DISCLAIMER: I don't own the characters and, especially, none of the songs. No infringement intended.
This is meant to be a series in several episodes. Each will begin with an intro meant to reflect the general tone of that particular episode.
The story is set in present day in the amazing prairies of Canada. One final word of warning: some of the dialogue is in Spanish, there is always a translation following so don't despair if you do not understand, just keep your eyes open and you will find the translation. The script formatting is slightly off but try not to hold that against me, most word processors don't allow for easy exact editing of scripts.
Enjoy!
EXT. PARK. DAY.
Start "Read my Mind" by The Killers.
PEDRO, LEONATO, HERO, BENEDICT, BEATRICE, CLAUDIO and JOHN gather around the jungle gym. JOHN is sullen throughout. All singing.
HERO
On the corner of main street Just tryin' to keep it in line You say you wanna move on and You say I'm falling behind
BEATRICE
Can you read my mind? Can you read my mind?
BENEDICT
I never really gave up on Breakin' out of this two-star town I got the green light I got a little fight I'm gonna turn this thing around
BEATRICE
Can you read my mind? Can you read my mind?
LEONATO
The good old days, the honest man;
PEDRO
The restless heart, the Promised Land
CLAUDIO
A subtle kiss that no one sees;
JOHN
A broken wrist and a big trapeze
ALL
Oh well I don't mind, if you don't mind 'Cause I don't shine if you don't shine. Before you go, can you read my mind?
BEATRICE
It's funny how you just break down Waitin' on some sign I pull up to the front of your driveway with magic soakin' my spine
CLAUDIO
Can you read my mind? Can you read my mind?
BEATRICE
The teenage queen, the loaded gun;
HERO
The drop dead dream, the Chosen One
LEONATO
A southern drawl, a world unseen;
CLAUDIO
A city wall and a trampoline
ALL
Oh well I don't mind, if you don't mind 'Cause I don't shine if you don't shine Before you jump Tell me what you find when you read my mind
BEATRICE
Slippin' in my faith until I fall
BENEDICT
You never returned that call
HERO
Woman, open the door, don't let it sting
CLAUDIO
I wanna breathe that fire again
ALL
She said I don't mind, if you don't mind 'Cause I don't shine if you don't shine
PEDRO
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
Put your back on me
The stars are blazing like rebel diamonds cut out of the sun
When you read my mind
Ext. park. day.
A 15 year old BENEDICT sits on a swing, looking angry. He's kicking a bit of dirt, he becomes visibly upset, stands and forcibly kicks a patch of sand. It hits a 15 year old BEATRICE almost in the face.
BEATRICE
Hey! Watch where you're kicking that stuff! It's gross.
BENEDICT
(Sarcastically)
Sorry, your highness.
BEATRICE
Whatever.
( She holds out a calculator to him.)
BEATRICE (CONT)
You dropped this, genius.
BENEDICT
Handing it back to the poor kid who can't afford another one?
BEATRICE
You want it back or not?
BENEDICT
(Taking it back)
Thanks.
BEATRICE
Whatever. You probably can't even turn it on anyway.
BENEDICT
Well we don't all have servants to do our homework for us, your Highness.
BEATRICE
Oh, right, because I must be swimming in money. I probably just forgot about it...well I'm glad you cleared that up, guess I can quit my job at Dairy Queen now, and go get that car I've always wanted.
BENEDICT
You wouldn't know what side the steering wheel is on anyway.
BEATRICE
That's OK though, isn't it? I can probably get my servants to find it for me.
Car honk honks. BEATRICE turns to find LEONATO waiting for her.
BEATRICE
That's my ride. See ya around.
BENEDICT
(Less morosely)
Whatever.
EXT. LEONATO'S BACKYARD. DAY.
"15 Years Later" reads on screen.
