FADE IN
INT. DESMOND MANOR – EVENING
A quiet afternoon at Desmond Manor. The family maid, ROSA 36, dressed in her gray maid’s uniform is dusting African knick-knacks until–
BAM! NIKKI DESMOND, 16, and her father DONALD DESMOND, 45, rush in dressed wearing jeans, sneakers, Lakers t–shirts and basketball jerseys followed by their polished British servant RUMSFELD, 61, in his driving uniform. Everyone is laughing and smiling as–
Rosa greets them at the door.
rosa
Good evening everyone. How was the game?
An excited Nikki gushes–
NIKKi
It was awesome Rosa! I couldn’t believe we had courtside seats! I actually felt the sweat in the air!
RUMSFELD
It was quite the contest.
DONALD
Man, the Lakers had their stuff today. Worthy and Divac were on fire against Jordan!
Nikki hugs her Dad and tells him–
NIKKI
Thanks for taking me Dad.
DONALD
I’m glad you enjoyed yourself Nicole.
Donald smiles as he breaks the embrace. He approaches Rosa and inquires–
DONALD
Were you able to get the shopping done while we were at the game Rosa?
ROSA
Yes Mr. Desmond. I got everything on the list.
Nikki isn’t so sure Rosa got everything on the list. She inquires–
NIKKI
You didn’t forget my double chocolate brownie ice cream?
Rosa smiles at Nikki and tells her–
ROSA
Two pints are in the freezer.
NIKKI
Great.
Nikki is about to head into the kitchen when–
DING! DONG! The doorbell rings. Rosa hurries to get the door. She opens it and is greeted by–
LESLIE DESMOND, 45, a cold career woman wearing her hair in a severe bun and a tweed Chanel business suit that looks like armor. She stands next to a stack of Louis Vuitton suitcases and rolls her eyes as she makes eye contact with Rosa.
ROSA
May I help you?
LESLIE
Oh, you speak English. So where was everyone?
Rosa keeps it professional.
ROSA
How may I help you miss–
LESLIE
Leslie Desmond. Lady of Desmond Manor. Donald, I’d like to know why none of your staff was dispatched to pick me up from the airport?
Donald is quick to answer his ex-wife as–
She strolls into the living room. Nikki becomes silent and withdrawn meeting Leslie’s cold eyes.
DONALD
Well, we didn’t know you were coming Leslie–
LESLIE
I made several calls here and no one picked up–
DONALD
Well, we were at the Laker game and Rosa went to the supermarket–
Leslie rolls her eyes.
LESLIE
Fooling around. Someone should have been on call at the manor–
DONALD
I would have sent someone to get you if I knew you were coming–
LESLIE
Sometimes business happens abruptly and you need to be ready for whatever happens. Now that smelly cab ride from the airport cost me $45. I expect to be reimbursed–
DONALD
Reimbursed? This ain’t your job–
Leslie
Well, I’m not paying for a ride to my own home–
DONALD
If you are here on business you best get that money from your job. I do not pay family for coming to visit me–
LESLIE
Oh well, if that’s how you feel. I’ll just deduct it from my expense account for the conference.
DONALD
So that’s why you’re here?
LESLIE
Yes. A business conference at the Beverly Wilshire. While I was here, I thought I’d stop by and see how you were treating my daughter. I see you got her off the plane–
Nikki expresses her contempt by growling–
NIKKI
Where you left me.
The air is tense as Nikki tells her father–
NIKKI
I’m gonna be in my room.
Nikki shuffles upstairs. Rosa notices the change in Nikki’s demeanor and excuses herself–
ROSA
I’ve got some work to do upstairs.
Leslie isn’t pleased with Rosa. She grabs her–
LESLIE
Since when do the help decide to dismiss themselves?
Rosa pulls out of her grip.
ROSA
Since I was put in charge of taking care of Nicole. Didn’t you see the way she was acting a minute ago?
LESLIE
I see the way you’re acting and it’s unprofessional. You wait until you’re dismissed before you leave.
A concerned Donald takes charge.
DONALD
Rosa, go take care of Nicole.
Rosa hurries upstairs. Leslie lets Donald know she doesn’t approve of Rosa’s actions.
LESLIE
Donald, I do not appreciate how your help act around here–
DONALD
Leslie, Rumsfeld and Rosa are a part of my family, not just my employees–
LESLIE
Your help need to know their place. Especially this new wetback you’ve hired to replace Agnes–
Donald stands up for Rosa.
