My Lesson From Jay

Cast

1. Jay
2. Young N

3. N2 (Fatherly voice)

4. Older N

5. Girl

*Camera view*

Scene (S): *Pan view of house then to bird cage (Windows full of sunlight would be nice). Some soothing music playing in the background*

Narrator (N): We once had a pet bird named Jay. Jay was a little on the wild side. We never really played with her much, as we couldn't let her out of her cage in fear that she would take off.  So we tried to tame her. We tried for the longest time. 

S: Feeding Jay. Attempt to play with Jay. *Cut different scenes together with soft transitions*

N: She would chirp all through the night until one day we decided to let her go free...

S: Outside the house during evening holding bird cage *Focus on N's face*. Opens bird cage and let's bird fly free. *Follow Jay as she flies off* *slow focus back to N's face*

N: I remembered something profound my father told me that day. He said,

N2: Sometimes you have to let someone go before you can truly appreciate the moments you shared together. And if that someone truly belongs with you, she'll find her way back.  Jay was never ours to tame, but she knows she has a home here and if she ever comes back, we'll take her back.

N: But she never did.

S: *Transition from Young N to Old N starring in the sunlight. Change music to something more alarming, but sad.*

N: Years passed and I forgot that lesson.

S: Argument with girl.  *Take scenes from both sides. Hands flinging. Close up on both faces. Normal view as well*

N: Sometimes I didn't even want to remember it.

S: On the phone arguing. *cut scenes from both sides*

N: It got bad. Very bad. But I was too stubborn to think that the lesson from Jay would apply in this situation.

S: Argument again than girl slaps N. *Again take scenes from both sides. Close up to girl as she slaps N.*

N: It was so bad I needed that slap to wake me up. I realized the true meaning of my father's words, but it was too late.

S: Girl storms to car and drives away. Cut back to N looking helpless. *From N's back as she walks to the car and enters. Girl's face through the car window. Car as it moves away to reveal N left standing there. Fade back to N's face*

N: My father said that sometimes you have to let someone go before you can truly appreciate the moments you shared together. And if that someone truly belongs to you, she'll find her way back. 

S: *Focus on N's face and slowly darken like sunset.* 

N: And I held on to those words.

S: *from N's back so we can see the gate* as Girl walks backs in and gives N a hug. *fade to black*

N: And that was my lesson from Jay

Letting Go

Letting Go

Characters:

Boyfriend: Nathan

Girlfriend/conscience: Jane

Friend: Bryan

New girl: Sarah

Synopsis:

The whole scene is shot from the perspective of the girlfriend.  The girlfriend has been in a fatal accident and acts as the “conscience” of the boyfriend.  The whole time the boyfriend is oblivious to the girlfriend’s existence because…well, she’s a ghost.

Scene:

House scene.

Boy wakes up from bed.  On the other side of the bed, the girlfriend stirs as he sits up dazed.  She sits up next to him and cuddles him from behind.

Jane:

Why do you look so blur this morning? It’s a great sunny day. Look at the sky! It’s so bright. Can you hear the birds singing? It’s your theme song for the day! Go!

Scene:

Boyfriend suddenly jumps up from the bed and heads to the bathroom.  Girlfriend falls back on the bed.

Jane:

Hey!

Scene:

Jane stands outside the bathroom fidgety.  Then she hears crying and she rushes into the bathroom to find Nathan in tears.

Jane:

It’s okay. I’m here. Nate, I’m here. Everything’s fine. 

Scene:

*cut scene* Nathan is dressed in going out clothes and starts leaving the house. He enters his car with Jane sitting in the passenger seat.  Nathan looks into the car mirror and wipes more tears from his eyes as he turns on the engine and drives off.  Scene switches alternatively from passenger to driver.

Jane:

Look at the time *points at the car’s clock which says 9:02* we’re gonna be late again, Nathan. Why have you been acting strangely these past few weeks? Ever since the accident, you haven’t been yourself.

Scene:

Show flashback of car accelerating into another car/barrier

Jane:

I told you, it was not your fault. It was just an accident. You have got to start letting go and move on.  There was nothing you could have done.

Scene:

Nathan looks at the road and slams the breaks.  He almost crashes into a car. 