BEATRICE, now 30, in backyard playing with Dog. HERO, 22, is listening to music with headphones which are blasting. LEONATO comes out to the backyard, looking very serious and semi formally dressed in a light suit and dress jacket. BEATRICE simply wears shorts and a t-shirt, HERO a pretty summer dress. Behind LEONATO, one of his EMPLOYEES comes into sight.
LEONATO
Hero, Beatrice, come with me, Pedro should be here any moment now.
The girls start to move toward the front of the house. HERO seems excited at the prospect, BEATRICE, annoyed. LEONATO stops BEATRICE, obviously not approving something about her.
LEONATO
Beatrice, Pedro's recent naming of Inspector for the region is a great honour, we need to behave accordingly...and dress accordingly.
BEATRICE
(Annoyed)
It's my day off. I'm sorry but why should I dress myself up for a few glorified police officers? Especially when I know at least one of them, will make a joke of the entire proceedings. No, uncle, if you want, I will wait here, but I will not make myself up for what amounts to a few men coming over to your house for a friendly chat and to show off their new titles. It doesn't seem worth it.
LEONATO
Could you at least try to be civilized? These are men from our town, and they've come home with honours which are not easy to come by, we should show our respect.
BEATRICE
I'm sorry if I'm not impressed with a group of men being able to wrestle a moose on the loose.
LEONATO
The job is far more than that; you should be able to understand that full well! Beatrice, at least try a little, please, I'm not asking you to marry any of them, all I'm asking is for you to look decent.
BEATRICE
(Annoyed but capitulating)
Fine. I'll change, but I still think it's too much show for glorified cowboys sans horse. And I do think I'm a little too old to be told what to wear.
BEATRICE walks into the house
EMPLOYEE
Sir?
LEONATO
Right. Good. We'll go.
All walk toward the front of the house.
EXT. LEONATO'S FRONT YARD. Continuous
LEONATO (CONT)
Now tell me, I heard Claudio has done well so far.
EMPLOYEE
Oh yes, everyone at the regiment is impressed with him. He has done real well, considering how young he is.
LEONATO
His family here in Messina will be glad to hear that. Have you seen them?
EMPLOYEE
I saw them in town, they apologize for not coming, but they are busy preparing the lodgings for Claudio and the rest. They said that they'll see you tomorrow.
BEATRICE steps out the front door, still barefoot, but now changed to a simple tank and skirt. LEONATO still gives her a look, to which she shrugs her shoulders. HERO stands to the side, looking nervous and fiddling with some imaginary crease in her dress.
LEONATO
Now, Beatrice, before Pedro and his company arrive, I do need you to promise you'll be reasonable.
BEATRICE
I'm always reasonable, when people deserve it.
LEONATO
Beatrice...I'm serious. I don't want any "comments" to fly out of your mouth.
BEATRICE
Why? You think I'm an embarrassment or something?
LEONATO gives her a look.
BEATRICE (CONT)
Fine! I'll try, but that donkey's ass better not come near me!
EMPLOYEE
(to HERO)
Who are they talking about?
HERO
My cousin means Benedict.
EMPLOYEE
(Excited)
Oh! I've met him! So funny!
BEATRICE
(Sarcastic )
Oh good!
Turning to the EMPLOYEE
BEATRICE (CONT)
Well how many moose on the loose did he stop this time around? Did he keep count, because I did promise to eat all the ones he could bring back.
LEONATO
For goodness' sake Beatrice, be civil or be quiet!
EMPLOYEE
(Clueless)
He's a good officer, Miss, and a nice guy.
BEATRICE
I'm sure he's a good officer to any Miss who'll give him the time of day. It might be he's gained some skills since I last saw him, from what I remember, his best one was to clear the table in record time.
EMPLOYEE
As far as being a constable goes, Miss, he is excellent-
LEONATO
You shouldn't argue with her. There is a kind of..."friendly" battle between Benedict and herself, they can never see each other without insults flying between them...in a friendly fashion.
(to BEATRICE)
Am I right?
