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.