Nathan (crying):

I CAN’T DO THIS ANYMORE! I can’t do this without… I can’t live with this guilt. There was so much I could have done, Jane. SO MUCH! I should have paid more attention to the road. I can’t do this. I can’t do this. *rests head on the steering wheel. 

Jane (crying):

Yes, you can. Listen, Nathan, you can move on. I know you’re stronger than that.  I’m alright.  I’m not hurt anymore.  You’ve got to let go, Nathan. I can’t be here forever you know. Now, wipe up those tears and get to the mall, he’s probably already there. 

Nathan:

I don’t want to meet him…I just want to be alone. I’m sorry…

Jane:

Oh, enough already! Nathan Lee Jing Wen! I’ve had enough of your sob story. You got to be the man, and man up. Bryan is waiting for you. See *indicates the phone* He’s calling you already.  Now, let’s clean this face of yours up and maybe you’ll meet a pretty girl there. *smiles*

Scene:

*cut scene* Café scene.

 Nathan and Jane walk into a café and sees Bryan.  Bryan welcomes them to sit down.

Bryan:

Nathan! Long time to see, bro *shakes hand but ignores Jane*. So how has things been, man?

Nathan:

Well, it can’t get any worse right?

Bryan:

C’mon la, dei. It’s been months since that happened.  You know that letter she wrote you right? She told you…

Nathan:

…to start letting go and start moving on. I know, but I keep on thinking that…

Bryan:

Do I have to slap you to your senses for you to wake up? You are not the only one that misses her.  But we all knew that she always tried to prepare for anything.  She wrote you that letter not for you to go all emo all the time. She wrote you that letter so that you’ll have closure.  And she wrote me a letter to make sure you move on…

Scene:

Bryan looks over Nathan’s shoulder and smiles.  Nathan turns around to see Sarah walking towards them.

Bryan:

*as Sarah approaches* Nathan, you remember Sarah right?

Nathan:

*gives Bryan a stare* Yea. Hi, Sarah. *shakes her hand*

Sarah:

Hi Nathan

Jane:

*nudges Nathan* Ooooo, she’s pretty pretty. I knew I could count on Bryan.

Bryan:

Well, would you look at the time? I know. I know. I’m a terrible matchmaker right? Well, that can be your first conversation as you guys start making your way to the cinema for your show. *takes out two ticket stubs and hands them to Nathan.* Oh, Sarah, don’t worry about transport, Nathan has so kindly volunteered to send you home after the movies. *Nathan gives another stare* Don’t look at me like that, Nathan, it’s not attractive at all.  Now go get going, your movie starts in five minutes!

Scene:

Bryan runs away leaving Nathan and Sarah together with Jane.  Nathan and Sarah walk side by side out of the café and Jane follows behind.  They reach a road and Nathan and Sarah cross it.  Jane stops at the sidewalk.  *camera zoom on Jane’s face as she smiles*

Jane:

Take good care of him, Sarah. *Jane fades*

Scene:

*cut scene* Nathan’s room.

Nathan is reading the letter from Jane. *camera scrolls letter as theme song silently plays as Jane’s voice reads the letter.

Letter:

“Hey Nathan, I guess things didn’t turn out as it seemed.  I know you’re going through a hard time now, and I know you’re probably hurting.  I know that you are going through a difficult time and all I have to say is that I’m sorry.  I’m sorry we can’t go on all those fantastic trips we planned. But most of all, I’m sorry that I left you just like that without warning.

I want you to know now that you can’t change the past. What happened has happened. There was no way you could have prevented this from happening – even the weather forecast isn’t always right.  Now you have to be strong okay? You have to move on.  I want you to learn to let go. I know it’s not going to be easy but you have to. 
Promise me that you won’t blame yourself for this.  Promise me that you won’t stay forever in that abyss that you go whenever something bad happens. Promise me that when you finally find the strength to move on, you’ll go out there and find another girl.  I know you won’t forget me.

Thank you for giving me so much. Thank you for loving me. and my only wish is that you’ll learn to shower another with just as much love as you have shown me.

