You
want to know what happened between
Maria and I the day before she
ODed? I basically told her that
shes beging selfish. That she
needs to grow up and be thankful
for the life that she has because
not everyone has it. Like Abbey.
Ted...
She sets her mug down on the counter and shrugs, looking
defeated.
VERONICA
I just dont see why the ONE good
thing in this family had to be
taken away? She was a rock for all
of us. I know we have our problems.
Im not that niave, but do you
really think that all of a sudden
dealing with it will do anything?
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 61.
VERONICA (contd)
Maria still lost her sister, her
best friend. We still lost our
daughter. The one who tucked my ass
in at night when you were out with
work buddies having a drink, and I
was drinking alone. She was the one
whod tell you that I just had a
long day and it was no big deal.
That I was just tired.
Tears start filling in her eyes and falling freely. Her
breathing has a rough pattern but she continues on.
VERONICA
I just dont see the point without
her, Ted... honestly. I mean shes
been gone a few weeks and our other
daughter has already tried to go
see her! What does that say about
us? I was passed out, yes. I know
that. I made a stupid choice, but
you werent here either and I know
that tears you up inside. I know
that you hate yourself just as much
as I do but instead of finding
comfort in a bottle, you leave. You
escape completely and bury yourself
in work.
Ted stays where he is at the table. His leg is bouncing
rapidly. He cant look up at Veronica. He brings his arm up
for his elbow to rest on the table as his head falls into
his hand.
VERONICA
See? You do. You hate yourself, and
you really think some so called
doctor can fix all this. Its
years, and years of burying shit,
Ted. I told you the other day and
Ill tell you again. We werent cut
out for partenting. The fact that
we lost one daughter and nearly
lost another should be the
incriminating evidnece for that
one.
Ted shifts to look up at his wife.
TED
What am I supposed to say now? That
youre right? You already know you
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 62.
TED (contd)
are so what would be the point in
that?
His whole body language changes from looking torn apart to
confident.
TED
Yes, Veronica. I hate myself, or I
did, but I dont want to any more.
I dont want to always have the
risk of losing another child. I
know I hid in my work, but have you
not noticed that Ive been taking
half days? And, in case you
couldnt tell, Im not dressed for
work right now. Im taking the day
off, because fixing our family is
far more important to me.
INT HOSPITAL MARIAS ROOM -SAME TIME
MARIA
Im not intentionally doing that
but if thats what you think then
obviously thats what you feel...
so really youre blaming yourself.
Ive done nothing.
She crosses her arms getting defensive. Her lips purse and
she huffs noticing that Danny continues to walk closer.
DANNY
Maybe youre right, Ria. Maybe I do
blame myself. I mean, I go to make
things right with my girlfriend and
she tells me that because I didnt
love her sister, she died. That a
choice I made at the end of high
school influenced something that
happened almost two years later. I
understand that the way weve gone
about all this hasnt been the best
and Im so sorry that you were
upset with Abs because of a stupid
fight that we were having, but its
not your fault.
Maria is quick to cut him off.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 63.
MARIA
I never said it was my fault,
Danny. I thought I made it clear
that since you were the catalyst
that in some twisted way it was
you.
Danny nods before taking a seat in the chair next to her
bed. He grabs the teddy bear from behind his back and holds
it in front of him, in his lap, looking at Maria the whole
time.
Marias eyes follow him as he sits and her eyes instantly
drop to the bear when he pulls it out.
MARIA
Whats that?
Her arms are still folded across her chest, not letting her
guard down.
DANNY
What does it look like, Maria? I
know you were in an accident and
just hit a rough patch but youre
not dumb.
MARIA
Its a stupid bear. I know but I
dont know why you brought it.
DANNY
Because...
MARIA
Because...?
Danny smirks and hands the bear to Maria.
DANNY
Because as much as it hurt when you
told me all that, it hurt a lot
more hearing that I almost lost
you. I know youre hurting, Maria.
I know youre scared. I know youre
lonely. You can hate me. You can
blame me for whatever you want, but
Im not going to run. Thats what I
did a few days ago and look what
that did. No good.
Marias arms slowly start to unfold from her chest. One hand
gradually reaching for the bear.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 64.
DANNY
Take it... please.
Her hand meets the white fur of the bear and she clutches
onto it, bringing close to sit in her own lap.
MARIA
Why though?
DANNY
Why what?
MARIA
Why are you so willing to stick by
my side after what I said to you
and what I just said to you again.