BEATRICE
I suppose, if you want to call it that. It doesn't matter, it's not like he understands what I say anyway. Last time we met, four fifths of his brain ran away in a panic, and now he's only left with the one part, which only shows him the difference between himself and his horse.
EMPLOYEE
I see, the gentleman is, uhm, "not in your books."
BEATRICE
No; and if he were, I would burn down the library.
EMPLOYEE
(Trying to change the subject)
Well, he seems proper enough to me, and to Claudio, with whom he has been partnered up.
BEATRICE
Really? He will hang upon him like a disease. Poor Claudio! If he has caught "the Benedict", it will cost him a thousand dollars before he'll be cured.
LEONATO
You will never catch this disease, Beatrice?
BEATRICE
No, not until a hot January.
EMPLOYEE
There they are!
Two cars approach. One is a newer truck, the other an older and beat up one. From the new truck exit PEDRO, CLAUDIO and BENEDICT; from the beat up truck exit JOHN, BORACHIO and CONRAD. Only the first three are in uniform. BENEDICT makes eye contact with BEATRICE, and she immediately rolls her eyes and turns her back on him. BENEDICT is obviously annoyed. CLAUDIO and HERO acknowledge each other but try to be subtle. LEONATO stands very tall and stiff before PEDRO, who claps him on the shoulders, urging him to relax.
PEDRO
Leonato, is something wrong? You look so serious.
LEONATO
No trouble, no trouble at all, sir.
PEDRO
Well then, relax, we're friends! Come on! You taught me everything I know. You met me when I couldn't even tie my boot laces properly. Please, don't look like I'm giving you heartburn.
LEONATO makes an effort to relax.
PEDRO (CONT)
Good.
Noticing 's been years since he's seen her and so is surprised.
PEDRO (CONT)
Is this your daughter?
LEONATO
That's what her mother used to tell me.
BENEDICT
Were you in doubt, sir, that you had to ask her?
LEONATO
Benedict, no; back then you were just a boy.
PEDRO
There you go, Benedict, and there's an end to it.
BENEDICT tries to speak up again, but PEDRO gives him a look to be quiet. BEATRICE laughs at him. BENEDICT glares at her.
PEDRO(CONT)
Hero, you really do look like your father, a good looking version of him.
HERO blushes, embarrassed by the attention. LEONATO gestures for them to go inside. All start to follow, BENEDICT speaks and they make an effort to ignore him.
BENEDICT
If Leonato is her father, she would not want to look like him, as like him as she already is.
BEATRICE
I wonder that you will still be talking, Benedict: nobody's listening.
BENEDICT
What, my dear Lady Disdain! Still alive?
BEATRICE
Is it possible disdain should die while she has such good food as Benedict to feed on? I can't imagine what sort of woman could be near you and not scratch your eyes out.
BENEDICT
I wish that were true, unfortunately for me, it seems all women-except for you-find me to be just a peach. Still, I wish they would not because, to tell the truth, I can't love any of them back.
BEATRICE
Well, there's something women can be thankful for, otherwise they would be harassed by an idiot. At least I can thank God that you think that way: I'd rather hear my dog barking at the crows, than a man say he loves me.
BENEDICT
Good, let's hope you never change your mind, otherwise some poor fool will end up with a scratched face!
BEATRICE
Scratching could not make it worse if its your face we're talking about.
BENEDICT
Well, you are a rare parrot.
BEATRICE
A bird of my tongue is better than a beast of yours.
BENEDICT
I would my horse had the speed of your tongue, and was so good at keeping the pace.
Start "The Truth About Love" by Pink. PEDRO, LEONATO, CLAUDIO, HERO, JOHN, CONRAD, BORACHIO and EMPLOYEE dance in background.
