whotullis-blog - Tumblr blog

whotullis-blog · 6 years

Text

oceans.

Oceans.

A short film written by Justin Tullis

INT. APARTMENT KITCHEN – NIGHT

The spread of the apartment is romantic. There are candles lit, Frank Ocean is playing in the background. Nostalgia, Ultra, not Blond surprisingly. The energy in the room does not match that though.

XAVIER

I don’t know what I said, tell me what I said that got you so mad.

Alma is in the kitchen putting a few dishes away, tidying up, in an aggressive way. She looks at him right after this comment and throws the rag she was using on the counter.

ALMA

Are you serious right now?

XAVIER

Yes! I’m dead serious, I don’t know why you’re fuming like this right now.

ALMA

What kind of answer is (Mockingly) “Uhhhhhhhh I don’t know”. And that pause on top of everything? I can’t believe y-

XAVIER

Pause? What pause?

ALMA

You know what, how about this, I will ask you the question again and just answer me this time okay?

XAVIER

Okay.

ALMA

How would you feel about getting married?

There is a very brief pause.

XAVIER

Oh that question-

ALMA

That, that right there you just did it!

XAVIER

Okay that isn’t even fair right there, you didn’t even let me answer to begin with. Besides I was taken back by the phrasing of the question. Do you mean like getting married tomorrow or like far down the road?

The two individuals are the same age at this point. They are both the ripe age of about 23.

ALMA

See that shouldn’t matter either way you should know the answer by now.

XAVIER

No, see- No, it doesn’t work like that because whatever answer I give you in this context there is pressure. Especially with you, I know you, there is no winning.

ALMA

You are not doing this Xavier, I am not letting you just change the subject like that. Why don’t you want to marry me?

XAVIER

I never said that.

ALMA

Then you do?

XAVIER

I never said that either.

ALMA

I think you need to leave.

She starts making her way to the door and unlocks the multiple convoluted apparatuses required to open it. She keeps messing up due to frustration. Xavier walks over to her and holds her.

XAVIER

Baby stop, c’mon now you know I love you-

Alma pushes him away and proceeds to sit down on the couch. Frank Ocean is still playing in the background. Normally by this time the two would already be doing the mo betta.

ALMA

But not enough to marry me? Is that it? You love me when it’s convenient but not enough to commit huh?

XAVIER

Don’t put words in my mouth like that.

ALMA

I’m not. I love you Xavier but sometimes you’re so vague it feels like I don’t even know who I am talking to.

XAVIER

Fine. Okay. You’re right. I am cryptic. I don’t know how I feel about getting married in general. The idea seems flawed, but even that aside I don’t know about the longevity of our situation sometimes.

Xavier graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola University on a full ride academic scholarship, captain of his debate team in high school, once participated in the math Olympics. Xavier once found a 20 dollar bill outside of a Safeway, searched for the owner of the money and when he failed to find it, he ended up giving it to customer service. Never was really the type to make trouble. He was the dependable designated driver in college. The guy who actually waited until 21 to start drinking.

ALMA

What exactly is “our” situation Xavier?

XAVIER

Look, I know you well, and I know you well enough to know that you don’t really think about the future that much. Baby when was the last time you worked on your 5 year plan?

ALMA

We’re only 23 Xavier.

XAVIER

What about finishing school, you keep saying you’re going to go back but you still haven’t.

ALMA

Stop that.

XAVIER

You wanted me to be honest!

ALMA

Okay Mr. Overthinker over here wants to be honest.

XAVIER

Overthink-

ALMA

Yes overthinker. Xavier, you think too much. Sometimes I feel like I don’t even have you in the same room with me because you’re too busy in a room 10 years down the road. All you do is worry about things that haven’t even happened yet.

Alma grew up raised by a single mother. She always lived in the moment. She lost her dad to a drug overdose when she was 3. It often seemed that because of this, she finds comfort in vices in a similar fashion. Those vices normally were the things that inhibited her from success. She was going to graduate high school with an athletic scholarship in track, but lost it when she overslept due to a hangover through the SATs. However it was qualities like her aloof nature and adventurous spirit that balanced him out. It’s the quality he hated and loved about her the most.

