MELISSA: Is there a world beyond this one?
Do we go there when we die?
Does God exist?
If so,
why do bad things happen?
As children,
we ask these questions to make sense of the world.
To understand what lies ahead.
But I often wonder,
if we knew the whole truth,
would we be less afraid?
Or more?
(BOY PANTING)
What the fuck?
(GROANS)
(PANTING CONTINUES)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
CHARLENE: Philip?
Philip!
You should blow on it. It's hot.
It's split-pea. You like split-pea.
No. Ronnie likes split-pea.
(SIGHS) Sorry, Mr. Food Critic.
That's what I made so that's what you get.
PHILIP: I'll microwave something later.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
(HAMMERING)
(MUSIC STOPS)
Great.
(SIGHS)
(CAR APPROACHING)
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
Hi, Philip.
Melissa?
I didn't know that you were...
Wow.
Guess it's been a long time. Yeah.
Is it okay if I come in?
No, yeah, of course. Come on in.
Sit.
Let me clear... I got it. It's okay.
(EXHALES)
So I heard you've been living in the city?
Yeah, I was, um,
I am. Just home for a bit.
You know, till the leg heals up.
Yeah, ouch. Are you skiing?
Biking...
...poorly.
Uh, but... Whatever. You know, it's fine.
Are your parents' home?
Ronnie's Melissa?
It's been five years. What does she want?
She wants to see you.
She's pregnant. Oh, great!
The last goddamn thing I wanna hear
is how goddamn happy she is.
PHILIP: Here's a crazy idea. Why don't you hear what she has to say,
before you freak out, okay?
So, you're pregnant? Yeah.
About 39 weeks, give or take.
Um, I looked for you at the library, but,
a woman at the front desk said that you quit.
Oh, I'm sure she did. Pilla right?
Bad die-job, tits like torpedoes?
I guess, um,
Mr. Chase isn't around, is he?
No, Mr. Chase is not around.
Mr. Chase has chosen to become cliche
and live in West Palm Beach with his new trophy wife.
I know about Florida, I just didn't...
If you know, then why would you assume
that man would be in my house?
Are you looking for money?
Jesus, mom! It's okay. (CHUCKLES)
I know it must seem, you know, strange,
me showing up here after all these years,
but I think about your family everyday.
Especially you, Mrs. Chase.
Losing a child is the hardest thing
that could every happen to somebody.
And, um...
I know that everybody says that...
...that it wasn't my fault.
What happened...
But, um...
Take your time.
Let me just... Sorry, this isn't coming out
the way I wanted it to come out, but...
Ronnie used to have this old stereo in his room.
Do you know if it's still there?
PHILIP: What is this?
I have this one in a 8x10.
You can see how blue his eyes are in that.
WOMAN OVER TAPE: I can see in your eyes...
A loss, longing.
There's a human energy here,
gone before his time.
Someone you love.
Someone who loves you very much.
MELISSA ON TAPE: Ronnie?
WOMAN ON TAPE: The energy...
There are pictures, photographs.
MELISSA ON TAPE: His brother, Philip took a lot of pictures.
I actually think he's a photographer now.
WOMAN ON TAPE: He wants his brother to keep taking pictures.
Are you serious?
Is this what you came here to tell us,
that Ronnie liked Philip's pictures?
Do you have any idea what I go through every single day?
Every time I walk past this door?
Will you just listen to it? There's more.
WOMAN ON TAPE: But you're here about the baby.
First off, it's pure.
Because we give our entire heart and soul to that person.
He knows your pain since he passed over.
That's why he's found a way to carry on in your life.
This baby, it's a part of you.
So, it's a part of Ronnie as well.
(TAPE STOPS)
And?
That's it. What she said is...
It's true.
What's true?
I've only been with one person...
...in my entire life.
And that was Ronnie,
on the night that he died five years ago.
So, when I got pregnant, I was scared and confused,
and I didn't understand how it was possible.
But now I do.
Some strange miracle has happened
because of Ronnie.
'Cause of our love.
This baby...
This baby inside of me belongs
to Ronnie.
It's his.
Get her out of my house.
Why are you doing this?
You guys just deserve to know.
Melissa,
it's not possible.
I'm not crazy, okay?
I'm not stupid...
It's just the only answer that there is.
Is it?
Since the accident, I get these
spells, these blackouts... Just stop.
And I can feel Ronnie. Stop.
It's how I knew to see the psychic. Stop!
You ever wanna talk, or...
Come see the baby,
I'm living in a small cottage off Muxhull Road.
It's my cellphone number.
He likes your photos.
That's something.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(SIGHS)
RONNIE: How's my tie? It feels awful.
PHILIP: It's a tie.
It's tied. Big night.