DONALD
You will not use that term in my house regarding Rosa–
LESLIE
Well, she’s insolent. Dumb spic probably runs around this house like she owns it–
DONALD
Well, you don’t own Desmond Manor either. I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t go around abusing my staff–
LESLIE
Staff is to be seen doing and not heard talking. Rumsfeld, take my bags upstairs–
The bass enters Donald’s voice as he goes Black on his wife.
DONALD
Rumsfeld, hold off on that. Who said you was staying here?
LESLIE
Donald, I’m the mother of your child. I’m entitled to a guest room here–
DONALD
No, you stopped being entitled to anything when you filed for divorce–
LESLIE
Look, I came to see Nicole. I shouldn’t have to stay at some impersonal hotel to visit my own daughter–
Donald reluctantly agrees.
DONALD
No, you shouldn’t. For Nicole you can stay here. But that’s it.
LESLIE
Thank you. Rumsfeld, bring my bags upstairs to the guest room.
RUMSFELD
Right away Ms. Desmond.
A reluctant Rumsfeld takes Leslie’s suitcases upstairs while in–
NIKKI’S BEDROOM
A withdrawn Nikki flips channels as–
A concerned Rosa walks in. An indifferent Nikki continues to flip channels.
ROSA
Hey muchacha, what’s going on with you?
NIKKI
Nothing. Just wanted to watch this show.
ROSA
Must be an important show for you to walk out on your mother–
NIKKI
She walked out on me years ago.
ROSA
Wow. Things must be really tense between you two for you to be so cold to her–
NIKKI
Look, she’s not exactly eager to see me. She came for the conference.
ROSA
Still, you should try to get along with her–
NIKKI
I don’t exactly get along with you either–
Rosa smiles at Nikki and tells her–
ROSA
We get along better than you think.
NIKKi
You just work around here–
ROSA
And my job is to make sure you’re okay muchacha.
Nikki lose
s it–
NIKKI
Well, I’m okay.
Nikki calms down. She reaches out to Rosa–
NIKKI
I–I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap at you. It’s just– my Mom works my last nerves.
ROSA
Works them? I haven’t seen you this shaken since that Shameeka girl was hassling you at school–
NIKKI
I’ve been dealing with my mother for fifteen years. I can handle her.
Rosa knows Nikki is lying.
ROSA
You know you don’t have to play so tough–
NIKKI
I’m not playing tough–
ROSA
If you ever want to talk about it–
NIKKI
We’re not there yet.
Rosa understands her limitations.
ROSA
I may not be Agnes but my door is always open at the end of the hall.
Nikki continues to flip channels. Just as Rosa is about to leave–
BAM! Leslie flings open the door and sets her sights on Rosa.
LESLIE
Oh, there you are Maid. I need you to unpack my suitcases and hang up my clothes and draw a bath for me.
Rosa pastes on a smile and keeps it professional.
ROSA
Right away Miss Desmond.
As Rosa leaves, Leslie gives her a warning.
LESLIE
And when I tell you hang up my clothes that doesn’t mean you try anything on. I’ll know. And I’ll know if you’ve taken anything–
ROSA
I guess I’ll have to resist temptation–
LESLIE
That’s right. You’ll never get to wear these types of designer clothes if you worked a hundred years in this little job–
Rosa Mumbles under her breath in Spanish–
ROSA
Not like any of your big clothes would fit me anyway–
Nikki stifles a snicker as–
Leslie overhears the dig.
LESLIE
What was that? You speaking in that native tongue of yours?
Rosa plays it off.
ROSA
Nothing, Miss Desmond. I’ll get to putting your clothes away right now.
Leslie isn’t finished berating Rosa.
LESLIE
You know what– I’m coming with you. I’m going to watch you hang my things up so nothing is stolen–
SLAM! Leslie closes the door behind her. A sullen Nikki flips channels until the–
NEXT DAY
INT. DESMOND MANOR KITCHEN – MORNING
Breakfast is on the table. Donald is reading the paper. Rosa puts dishes out on the table as–
A forlorn Nikki dressed in a suit and heels hurries down the stairs indifferent to her father’s warm smile.
DONALD
Good Morning Nikki.
NIKKI
Morning Dad. She up yet?
DONALD
I think your mother is still asleep.
