Blessed
A family legend continues.
Disclaimer: I do not own any thing except maybe the plot and obviously my original characters.
1x03- What a Nightmare!
Scene opens in a man's bedroom.
- A man lays in his bed sleeping. The darkness is only dimly illuminated by the street lights below the high apartment. The man's breath quickens slightly and suddenly, a bird, vulture like, appears in a dark cloud and rests upon the man's chest. The shadowy animal claws into the man's chest causing him to call out in pain.
- The animal opens its mouth and inhales as the man screams. A light blue smoke travels through the air from the man to the animal. Seemingly satisfied, the animal disappears.
- The man straightens in bed and sits up breathing heavily. Reaching to his chest he feels at the wounds. Waking up, he turns on the light and goes to his bathroom mirror. The disheveled brunette raises his shirt to look at his chest in the mirror. The wounds are healed and the man is satisfied. He turns out the light and falls asleep again. The shadowy bird appears on his chest again.
- With a scream, the scene moves to Melanie's bedroom. She is pacing at the foot of her bed with a cordless phone in her hand. Her radio plays "Almost" by Bowling for Soup low in the background. Clad in wrinkled PJs, she shuts her door and talks into the phone.
Melanie: Okay, but I don't think you're getting the situation.
Penelope: (Voice pours over the phone) I get it. Really I do. (Is sitting in a hotel room, fully dressed and prettied, flipping through TV channels) Just don't worry about it, okay? Everything will be fine. I'll sit down and talk to Wyatt when I get back.
Melanie: (Sits abruptly onto the bed) I loved him.
Penelope: (Smiles) Yes. You did.
Melanie: (Shakes head) No. In my world. He was evil, yes, but.. I loved him.
Penelope: (Switches off the TV as a knock sounds at the door) Then don't worry so much. I have to go. My mom's taking me shopping. We good?
Melanie: Yeah. (Says softly) Bye (Hangs up and looks at the diary now sitting on her side table)
Break
Scene opens to the hall.
- Chris stands knocking on the bathroom door desperately. The door opens to reveal a freshly showered, smiling, and, of course, shirtless Wyatt.
Wyatt:Haven't seen that dance since you were two. (Laughs as Chris pushes him out of the way and slams the door)
- Laughing, Wyatt makes his way down the hall. Melanie, hair pulled back, carries a plastic bag of shower wash and special shampoo as she passes Wyatt. Wyatt watches her walk momentarily after she passes him. Melanie knocks on the door of the bathroom. A muffled yell sounds. The door opens moments later with Chris holding a toothbrush in his mouth. Chris' gaze is brought down on Melanie. He had obviously been expecting Wyatt. Only a second passes before Chris opens the door all the way. He moves backwards back into the bathroom, spits, gurgles, spits, and leaves. Melanie smiles as he nods to her telling her the bathroom is hers. She enters the bathroom and closes the door.
- Downstairs in the kitchen, Chris makes the eggs and toast while Wyatt retrieves the butter and strawberry jam. The paper sits on the table untouched.
Wyatt:So. (Sets his stuff on the island) Where'd you sleep last night?
Chris: Penny's room. (Flips the eggs)
Wyatt:(Grabs two mugs and sets them on the counter) What's the deal with her?
Chris:(Looks up as Wyatt fills the mugs) Penny? I didn't know she had a deal.
Wyatt:The dream thing. (Sets the coffee mugs on the island next to the jam)
Chris:(Shrugs as he places the eggs on the three plates next to him) It's just her powers. (Seeing Wyatt's 'need more info' look he continues) She's been getting her premonitions more often in the form of dreams than actual premonitions.
Wyatt:Biology. (Grabs his plate and coffee) We're all wired a little weird.
Chris:It happens at the same time every night. (Pauses as Melanie enters) 3:00.
Wyatt:The demonic witching hour. (Chris takes a plate and hands it to Melanie while taking one for himself)
Chris:Neither one of us know what it means. And you know Penny. Once she's up..
Wyatt:(Nods thoughtfully) Yeah. (Watches as Melanie pours herself a cup of coffee) Why don't you talk to the elders?
Chris:(Scoffs) Yeah, like they don't have enough reason to distrust us, I'm gonna volunteer another one.
Melanie: (Sits down to breakfast between the guys) Why don't the elders trust you?