XAVIER

I just like to calculate my choices.

ALMA

You don’t enjoy any of them though. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to have kids with you, and it worries me that after all this time you still don’t know. For me, “I don’t know” is not good enough. If you’re not in it for the long haul, why are we together right now? We’re just wasting time aren’t we?

There is a silence. Can’t think of the right answer. Thoughts race in XAVIER’s head as he tries to come up with something. Nothing comes.

ALMA

I think you should go.

Alma opens the door. Xavier makes his way to the door solemnly even somewhat angrily because he couldn’t come up with an answer.

XAVIER

I’ll call you okay?

ALMA

Goodbye X.

She slams the door.

XAVIER

Happy four year anniversary I guess!

EXT. STREET - NIGHT

Xavier is outside and it starts to drizzle. He tries to hail a cab but doesn’t succeed until after a few tries because although he is lightskin it doesn’t really change the fact hailing a cab is one of the most difficult things ever if you’re a black man. He eventually gives up and calls an uber. The uber arrives and he gives him the address to his apartment about 20 minutes away. He constantly checks his phone, wondering if it is the end of the relationship or not.

CUT TO:

EXT. MUSIC FESTIVAL – DAY

Xavier is with a really tight friend of his, Tiberius, waiting on Kari Faux to get off stage so they can see the headliner. It’s a hot day. People are everywhere, and there are vendors selling overpriced food and drinks. It’s summer. At this point Xavier is 19.

XAVIER

Dude I’m still going to be tweeting when I’m 60 and it’s going to be tight.

TIBERIUS

Nobody wants to still be getting your soundcloud links on their feed at 60 years old.

XAVIER

That’s the beauty of it, it’ll age like fine wine so when I promo that it’ll be like “damn, grandpa got bars”.

TIBERIUS

Do you start the day inflating your ego or do you end it that way?

XAVIER

Depends on the day honestly.

TIBERIUS

You’re unbelievable.

XAVIER

Thanks man I really appreciate that.

TIBERIUS

That wasn’t a compliment dude.

XAVIER

It’s okay bruh I know where your heart resides.

Both of them stop their banter only to notice that Kari Faux has proceeded to start another song in her set.

XAVIER

When is homegirl getting off the stage? I feel like the dude from the shelter heckling Eminem.

TIBERIUS

The guy that says, “He’s choking,” or the guy that says, “Where the fuck y’all find this nigga at?”

Before he can answers he sees someone. Xavier is enamored by this girl from a distance. Long hair. Green eyes. Skinny waist. Perfect body. She’s with some friends, they all look the same, but she stands out. He has this overwhelming feeling like he’s seen her and knows her but he has never actually seen her before. He feels like he knows her.

XAVIER

Hold up man let me do something really quick.

TIBERIUS

Yo, please tell me you’re not about to go spit game right now.

XAVIER

I am, but all that means is that you get to holla at her friends too.

TIBERIUS

Bet.

The two of them head over to the group of girls.

XAVIER

Hi, I’m Xavier and this is my boy Tiberius-

BASIC WHITE HOE #4

Boy? Like he’s your boyfriend?

XAVIER

As tempting as that is sometimes because I love me some Tiberius, I’m actually not with him, I’m more interested in your friend. What’s your name?

GIRL

My name is Alma. I think I actually recognize you.

XAVIER

Do you?

ALMA

Yeah… Did you play Thirdspace a couple months ago?

XAVIER

I did actually.

ALMA

*in a flirtatious tone* You didn’t suck.

XAVIER

[FIGHTS THE URGE TO SAY “I WISH YOU WOULD”] Thank you. I didn’t see you there though, I would have remembered seeing you.

ALMA

I left like right after your set.

