Amelia

Amelia

by Michelle Stiles

    Her name is Amelia. Amelia is waiting for her husband to get home from work. She just spent the whole day rocking in her rocking chair. A typical housewife; homely and quaint. For some reason she is all dressed up.

    Amelia placed a bouquet of yellow flowers in a big round vase. Hoping to have the flowers bring out what beauty she does possess. She's simply waiting in her English country home. She knows her life won't go anywhere but she's content.

    Amelia is waiting for her husband to sweep her off her feet. Her thoughts contain the lovely picnic in the park that she will attend with her husband. They will drink bubbly wine and feed each other cheese. It's been awhile since she's had a good time.

    Suddenly, a feeling of impatience overcomes her mind. Where is he? Its getting late. Is he with somebody else? It isn't typical for him to stray. 

    Then she feels peace. He is home.

AA (Screenplay)

AA

by Michelle Stiles

INT. - COMMUNITY CENTER - NIGHT

JONATHAN (30s), tall red-head family man gone business man down on his luck, attends an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. A GROUP of alcoholics sit around a large circle in metal fold out chairs. A small table of COOKIES is in the corner.

Jonathan stands up to introduce himself.

JONATHAN

Hello my name is Jonathan and I'm an alcoholic.

ALL

Hello Jonathan.

Jonathan appears nervous. He holds his hands in his pockets and clicks a pen.

JONATHAN

Umm (beat) I've never done this before.

The therapist, HECTOR (40s), hefty bearded man with thick framed glasses and a friendly disposition, encourages Jonathan to continue via hand gesture.

HECTOR

It's ok Jonathan. We're all friends here. You're very brave for being here. (Beat) Go on. Tell us your story.

JONATHAN

Well, I guess I started drinking badly when my wife and I started to drift apart. Her name's Hilary. We have a couple kids together and on the surface we appeared fine to others. But it's like there's this demon inside of me that craves the escape of a drink. It's real sinister and unforgiving.

Jonathan taps his foot on the title floor.

JONATHAN

I, uh, realized that I needed help this morning when I saw the sunrise. Most nights I usually come home and go directly to the bottle. Pour myself a stiff martini and zone out into my tablet. Then once I have a couple and loosen up things become somewhat bearable but then my wife nags me about things needed to be fixed around the house. I'm usually up to my ass in alligators and when I come home I just wanna chill y'know?

A couple MEN in the group nod in agreement. A WOMAN in the group rolls her eyes.

JONATHAN

Most nights I just drink to get to sleep. I've had some bad stupors where I just pass the fuck out on the couch with the TV blasting. It helps clear out the racing thoughts.

Jonathan sheds a tear and withdraws a crumpled up tissue from his pocket to wipe it away.

JONATHAN

I usually end up waking up by noon but this morning I had to piss like a race horse at 5 A.M. When I got out of the john I looked out the window of my living room and saw the most beautiful orange sunrise peeking through. It made me realize how many sunrises I've missed in my life. The only ones I see are tequila sunrises.

Jonathan makes a nervous CHUCKLE. The group remains silent.

JONATHAN

So yeah I think I need some help.

Jonathan sits down with downcast eyes. Hector stands up and clasps his hands together.

HECTOR

Well that's why we're here to help. Although we all face struggles in our lives there's always going to brighter days ahead. Thank you for your contribution Jonathan. Welcome!

END SCENE.

Snapshot

Snapshot

by Michelle Stiles

In the summer my Grandma plants flowers.

She's wearing her pink gardener shoes and hat.

Grandma uses her shovel to dig a hole.

In the hole she plants a seed.

What kind of seed?

A pansy seed.

Grandma has been waiting all year long.

She love the summer because she gardens.

Reds, pinks, whites, and greens.

As she tends to her plants she sees a doe.

What kind of doe? 

A hungry doe.

The doe is ready to devour her flower.

My Grandma yells to shoo it away.

This is how she spends her day.

Mermaid Date

Mermaid Date 

by Michelle Stiles

(Photo credit: Jennifer Stiles Photography)

INT. DIEGO'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

DIEGO (20s), adventurous, attractive, and fit Filipino man with curly hair sets the table for dinner. His cousin MARISOL (late 20s), petite Filipino woman with a bit of edge helps out.