Don't be nervous.
You wanna give me some tips? I don't know...
Don't mess it up.
Wow. Wow.
Where's the glass slipper?
Shut up. You look amazing.
Okay, let's get a picture.
No, we're gonna be late. Can I just take some when we get there?
RICHARD: Oh, no, no. One for your mom. Come on.
Next year at this time, you're gonna be in the city with all your friends,
we need something to remember you by.
One picture. All right, one picture.
Okay.
Let Phil take it though, so it's doesn't suck.
Hey!
The man has a point. RICHARD: Big smiles. Big smiles.
There it is. Okay.
Call me if you need anything.
I will.
You have fun tonight, all right. That's your job.
You look great.
Hey, lovebirds! Shall we get this on the road?
You're gonna be at Kiera and Gordon's, right?
Yeah. You're gonna be there? I'll see you there.
See you guys.
RICHARD: Have fun. CHARLENE: My baby.
CHARLENE: Take care!
(CAR ENGINE STARTING)
Bye.
(SIGHS)
You all right?
(CHUCKLING)
I'm still here, you know?
Yeah, yeah, well obviously...
All right, ready? One, two, and...
(CAMERA CLICKS)
Hi, honey.
Hi, Gail.
You look like you could use some ice tea.
Perfect.
Thank you for letting me borrow the car.
Oh, you kidding? Whatever Bill and I can do to help you.
You don't have to go through this alone.
I won't be alone soon enough.
Can I?
Of course.
(GASPS) Oh, that was a big one.
Oh!
It doesn't hurt, huh? Sometimes, but...
I kind of like it.
Makes me feel like we're talking.
(SIGHS IN RELIEF)
Now, I do worry about your driving,
having one of your blackouts.
It's been five months and the doctor says it probably won't happen again.
Well! Ah!
If it isn't my two favorite people in the world.
Oh. Sorry. Two and a half.
(GAIL LAUGHS)
Oh, Bill, you've been smoking?
No, if you're smelling something,
it's because I was helping
Rafael load up the truck. Yeah, right.
That man is a chimney with legs. Hmm.
Come on. You can frisk me if you want.
I'm cooking. Go on, check out my pockets.
Give me a quick once over. Melissa won't mind, right?
Might be kind of fun to watch.
Enough out of you two.
Okay, I believe you. You're not smoking.
Go, sit down.
So, what's for dinner?
These new kids, they can't tell a half inch from a quarter.
Every damn time they pull out a ruler, the line gets longer
and the customers get angrier.
You're the last good worker I've got.
Hmm. We're gonna miss you.
I'll just be gone a couple of months, I mean,
once the baby comes, I'll be back in no time.
That's actually something that
I wanted to talk to you guys about.
Since my parents aren't, uh...
Since they've chosen not to be involved,
I was wondering... I was hoping that
maybe you two would be the guardians ad litem.
It's just in case something goes wrong,
and I can't make a decision,
then you guys would be in charge of me, and...
And the baby. Are you sure?
Yeah. I mean, you don't wanna try to contact the father?
BILL: Gail? I mean, a child needs a family.
You guys are the closest thing that I have to a family.
We'd be honored.
(GAIL CHUCKLES)
Yes.
It's just in case.
(TV PLAYING)
MAN 1: (ON TV) I do. Her name's Akesha.
MAN 2: (ON TV) Akesha? Beautiful.
You didn't chose it?
MAN 1: No. She's almost two years old, and I have to tell you this,
she did this most amazing thing yesterday.
MAN 2: Does this involve diapers because we recently had...
MAN 1: No, no. It's very clean. (AUDIENCE LAUGHING)
She has this doll, and she sucks on his fingers, of course.
MAN 2: Okay, stop. You clearly promised that it was going to be a clean story.
You're not allowed to... MAN 1: So I'm putting her down for a nap,
she's sucking on his fingers,
and she starts to sing Itsy Bitsy Spider, so I'm singing it too...
(STATIC)
Why would you say that? (GLASS CRACKS)
What happened to your hand?
Cut it.
So you duct taped it? It's what I had.
You wanna talk about my hand?
After that, we'll talk about your leg, okay?
Hmm.
Isn't this a healthy start to the morning?
Why do you have to be so sarcastic? Oh, you think I'm...
You know what, forget it.
You're obviously still upset about yesterday.
You're a selfish young man.
That's what I've raised, a selfish young man.
This woman...
this girl get herself knocked up and then comes stalking around,
pointing the finger at my dead son.
As far as I'm concerned, I let her off easy.
I should have called the cops. Fascinating.
You're on her side?
Philip?
Why are you on her side?
Philip, hey!
Why are you on her side?
I'm not on anybody's side.
There's no side to have. Both, you and Melissa are equally delusional.