This whole time Tiberius is spitting game at her friends. They aren’t very amused, they’re faded off of some vodka they snuck into the festival with water bottles. It emanates from their pores. Sweating vodka.

BASIC WHITE HOE #2

Can we go? I want to get up in the front so that G-Eazy notices me when he goes on.

XAVIER

I’ll let you guys go, I just wanted to say hi.

ALMA

*waves* Well “hi”.

XAVIER

Listen, I really would love to keep in touch with you. Can I get your number?

ALMA

Yeah for sure. I’d really like that. Its-

CUT TO:

EXT. STREET CORNER- NIGHT

The Uber finally pulls up to pick up Xavier. He’s driving a red Chrysler. Don’t know what year. Xavier gets in. They drive for some time in silence then the driver says something.

UBER DRIVER

Rough night?

XAVIER

What?

UBER DRIVER

Seems like you have a lot on your mind. Most of the time when people call me up to drive them around this time they’re with a bunch of other people and drunk, or high. Or both.

XAVIER

I would venture to say that I am too sober for this evening’s events.

UBER DRIVER

I’m not taking you to a bar though.

XAVIER

Nah, you’re not.

UBER DRIVER

Well whatever it is you’re doing, be safe man.

XAVIER

I have a question for you.

UBER DRIVER

Go ahead brother.

XAVIER

Are you married?

UBER DRIVER

Yes sir. Been married for about 18 years now.

XAVIER

Are you happy?

UBER DRIVER

Some days are better than others but overall, yeah. I would say so.

XAVIER

How did you know you were with “the one”?

UBER DRIVER

Ah she probably hit you with the “are we getting married or not speech” huh?

XAVIER

Yeah.

UBER DRIVER

Time is one of the most precious things we have. If you steal a watch from a man you can replace it, you could buy another one. If you tell a lie, in a sense you’re stealing their passage to truth but you can still make that right by telling the truth. If you steal someone’s time though… that is something you never can get back.

XAVIER

So I should just settle even if I don’t know?

UBER DRIVER

I never said that now. Some people know very early on in life and some people spend their whole life trying to find it.

XAVIER

How do you know when you’ve found it then?

UBER DRIVER

My wife inspires me. I was going nowhere with my life when I first met her. She helps me become the version of myself I always wanted to be. We fight. Everyone fights. But getting in the same bed as her is still better than anywhere else.

XAVIER

I get all that. It all makes sense. It just seems like my girl and I are in two alternate universes.

UBER DRIVER

Love is not a calculation kid.

L o v e is not a c a l c u l a t i o n.

There is an ongoing silence covering the ride. A certain solemnity to the Seattle-like night. They pull up to an apartment complex. Xavier says thanks to the dude that drove him there and he makes his way to apartment number 297. He knocks on the door. A girl answers.

XAVIER

Hi.

SELENA

Hi.

XAVIER

I was in the neighborhood.

SELENA

You know what’s funny is that dudes that say that are never in the neighborhood.

XAVIER

Maybe you got me on that one.

SELENA

I’m done teasing you, come inside.

They go inside and she’s watching Martin in some sweats and a T-shirt. The ambience is relaxed. Xavier sits down on the couch.

SELENA

Do you want a drink?

XAVIER

Nah, I’m alright I’ll take some water though.

SELENA

Why are you such a square? You’re not even driving tonight.

XAVIER

How you know that?

SELENA

I know what your car looks like stupid and you didn’t park it here.

XAVIER

You know what? You right. I guess I don’t like to drink like that. Never called my attention. Besides I can’t stay here, isn’t your dude here?

SELENA

Woooooooow you and I haven’t talked in a while. He moved out.

XAVIER

Damn. I’m really sorry I didn’t even-

SELENA

Don’t even worry about it, I’m not stressing about it. I’m here chilling with a glass of wine and watching Martin so I’m good.

XAVIER

Handling it quite well.

SELENA

X I know you so why are you pulling up at my apartment at this time.

XAVIER

I don’t know. I guess it is because you know me.