You are forever in my heart

Jane the Dame  :)

Scene:

Nathan closes the letter and lets it go on the table *zoom on hands*.  His phone vibrates.  Picture of Sarah on screen.  He smiles and picks it up. *fade out*

-END

Theme song can be found here: http://pioneerinspired.blogspot.com/2012/09/letting-go.html

No One Cares

Act 1 – No one cares at home

Roof Scene

Calvin with tears in his eyes walks up some stairs. *blackout* Penny is taking a lift to the top floor of a building. *blackout*. Both sit down at the ledge of the building then noticed each other. Unknown to both of them, there is a man that is of hearing distance.

Calvin

Bad day, huh?

*Penny sniffs and nods*

Well, I guess it’s good to know that I’m not the only one…hi, I’m Calvin…

Penny

I’m Penny… Why’d you come up here for?

Calvin

For fresh air? … Who am I kidding? I’m out here because I can’t take it down there anymore. I don’t feel like I belong anymore. Why are you up here?

Penny

I don’t know.  I see in all the movies that when you are sad you go to the top of the tallest building you can find and…

*looks down*

Well…yea…

*They both stare down the building. *

Well, I’m here because… *fade out*

Scene

4 friends are relaxing in a normal homely living room. Pat calls the maid to get drinks for her friends.

Pat

*shouts* Kak! Boleh bagi minuman untuk kawan-kawan saya tak? Kak? Hello!?

*to friends* Sorry, good help is hard to get. She’s probably ignoring me…

Brandon

LOL! Nothing to apologize for la.

Yang

Ya, we all go through the same problem leh.  Haha, anyways let’s get back to the story. Lisa, you were talking about a party at Chloe’s house tomorrow?

Lisa

Yup, Chloe’s inviting all of us.  It would be so cool! Imagine all the guys that will be there, Pat.

Yang

*puts arms around Lisa* Shouldn’t I be the only guy you should be looking at?

Lisa

Yea, um, I will be looking out FOR Pat, Yang.  Oh, Pat, Jack will be there. Maybe he’ll finally make a move.

*all laugh except Pat*

*awkward silence as everyone stares at Pat*

Pat

I doubt my parents will allow me to go to a party so early in the semester.

Brandon

C’mon, Pat, do your parents need to know? My mom doesn’t even know that I’m here! Look, the moment you tell your parents that you are going to a party with boys. It will definitely be a “no go”.    

Lisa

Brandon’s right, Pat, just tell them you are staying over in my place. Technically, you will be, after the party. You won’t be lying…

Pat

I don’t know… I’ll still have to get their permission to go to your place, Lisa, and I’m not sure whether they’ll let me… My last semester’s results were not great at all.

Yang

Why on Earth did you tell them your results in the first place? It’s not SPM anymore Pat.

Pat

I didn’t want to but they asked…

*car engine sound is heard*

And that’s them.  I’ll ask them before dinner alright? I can’t promise anything now…

Scene

Pat’s friends start heading out while her parents enter the door.  They greet each other before parting ways. 

Penny # Pat’s younger sister

*excitedly out from a room* Are mommy and daddy home?

Pat

*Sarcastically* No. That was just Santa Claus. He came a little too early this year.  Who else can it be, Penny?

*Storms into kitchen. Penny follows behind. Mom & Dad are unpacking the groceries and preparing dinner*

Mom. Dad. I was wondering if I can…er…stay over in Lisa’s house tomorrow?

Dad

Who’s Lisa?

Pat

The girl who was just here??

Dad

Which one? Weren't there two girls?

Pat

Dad, there was only one girl; Brandon just has long hair…

Dad

Oh, kids these days.  Why so sudden? Didn't you just go to Lisa’s house last Friday?

Pat

She’s having a…study group…we have a test next week…?

Dad

Why can’t you have it here? Your mom and I will be happy to prepare dinner.

Pat

Because I don’t want to trouble…Penny…we’ll be up ‘til late and I might disturb her when I get to bed…

Mom

What subject is this? I thought your semester just started?

Pat

Erm…I know right. Mr. Jacob’s a very demanding lecturer…

Penny

If you are going to study how are you going to go that party?

*awkward silence*

Pat

Penny, shut up!