That is my point. It is completely impossible.
Well, it's not completely impossible.
You are on her side.
Okay, I'm not saying that I believe her. All I'm saying
is that if you think about it,
there's a chance that what she said is true.
Then explain it to me. Please.
Look, if...
it's a big if,
Ronnie's sperm was somehow frozen before he died,
there's a chance that Melissa could've used it, and impregnated herself,
years later, and thus we would have Ronnie's baby.
That's ridiculous.
He was a teenager with his whole life ahead of him,
why would he do that?
Philip?
PHILIP: Someone's in here.
People do it all the time.
What people? I don't know, ma, people.
Friends of yours?
(SCOFFS)
Philip?
You need to get a grip, and give it up.
Oh, okay, yeah, just, just walk away.
CHARLENE: You're just gonna block it out of your mind? Just like that?
Well, I can't do that.
This is my son she's talking about, Philip. Your brother.
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Where's the computer lab?
Used to be right there. Now it's some sorta Starbucks?
Charlene?
Pillia.
It's okay, Bailey, I've got it.
It's been a while.
How are you?
Everyday's a blessing.
Where's the computer lab?
We scaled back the lab years ago.
Why don't you just follow me.
We got a grant to digitize all the pre-articles
and research papers going back six years.
So, whatever you're looking to research,
it'll be relatively easy to find.
I'm the highest credentialed librarian this institution has, or will ever see.
I know how to use a search bar.
(CARD ALARM)
The system resets itself every few years if the cards aren't used.
So, I'll update it.
You can use mine for now.
(CARD BEEPS)
Now, there are some tricks to these searches.
For example, what are you looking to research?
I don't see how that's any of your business.
Right. Okay, well, if you need me, you know where to find me.
Sitting behind my desk.
It's good to see you again, Charlene.
MAN: After the ejaculate has been donated,
and the sperm bottled, and collected.
Cryo protectives are added, and the sperm is frozen...
"Medically assisted reproduction...
"Recent advances allow for collection
"of sperm samples to occur for up to 24 hours after death."
After death.
(CAMERA CLICKING)
(TIRES SCREECHING)
(SIGHS HEAVILY)
(TIRES SQUEALING)
CHAZ: Four wheel driver, all-standard features...
Excuse me, I'll be right back.
(CLEARS THROAT) Let me guess, you're looking for something safe. Am I right?
Oh, shit!
Phillie C. How you doing, man? Chaz.
It's good to see you.
(CLEARS THROAT) Yeah. Sweats and tee, casual choice.
I like it. I like it.
What's up with the leg, man?
Uh, bike accident. I was going up Broadway,
and some asshole in a convertible ran a red doing 50.
(SIGHS) Yeah.
Lucky it was just your leg. Yeah.
Yeah, I know.
So, what are you looking at?
What? What kind of car?
I can hook you up. Junior Salesman as of last month.
Wow. 40k base,
commissions on top, and I can take any one of these bad boys out for the night.
Impress the ladies.
So, you and Stacy aren't still together?
We still see each other, but it's not, you know, exclusive.
Right. Come on, I'll show you the good stuff.
Hey, what about Melissa?
You still talk to her?
It's been a bit.
She kind of freaked out
after what happened. You know, blamed herself.
So, what is she doing now?
She dating anybody?
Don't think so.
To be honest, I don't really think she moved on at all.
Her parents kicked her out a few years back.
So she's not really in the loop anymore.
Why'd her parents kick her out?
Some tight-ass Christian bullshit.
Her pop got pissed off at all that magic stuff she was into.
Magic?
What do you mean?
I don't know, she as always going on about
talking to the dead, contacting spirits, re-incarnation.
She wanted to talk to Ronnie again, you know?
Oh, but Stacy saw her down at the hardware store last month,
prego. Prego?
Wow. So...
She must be dating somebody,
right? At least for a couple minutes.
You want her number? I bet Stace still has it.
No. I was just wondering.
You sure? Yeah.
You two always had a thing.
Hey, no, no, it's cool.
I just mean, Ronnie would have liked
you looking out for her, that's all.
(PHONE LINE RINGING)
WOMAN: South Miami Hospital, fertility Clinic.
Dr. Richard Chase.
WOMAN: Who's calling please? His wife.
WOMAN: Is this urgent? Yes, it's urgent.
Cathy at the front desk, she'll put something in the books for next month.
But, looks really good.
Dr. Chase, your wife's on the phone. She says it's urgent.
Holly, what's wrong?
CHARLENE: Wrong wife. But you sure answered quickly, didn't you?
For Christs' sake, Charlene, you can't do that.
I was with a patient.
Can you freeze sperm? You're calling me for what?