SELENA

What happened with Alma?

XAVIER

You ever feel like you’re so far away from someone even when you’re sitting right next to them?

SELENA

Classic Xavier.

XAVIER

What?

SELENA

You always do just that. That right there. Some things are not as complex as you make them out to be you know. You did the same thing when we went out, you would do it all the time.

XAVIER

Not that much.

SELENA

No kid, actually all the time.

XAVIER

I wasn’t that bad when you and I went out was I?

SELENA

No, you weren’t. Xavier you are the smartest dumb guy I know. I was so into you. Do you remember what you said to me when you broke it off with me?

XAVIER

It was a long time ago.

SELENA

You said that I could find someone better, that I could do better. Said all of this stuff about how you can’t give me what I need even though I was content with you. You just got in your own head.

XAVIER

Well you did end up okay. We were like 17 at the time I didn’t know what to do.

SELENA

You’re missing the point X. Here we are years later and you come to my door late night overthinking some situation.

XAVIER

Maybe I didn’t change as much as I thought I would.

SELENA

I guess I didn’t really either, because here I am answering the door knowing damn well how you make me feel.

XAVIER

What?

She moves closer to Xavier on the couch, closing in the distance between their faces. Martin is still playing in the background. Selena really does look nice. Enticing. Memories flood Xavier’s mind of the adolescent years. Times of simplicity and that one time they went to that wack Will Smith movie After Earth. Something interrupts the moment right before they kiss.

[WHY YOU GOTTA FIGHT WITH ME AT CHEESECAKE YOU KNOW I LOVE TO GO THERE]

The ringer on Xavier’s phone goes off and it’s a text from “babe”: Can we please talk? Let me know when you get this.

XAVIER

I’m sorry. I can’t do this with you.

SELENA

Just go Xavier.

XAVIER

I’m sor-

SELENA

Please go.

Xavier walks out and he walks down the stairs and he can hear some footsteps walking up the stairs. He hears knocking on that same door he just walked out of. It’s Selena’s ex dude.

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

ALMA

I really don’t like fighting with you Xavier.

XAVIER

I’m not fond of it myself either.

ALMA

We’ve been together for a long time. I know you. I love you. I don’t feel like I truly have you though, and I feel I don’t know where that piece of you is.

XAVIER

I love you a lot. I know that I do. I don’t know how to truly love you though. I don’t know when it is completely necessary to give myself to you or to give myself to other things. I feel constant pressure. My whole life I’ve felt the pressure to do things. School, career, relationships. I just didn’t want that same pressure to be brought here.

ALMA

You think I do? All I want is to be able to show you love the way that we’re supposed to. You don’t let me love you in all the ways I like.

XAVIER

We don’t actually see eye to eye on everything. I simply question the longevity of our situation.

[PHONE VIBRATES IN XAVIER’S POCKET]

XAVIER

Hold on, let me check that really quick.

It’s Melody. The first love that Xavier ever had. She still loves him. He loves her deeply as well. The love he has for her at times conflicts with other aspects of his life. His other relationships. Melody was around for a lot. Very difficult times that Xavier had with his family, she was there. In the moments of celebration, she was there even if it was from a distance. When he’s depressed she’s someone he runs to.

TEXT FROM MELODY THAT READS: I miss you. I’m thinking about you. I know you’re thinking about me too.

ALMA

I already know who it is.

XAVIER

Do you?

ALMA

I do. I know she’s been texting you.

XAVIER

Is this women’s intuition or is it you looking through my phone? Or is it like insider information from some gossip?

ALMA

Xavier it doesn’t matter how I know. This is why I’ve been asking you if you really want to be with me forever. It just seems like your heart is somewhere else.

XAVIER

*clinches jaw*

ALMA

Do you love me?

XAVIER

Yes.

ALMA

Do you love her?

XAVIER

Yes.

ALMA

Xavier I don’t want to share you.

XAVIER

Maybe it’s time we made a decision.