Danny smiles and reaches for Marias hand. Once he has it in
his own he brings the back of it to his lips and kisses it
quick before dropping both of their hands back to the bed,
still not letting go.
DANNY
Because I care. I may not always
know how to show it but I want to
work at it. I saw your mom the
other day when I was leaving your
house and she was a mess. When I
was walking home I started thinking
about you and how thats the last
think I want for you to become.
He pauses and give Maria eye contact.
DANNY
I know shes your mom and all, but
Ive heard you go off about her
before and I know its not what you
want either. If I run everytime you
snap at me or whatever, youll be
Veronica junior and Id hate myself
for doing that to you.
INT DELUCA HOME KITCHEN -SAME TIME
Veronica and Ted are standing closer in the kitchen. Hes
standing in front of her, no longer with his defensives up.
He reaches a hand out and places it on Veronicas arm.
TED
Im only going to ask you once and
if you say no, Im going to have to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 65.
TED (contd)
respect that but youre going to
have to know that its your last
chance at a real family.
He pauses and takes a deep breath before continuing.
TED
Please, Veronica Nicole DeLuca,
come with me to see our daughter
today and get help with us to fix
our family.
Veronicas foot is tapping. Her gaze is everywhere but
matching Teds. Her arms lazily fall, uncrossing and baring
it all.
VERONICA
I dont want to hate myself either,
Ted... I really, really dont.
Ted extends his other arm to lift her head. He places one
finger under her chin and locks eye contact with his wife
TED
So youll come?
Veronica doesnt say anything. She just barely nods before
leaning forward into her husband and compeltely breaking
down.
He wraps his arms tighter around her in a reassuring manner.
His chin rests on the top of her head as she sobs
uncontrollably. He tilts his head down to place a quick kiss
atop his wifes head.
TED
(Whispering, repeating)
Its okay.
INT HOSPITAL MARIAS ROOM -FOUR HOURS LATER
Dr. Cabana walks into Marias room smiling at her and Danny
who are talking still and both are sporting smiles.
DR. CABANA
Ms. DeLuca.
He waves and nods then switches his glance to Danny who is
getting to his feet.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 66.
DR. CABANA
Ahh.. sorry I dont think weve
met.
He extends his hand to Danny as the younger man steps
forward, making his way to the door.
Danny extends his hand and shakes Dr. Cabanas firmly.
DANNY
Daniel Black, sir.
He smiles at the doctor, continuing the handshake.
DR. CABANA
Daniel! Nice to meet you, sorry to
see youre going, but shell be out
of here soon enough, I can assure
you.
DANNY
(Glancing back at Maria then
to to doctor again.)
I know she will be. Shes a
fighter. Shes a DeLuca.
After releasing Dr. Cabanas hand he turns around to Maria
once more, winking and smiling.
DANNY
(As he makes his way out the
door.)
Dont forget what I said, and treat
Snuggles right. I know hes just a
teddy bear and all but he totally
has feelings and all that.
MARIA
(Giggling lightly.)
Ill do my best. Now get outta
here!
She lifts a hand to wave goodbye and Danny leaves the
hospital room.
Dr. Cabana walks closer to Marias bed and stands at the
foot, grabbing her chart running his pen down th paper
checking on this when he looks up.
DR. CABANA
Pain level still okay?
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 67.
MARIA
Yeah, its alright.
DR. CABANA
You know, were aware youre in
here for abusing pain medication
but if youre hurting, you need to
tell us.
Maria shrugs and nods.
MARIA
Yeah.. Im well aware. But I really
feel pretty alright.
He opens his mouth like hes about to say something but then
closes it and returns her chart to its originaly position.
DR. CABANA
Well, okay then.
Maria slightly cocks her head to the side.
MARIA
What?
DR. CABANA
Nothing. Its just they prescribed
you such a high dosage because your
pain was seemingly unbearable. But
it seems now that youre in here,
and were checking on you
constantly, you dont have any pain
at all. I just cant wrap my
medical mind around where all of
your pain has gone to.
She shifts a bit in her bed.
MARIA
Maybe I just dont notice it as
much or Im used to it.. I dont
know.
Dr. Cabana takes a few steps closer to the side of her bed
and looks at her with sincere eyes.
DR. CABANA
Or, it could be that youre being
noticed.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 68.
MARIA
Its not like I was invisible
before, Doc. Maybe Im just
healing.
DR. CABANA
Maybe, but-
He extends a hand and a large smile takes over his face.