Can you freeze sperm? Of course, you can freeze it.
Post mortem?
Yeah, it's been done. Yes.
By anyone you know? What are you driving at?
We had a visit from Melissa Moody.
She's pregnant.
But, wait, it gets better.
I'll call you back.
None of what you're saying makes any sense. It's impossible.
CHARLENE: Yeah, welcome to the goddamn club.
But then Philip got me thinking, and so I did some research,
"Post Mortem Cryogenic Preservation."
You think Melissa froze Ronnie's sperm?
Well, who was working the night they brought Ronnie in?
Oh, yes, that was you.
And then I thought, that just the sort of freak stunt my husband would pull.
That would be ex-husband.
Ex-husband. Trust me, I thank God for that everyday,
and now you're acting cagey, so I know something's up.
Okay, so let me make sure I got this straight,
you believe that I extracted Ronnie's sperm,
after her was dead, and I froze it, and I put it in Melissa nine months ago?
The girl knew you lived in Florida.
Why is that? I have no idea.
So you haven't seen her, or spoken to her?
What's this really about? You want me to come up there?
Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you?
White Knight riding up in his horse.
No. You stay down there with Malibu Barbie.
Don't bring Holly into this.
Hello?
(DOOR OPENING)
Look who's home early.
Hey.
Couldn't live without me, could ya?
Bad day? No.
Feinstein baby, delivered early.
It's a boy.
Mazel tov.
Charlene called.
Little off the deep end.
And she's usually pretty hostile, but
she seemed... I don't know, scared.
Of what?
Communication is not her strong suit.
So, I don't know.
I'm sure it's nothing. I'm sure you're right.
(MACHINE WHIRRING)
Knock-knock. Room service. Oh!
What did you do to this?
It's sugar free. I was hoping you wouldn't notice.
Well, you might as well slap me on the face and call it a kiss.
(COUGHING)
Darling, you've got to see a doctor about this cough.
Don't look at me like that, I'm fine.
All right, well, please don't stay out too late.
The floor won't fix itself. Yeah.
Are you gonna drink that? Yeah, I'm drinking. Thank you.
Hurry up.
Five more boards, then I'm done.
(PHONE VIBRATING)
Hey, dad. Hey, buddy, how you doing?
Same old, same old.
Yeah? How's the leg holding up?
It's still attached.
Well, good. Hopefully you're getting outta the house,
finding a few good shots?
Camera's still busted up, so...
I'm pretty much stuck inside staring at contact sheets.
Oh, listen, if you need a new camera,
I'm happy to do it, okay?
It's no big deal.
It's okay. I got it covered.
I spoke to your mom.
She, um, she told me about Melissa.
I bet she did.
Kind of threw mom for a loop.
How did she seem to you? Melissa?
Seems pretty damn pregnant.
No, no, no. I mean, you know...
does she seem stable?
Just bringing up Ronnie like that, and
not saying who the father was.
I don't know, things seemed pretty strange.
But I don't think it's our problem.
No. No, of course, not.
It's not. I just, um...
Look, I just wanted to check on you,
and see how guys are holding up.
Yeah, well, mom's gone off the reservation.
I can barely take a piss
without getting it all over myself, so...
Yeah,
things are not the best.
Listen,
Philip, if you need anything, I just want you to ask.
Okay, I'm here for you.
Sure, dad. Got it.
Tell Holly I say hi.
I will. Take care of yourself. I love you.
Yeah, you too.
(PHONE RINGING)
Hello, Bill's Hardware. Bill Harmen, please.
(DOOR CLOSING)
Mom?
Is that you?
CHARLENE: I brought dinner. Come down.
Coming.
(MUSIC PLAYING)
No one likes a nosey neighbor.
I was just cleaning up. Uh-huh.
She seems happy, right? Why not?
Baby on the way.
Yeah, but she's all alone.
Why won't she tell us who the father is.
She has her own life to lead.
It doesn't matter you don't approve. That's not what I meant.
She's not our daughter.
We open ourselves up, do what we can. Let her get on.
You'll see.
Everything will be okay.
Hmm.
I'm off to the library.
Really? Really.
What are your big plans? Solve world hunger.
Smart ass.
(DOOR CLOSES)
(CAR DOOR SHUTS)
(ENGINE REVVING)
Gum is for the children.
You're welcome to have a piece if you like.
Sorry, I'm looking for a woman
named Chantel. Chantrel.
You found her.
Philip.
Now you're doing my job for me.
You had a client recently
named Melissa. She was pregnant.
I can't talk about others who've come for my guidance, but
you're welcome to come and have a session for yourself.
No, thank you.
What happened to your leg?
I don't wanna do your job for you.
I'm a psychic, not a surgeon.