Upon hearing the news, Nikki takes a seat at the table and gets some breakfast. Donald notices how quiet she is and inquires–
DONALD
You stayed in your room all day after the game.
NIKKI
I was tired.
DONALD
Is something going on between you and your mother?
NIKKI
You don’t have time to hear it–
DONALD
You’d be surprised what I’d have time to listen to. I’d like to know why you keep avoiding your mother.
Nikki is opens up to her father.
NIKKi
She doesn’t have time for me and I don’t have time for her.
DONALD
What do you mean? You two lived together at the penthouse–
NIKKI
No, she shipped me off to boarding school after you moved out here–
DONALD
Did the two of ever spend time together after I left?
NIKKI
Not really. I spent my holidays and breaks here, and I spend all my other time on campus. On those rare times when I was living with her it’s just so tense–
A concerned Donald inquires–
DONALD
How bad is it?
NIKKI
Either I’m getting ignored for people at her job, or I’m getting yelled at for getting in her way when I ask for something or I’m getting yelled at for doing things on my own when I can’t talk to her about them–
DONALD
It can’t be that bad–
NIKKi
It is that bad. I just get tired of getting yelled at for stuff that’s out of my hands. It’s not my fault I keep getting kicked out those damn boarding schools–
Nikki catches herself before she loses it.
NIKKI
Look, I’m sorry about swearing.
DONALD
It’s okay.
NIKKI
I just feel so alone when I’m with her. That’s not the way a mother and daughter are supposed to be–
DONALD
No, it’s not.
NIKKI
You know what if I’m in her way, then I’ll stay out of her way.
Nikki tries to calm down as–
Leslie storms into the room dressed in a business suit with a cell phone cocked to her ear. Indifferent to everyone she–
LESLIE
Okay Bill, I’ll meet you at the Wilshire soon–
Grabs a bagel off the table. She smears cream cheese on it as she continues talking. Nikki grabs her breakfast and–
LESLIE
Why don’t I come downstairs? Well, I’m not staying at the Hotel. I’m staying at my mansion in Beverly Hills. I’m going to have Rumsfeld bring me over there in about thirty minutes.
NIKKI
I’m just gonna go to school.
Hurries out of the mansion. A concerned Donald grabs the cell phone out of Leslie’s hand–
DONALD
Bill, Leslie is gonna call you back. I have to talk to her about something.
A furious Leslie barks at Donald–
LESLIE
Excuse me, but I was in the middle of an important call. You do not hang up on people–
DONALD
You do know Nicole was sitting here a minute ago.
LESLIE
She could have said Good Morning.
DONALD
How could she? You were on the phone all the time–
LESLIE
This is important business–
DONALD
And so is Nikki. Now what’s been going on between you two?
LESLIE
Nothing. She’s just been messing up in these damn boarding schools and acting up all the time–
DONALD
That’s not what she says. She says you’ve been avoiding her–
Donald’s statement touches a nerve in Leslie–
Leslie
You believe that nonsense? She’s just upset that I don’t pay attention to her all the time. The world doesn’t revolve around her–
DONALD
Did you talk to her at all since we divorced?
LESLIE
She had to get an education and I had to work–
DONALD
So you shipped her off to boarding school–
LESLIE
It was the only way to keep her from getting in the way at work–
DONALD
No wonder she’s so upset. You abandoned her–
LESLIE
I didn’t abandon her. I’m doing what’s best for her. If she’d stop screwing up she’d understand that–
DONALD
How can she? You never talked to her about anything–
LESLIE
What’s to talk about? She’s a Desmond. She’s supposed to understand things–
DONALD
She’s sixteen.
LESLIE
Look, Nicole is going to be s
omebody when she grows up. I had to put her around the right people–
DONALD
Regardless if it’s right for her.
Leslie cuts a cold look at Donald–
LESLIE
It’s not about what she likes now. At boarding school she’s going to make professional connections that’ll last her whole life–
Donald is hurt by the amount of callous indifference his wife has shown his daughter.
DONALD
What about her connection to you? Doesn’t your relationship with Nicole matter?
LESLIE
You don’t think I don’t care about her? I’m trying to give this girl what she needs to get ahead in the future–
DONAlD
At what cost? She’s losing her connection to us–
LESLIE
She’s got to know who the future movers and shakers are–
DONALD
I want my daughter to know that she’s loved–
LESLIE
God, there you go again talking about emotions again. What’s being loved going to get my daughter?
DONALD
Everything.