DR. CABANA
Since you arent feeling as much
pain, lets see if youre up for a
walk today. The nurses told me you
havent done any walking other than
to that little bathroom right there
and if we want you out of here for
good, youre going to need to do a
whole lot more than that.
Maria starts to move her legs off the side of the bed in a
slow manner, taking slow breaths as she does so. She takes
one arm and sets the teddy bear on the matress, off to her
side then tosses the blankets off of herself and gets both
feet on the groun. Sitting up straight, she places her plams
on top of each of her thighs, pushing slightly to get
momentum to get to get up.
DR. CABANA
Youre doing great, Maria. Almost
there.
He stands in his place, not holding out a hand, making sure
that she can do it all on her own.
As she takes in a deep breath and as she exhales, uses all
her strength to push herself up to her feet.
DR. CABANA
Good, good! Now lets see if we can
get you further than the bathroom.
Her steps are slow as she walks past the side of her bed and
turns to cross the foot of it. But as she gets closer and
closer to the door of her room, her steps steady and she
seems to be able to walk almost the same as before.
DR. CABANA
Ah! See! No one would ever guess
youve been stuck in a bed for five
days straight! Youre doing great!
He takes the few steps in front of her to grab the door and
open it.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 69.
Maria looks at him with a smile and steps out into the
hallway.
DR. CABANA
Alright, Ill lead the way to my
office. Your parents are already
there.
MARIA
Both?
Dr. Cabana just nods and once again takes the lead.
INT DR. CABANAS OFFICE
Ted and Veronica are sitting in the same chairs they sat in
just days prior, this time there are two extra chairs in the
room.
The door opens and both slightly jump, not expecting him
back so soon.
Maria walks in and give a weak wave seeing her dad in the
chair closest to the door.
Veronica leans forward to look at her daughter as she walks
in and give a genuine smile.
Maria half smiles as her eyes get watery.
MARIA
You came.
Veronica just nods and pats the seat next to her.
Taking the small steps at her own pace, Maria makes her way
to the chair and slowly sits herself down before once again
looking at her mom.
MARIA
Thank you, Mom... honestly.
VERONICA
Try anything once, right?
The smile stays on her face as she looks over at her
daughter.
DR. CABANA
Okay, while we wait for Dr. Newman
why dont I give you all a bit of a
run through of what youre going to
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 70.
DR. CABANA (contd)
get out of this, or what we hope
you with.
The DeLucas nod, all three giving the doctor their full
attention.
DR. CABANA
Basically, from getting to know the
case, by what youve all shared
with me and what Ive read in
Marias files, youve all gone
through the ringer. Theres no
sugar coating it. You lost someone
you loved-
MARIA
(Interrupting)
Love. Its not past tense. We all
still love Abbey... even if she
isnt here.
DR. CABANA
(Nodding)
Love. Youve all recently lost
someone you love, and neither Dr.
Newman or myself will try and say
weve been there because every
single loss is different, but we do
know some of the best ways to deal
with things.
He rolls his chair back a bit, opening the middle drawer of
his desk, reaching in and taking out a few pamphlets. Just
as he places them on his desk, the door opens once more.
Dr. Mary Neman, (37. Short, dark hair. Glasses. Looks
younger than she is. Dark complextion), walks into the
office, holding a folder under her arm and closes the door
softly behind her.
DR. NEWMAN
So sorry for running late.
DR. CABANA
Oh no, youre not running late. I
just got started early I suppose.
Maria here,
He extends an arm point out Maria. She gives Dr. Newman a
small wave.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 71.
DR. CABANA
Actually just made it all the way
here. No wheelchair. No walking
assistance. All on her own.
DR. NEWMAN
(Making her way to the empty
chair.)
Thats great news. Dr. Cabana has
told me a lot about you, actualy...
all three of you.
She takes her seat and adjusts to face the DeLuca family.
DR. NEWMAN
As hes probably told you, Im Mary
Newman. I have my doctorate in
psychology, specializing in family
therapy.
Veronicas knee starts bouncing a bit as Dr. Newman
continues on. With one arm folded across her chest, the
other is resting its elblow atop of it. Her hand is graping
onto the back of her neck.
Ted is giving Dr. Newman is full attention. Hes leaned
forward a bit with his elbows resting on his knees. His
hands are clasped and he nods along to each word the Doctor
says.
Maria, sitting closest to Dr. Newman, is looking in the
direction of the doctor but he gaze is concentrated on the
window behind her.