ALMA

Xavier, no more platitudes, what do you want?

CUT TO:

EXT. PARK – SUNSET

[flashback]

MELODY

Why do you like the sunset so much?

XAVIER

When I was a kid, like 6th grade I think, my parents threw me this party for my birthday. It was the last day of school and my birthday happened to fall on that exact half day. So everyone went from school back to my house and all of us played halo and talked about how hype we were to leave the 6th grade. Eventually we went to the neighborhood pool and I mean it was dudes and chicks. My pops grabbed a football we had from the garage and we all played this pickup game of football. I caught the game winning pass. I did this dumb celebration where I got on my knees and looked up at the sky with my arms out like I saw it on tv. I just remember how pink and blue and orange the sky was. Like a giant cup of trix yogurt. Brought me happiness. That is what a sunset is. Happiness. Just like you. You, are… happiness.

MELODY

I am your happiness?

XAVIER

I think so.

There is a long silence. Melody readjusts her body to look at Xavier. She doesn’t look very happy.

XAVIER

What’s wrong?

MELODY

I don’t think I feel the same way.

XAVIER

What do you mean?

MELODY

I just feel pressure now. To love you the same way you love me. To desire you the way you desire me.

XAVIER

I didn’t know that was such a bad thing, I didn’t mean to put you in that position.

MELODY

Xavier, I do care about you, but what if I never get the same feelings for you that you have for me? I don’t want you to waste your time. Besides, I know you. I know you’re going to leave anyway. So I’d rather leave first.

XAVIER

I don’t feel like I’m wasting my time. I just feel like when we’re together that things are okay.

MELODY

I’m sorry Xavier, I just don’t feel the same way. I don’t know if I ever will.

XAVIER

So what does this mean now?

MELODY

I won’t ever belong to you X. I don’t think I can do this anymore-

CUT TO:

INT. BEDROOM – NIGHT

ALMA

Xavier.

Xavier is staring off. He is spacing out.

ALMA

Xavier please say something.

There is still silence

ALMA

Xavier!

XAVIER

I’m sorry.

ALMA

Please tell me you have more to say than that.

XAVIER

Alma, I love you. I don’t want to be with anyone else. This is just something that gnaws at me I don’t know.

Alma holds Xavier’s face gently in her hands.

ALMA

Baby I can tell, but I want all of you. Not just the parts that are convenient to give.

XAVIER

I know. You deserve that much. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to ruin tonight alright? I love you.

ALMA

I love you, too. It wasn’t all you, I know I backed you in a corner tonight and that wasn’t totally fair of me.

They kiss one time.

ALMA

I think you should go see her.

XAVIER

What?

ALMA

I think you need closure.

XAVIER

You’re serious?

ALMA

Yeah. I mean, don’t go right now, but you need to end this chapter in your life.

XAVIER

You’re right.

ALMA

And I trust you, so I trust that you’ll come back to me.

XAVIER

Of course. Then we can have that conversation that got everything like Mayweather/Pacquiao in here.

ALMA

Dope. Now can we actually celebrate now?

XAVIER

*waka flocka voice* OHLEHDOOIT

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT – DAY

Xavier is at Tiberious’s place. The homie Pab is also there. He has a nice little bachelor’s pad to himself. The guitar from guitar hero is laying out in the open, there are a couple dishes in the sink, he isn’t the cleanest person but he isn’t filthy either. His space simply says, “there’s a male living here”.

TIBERIOUS

She told you to go see her?

XAVIER

On god.

PAB

*rolling a joint with intense precision* Dude you can’t possibly think that’s a good idea.

XAIVER

I do need closure on this.

PAB

What is there to close? You wanted to be with her, she wasn’t what you thought she was, and then she left you on your ass.

TIBERIOUS

True.

XAVIER

She was more afraid that I was going to leave- I came over here for support and you out here trying to scare me out of this.

TIBERIOUS

We aren’t scaring you out of anything, these is just the facts my son.