But I can tell it embarrasses you.
And you lie about it.
PILLIA: You're like a regular visitor now.
Yeah, well, I'm doing research on children.
I might be a grandmother soon.
Might?
Congratulations.
Well, I should get going.
I didn't steal your job, Charlene.
You didn't show up for six months.
The place was going downhill. Someone had to take over.
I know.
So... what now?
You, um,
you tell my future?
The future hasn't happened yet.
I tell your present. The parts you can't see.
I'd like a strand of your hair.
A strand of my... Watch.
Okay!
What is that for?
The things we see, and feel, and do,
they stay inside us.
Joy and pain lives on long after you experience it.
It's the same for everyone, everything.
We carry it alike.
Man, bird, fly...
what lives in one,
can live in another. That's what connects us.
That's what gives us strength.
You think about Ronnie often.
He's here? No.
But Melissa had a boyfriend Ronnie, right?
And Ronnie had a brother, Philip?
Half this job is just having a good memory.
Your pain is deep.
But it's different than hers.
This emptiness, it's not gonna go away,
because you're not ready to be whole.
You've tied yourself to the world around you, but
there's more answers than those you can touch and see.
You don't believe we live in a world beyond this one.
What, like ghosts?
It's alright, you don't have to believe in ghosts.
I do. That's my truth.
And Melissa believes, and it's true for her.
But the question is, what do you believe in?
That's why you're running from the things you find difficult.
The things you find painful,
you ignore, or ridicule.
That's why you've given up on yourself. Okay...
And you've given up on everyone else.
Find your truth, whatever or whoever that is.
Only then will you walk out of the shadows.
I'm not supposed to be telling you this.
He says that,
there's a chance you could get hurt.
Who says?
Ronnie?
There could be trouble for you...
For those you're close to.
That's it.
You know what you have to do.
I take Visa and Mastercard.
Oh, can I help you?
Hi, I'm looking for Melissa Moody?
Her cottage is in the back, but she's at work right now.
Oh, okay. You would be?
I'm Charlene Chase.
Ronnie is-- was my son.
Melissa's boyfriend. I'm so glad to meet you.
God, Melissa's...
really a wonderful girl, and she speaks very lovingly of Ronnie.
Thank you. Everything that you have done for her...
Above and beyond the call of duty...
I'm sorry? The rent for the cottage.
Dr. Chase sends that cheque every month.
Right on time.
I'm sorry...
I get confused. Mrs. Chase? I'm sorry...
Calm down, or I'm hanging up.
No, no, no. You don't get to tell me what to do.
Look, I have done nothing to you, not a thing,
if you want Richard to call you back... Listen, you little tramp,
you put that lying sack of shit on the phone right now.
Or so help me god, I will come down to Florida
and shove a palm tree up that
perfectly bleached asshole of yours!
He's gone to New York! He's gone to see you!
(HUMMING)
Ah!
Oh, you've got to be kidding me.
Thank you for stopping by.
Who's that? It's Gail.
If it isn't my favorite person.
Yeah, so, I was just down in the basement doing some laundry...
Rafael! You need to restock the mops, okay?
Sorry, hon, go on.
Yeah, and then I was coming back out
and a sock rolled on the floor.
And...
And?
Yeah, and I don't know, I did something to my back.
When I went to pick it up, I heard it, so
I rather not make dinner tonight,
if that's okay with you?
Whatever you want, hon. I'll bring something home.
Anything in particular? Oh. You decide.
Bill?
You're feeling okay, right?
Yeah, strong as an ox.
You would tell me if anything was wrong.
Seriously wrong, right?
Of course. What's gotten into you?
Oh, nothing. I'm just...
Forget it, I'm just tired.
You go lie down, take it easy,
and I'll be home before you know it.
Love you. Love you.
Miss me?
What are you doing here? You took the words right out of my mouth.
I'm here to see Philip.
Oh, so you didn't bring a big fat cheque with you?
The alimony's direct deposit. I've never missed a payment.
Do you use the same account to pay Melissa Moody's rent?
Why would you do that?
What else are you keeping from me, Richard?
Charlene...
You just have this big web of deceit going on,
and now I have proof.
You son of a bitch! Okay, I am not doing this right now.
I can't think of a better place to do it. Enough!
I'm here to see Philip. That's it.
Well, he's on my sofa, so you might as well get in my car.
(EXHALES)
That false labor again?
Yeah.
What's it feel like?
Feels... tight.
Like everything's clamping up.
Doctor says I'll know the difference
when it actually happens.
When the baby comes, what then?
Then I'll be a mom.
Best job there is.
Me and Gail have tried to have kids.
Gail's body just wouldn't take.
We tried a bunch of times, but she just kept losing them all.
I didn't know that.