MARISOL

You need more napkins?

DIEGO

No I'm good. Thanks again for helping out and making your famous paella. I can't cook to save my life.

Diego CHUCKLES. Marisol shakes her head.

MARISOL

You got that right!

Marisol LAUGHS.

MARISOL

She must be really something special huh?

DIEGO

Yes. She's the most beautiful woman I've ever met in my life! Long wavy hair, loves the ocean, has a great laugh. (BEAT) I feel really connected with her y'know?

MARISOL

If I wasn't mistaken I'd say you've got a mermaid for a girlfriend!

Marisol CHUCKLES.

DIEGO

Yeah pretty much! If there were such a thing.

The doorbell RINGS! Marisol begins to rush off.

MARISOL

Guess that's my cue! Good luck Diego. Call me later to let me know how it goes.

DIEGO

Will do. Love you cuz.

Marisol gives Diego a PECK on the cheek before she exits out the back door. Diego shapes up his hair then answers the front door.

In walks Diego's girlfriend CELIA (20s), gorgeous blonde undercover mermaid on her land legs with a sexy mysterious air about her. Her windswept hair cascades over her shoulders. Diego has stars in his eyes when he sees her.

DIEGO

Hey baby. You look beautiful.

Celia blushes at the compliment and hugs Diego tight. Diego guides Celia to the TABLE and pulls out a chair for her. Celia takes her seat.

Diego withdraws a small MATCHBOX from his pocket and lights the center candle for romantic effect. Celia observes the table in awe.

CELIA

Such a wonderful display.

DIEGO

It's not much but thanks.

Diego blushes as he POPS a bottle of CHAMPAGNE. Celia jumps up out of her seat at the sound. Diego CHUCKLES.

CELIA

That scared me!

Celia joins in Diego's laughter.

DIEGO

(laughs)

Don't worry it's just champagne (BEAT) not a gunshot.

Diego pours CHAMPAGNE into CHAMPAGNE FLUTES and proposes a toast.

DIEGO

To you.

They CLINK glasses and take a sip. Celia opens her eyes wide.

CELIA

Oh wow! Bubbly! I like it.

Celia downs the glass.

CELIA

Yum!

Diego GIGGLES.

DIEGO

You're so cute.

He pours Celia more CHAMPAGNE. Diego serves up a dish of PAELLA for Celia and then one for himself.

CELIA

OOH! I love mussels!

DIEGO

Yes me too. Paella is the best.

Celia shoves the full MUSSEL SHELL into her mouth. Diego's jaw drops. She moves it from cheek to cheek and spits out the empty MUSSEL SHELL back onto her plate.

Celia looks up at Diego confused.

CELIA

What?

DIEGO

(laughs)

I've never seen anyone eat a mussel like that.

Celia appears embarrassed.

DIEGO

No it's OK. I just don't want you to choke.

Diego gives a smile of reassurance. Celia relaxes and sips more CHAMPAGNE. They continue with their meal.

                                                                                                                            END SCENE.

Girl

Girl

by Michelle Stiles

·   

·         Change

·         Don’t change

·         Don’t drink but if you do “liquor before beer and then you’re clear”

·         Abstinence is key but if you have sex use protection

·         This is how to shave your legs

·         This is what you wear when you have your period

·         This is how to drive

·         This is how to put on makeup

·         Don’t sleep around but play the field

·         It is ok to cry

·         Don’t show your emotions in public

·         Don’t judge a book by its cover

·         Be good

·         Be bad

·         Have faith in people

·         Don’t trust that person

·         This is how to wear your hair so you look pretty

·         This is how not to wear your hair because it makes you look butch

·         Accept your body for the way it is

·         This is how to get plastic surgery

·         Don’t dress like you’re going to  the beach unless you are going to the beach

·         Eat your vegetables

·         Be quiet

·         Speak up

·         Brush your teeth but here is gum to freshen your breath

·         Work hard; play hard

·         Share but know that you don’t have to

·         Don’t dwell on the past; don’t fear the future; live in the moment

·         Never let go

·         Let go

·         Take your time

·         Hurry up

·         The choice is yours

·         Do what you want to do

·         Don’t do that!

·         Get your work done but take time out for yourself