XAVIER

All I know is that I can’t move on without fixing this first. I almost lost Alma over this.

PAB

Okay well why don’t you just *claps hands together* with Alma and move on without talking to Melody.

TIBERIOUS

This is also an option.

XAVIER

I need to know. Not think, know.

TIBERIOUS

What do you think is going to happen? Because you KNOW that she is going to try to get physical with you.

XAVIER

But I’m not even gonna-

TIBERIOUS & PAB

*mockingly* I’m not even gonna touch her.

XAVIER

I hate you guys.

PAB

How many times did you used to say that before and then you end up touching said person you said you weren’t going to touch?

TIBERIOUS

True.

XAVIER

Okay I can do without the ad libs dude. You know that was before Alma, and besides I really am past this. I just need to confront this. I’m going to go in there all business, regardless of what she’s trying to do and I’m just going to have this last conversation with her.

TIBERIOUS

And when she tries something? Not if, when.

XAVIER

She knows I am with Alma.

PAB

Bitch. That’s never stopped any of the women trying you before.

TIBERIOUS

You in some shit dude, it don’t look good.

XAVIER

So you saying I shouldn’t go?

PAB

No you should, because this is going to be a good meme.

Pab finally finishes rolling and extends an invitation to the two of them.

XAVIER

Whatever dude, let’s just advance past this and watch 8 Mile or something.

TIBERIOUS

Bet.

A montage of them smoking and being weird passes. They tell weird jokes and laugh at dumb things. The movie 8 mile plays in the background. They eat a whole bunch of goldfish crackers. They roast each other. It is just good energy. Good vibes. The calm before the storm.

XAVIER

Love is death dude.

PAB

Huh.

TIBERIOUS

It can be cool sometimes though.

XAVIER

How do you know if you’re making the right choice?

PAB

What are you so afraid of man? Why don’t you just allow yourself to feel? Just like be here for once.

XAVIER

Everyone says to be here but I don’t think I should be. I don’t think I am worth loving. Maybe I should bail.

TIBERIOUS

On what? On Melody?

XAVIER

On both. I can’t do this. Not with anyone. I’m not made for anyone.

TIBERIOUS

No. No. That isn’t where this thought is going to go, you’re doing that thing you always do when you’re high and you’re overthinking. You gotta stop my dude.

XAVIER

I don’t know what to do.

PAB

Okay, you already said that you were going to see Melody to talk to her, maybe that closure is a good idea after all. Alma was right. Dude, you know you’re loved right?

XAVIER

I do.

PAB

So you know that regardless of what happens with you and whoever, we are going to love you and support you. You aren’t going to be alone.

XAVIER

Okay. You’re right. I’m just going to go talk to her.

TIBERIOUS

Maybe sober up a bit my dude.

XAVIER

If I’m being honest, if I’m high it is a guarantee that she won’t touch me. Remember that one time that girl got me so high I was cooking with a wet noodle?

PAB

Yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah, that was a good time, that was a good meme.

TIBERIOUS

I am also high right now, so I can’t debate this logic at the moment, but it do sound decent right now.

PAB

Wait should one of us go with you?

XAVIER

No. I have to do this alone.

TIBERIOUS

Godspeed my son, text the code if you need us.

Xavier texts Melody to tell her that he is on his way. He takes a deep breath, daps up the homies, and makes his way to his car. He gets a text from Alma asking if he is okay while he sits in his car overthinking.

[TEXT CONVERSATION]

ALMA: Babe are you good?

XAVIER: Yeah, I just left T’s place I’m heading over to talk to Melody. *TEETH CLINCHED EMOJI*

ALMA: Are you going to be alright?

XAVIER: You know ya mans stay dipped in butter ma.

ALMA: Hold on, are you high right now?

XAVIER: Do you ever get nervous?

ALMA: Stop quoting drake, are you good?

XAVIER: Yeah, I’m coming down, I was just overthinking. I’m glad you hit me up though. I love you.

ALMA: Please be safe and be smart. I love you too, come over after okay?