I'm sorry. It made it hard on us,
as a husband and wife...
as a couple.
Ah, it's a beautiful thing, having kids,
raising them up.
A man has a lifetime of experience
that he wants to pass down,
something to leave behind.
You know, um, Gail will never say it, but
she looks at you like God brought us a little girl
we never had.
Okay. Here...
Where are we? No, no, no. It's a surprise.
Okay. No peeking.
You sure you don't wanna go back to prom, and
see the king and queen announced?
Think I'll live without it. You want to?
No.
Little further. Little further. Okay, right here.
RONNIE: One second.
Eyes closed.
Okay, open your eyes.
I still can't see anything. I know, just one more second.
(ACOUSTIC MUSIC PLAYING)
Okay. (RONNIE CHUCKLES)
RONNIE: You like it?
Did you do all this? Phil helped a little.
All right.
I'm ready.
It's perfect.
Gail?
Hon?
Gail?
You might wanna slow down.
That's how you wanna start this conversation? Try again.
Yes, I have been paying Melissa's rent.
Oh, look at that? A bit of truth.
So, what makes a grown man pay the rent of a woman... a girl,
he hasn't seen in five years.
You have seen her.
Holy hell, Richard. You are a regular bullshit factory!
I come up to the city a couple of times a year, Charlene.
Barry and I still have a stake at the medical plaza.
You come in and you don't call me?
No! No, I don't tell you.
You've made this impossible.
You made it clear you want nothing to do with me.
Philip's in the city,
and yes, I have seen Melissa.
(TIRES SCREECHING)
(SIGHS)
I knew it. Oh, calm down, Charlene.
I'm trying to help. Maybe explain if I could.
Can't wait to hear it.
After Ronnie died, I wanted to talk about it, Charlene.
I couldn't do that with you, could I?
You were either curled up playing dead, or lashing out
and I sure as hell couldn't lay my grief off onto Philip.
So, everyday...
my bubble just got a little bit smaller.
And I had no idea how to make it stop.
One day I was out jogging,
down by the ravine, not far from where Ronnie died,
I saw her...
Melissa.
And I...
I could have kept going,
let her deal on her own, but I didn't wanna do that.
I wanted to talk to her, I want to...
to be with her. And somehow,
I knew she needed me in the same way.
Shit.
(KNOCK ON DOOR)
MELISSA: Hey. Hey.
MELISSA: Come in. Thanks for meeting me.
MELISSA: Oh, no, of course.
I'm really glad you called. It's nice getting off work early sometimes.
Sit down. Can I get you some tea or something?
I just have herbal, but...
No. Thank you though.
Sorry about the...
No.
(EXHALES LOUDLY)
We're quite the pair, huh? (CHUCKLES)
The blunder twins.
You know, I lied.
Hmm?
About my leg.
It wasn't a bike accident?
It was a bike.
Ronnie and I,
we were supposed to move to New York.
I remember, yeah.
He talked about it a lot.
So, after...
what happened, once I was finished with school,
I figured, you know, this is what Ronnie and I said we'd do.
So, I got a place...
moved to New York. My dad sent money to cover the rent.
But...
You know, we were supposed to make it, you know?
On our own, so in comes the day job.
Bike messenger. In Manhattan?
In Manhattan.
(SCOFFS) I was actually pretty good at it,
but at the end of the day I was alone.
I met people, but it wasn't the same.
It wasn't what we planned.
So, one day I got a package and I'm cruising down Fifth Avenue,
and, uh,
in the corner of my eye, I see this yellow
Honda Prelude
cruising alone, 20-30 miles an hour,
and all I have to do,
is turn the bike a little to the left,
and I miss him by a mile.
But I don't turn.
You weren't trying to... No.
No, I wasn't trying to kill myself.
I guess I just needed a reason to leave.
You know, to give up,
without giving up.
I should have tried harder
with you.
I know that now. You left us.
I did. I found a way to move on, and you hadn't.
I knew I'd fall right back into it.
So, I got the hell out.
And I know what it did,
to us, to Philip,
we crumbled.
I live with it everyday.
What did you do to her, Richard?
Charlene... What did you do, Richard?
Thank you
for trusting me.
The fact still remains I quit.
I took a way out, but...
God, here you are!
As big as a house... (CHUCKLES)
...on the edge of this giant step, and
you still have the guts to go toe-to-toe with my mother.
And the whole goddamn town.
You didn't quit.
And I want you know that you're not alone.
I might not believe that this is Ronnie's baby,
but I believe that you believe it.
And I believe that Ronnie would have believed it too.
So,
if that makes me an uncle,
so be it.
I mean,
it's not like...
it's not like I'm so sure, 24/7.
Some days it's hard enough just
waking up.