Chris:(Looks mildly surprised at her choice of seating) I.. Uh.. Actually, I don't really know. I guess it's because we never really care what they think. We trust our instincts.
Wyatt:Our family always has. (Says with a smile)
Chris:(Rises from his seat) I gotta pee.
Wyatt:What are you? Pregnant?
- Melanie stiffens slightly at the statement, but no one notices.
- The scene moves to the other man's bedroom. The apartment now lit brightly by the sun. The man still lay strewn among the covers of his bed. Waking, the groggy man glances at the clock and stands.
- Still clad in his tee-shirt and boxers, he steps onto the street bustling with oncoming traffic. The incoming blue car tries to stop. The owner slams on the breaks, but it's of no use. The car hit's the man. His scream echoes down the street.
- In the bathroom, Chris is washing his hands. A stack of paper towels sits on a small table next to the sink. Chris grabs one and dries his hands. Playing pretend basketball, he tosses the wad at the trash. When he misses, he goes to the trash to pick it up. Instead, a bright white stick catches his eye. He picks it up.
Chris:Oh my god.
- A knock on the door catches Chris' attention.
Chris: (Distractedly) Come in.
- Wyatt opens the door to find Chris pale and clutching a pregnancy test. Straight-faced, Wyatt steps forward.
Wyatt:So. (Pauses) You're pregnant.
Break
Scene opens to the bathroom.
- The boys are standing face to face. Chris is still clutching the test.
Wyatt:So. Who's the father?
Chris:(gives Wyatt a disgusted look) You're an idiot.
Wyatt:(Laughs) How's he gonna take the news? Am I gonna have to beat his ass. Cause, I don't wanna break a nail. (Laughs again)
Chris:(Sticks the test in the trash) You're an ass.
Wyatt:(Sobers) You're right. (Pauses) This is (Straight face begins cracking) an emotional time for you. (Laughing) I should try to be more (Laughs) considerate.
Chris:If you must know, (Closes the door)
Wyatt:Chris I think we should just be friends (Giggles)
Chris:It's Mel's. (Pauses) I think. Penny hasn't had a guy for a while. Well to my knowledge.
Wyatt: Mel's. (Chris nods) Mel's pregnant?
Chris:Well the test was positive.
- With out another word, Wyatt orbed out with Chris calling after him. A knock sounds on the door.
Melanie: Chris? You okay in there?
Chris: (Opens the door) Yeah. Uh.. I have a favor to ask.
Melanie: Okay.
Chris: Wyatt just orbed off somewhere and I have to go talk to the elders, do you think you can go to the restaurant and check up on everybody.
Melanie: Sure. What do I do?
Chris:Talk to the manager and just make sure everyone is doing their jobs.
Melanie: (Nods) Sure.
Chris:Good. Thanks. (Orbs out)
Melanie: (Breathes, whispers) You can do this.
- At the restaurant, Melanie watches the manager yell at the wait and kitchen staff to move faster. The busy rushing staff shoot him death glares as he turns to Melanie.
Manager: Now, Ms. Miller. What can I do for you?
Melanie: I didn't realize a restaurant was so hectic.
Manager: Normally it isn't this bad, but one of our chefs didn't show up and now, we are barely getting the stuff to he tables before people leave. And worse we have two food critics here to audit the restaurant.
Melanie: Who's missing? Maybe I can track him down for you.
Manager: (Grabs a chefs apron) Marcus Hill, 423 Madison, Apt 7C. (Turns and begins to roll dough for appetizers)
- The scene moves to outside Marcus' apartment. As Melanie pulls up in Wyatt's car, she spots five or so squad cars and dozens of officers scouring the street. With a sigh, she steps out of the car and slams the door.
Melanie: (Whispering to herself) With my luck, this'll be the guy.
- Melanie ran to the caution tape and started yelling to get the attention of the closest officer.
Officer: Ma'am you have to step back.
Melanie: (Points to the building) I have to get in there.
Officer: You live here? (Skeptical)
Melanie: (Shakes head) I'm meeting somebody.
Officer: Who?
Melanie: Marcus Hill. Apt 7C.
Officer: I'm sorry ma'am. I have some bad news. (Melanie looks past him at the body being carted off on a gurney)
Melanie: (To herself) No black bag. Good sign. (To officer) What hospital?
Officer: St. Mary's
- Melanie runs off back to Wyatt's car and drives off, leaving the officer dumbstruck.