BENEDICT
The truth about love comes at 3am
You wake up fucked up and you grab a pen
And you say to yourself I'm gonna figure it out,
I'm gonna crack that code
Gonna break it break it down
BEATRICE
I'm tired of all these questions
And, now it's just annoying
Cause, no one has the answer
So I guess it's up to me
To find the truth about love
As it comes, and it goes
A strange fascination with his lips and toes
BENEDICT
Morning breath, bedroom eyes on a smiling face
Sheet marks rug burn, and a sugar glaze
The shock and the awe that can eat you raw
If the truth about love
CLAUDIO
(To HERO)
I think it just may be perfect
You're the person of my dreams
I never ever, ever, ever been this happy
BENEDICT
(Interrupting disapprovingly)
But now something has changed and the truth about love is it's all a lie
I thought you were the one, and I hate goodbyes
BEATRICE
Oh, you want the truth?
The truth about love is it's nasty and salty I
t's the regret in the morning, it's the smelling of armpits
HERO
It's wings, and songs
And trees, and birds I
t's all the poetry that you ever heard
BEATRICE
Terror coup d'etat, life line forget-me-nots
It's the hunt and the kill
BENEDICT
The schemes and the plots
The truth about love is it's blood, and it's guts
Purebreds and mutts
Sandwiches without the crust
It takes your breath, cause it leaves a scar
But those untouched never got never got very far
BEATRICE
It's rage and it's hate
And a sick twist of fate
And that's the truth about love
The truth about love
CLAUDIO
I think it just may be perfect
You're the person of my dreams
I never ever ever ever been this happy
BEATRICE
But now something has changed
And The Truth About Love is it's all a lie
I thought you were the one, and I hate goodbyes
BENEDICT
Oh you can lose your breath and
Oh, you can shoot a gun and
Convince you're the only one that's ever felt this way before
BEATRICE
It hurts inside the hurt within and
It folds together pocket thin and
It's whispered by the angels' lips and I
t can turn you into a son of a bitch man
ALL TOGETHER
The truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
Truth, the truth, the truth about love is
All return to original positions. BEATRICE turns to answer BENEDICT, he holds up his hand to her face.
BENEDICT
But, enough! I'm done with you.
BEATRICE
You always end with some stupid remark.
BENEDICT turns to stare at her. They hold each other's eyes, all full of contempt, until PEDRO pulls BENEDICT back.
PEDRO
Thank you, for that. As for the rest of us, Leonato and Claudio's family have arranged for us to stay right here in town, at least while we sort out the housing permanently. He has extended his welcome-
(to JOHN, harshly)
to all of us.
JOHN holds PEDRO'S eyes for a moment before turning to LEONATO and smiling. He is not very convincing and is clearly uncomfortable.
LEONATO
I know you've had a falling out with your brother but, seeing as how you've patched things up, you are welcome as well.
JOHN
Thank you. I'm usually not...very eloquent but, thank you.
Awkward silence. BENEDICT and BEATRICE still glare at each other. LEONATO heads back and leads BEATRICE away. BENEDICT, looking frustrated, turns around and walks back to the end of the driveway. Everyone follows LEONATO, except for CLAUDIO, who turns to follow BENEDICT.
CLAUDIO
Benedict? Did you see Hero?
BENEDICT
I guess I saw her, but I didn't really look at her.
BENEDICT mutters angrily under his breath.
CLAUDIO
Is she not a...uhm...well...good looking girl?
BENEDICT
Do you want to know my honest opinion or are you going to twist my words so that they sound like they came from an ass?
CLAUDIO
No; I'm asking honestly.
BENEDICT
Well then...I think she's not tall enough for a high praise, not smart enough for a thoughtful phrase and generally...if she looked different she would not be attractive but, as she looks I don't really like her.
CLAUDIO
I'm not kidding! What do you think about her?
BENEDICT
What? You're looking to buy her or something?
CLAUDIO
Can the world buy such a jewel?
BENEDICT
Yeah...and a case to stick her in afterwards.
He goes back to sulking for a few seconds, then realizes what CLAUDIO is on about
BENEDICT (CONT)
but... wait a second...are you serious? You have no actual interest in her...have you?