LESLIE
So where did you put Nicole? Some soft hippy school where they talk about their feelings?
DONALD
She’s connecting with a lot of movers and shakers at Beverly Hills High.
Leslie’s eyes grow wide.
LESLIE
You sent our daughter to public school! Nigger are you crazy!
DONALD
It’s one of the best public high schools in the country–
LESLIE
Why the hell didn’t you send her to a private school!
DONALD
It wasn’t working out. We decided to try something different–
WHAP! Leslie slaps her ex-husband across the face.
LESLIE
Dammit you are so stupid! I can’t believe you messed up Nicole’s future like this! She’ll never graduate–
DONALD
She’s doing fine there–
LESLIE
Lord, this is what I get for trusting a fool with my daughter–
DONALD
I did what was best for her–
LESLIE
No, you ruined her life.
DONALD
I’m letting her be a child–
Leslie tunes out Donald and punches numbers in her cell phone–
LESLIE
Hello Bill? I’m going to be a little late this morning. I have to take care of some business with my daughter at her school.
Leslie hangs up. She–
LESLIE
Luckily it’s only been three months and the semester isn’t finished yet. I can fit her in somewhere–
Storms towards the door. Just as she grabs the knob–
Donald grabs her wrist and lets her know he’s still there.
DONALD
Where are you going?
LESLIE
To get my daughter and put her in a proper boarding school–
DONALD
You are not taking my daughter out of Beverly Hills High–
Leslie cuts Donald with a hostile look. Rosa looks on as–
There’s an intense staredown between them until–
Leslie hits below the belt.
LESLIE
The last time I checked the judge awarded me sole custody.
DONALD
I have rights too–
LESLIE
Boy, do not make me get a court order and take my daughter out of here.
Donald backs off. Leslie lets him know his place as she opens the door–
LESLIE
You just make sure you have the check ready for the tuition when I get back.
SLAM! Leslie closes the door behind her.
Donald simmers as–
INT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH SCHOOL HALLWAY – MORNINg
A busy morning, kids bustle on their way to class. Nikki solemnly looks through her locker as her best friend CANDICE COLLINS, 16, approaches dressed in a designer suit and heels.
CANDICE
Hey what’s with the long face Nik?
NIKKI
My Mom is visiting.
CANDICE
You don’t sound too happy about it.
NIKKI
She was the one who shipped me out here.
CANDICE
That’s rough. How long is she gonna be here?
NIKKI
Long enough to be too long. I’m just gonna avoid the house until she’s goes back to New York.
CANDICE
You want to hang out at my house afterschool?
NIKKi
Nah, I have to help the urchins at the community center this afternoon. That’ll keep me busy until six or seven–
Nikki is interrupted by–
Leslie who storms down the hall.
LESLIE
Oh there you are. What are you doing here?
NIKKi
Er…Going to class. Why are you here?
LESLIE
Public school. Why did your father let you do this to yourself?
NIKKI
We agreed to try it out–
Leslie rolls her eyes.
Leslie
This is so beneath you Nicole. Going to this third-rate state institution hanging out with this low-rent hoochie–
Candice takes offense to the insult.
CANDICe
Nothing low rent about me Miss–
LESLIE
Leslie Desmond, Nicole’s mother. And I don’t approve of you being around my daughter Miss–
CANDICE
Candice Collins. And I live a couple of doors down from ol’ Nicole here in the ten thousands–
LESLIE
In the guest house with the servants–
CANDICE
No, in the main house with my father.
Leslie is surprised.
leslie
What’s a girl like you doing here then? Failed all the top private schools?
NIkki
Don’t answer that Candice. You don’t need her approval–
Leslie turns her attack on Nikki.
LESLIE
So why are you here slumming among these common children?
Candice ignores the dig. Nikki explains.
NIKKI
It wasn’t working out at boarding school Mom–
LESLIE
You just didn’t make it work there–
NIKKI
I couldn’t make it work there. Those places were crazy–
LESLIE
Look, all the future movers and shakers are at those boarding schools. How do you expect to get ahead if you don’t know them?
NIKKi
I feel I can make my own way–
LESLIE
Make your own way– You don’t even see how these decisions you’re making now are going to affect you later on–
NIKKI
Look, things have been working out these past couple of months here–
LESLIE
But they won’t work out later in life.