Some days I wake up, and
I don't remember much of anything.
MELISSA: I pass out, and I dream about Ronnie.
And the night we made love.
But, when I come to the next morning,
everything just feels off.
It feels different.
So, I make mistakes,
I get confused,
Join the club. And I know...
I know everybody talks about me.
The psycho pregnant girl with the
dead boyfriend.
But...
But it's okay.
BILL: Gail? Can you come down here for a sec?
CHARLENE: What did you do to her?
Nothing. At first, we just talked...
About Ronnie,
and that silly accent he used to do.
His clothes, anything.
After a while,
we filled in the gaps where our normal lives fell apart.
Melissa's parents found out. They didn't approve.
I guess it got heated and she moved out,
and I felt like I owed it to Ronnie to
take care of her.
Got her a place, paid the rent,
gave her some spare cash the first year.
And the next.
After a while, it just became a habit.
Like anything else.
So, you didn't sleep with her?
Christ! No, Charlene.
Of course not.
Who would do that?
It's like I'm trying to find my way out
of one of those corn mazes
that they put up at Thanksgiving,
and I'm going down a different path than everyone else.
But I know it's the right one.
Meanwhile, everyone else is
going down their own paths thinking about
how wrong everyone else is.
But, I figure if I go my way,
and you go yours,
we're all gonna wind up in the same place at the end.
(STUTTERS) I wanna apologize.
For what?
For the cigarettes.
I see you found 'em.
That's an old stash, before our conversation the other night.
That's all right, Bill. I understand.
It's over now, I swear it.
Forgive me?
I went to the pharmacy
to find out what they were because I thought you were sick.
You... you son of a bitch!
Now wait a minute, let's not get unhinged.
How should I react? You tell me!
It's not like that.
God! 30 years!
Under the same roof.
The whole time, I was the idiot!
I don't know what it is you think you know.
Rohypnol, Bill! Roofies!
(CRYING) Yeah. I know what they are, I've seen the news.
Melissa doesn't know who the father is
because she was passed out.
Now, let's just take a breather.
Step back for a second... She trusted us!
How long?
I found the pills in the evidence lock up
right before I left the force.
I don't know why.
I just took 'em.
I didn't even plan on using them.
It was just...
It was supposed to be
less complicated.
Oh.
You did?
You did... I didn't want to, I...
I couldn't control it. I tried, but I kept...
(SCREAMS)
Gail? Gail, please.
Bastard! You monster! Gail!
(GLASS SHATTERS) (BILL SHOUTS)
Gail! Stop!
Gail?
Oh, God! No.
Gail?
Oh!
(PANTING)
The car.
What about it? It's gone.
Well, he probably went to meet up with his friends.
He can barely walk,
much less drive.
Philip?
It's dad!
The keys are gone. He took the car.
(INDISTINCT)
Philip!
Hang on. I'm coming!
Philip!
Hang on, I'm coming.
You okay? It's the baby.
What, did you fall?
The baby's coming. Okay.
All right, can you stand up?
What's wrong? What's the matter?
You okay? Just keep walking. It's okay, it's okay.
Put your arm on my shoulder, okay?
Okay. Almost there.
Please tell me you have the key.
You can just move that fence.
PHILIP: Move the fence. Okay.
Back door's unlocked. Back door.
Deep breaths.
You good? Yeah, I'm okay, okay.
Wait, wait, wait. I need Gail.
I need Gail or Bill to come, please.
What? They're my guardians.
Please will you go get them? No, we'll call them from the hospital.
No, I really need them. They're just down there at the next cottage.
You just have to go down there. They're right there, please?
Okay, yeah.
No, yeah. You just wait there.
Thank you. Sorry.
Okay.
Couldn't just accept the ride.
(GRUNTING)
(KNOCKING ON DOOR)
Hello?
Anybody home?
Hello?
BILL: Grow cold so we'll then get to cover it.
(CELLPHONE RINGING)
(CELLPHONE RINGING CONTINUES)
Mom? Philip?
Where the hell are you? Listen...
listen, I'm at Melissa's okay.
You shouldn't be driving, you know that. Listen... fuck!
I don't know what you think you saw.
It was an accident.
(GUN COCKING)
(PANTING)
What the fuck!
(GROANS)
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
(CAR HONKING)
MELISSA: Philip!
Philip!
MELISSA: Philip!
(GROANS)
RONNIE: Hey, guys. Yo, yo!
Dude! Dude, you missed the end.
The prom king got wasted
and fell of the stage. It was hilarious.
Yeah, it's a shame to miss it.
Oh, yeah? Real shame, huh?
Driver, the lovers have arrived. Onwards!
(UPBEAT MUSIC PLAYING)
(BREATHING HEAVILY)
Philip!