CLAUDIO
Well...in my opinion... she's...I...she...she is the best thing I've ever seen.
BENEDICT
(Rolling his eyes both at the feeling and the choice of words)
Well...I don't need glasses yet and I can't see what you're on about. There is her cousin, Beatrice, if she weren't possessed by the devil she would be ten times as attractive as Hero. But still, you never answered my question: you have no serious interest in her, have you?
CLAUDIO
I know I've said before I haven't but...now...I'm...not sure...
BENEDICT
Are you kidding me? What am I supposed to do with you now? You're not going to start writing poetry and singing about love are you? I can't work with you if you're going to be all flowers and corny songs.
PEDRO is seen walking toward them. BENEDICT smiles knowingly, CLAUDIO panics. BENEDICT starts running toward PEDRO. CLAUDIO tries to catch up with him to stop him.
PEDRO
What's keeping you two?
BENEDICT
I think you should order me to tell you, sir.
PEDRO
(Smiling knowingly)
Really? Well then, I charge you.
BENEDICT
(to CLAUDIO)
You see? I can be quiet as the grave but... I am being ordered to speak.
(To PEDRO)
He is in love. With who? That's your question, sir, and get a hold of his answer: with Hero, Leonato's short daughter!
PEDRO
Really? Well good for you! She's a very pretty girl.
CLAUDIO
You're just saying that to make fun of me, sir.
PEDRO
No. Really, it's the truth.
CLAUDIO
And I spoke the truth as well. I feel I love her.
PEDRO
Well, I know that she is worth it.
BENEDICT
Well, I neither think she's worth much and I know I would never love her.
PEDRO
Yes, but you have always been allergic to love, Benedict.
BENEDICT
Well, that my mother conceived me, I thank her. That the same woman, raised me, I also give her humble thanks; but that I'll willingly march down an aisle and condemn myself to life in prison...all women will excuse me. It's not my fault, they cannot be trusted: they're crazy, emotional, taking offence every time someone speaks...no, thank you. And I know I'll suffer for it and my punishment will be to live a bachelor in peace and quiet. I will die before I change my mind.
PEDRO
I'll see you before I die, look all sick in love.
BENEDICT
Sick in anger, in hunger or...well in sickness...never in love.
PEDRO
Well, we'll see, with time the horse does learn to take the bridle.
BENEDICT
The horse may but the level-headed Benedict never will.
PEDRO
Who knows? You may fall for it shortly.
BENEDICT
I'll look for an earthquake too, then.
PEDRO
In any case...Benedict, go inside and tell Leonato we'll be back tonight. He's organized quite the welcome party and we'll all be there.
BENEDICT
I suppose I can manage that.
(To CLAUDIO)
And you...examine your conscience.
BENEDICT walks back to the house. He catches sight of BEATRICE in the backyard, once again playing with Dog. He shakes his head and rolls his eyes, then goes inside. CLAUDIO and PEDRO walk to the shade of a tree in the front yard. CLAUDIO is nervous and PEDRO is slightly amused.
CLAUDIO
Sir? Would you...maybe...help me out, maybe?
PEDRO
With whatever you want. All you have to do is ask.
CLAUDIO
Does Leonato have any sons?
PEDRO
(Confused)
No...Hero is his only child...she inherits everything. Does that matter, Claudio?
CLAUDIO
Oh well...no, I suppose...Look, when I first left Messina, I already knew her. We went to school together, all our lives...and I guess I had...noticed her...but at the time I was a little more concerned about my training, but ever since we heard we would be back, for good, I've...well...I guess I've been thinking about her, more and more...I did already like her before I left so now...
CLAUDIO keeps talking but his words fade. PEDRO looks like he is indulging CLAUDIO by pretending to be engrossed by his words.
EXT. PARK. DAY. 15 years earlier.
7 year old HERO, sits on the swings in a park. An 8 year old CLAUDIO walks up to her, but doesn't really have anything to say.
HERO
(After waiting for him to speak)
You're being weird.