- In the clouds, Chris orbs in. A single elder occupies the room. A young man, just younger than Chris. Chris recognizes him as an ally.
Chris: Kevin?
Kevin: (Turns to Chris) Chris. Hey. (Sees the look on Chris' face) What's wrong.
Chris:I think Melanie's pregnant and I'm afraid the angel of destiny is going to try and take her away. Wyatt can't handle that.
Kevin:(Half smiles) They tried to tell Wyatt the other day. She is supposed to be here. To usher in the next generation of Halliwells.
Chris: Oh. (Pauses) Okay. That's good, right.
Kevin:(Expression sobers) Well, yes and no. The baby she's carrying. The elders say it can't be born.
Chris:(Confused) What?
Kevin:That baby is still evil. Even if Wyatt isn't. I know this isn't what you want to hear, but.. some of the elders are talking about taking care of it themselves.
Chris:(Angered) It? It?
Kevin:I'm sorry (As Chris orbs away)
Break
Scene opens at St Mary's Hospital.
- Melanie is at the nurses counter whispering conspiratorially with a pudgy faced blonde woman. The woman's bright blue nametag read Marilyn. They finish chatting and Melanie hands her a 50 dollar bill while pocketing a piece of paper marked with her scribbling handwriting.
- She turns immediately and walks straight out the front doors. Pulling out a cell phone, she dialed a number. She climbs into the car as she connects.
Andrea: Hello? (Sitting reading from a big textbook labeled 'Procedures of English Literature')
Melanie: Hey Andrea? It's Melanie.
Andrea: Oh hey. What's up?
Melanie: I have an innocent. He walked out in front of a car this morning. I feel like I've seen this before and I don't know how to explain it, but I know it's demonic.
Andrea: Great. I needed a study break.
Melanie: He's running a fever and he's gone comatose, but his brain activity is above normal.
Andrea: Where did he get hit?
Melanie: Right outside his place.
Andrea: Kay. (Grabs a pen and paper) Address?
Melanie: 423 Madison, Apt. 7C.
Andrea: Kay. I'll check out his place, you check the book for possibles.
Melanie: (Nods to herself) Okay. (Both hang up)
- Mean while, Chris orbs in on the bridge to find Wyatt sitting pale and unmoving. Chris moves towards him and kneels in front of him. He pauses for a moment
Chris:How you doing?
Wyatt:Why didn't she say something?
Chris:She's in a weird place right now. Maybe she just didn't know how to tell us.
Wyatt:Maybe she doesn't want it.
Chris:(Perks) What?
Wyatt:It would make sense wouldn't it. She doesn't tell us so she can go and get an abortion. (Looks up at Chris) What do you think?
Chris:Look how panicked you are. No. I think it was just a girl thing. Even before, Mel would have been hesitant to tell you. Remember how she couldn't say 'I love you' first.
- Wyatt thinks about it while Chris looks on. After a few minutes, he looks back up.
Wyatt:Okay. It was a girl thing.
Chris:(Breathes) Okay. Now for the bad news.
- The scene moves to the attic of the manor where Melanie is on the cordless phone with the manager of the restaurant having abandoned the book.
Melanie: No. No. No. He can't quit. (Pauses) No. I can.. (Andrea orbs in) I can call a temp agency. (Pauses) Yes. I'll remedy the situation as soon as possible. (Andrea goes to the book) Okay before the full swing of dinner? (Pauses) Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. (Hangs up and turns to Andrea) I think I may have single-handedly ruined Piper's restaurant. (Joins Andrea at the book) What'd you get?
Andrea: Sulfuric smell and traces of mercury on the bed sheets.
Melanie: (Sarcastic smile) That all on the bed sheets?
Andrea: (Waves her hand) What do you have?
Melanie: Well. (Flipping through the pages of the book) based on that, you just ruled out everything but these. (Finds page and points)
Andrea: (Reads) Mares. Also known as nightmares. Mares feast on the painful dreams of man. (Looks up) That's it?
Melanie: Yeah but from the work record I got from the restaurant manager, this guy has gotten increasingly late all month. And! A friend of his at the restaurant remembers him complaining of headaches and lack of sleep.
Andrea: So?
Melanie: Don't you get it? (Seeing Andrea's confused look) The Mare stalks his prey. From what I can gather, I think these things like attach maybe to their victims. Or maybe they just inhabit their victims space until death. But I'm convinced that they are monogamous.