XAVIER: Yuh. *EGGPLANT EMOJI*

ALMA: I hate you.

He starts the car and proceeds to Melody’s house. He doesn’t know what to expect. The night is calm. Relaxing. He looks at the lights passing by like good memories through his mind. Not a lot of traffic out. Not a lot happening. Just him, his thoughts, and the drive. He eventually arrives, turns off his car and takes a moment to gather himself. He approaches the door but he hesitates once before he knocks on it. MELODY opens the door. She looks beautiful, like a temptation, a test you don’t think you can pass.

MELODY

I had a feeling you would come. Come in, have a seat.

CUT TO:

INT. APARTMENT – NIGHT

XAVIER enters the living room of the apartment, he makes sure to sit on one end of the room, leaving MELODY on the other.

XAVIER

I did come, but not for the reason you think.

MELODY

That’s cute that you thought you could stay away from me.

XAVIER

You texted me.

MELODY

(smug)

And yet you still came.

XAVIER

Why did you reach out to me?

MELODY

I wanted to see you, spend some time with you.

XAVIER

You know I’m with Alma.

MELODY

I do, and yet again, here we are.

XAVIER

This was a bad idea, I should go.

MELODY

There goes Xavier, running away like he always does. What’s wrong, you don’t love me anymore?

MELODY makes her way toward XAVIER.

XAVIER

Me loving you was never our problem, the problem was wanting to be with someone that would never love me back. On top of that, you’re the one that left me.

MELODY

Because I knew you would come back.

XAVIER

This isn’t me “coming back”, this is me telling you that I’m moving on.

MELODY

Xavier, you’re a monster. One day your girl will see it. Your friends will see it. Everyone will eventually find out, and you’ll be right back here, because no one knows you the way I know you.

XAVIER

That’s not true.

MELODY

At night I know you think of me. When we’re apart I know you wish I was there. I’ve always accepted you for who you are.

XAVIER

That doesn’t mean you’ve ever loved me. You left me hung out to dry that day.

MELODY

I just left first, because I knew that you would eventually do the same to me. You’re just mad because you’re not used to being the one who is left in the dirt.

XAVIER

You don’t know that.

MELODY

I know what you are, X.

XAVIER

I’ll tell you what I am. I am done. You have pieces of me I can’t give anywhere else. That much is true. And I don’t regret any of the time that you and I spent together, but I will never have all of you. What’s even crazier is that I have someone who wants all of me, and they’re waiting on me. So I’m going to go. Goodbye, Melody.

MELODY

I know what you are, Xavier. You can’t run from it forever.

At this point, XAVIER makes his way to his car and leaves.

6 MONTHS LATER

CUT TO:

INT. RESTAURANT – AFTERNOON

XAVIER

No, I don’t hate hydroflasks, I just can’t stand how loud they are when people drop them, and people drop them A LOT. The other thing is that cats that have those things always have to brag about it, like being vegan, or working out. Like we get it dude, you’re a god amongst peasants or whatever that’s about.

(a pause)

What was the question again?

ALMA

You are such a dork, dude.

XAVIER

(smiling)

But that’s why you love me though, right?

ALMA

(sarcastically)

Unfortunately yes, I do.

They both laugh and share a very brief moment of silence. Just looking at each other. Happy.

XAVIER

You want some more to drink?

ALMA

Yeah babe that’d be nice. Can you get me a straw too?

XAVIER

I got you, cuz.

ALMA

Please don’t do that thing where you take off the tip of the straw wrapper and shoot it at me, I hate that.

XAVIER

(while walking towards the drinks)

Am I that predictable?

XAVIER refills the drink and gets the straw. He makes his way back to the table and right before he sits back down he feels a vibration in his pocket.

[TEXT MESSAGE FROM MELODY THAT READS: If you’re done running, meet me where the sun sets.]

ALMA

Who’s that?

XAVIER looks up from his phone and faces ALMA.

CUT TO:

BLACK

0 notes