Dad

Pat, what is this? Have you been lying?

Pat

I’m not lying…entirely…

Scene

An argument erupts.  The fight ranges from Pat’s lying to her parents, to her bad results, and then to her attitude.

Pat

You know what?! Nevermind! I’m just going to rot in my room for the rest of my life!

*heads to room but stops at Penny*

This is all YOUR fault!

*Stomps into room and slams door. Parents continue to shout at her and then they start fighting among themselves on who is to blame. In the midst of the turmoil, Penny is forgotten.*

Scene

Camera zoom on Penny in tears. Theme song (music only) plays as she runs out the door. Parents do not take notice and continue to shout at each other and Pat.

Act II – No one cares among friends

Roof Scene

Back to the roof of the building

Penny

And that’s why I came up here…why are you here?

Calvin

My story isn’t as nice as yours it’s definitely not as interesting…you won’t like it…no one will.

Penny

C’mon, I told you mine, it’s your turn now. At least, I dunno, somebody must know your story.

Calvin

I’ll tell you mine since you told me yours alright? *fade out*

Scene

Calvin is walking alone.  There is a group of people in the group in front of him.  His classmate, Nathan, is walking behind him and rushes to catch up.

Nathan # classic extrovert

Hey Calvin! Wait up!

*Calvin pauses for Nathan until Nathan catches up*

Hey, I didn’t see you in class yesterday…

*Calvin tries to respond but…*

You know what you missed? Serene joined us for lunch. Oh man, it felt so awkward talking to her instead of talking about her.  She was so hot and all. Jane and Laura were so obviously jealous because me and Mike kept on talking to Serene during the WHOLE lunch.  Oh man, too bad you missed it.

Oh and did you know that that I heard that Ken is getting pretty close to Laura? I should have noticed it yesterday but I was too focused on Serene the whole time that I didn’t bother to tease Laura on who she was messaging so much.  Haha…man, who knew one day of absence, would miss so much! I’m never going to skip another class.

Speaking of classes, do you know what happened in Chem class yesterday? Mr. Brians actually asked me a question out front in front of the whole class but I wasn’t paying attention and all because Serene was still in my head so I just said, “It depends”, and it worked! Oh man, yesterday was such a good day.

*Throughout the monologue, Calvin would make effort to try to make it into a conversation but fail.*

Oh my! I didn’t know that Serene was just ahead of us! Hey, I got to go, I hope you understand. Catch up another time alright? Ciao!

*Nathan runs after the group of people walking in front, leaving Calvin alone again.*

Calvin to himself

Goodbye Nathan.  I guess you didn’t notice that it wasn’t Mike that ate lunch with you and Serene but me. *sigh*

Scene

Calvin goes to lunch and sees Ryan another classmate eating alone. Calvin walks up to him and attempts to join him.

Calvin

Hey Ryan, eating alone?

Ryan

Hey Calvin! Nope I’m eating with my old schoolmates. They are ordering their food now.  You came alone?

*Calvin nods*

Well have fun then. I know you like eating alone and all.

Scene

Shocked Calvin stands stun until Ryan’s friends arrive and Calvin leaves slowly. He hears their laughter as he walks away, and tears begin to form. Theme song begins to play (music only). Lead of into Calvin’s Song starts.

<Rap>

Calvin’s Song

Who is there to hear my plea?

Who here knows my misery?

Yea, I was delusional; maybe egotistical

To think that you cared for me

I mean…

What is a friend

When not on one of them I can depend…on

Do any of you bother to hear my sad song?

What a surprise; you’ve been saying nothing but lies

I now can see the evil behind your disguise.

<Chorus>

I’m done with all the lies you’ve said

I need nothing more to fuel this hate

I know that the blame is mine

I can see it clearly

I can read all of your signs

That no one will miss me

No one will miss me.

Act III – Someone Cares

Roof Scene

They both stare down the building. 

Man

It’s a pretty far way down…and it’ll be pretty messy.

*Calvin and Penny are startled and quickly get off the ledge*

Calvin

Who are you?

Man

Who I am is not important but the one who sent me is…

Penny

My Mom?

Calvin

Befrienders?