The words the doctor says start to fade out as a bird comes
by and lands on the ledge of the window. Maria watches it as
it sits there. Its head slowly moving back and forth as it
creeps across the ledge. Maria stays focused on the bird,
its clear shes zoning out.
Hear name is heard a few times fiantly, until she snaps back
to reality and looks at the doctor in front of her.
DR. NEWMAN
Did you catch any of that, Maria?
MARIA
I, ah.. I got distracted there was
a bird and... sorry, no. I didnt.
TED
Pay attention, Sweetie. This is
important to you... or well, all of
us.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 72.
DR. NEWMAN
Theres a place right on the coast,
in a small town right outside of
Boston. Its a family clinic called
Tides Edge.
Dr. Cabana grabs the pamphlets hed gotten out before and
pushes them forward on his desk.
Each DeLuca leans forward and takes one looking through it.
There are pictures of a vast coastline and a big, plantation
looking, type home.
DR. NEWMAN
Its known for mainly working with
families that are on the verge of
being broken, but they also take in
single patients and treat them just
the same. They offer not only group
therapy but single sessions. The
group sessions are with normally
one or two other families that are
in a similar boat. However, their
key to really helping out is the
attention the devote to your family
as a unit.
Dr. Newman looks at Maria first.
DR. NEWMAN
For example, Maria, since you show
signs of not knowing how to grieve
and have made an attempt to end
your life, they would work with you
and your parents, helping you talk
things out and build trust between
the three of you so you dont have
to cope on your own.
MARIA
But I dont have to cope on my own,
and I dont need therapy for that.
My bo-
She pauses realizing what shes about to say and bites her
tongue.
TED
Your bo? Maria, whos Bo?
Dr. Cabana joins in on the conversation confused.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 73.
DR. CABANA
I thought his name was Daniel?
VERONICA
(Enraged)
I know you are NOT talking about
Danny, Maria.
TED
Hold on, Abbeys Danny?
Ted scrunches his face showing just how lost he is.
TED
What the hell is a Bo and what does
it have to do with Danny and how
does Dr. Cabana know him?
Maria bites down hard on her lip, sinking into her own seat
as things slowly get out of hand.
VERONICA
He left lookinng devistated the
other day! Dont tell me he gave
you some sob story.
Veronica rolls her eyes.
VERONICA
Jesus Christ!
Dr. Newman puts both hands up to try and calm down whatever
had just started.
DR. NEWMAN
Hold on. Hold on. Why dont we let
Maria finish her sentence before
everyone jumps on her.
She gives Maria eye contact and nods.
DR. NEWMAN
Go ahead.
MARIA
(Sighs)
Mom you obviously already know...
Dad, I guess not. Danny and I are
like, together or whatever and we
have been for a while.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 74.
TED
The same Danny that crushed Abbey
her senior year?
Maria nods.
Ted huffs and shakes his head in a disapproving manner.
MARIA
I mean... yes? But it really wasnt
him. I mean, it was but like.. oh
God. Why are we even talking about
this? I thought this was supposed
be about getting this family help.
Not sending us away to some
seculuded place near Boston.
She leans back in her chair and crosses her arms.
MARIA
I need a therapist or something.
Mom needs AA, and dad needs to
realize there are things more
important than closing the deal.
It shouldnt be as complicated as
youre all making it.
VERONICA
(Throwing her hands up)
Im done. This is bullshit.
She gets to her feet and starts heading toward the door.
DR. CABANA
Please, Mrs. DeLuca, have a seat.
Ted shifts in his seat to look at his wife.
TED
I told you at the house, Veronica.
Last chance. I meant it. Walk out
of that door, youre walking out on
this family.
She stands where she is and shrugs looking broken.
VERONICA
You going to say something to, Ria?
Maria doenst turn to face her mom. She stay how she is dead
panning.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 75.
MARIA
Nope.
VERONICA
(Huffs)
I just... cant.
She makes her way closer to the door and grabs onto the
knob, opening it and starting to step out. Her hand is
shakey, she stands there for a few more minutes like shes
waiting for something or someone to pull her back.
TED
(Softly)
I knew you didnt mean it.
His head falls forward into his hands.
Veronica shakes her head and leaves the room, slamming the
door behind her.
Everyone sits for a few minutes, trying to take in exactly
what just happened.
Ted lets out a loud, heavy sigh as he leans back in his
seat. His gaze looking at the chair next to him thats now
empty. The foam coushin still hands the slight marks showing
where his wife just sat.