CLAUDIO
I...didn't...uhm...
HERO
Are you going to start pulling my hair again?
CLAUDIO
I never ...just...
Car honk honks. HERO turns to see BEATRICE getting out of a car, it's driven by BENEDICT.
HERO
I have to go, that's my cousin.
CLAUDIO doesn't really make much of a move and mutters something under his breath.
HERO
See you tomorrow.
HERO walks to the car and gets in the back seat. CLAUDIO, looking defeated, kicks some dirt and then a post. HERO reaches the car and climbs into the backseat. BEATRICE stares back at CLAUDIO, who is still kicking the post in frustration and anger.
BEATRICE
He's not pulling your hair again, is he?
HERO
No, not really. He kept trying to talk to me today, he was being weird.
BEATRICE
No, he was being a boy: a little bit stupid-
BENEDICT
Hey!
BEATRICE
-but not particularly dangerous.
HERO
Is he going to stop it?
BEATRICE
That's up to you, Hero. Do you want him to stop it?
HERO
I'm not sure.
BEATRICE
Well, you best make up your mind first.
HERO
What would you do?
BEATRICE
Me? I would kick him to the curb...probably...but you are a much sweeter kid than I ever was.
BENEDICT
No kidding.
BEATRICE
Well, if I am...harsh...it's only because some people deserve it.
BENEDICT
I hardly think anyone ever really dared cross you on purpose, you probably would have set them on fire with one of those looks of yours.
BEATRICE
If one of my looks ever set anyone on fire they had it coming.
BENEDICT
Yeah, because just looking sideways at you is enough for Lady Disdain to take offence.
BEATRICE
Well, lucky for you, then, a match to your face would do it no harm, it might even improve it.
HERO
(Purposefully interrupting)
Can we get some ice-cream? It's getting...weird...in here.
BEATRICE
Fine. But you never did answer my question.
HERO
Which one?
BEATRICE
Do you want Claudio to stop pestering you, or not?
HERO
Well...I'm not sure. I kind of like it but-he just gets real weird.
BENEDICT
Well, one day, you might not mind the weird so much.
HERO
What is that supposed to mean?
BEATRICE
Nothing. He means nothing. And Hero, you need to find another word other than "weird", you're being redundant.
HERO
Fine.
A few seconds of silence.
HERO(CONT)
Beatrice? I don't really want him to stop but...I wish we could be like you and Ben.
BEATRICE
What do you mean? Friends?
HERO
You're just...friends? I thought you were like...boyfriends and girlfriends and stuff...
BENEDICT
(Choking back a cough and laughing nervously)
Whatever gave you the impression we were anything other than friends? Just because I drive you back home and sometimes to school and well, on occasion, have supper with your cousin and, rarely, go out in public and, well...almost never-
BEATRICE
(Annoyed and mildly disappointed)
What Benedict means, Hero, is that we are just friends.
HERO
So you don't like...hold hands and stuff?
BEATRICE
No. No holding hands and stuff.
BENEDICT
(Still nervous)
Yeah...no...stuff...never...stuff. Well, who wants ice-cream?
EXT. LEONATO'S FRONT YARD. DAY. PRESENT DAY.
CLAUDIO is still talking but his words cannot be made out. PEDRO claps him on the shoulders and stops him from talking.
PEDRO
Oh my God! You'll be like a little puppy in love soon and howl away at the moon! If you like Hero,you should let her know. I know there will be a celebration tonight. I'll talk to Hero, eloquently, tell her about your feelings. I'll convince her you're the right man for her and, in the end, she will be yours.
CLAUDIO
Oh my...sir...You...You're the best! But...uhm...I mean, isn't it a little too soon? I did just get back in town today and I would have of waited a reasonable amount of time before even thinking about-
PEDRO
"What need the bridge much broader than the flood"?
CLAUDIO is clueless.