Leslie grabs Nikki’s sleeve and pulls her away–
NIKKI
Hey, get off me–
LESLIE
You’re not staying here. I’m enrolling you in a proper boarding school–
Kids watch the spectacle as–
Nikki puts up a fight. She struggles with Leslie–
NIKKI
NO! I’M NOT GOING WITH YOU!
LESLIE
Girl, do not embarrass me–
NIKKI
I’m never going back there–
WHAP! The back of Leslie’s hand whizzes across Nikki’s cheek. She crashes to the floor. Leslie seethes with rage as–
The hall is filled with students watching the spectacle. A sobbing Nikki peers up at her mother who tells her–
LESLIE
I am your Mother. You will go where I tell you to
go. Now get up off that floor.
An embarrassed Nikki scurries up off the floor and–
Races for the exit.
A somber Candice grabs Nikki’s Church hat off the floor as–
Leslie storms behind her out to–
EXT. BEVERLY HILLS HIGH PARKING LOT – MORNING
Where Nikki is starting up her car. As Leslie approaches the door–
SCREEEECH! She burns rubber getting out of the lot. Behind the enraged Leslie–
Candice makes a call on her cell phone to–
INT. DESMOND MANOR DEN – Morning
Donald who is brooding at his desk. BRRRRING! The phone rings as–
DONALD
Leslie did what? Oh my God. Well, where is Nicole now?
Donald gasps and falls back in his seat as he hears the news.
DONALD
Oh my God.
Donald tries to calm a panicked Candice.
DONALD
No, thanks for telling me Candice. Don’t worry. Nicole isn’t going anywhere. I’m going to take care of things when Nicole gets home.
Donald hangs up and buries his face in his hands.
DONALD
Nicole ran away from her mother when she tried to take her out of school–
ROSA
Ay dios mio. This is getting crazy. You’ve got to do something–
DONALD
I don’t know what to do. Leslie has custody–
ROSA
So, stand up to her.
DONALD
It’s not that easy–
ROSA
You don’t need to go to court to put your foot down. Don’t let that puta take your child away from you–
Rosa catches herself.
ROSA
I’m sorry sir. I didn’t mean–
Donald
No, it’s okay. I didn’t know you cared so much about Nicole. I thought you two didn’t like each other–
ROSA
I realize the muchacha isn’t mad at me. She’s mad about losing Agnes–
DONALD
She was close to her.
ROSA
She’s just starting to get close to you.
A somber Donald remembers–
DONALD
I told her she was home. She trusted me–
ROSa
You can’t let that puta make you break your promise to her. If she takes her away–
DONALD
It’d crush her.
ROSA
And she’d become as cold and callous as her mother is towards people.
DONALD
I’m not letting Nicole go out like that.
Donald jumps out of his seat and comes up with a plan of action–
DONALD
You drive around the school. Have Rumsfeld drive around the Mall. I’m gonna go to Candice’s after I call my lawyer–
ROSa
I’ll tell Rumsfeld and we’ll get right on it.
Rosa hurries down the hall while–
IN THE KITCHEN
Nikki slips in the back door. She shuffles up the stairs to the–
SECOND FLOOR
And slinks past–
ROSA’S ROOM
Where she’s putting on her jacket as–
She hears footsteps. She peers outside her doorway as–
Nikki slinks–
into her bedroom
And falls into her bed sobbing into the pillow. Rosa steps into the doorway. She walks over, sits on the side of the bed and comforts her until–
Nikki turns around. Rosa backs away.
ROSA
I forgot. We aren’t there yet.
NIKKi
Doubt we’ll ever have the chance to be.
ROSA
Your Dad is worried about you–
NIKKI
I just had to get out of there–
ROSA
I heard how crazy it was getting from your father–
NIKKI
Just like old times.
ROSA
Now I know where you get all the anger and the attitude from–
Nikki cocks an eybrow on the observation–
NIKKI
I’m nothing like her–
ROSA
Not saying you are. But moving from place to place can make someone hard. Makes them hurt. Makes them hurt others.
NIKKI
Look, I didn’t mean to be so cruel to you. I just didn’t know you like that–
ROSA
Like Agnes.
NIKKI
Every time I get close to people I always lose them. Agnes, Marcus, Candice, Rumsfeld, Dad–
Nikki holds back the tears. Her tough façade crumbles as– She buries her face in Rosa’s chest and lets it all out.
Rosa
Always trying to be so tough.
Nikki pulls away from Rosa–
As her father rushes into the doorway.