Maria bites her lip as her leg bounces. Her gaze once again
finds its way to the window where the bird once was but has
since flown from. Theres a building across the street that
birds continue to fly to and from, but none come back to Dr.
Cabanas window the whole time Maria stares out of it.
TED
Im sorry for that Dr. Cabana and
Dr. Newman. I had a feeling that in
the long run she wouldnt go
through with things but I didnt
think that itd be during this
little meeting.
DR. CABANA
You dont have a thing to be sorry
for, as I said before, Ive seen
things a lot worse.
Ted shrugs and still looks uncomfortable about the whole
thing.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 76.
TED
Im still interested in learning
about what I can do to be a better
father.
He turns to look at Maria.
TED
You told me yourself I havent been
there before but you noticed that
Im trying to be here now. Whether
youre with Danny or Bo or whoever,
I dont see how that pertains to
this at all. I want you to get
better. I want you to be happy. I
dont want you stuck in the same
cycle as your mother or I got into.
The camera shows Dr. Cabana smile as he turns and looks at
Dr. Newman who also has a smile on her face.
DR. NEWMAN
Thats really great to hear Mr.
DeLuca. There are a lot of times
that parents place all of the fault
onto the child but hearing that you
know youve made your own mistakes
and that youre aware that you can
still change even though its later
is a huge step. Technical terms.
She lets out a small laugh in attempts to lighten the mood.
MARIA
What if I dont want to go to this
place though? I know people here. I
feel safe here.
Dr. Newman leans closer to Maria, opening the pamphlet the
girl is holding onto and showing her the very back page
where there is a small map.
She points to two spots on it.
DR. NEWMAN
This is Cambridge and this is where
Tides Edge is located. Driving
distance its no more than twenty
minutes and thats if you do back
roads on a day with traffic.
Ted leans closer looking at the map and nods along.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 77.
TED
I honestly think its worth a shot,
Buttercup. I really dont want to
play this card because its low and
I know that, but do you really
think that if Abbey were in this
room right now, shed even be
giving this a second thought?
Maria shakes her head.
TED
Exactly. She always knew what was
best for us all and granted it was
wrong of us to rely on her like
that, if we think like Abbey, maybe
we can fix this.
MARIA
If I say yes... when does this
whole thing even start?
DR. CABANA
As soon as you want it to.
Technically you can be released
today. Youre walking well. Youre
in no pain. We dont believe you a
suicide risk any longer. Its truly
up to you and your father when you
leave.
Maria looks at her dad scared, then back at Dr. Newman.
MARIA
Are visitors allowed?
DR. NEWMAN
In most cases yes. If you or your
father were a flight risk or had
severe drug problem, then itd be a
not go at all. However, in the case
of you and your father. Yes.
Maria looks down to her hands fiddling in her lap nervously.
TED
Whatd you say, Mar? Are you
willing to at least try this place
out?
She takes in a deep breath, closing her eyes, then lets it
out slow, opening her eyes once its all out and nods.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 78.
MARIA
Ill go. Ill do it.
Ted smiles and gets out of his chair to hug his daughter.
Dr. Newman and Dr. Cabana start getting paperwork out. Once
the embrace is over the four discuss just when the two will
leave and the length of the treatmeant.
EXT TIDES EDGE -TWO WEEKS LATER- MID MORNING
Theres view of a vast beach, no people on it, from a deck
one level off the ground. The sound of waves crashing is the
most previlant sound. Some seagulls are heard, and a sea
breeze.
Maria steps out from the screen door, holding onto snuggles
and takes a seat on the edge of the deck. Shes smiling,
looking out at the water.
Ted walks out holding two cups of coffee and hands one to
Maria.
TED
Youre up pretty early, kiddo.
MARIA
Yeah, I mean... I kinda got enough
of the whole sleeping my day away
thing all last month. Im ready for
bright mornings and birds chirping.
Ted nods in agreement and takes a sip off his coffee, then
turns around to look back into the room theyd come out of.
TED
What about you?
Veronica walks out, smiling and stops once she reaches her
husbands side. She wraps an arm around him and looks out at
the water.
VERONICA
I think its definitely something I
could get used to.
Maria looks at both of them looking happy and healthy and
smiles then looks up at the sky where she sees a bird fly
by, much like the on from Dr. Cabanas office window.
The bird swoops down and lands a few feet away on a branch
and turns its head facing the family, chirps a short tune
and flys off into the sky once more.
(CONTINUED)
CONTINUED: 79.
THE END