PEDRO (CONT)
Look, you like her now and I will get you a remedy now. There will be enough time, in the future, to talk with her and all, but how can you ever expect to start if you never make a move? Come on, let's go in, we'll talk about this later.
PEDRO and CLAUDIO go back to the house. JOHN and CONRAD come out of the house, presumably to smoke. JOHN looks like he has a bad case of heartburn, and CONRAD looks like he is already slightly drunk.
CONRAD
Well, it's good to see you. You look like the year has treated you well. Why are you so upset?
JOHN
I have no particular reason to be upset, it would seem, therefore I am infinitely upset.
CONRAD
You should be more reasonable.
JOHN
(Upset)
And when I have been, what good has come of it?
CONRAD
If not a cure, at least patience.
JOHN
You of all people should spare me. You know full well, I can't hide what I am. I can never be called an honest man but, at least I am no hypocrite: I'll be sad whenever I have cause and I won't laugh at another man's bad joke, sleep when I'm tired and wait for no one to do as I please; laugh when I feel like it and not kiss any man's ass.
Start "Natives" by Blink 182. JOHN sings all except for chorus, which is sung by a younger JOHN-around 12 years old, who is now sitting on the grass, playing.
JOHN
I'm like a cat in a cage, locked up and battered and bruised
I am the prodigal son, a shameful prodigy too
I am the love of your life, battering ram and confused
I turn each day into night, I stand there waiting for you
There is desire to fight, but I have nothing to prove
With the crowd and some lights,
I start to feel things move
Do you have something to hide?
'Cause I think that we all do
I am a child inside, back up and give me some room
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
You turn us loose in the night, I'm fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
YOUNG JOHN
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'd rather go in alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go I
'm never coming home
JOHN
Don't start to panic for me, 'cause I have nothing to lose I
am as bright as the sun, I burn up all that I choose
Upon the side of a field
I see a city with lights I
touch her face and I kneel, she tells me she's not alive
I am too nervous to run, like kids who scatter and hide
To reach and grab for someone, but end up buried alive
A world is waiting for me, a road that I rarely use
I start to feel my feet, they kick down walls as they move
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head
I'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
You turn us loose in the night, I'm fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
YOUNG JOHN
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go I'd rather go in alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
JOHN
I'm just a bastard child, don't let it go to your head I
'm just a waste of your time, maybe I'm better off dead
You turn us loose in the night, I'm fucking Jekyll and Hyde
We'll have the time of our lives although we're dying inside
BOTH
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go I'd rather go in alone
So let me go, go
So let me go, go
Just let me go, go
I'm never coming home
As the song ends, YOUNG JOHN sits under a tree close to CONRAD and JOHN.
CONRAD
Of course, but you have to be careful what you do now. You recently did try to get your brother discredited, disobeyed him, and it didn't go well for you. He's given you the equivalent of a slap on the wrist by only suspending you and not arresting you. You should at least try to seem grateful-
JOHN
(Slamming CONRAD into a wall)
I would rather be rotting in jail than be allowed to live in his shadow. I have not been spared, but bound and gagged and allowed to do what? To go with him? To be kept watch by him? I'm like his pet dog with a muzzle, so, at least let me be honest about what I am and don't you dare try to change my mind about it.
CONRAD
Yes but...can't you find a way to use your anger...
JOHN
There's nothing else I can use.
Front door is thrown open. JOHN releases CONRAD and turns to see who it is. It's BORACHIO.
JOHN (CONT)
Borachio! Where have you been?
BORACHIO
I was mingling, and I can tell you stories...
JOHN
Will any of them screw around with my brother?
BORACHIO
Depends how you use them. I heard that you brother intends to help one of his "good men" to get a girl.
JOHN
Who would be so stupid?
BORACHIO
Your brother's little right hand pet.
JOHN
Claudio? A very proper lap dog! And which...way...does he look?
BORACHIO
On Hero, Leonato's daughter.