DONALD
Rosa, Dr. Collins hasn’t seen–
And lights up at the sight of his daughter. Nikki hurries for the door–
NIKKI
I’m just gonna go–
And her father grabs her and holds her.
DONALD
You ain’t going nowhere. I told you that you were home.
She pulls away from him–
NIKKI
No, I’m on my own. May as well get used to it–
And he pulls her back.
DONALD
I told you I got you.
NIKKI
But Mom has custody–
Donald looks down at his daughter and tells her–
DONALD
I ain’t afraid of yo momma.
NIKKI
I just don’t want to go back to boarding school–
DONALD
You’re staying with me. No matter what happens you are home. Understand me.
Nikki peers up at her father. She trusts him.
DONALD
You ain’t alone no more. We’re going to deal with your mother together.
Rosa follows Donald as he walks with his daughter downstairs to the–
LIVING ROOM
Where BAM! Leslie storms into the manor as Nikki and Donald are coming downstairs. She glares at Donald–
LESLIE
Oh, there you are. Who do you think you are running away from me!
Leslie grabs for Nikki when–
Donald stands in her way and gives her a cold glare.
DONALD
Get your hands off Nicole!
LESLIE
Boy, get out of my way–
DONALD
Or what? What you gonna do Leslie?
Donald and Leslie face off as–
A nervous Nikki looks at her father who takes her hand to reassure her. Leslie backs away.
LESLIE
I’m not dealing with this. Do you have my tuition check ready?
Donald smiles at Leslie as he tells her–
DONALD
My checkbook is staying in my desk.
Leslie is pissed. She threatens Donald–
LESLIE
Do I have to go to court with you? I told you to have my money ready–
Who isn’t afraid of her. He tells her–
DONALD
Go on to court. Ain’t nobody stopping you. I’m sure the judge would love to hear about how you neglected and emotionally abused Nikki–
Leslie laughs at Donald and tells him–
LESLIE
You think you smart. You not gonna turn this on me–
NIKKI
You turned it on yourself.
Leslie explodes.
LESLIE
You ungrateful brat! This is the thanks I get for trying to shape a future for you–
NIKKi
You didn’t care what happened to me, you just wanted me out of your way.
LESLIE
I was trying to help you get ahead! You could have gone somewhere if you ha
dn’t screwed things up all the time–
NIKKI
I was suffocating there! You just refused to see it!
LESLIE
I tried to put you among the best people in the world. I wanted you to be a success like me–
NIKKI
I don’t ever want to be like you. You’re a monster.
Nikki’s heartless words cut Leslie to the core. She charges to confront her mother as–
Donald holds her back.
DONALD
Nicole, don’t go there. I told you I got you. We’ll take care of this in court–
LESLIE
No, we ain’t got to take care of this in court. You got her– Well let me tell you something mister you can have your little spoiled princess.
A frustrated Leslie realizes she’s lost and –
LESLIE
No, I’m a monster. Well all right you go on with your ol’ Daddy! I didn’t want you anyway.
DONALD
Leslie–
Storms up the stairs. Minutes later–
She comes back down with her bags. She cuts a cold look at Nikki before telling her–
LESLIE
Ungrateful heifer! Don’t you ever call me, write me or ever come to see me. I don’t want nothing to do with you.
NIKKi
That’s fine with me.
Leslie gets on her cell phone and calls–
LESLIE
Hello? Los Angeles Cab Company? I need to be picked up outside of 10030 Beverly Lane–
And SLAM! She slams the door behind her. A teary Nikki turns to her father.
DONALD
I’m sorry it had to go that way–
NIKKi
I’m not.
DONALD
You don’t mean that–
NIKKi
I may be a spoiled princess. But I’m gonna do my damndest to never be like her.
Nikki buries her head in her father’s chest and cries as–
DISSOLVE TO:
LATER INT. ROSA’S ROOM– NIGHT
A large comfortable suite. Rosa in her silk robe and a nightgown takes her long black hair down in front of the mirror as–
RAPP! RAPP! RAPP! Nikki in a robe and silk pajamas knocks on the open door.
ROSA
Hey muchacha, what can I do for you?
NIKKI
Just wanted to talk to you about earlier.
ROSA
Hey I won’t tell anyone you have a soft side–
NIKKI
It’s not a secret anymore.