(PHONE BEEPS)
It's not connecting.
Reception's bad out here. He's in trouble.
I heard it in his voice.
It's the baby, she due.
Well, then why doesn't he pick up his phone?
He's driving.
He doesn't wanna talk on the phone. He's a smart kid.
Hey.
We'll find him.
You remember when Ronnie was born? Of course.
God, that labor was so painful.
Screaming my head off.
But then when the doctor put his little body right on my chest,
I just started laughing.
Do you remember?
Yeah. He was so happy.
I think about that a lot.
Richard,
the gate.
Hello?
Forget it, nobody's here. Come on. No, no. Let's look around.
Dr. Chase.
Nice to see you again.
Hey, Bill. Yeah, I moved my trip up a couple of days.
Um, sorry to bother you,
this is a little odd. We're looking for our son Philip.
He's 21, brown hair. He's on crutches.
We got a call from him. He was gonna meet up with Melissa,
but nobody's at the house. So...
I've been here for a bit, and I haven't seen anyone.
You don't think the baby's come? Do you?
I think that's a real possibility, yes.
It's probably where he is, down at the hospital.
You should check it out.
Gail's gone down to the store for some food.
As soon as she's back, we'll be on your tail.
Okay. Okay, good.
Sorry to bother you, we'll see you at the hospital.
You head. What happened?
Uh...
Number one rule in carpentry,
don't daydream.
I should take a look at that. Oh, no, it's nothing. It's just a cut.
Nothing I haven't done a thousand times.
(CHUCKLES)
So, I'll see you down at maternity.
Okay.
Something's not right.
Charlene, you don't know that, all right.
We're gonna go to the hospital... Why the hell are you so calm?
Because I'm not jumping to conclusions.
You didn't hear him, Richard, he's in trouble.
We will find him.
You didn't hear him, Richard. He's not safe!
(CRYING)
Richard... Okay, Charlene.
Richard.
Whoa, whoa, whoa, okay, somebody get me a wheelchair.
Wheelchair, now.
Okay, okay. Put her in there. Okay, breathe.
Easy does it. There you go.
Okay. How far apart are your contractions?
I don't know, a minute.
Okay, is there someone we can call?
Gail Herman... Can you tell me your name please?
(GLASS BREAKING)
Wait here.
Please.
Where are you?
Jesus.
Richard.
She's dead.
Snapped her neck. Oh, my God.
Outside. Outside. Call 911.
CHARLENE: I'm not getting a signal. RICHARD: Try again.
We have to find Philip. He's not in the house.
What do we do, Richard? I'm trying 911.
What do we do? I don't know, it won't connect.
I'm not leaving without him.
(SCREAMING)
DOCTOR: Okay. That's it, that's it. Big breath.
And bare down. Push, push, push, push.
Come on, you can do this. Push, push, push, push...
(SCREAMING)
(PHILIP COUGHING)
I'm so sorry.
(GRUNTS)
PHILIP: Help!
Richard?
I heard it.
(BOTH GRUNTING)
Quiet.
Please be quiet.
That was Philip. Philip?
(GASPING)
(RICHARD CONTINUES SHOUTING)
The woods.
Charlene! He's in the woods.
(GASPING)
CHARLENE: Oh, God.
(COUGHING)
Philip!
RICHARD: Philip?
Bill?
I never meant to hurt her.
No! No!
(GUNSHOT)
MELISSA: I love you, Ronnie.
I love you, too.
You don't sound so sure.
(CLEARS THROAT)
I love Melissa Moody.
You know,
saying it to three people just really isn't that impressive.
What you doing?
I'm going to tell the world. Yeah?
(LAUGHING)
Hey, world!
I love Melissa Moody!
Dude, you're insane. You're insane.
Get back in the car, please.
Ignore him. One more time.
BOY: So, is your brother coming tonight?
Yeah. Yeah, after prom.
At least he said he'd show up.
Hold on, I got to take this.
Okay. No problem.
Hey, mom.
(INAUDIBLE)
What's his GCS?
(INAUDIBLE)
OFFICER: All units south of Triphammer respond to a 415 vehicle crash.
Officer Herman responding. Three minutes out.
Goddamn Prom Night!
Every year.
(SIREN WAILING)
And all of us at the library are
thrilled that he's here with us again.
So, without further ado, Mr. John Kendall.
(INAUDIBLE)
Will you get back in the goddamn car!
(HORN HONKING)
MELISSA: As children,
we ask big questions to try to make sense of the world.
As adults, we offer answers without proof.
I now understand there isn't any single answer.
We must all walk our own path,
and find our own truth.
But I figure,
if I go my way,
and you go yours,
we'll all wind up in the same place in the end.