JOHN
A high enough mark, I suppose. Well, we'll put this to good use. That stupid boy is, more than anyone, responsible for my suspension, if I can harm him any way I'll consider myself blessed. Come on, we'll go to this dinner tonight, they'll be less suspicious now that my mood is a little better. You'll both help me?
CONRAD
(With a mock military salute)
To the death!
JOHN
Then let's go back in, we'll see what we'll do about this later.
JOHN, CONRAD and BORACHIO head back inside. YOUNG JOHN stands up.
Follow YOUNG JOHN as he walks down the drive way, he turns and almost runs into a 20 year old PEDRO.
. DAY. 20 YEARS EARLIER.
The farmhouse is run down and looking beaten up. JOHN glares at PEDRO, who tries to stop and talk to him.
PEDRO
John, would you please wait?
He catches up to YOUNG JOHN and holds his arm. JOHN shoves PEDRO off but stays put.
PEDRO(CONT)
Just talk to me, John. You always used to before.
JOHN
That was before you decided to make a run for it and leave me behind.
PEDRO
You can't seriously think that. John, this is...this is the best thing that can happen to me, ever. You can't seriously want me to stay in this stupid town with...
PEDRO looks to the farmhouse.
JOHN
No...you'll go. And leave me here, alone!
PEDRO
I can't choose were to get the training, John! Do you think I wanted to leave you here alone? It's just for six months, a year, at the most. I'll come back, I promise.
JOHN
No, you won't.
PEDRO
How do you know?
JOHN
I wouldn't.
PEDRO
(Sad)
It's a good think I'm not you then.
JOHN
What am I supposed to do now? You know what he's like.
PEDRO
I know. I'm sorry, John, I really am. Look, he'll leave you alone, for the most part. You know that. Just stay out of his way. In a few years you can-
JOHN
Can what? Follow you? You'd just love that, wouldn't you? So I can keep following you around like a lost puppy?
PEDRO
John, it's the best option the likes of us can hope for!
JOHN
I'm sorry if I don't look forward to becoming some stupid Canadian's lapdog.
PEDRO
I thought you loved being Canadian.
JOHN
I love being anything other than what our father is.
PEDRO
Look just...don't be like this. So angry, all the time. You know that makes you more like him than anything.
JOHN
Don't you dare say that!
PEDRO is about to reply when the front door to the house opens. John and Pedro's FATHER steps out. He is a big man, much bigger than either boy. He stares straight at JOHN and yells.
FATHER
Juan! Que te dije, pendejo? Te me vas a guardar las vacas, o te llevo? Andale, animal, y deja en paz a tu hermano, tiene mejores cosas que hacer que perder el tiempo contigo.
(John! What did I tell you, you idiot? Are you going to get the cows or do I have to take you? Go on, you moron, and leave your brother alone. He has better things to do than waste his time with you)
PEDRO
Dejalo en paz. Ya iba. Nada mas estamos platicando.
(Leave him alone. We're just talking.)
FATHER
Mira, Pedro, deja de defender a Juan. No te creas que porque eres un pinche "RCMP" que no te agarro igual que a el. Juan, te me vas con las vacas; Pedro, que no tienes que empacar?
(Look, Pedro, stop defending John. Don't think that because you are a friggin' RCMP that I won't give it to you just like him. John, you go with the cows; Pedro, don't you have packing to do?)
They stand around in silence. JOHN is glaring at his FATHER. PEDRO looks worried. Finally, JOHN turns and walks away. PEDRO watches JOHN go.
FATHER
Dejalo en paz, Pedro. Nunca va a cambiar, el pendejo salio malo.
(Leave him alone, Pedro. He'll never change. The asshole came out wrong.)
PEDRO
(Angry)
Quiza, pero tu no lo ayudas.
(Maybe but, you don't help.)
FATHER
Subete a empacar, antes de que te toque a ti igual que a tu hermano.
(Go pack, before you get it like your brother.)
PEDRO goes inside. In the distance, JOHN is herding some cows into a paddock.