ROSA
You know you are allowed to feel–
NIKKI
It’s something I’m getting used to. Along with thinking about other people’s feelings–
There’s a long tense silence as Nikki thinks about what she’s going to say–
NIKKI
I just don’t want to be like my Mom. I don’t want to hurt people. I don’t want to end up–
ROSA
Alone like her.
NIKKI
Yeah, because I hurt people I love.
ROSA
Didn’t know we were that close–
NIKKI
I never gave you a chance.
Nikki paces about the room as she searches for words.
NIKKI
I haven’t done right by you. All you’re doing is trying to do your job and I’ve been nasty to you–
ROSA
At least you’re honest.
NIKKI
I just want you to know I’m gonna try to do better by you. No more racial slurs, no more treating you like crap. I can’t say It’s gonna be perfect, but I’m gonna try to make things work between us.
Rosa is impressed by the kindness Nikki has shown her.
ROSA
Your father would be very proud of you right now.
NIKKI
Hey, don’t ruin the moment.
Rosa laughs.
ROSA
Always so tough.
NIKKI
Not gonna change overnight.
ROSA
So are we there yet?
NIKKI
We’re on our way.
Nikki hugs Rosa and says goodnight. As she walks out of the room Rosa sits on the bed and smiles–
FADE OUT:
THE END
All About Ideas
Commentary from Shawn James
Thirteen real scripts for a fake TV show. Shows how dedicated I am to my writing craft.
It’s funny how projects come about. Sometimes I just get an idea and go with it. And sometimes it works out better than I expected it to.
When I was writing the All About Marilyn, I inserted several clips from the fictional All About Nikki sitcom in scenes to show how Nikki’s character was different from Marilyn Marie, the actress who played Nikki Desmond on TV back in the 1990’s. From those clips readers saw Nikki as a rich, cold hearted monster with a bad attitude and a razor sharp tongue. She was racist, sexist, insensitive and politically incorrect. The polar opposite of every sugary sweet cute sitcom kid ever I ever saw on TV. The girl you loved to hate. A character that was a lot of fun to write.
After I completed All About Marilyn in 2008, I was bored. So to kill some time, I decided to write some All About Nikki scripts to go along with the story to add as bonus material in the book. However, as I started writing the All About Nikki scripts, the character took a life of her own and became her own person. Nikki Desmond evolved from the one-dimensional rich spoiled brat featured in Marilyn’s TV vignettes into a scared girl reacting to her destabilized life.
Since the age of eleven, Nicole Alexandria Desmond had to deal with her parents’ divorce, being moved from boarding school to boarding school, an emotionally abusive mother and the harsh administration of culturally indifferent boarding schools. As the picture of who Nikki was became clearer to me, the more she looked like the girls I grew up with. Those girls with the bad attitudes I knew usually weren’t being mean out of malice, but were reacting to things they didn’t understand like the changes in their bodies, and the changes in their lives.
Underneath the surface story about a Beverly Hills spoiled little rich girl was the deeper story of a young black girl growing up. The real story behind the glitzy and glamorous premise would about how the adults in Nikki’s life provided the stability and support she needed to help her overcome the prejudices, horrible attitude, and bad behavior she used to defend herself when her world got destabilized. Through communication and constructive discipline Nikki would learn to see things differently and behave more responsibly.
As she adjusted to the stable supporting environment provided by her father, the series would peel back the layers behind the façade of her bad attitude and reveal who Nikki really was: An emotionally vulnerable young woman who needed guidance and love.
Understanding what my real story was, I took to the keyboard during the summer of 2009 and worked feverishly to complete 13 scripts for the first season of this fake TV show. I hope you enjoyed reading them, because I had a blast writing them.
###
About The Author
Shawn James is the author of four paperbacks, two screenplays, and ten eBooks. He is also a feature columnist for African-American social media site Onixlink.com. A graduate of Monroe College he’s been writing for over fifteen years.
The Saga of MastiKatious
Baptism of Blood
Isis: Trial of the Goddess
Isis
A Recipe For $ucce$$
The Temptation of John Haynes
All About Marilyn
All About Nikki-Three Episodes From the Fabulous First Season Sneak Preview
The Sneakers
Connect With Shawn Online:
Twitter: www.twitter.com/shawnsjames
LinkedIN: www.linkedin.com/in/shawnsjames9973
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawnsjames
Discover Shawn James’ blog at:
shawnsjames.blogspot.com
Thank you for reading books on BookFrom.Net Share this book with friends