Andrea: (Nods approvingly) Good work. Any idea on how to vanquish it?
Melanie: No. (Sad look) I could write a spell.
Andrea: (Shakes head) No. You have to call the temp agency, remember?
Melanie: Oh my god! I need to call the temp agency! Where's the phone book?
Andrea: (Smiling) Downstairs. Under the entrance table.
- Melanie runs out the door as Andrea grabs a pad and paper.
Break
Scene opens to the clouds.
- Kevin is standing in the corner clicking back and forth with another elder. They are the only ones present as Wyatt orbs into the room. His presence ends the clicking.
Wyatt:What is this?
Elder:What is what?
Wyatt:You want to kill my unborn child?
Elder:No. It's just that it's evil.
Wyatt:You don't know that. In fact, the lot of you don't seem to know much. If there is a problem, we will deal with it.
Elder:Wyatt--
Wyatt:No! We will deal with it!
- The elder stepped back obviously surrendering. Kevin looked on as Wyatt left.
- Back at the manor, Melanie paced in the foyer, the cordless in her hand.
Melanie: No. A chef. (Pauses, with a 'duh' look) Someone who can cook. (Pauses) They have to be familiar with duck. (Pauses) I need them by 7:30. (Pauses) Hello? (Hangs up as Chris orbs in) Oh thank god. Chris! Can you cook?
Chris:(Startled) I can make toast.
Melanie: (Begins to cry) I ruined it.
Chris:Wait. Shh Shush. Mel. (Hugs her) What's going on?
Melanie: (Between sobs) This guy.. He was.. And.. There's no chef.. The staff.. Uprising.. Gonna quit.. (Sobs)
Chris: I'll go get Wyatt. Don't worry. (Orbs out)
- Melanie sobers as Andrea comes down the stairs.
Andrea: You okay?
Melanie: (Wiping her eyes) I'll be fine. You got the spell?
Andrea: (Nods) And I made a summoning spell. So, where do we do this?
Melanie: He's at St Mary's
- Andrea orbs them both to the hospital.
- The hospital room is dark. The pair orb in. Melanie moves swiftly to close the door. Andrea turns on the light. The pair meet back at the foot of the bed. Andrea holds up a piece of paper.
Girls: Evil that is living near, we call to you to appear, enter into our sight, these words we do recite.
- A shadow bird appears on the man's chest. Within moments, it morphs into a man.
Man: You called?
Girls:(Look down at the page) Demon of darkness that feasts on pain, vanquish thyself in our name, never to be heard from again.
- The demon erupts into fire and disappears. The man's vtals begin to come back to normal.
Melanie: What was that?
Andrea: (Confused) What was what?
Melanie: That spell. (Laughs)
Andrea: (Smiling) What?
Melanie: Nothing. You're right. It was fine.
Andrea: Okay it wasn't the best, but I have work like five minutes ago.
Melanie: Sorry. Drop me off?
Andrea: Whatever.
- The pair orb out as doctors open the door.
- The scene moves to the restaurant. The place is bustling with customers and the wait staff, though more relaxed, are busy. Chris and Mel sit at their table while the DJ cuts tracks in the background. "American Dreams" by Casting Crows plays.
Chris: So. You didn't ruin the restaurant.
Melanie: Thanks to you.
Chris: And Wyatt of course. (Smiles)
Melanie: (Smiling) Of course.
Chris: (Takes a sip of his beer) You should know..
Melanie: Yes?
Chris:I.. Well we, Wyatt and me.. I .. Wyatt and I found..
Melanie: (Hangs her head) You found the test.
Chris:Yeah. (Pauses) Why didn't you say something?
Melanie: I just found out. (Chris nods) And, I didn't know what to say. Hey Wyatt. Guess what? I'm having your alter ego's baby!
Chris:Well when you put it like that, of course it's gonna sound bad. (Pauses) At least it's his.
Melanie: (Giggles and shakes head, breathes) So. He knows?
Chris:Yes.
Melanie: How does he feel about it?
Chris: (Sips his beer) For that, you'll have to talk to him yourself. (Steps down from his chair and gives Melanie a little hug) See you tomorrow.
- Chris leaves Melanie sitting at the table, looking at the kitchen doors.
TBC?
Review and tell me what you think.