Man

*chuckles* Hmmm…I would guess both those answers can be acceptable, but no. You see…Kevin, no? Kenny? No? Casey?...Oh, right, Calvin and err…Perry? Penny! Right! Where was I? Right, Calvin; Penny, when it seems almost impossible to believe that someone would care for you…

*Song: Before the world began*

Calvin

God told you I’d be up here?

Man

Well, not exactly. You see, I came up here tonight to remember one day about five years ago when I was up here looking down very much the same way you two are.  I stood right there swearing and crying and cursing. I was angry…angry because my marriage of about two years was on the rocks, I just got fired from my job…I felt that no one cared. I stood here thinking whether the world would be any different without me in it. I stood there thinking whether the world would even miss me. I pondered for so long until the sun rose. And I felt the warmth and comfort, and I remembered what I heard one Sunday when I was younger, “No matter how dark and powerful the night may seem, remember that God sent His SON/Sun to bring us light and lead us to the right path…

Scene

The sun rises in the distance *fade out* Theme song plays:

No One Cares

Verse 1  

DO you care to know my name?

DO I mean a thing to you?

Or am I just another passer through

Gone like the dew.

Can you hear my silent screams?

Can my eyes tell my pain?

Or do you think that I’m just insane

And turn away again?

The silent treatment hurts

And I fade into a corner

I live a life without a peer

I’m a hermit; a loner.

Pre-chorus 

This is not the life I chose

This is the life I want to close…

Chorus

No one cares; No one cares

This is the song that I declare

No one cares; No one cares

Does anybody hear my prayers?

Who would so kind salvation send?

I have come to understand

That No one cares.

Verse 2

The shouting starts anew

Their fighting never ceases

Am I the only one who wants some peace

Instead of these releases?

The reasons are unclear

But the hatred is so real

Mom and Dad you fighting will…

End this family’s tale.

I feel helpless as they fight

I feel helpless in this life.

And I need a way to end this strife

SO I head into the night…

Pre-chorus

Chorus

Bridge

But then I hear a name

Of a man who came

And he helped the helpless to their feet.

His love knows no end

I cannot comprehend

Why he chose to take my seat

Now a new song I will sing

A message to you I’ll bring

Of this man who died for us…

Jesus

And now I know that…

Chorus 2

Jesus cares; Jesus cares

This is the song that He declares

Jesus cares; Jesus cares

He is here to hear our prayers

He has come, we are now set free

Our price has been paid on Calvary

Because Jesus Cares

After song…

Man

When it seems that no one cares *points up* He does.

Love Everlasting

“Love is strong even in the time of absence.”

Scene:

Man enters bus and sits next to young man (Most of scene will be from young man’s perspective).  Man is holding a huge bouquet of roses.

Young Man (YM):

*listening to mp3 (Music plays when his earphones are on). looks at the bouquet and goes back to reading his work. After some time the man taps him on the shoulder. He removes his earphones (music fades).*

Yes, uncle?

Man:

I’m guessing you are wondering why I’m having these flowers.

YM:

Actually I was listening to a song about flowers and thought it was coincidental that you were carrying some.

*silence as the ride continues.  YM puts the music back in his ears and music begins again.  After a few glances at Man, YM removes his earphones again (Music stops)*

YM:

So are those for your wife?

Man:

Huh? *looks at flowers* Yes, they are.  It’s our fortieth anniversary today.  White tiger lilies are her favorite. 

YM:

I thought white flowers were not for…these kinds of events?

Man:

*chuckles* When you reach my age, you’ll realize that symbolic meaning for colors have no meaning  when compared to the ones you share with each other.  You got a girlfriend?

YM:

No, uncle, been single all my life.

Man:

That’s good.  When you get a girlfriend, you’ll understand what I mean.  Anyways, you are too young to get into a relationship now. I mean, you are like what? 15?

YM:

20, uncle, I’m 20 this year.

Man:

Close enough.  So I’m guessing you have at least a girl in mind now?

YM:

Yea, but I doubt it’ll become anything.

Man:

Oh, don’t say that.  Trust me, if you really want something to work out, it’ll work out.  Just don’t push it.  Want some advice from an old man like me?

YM:

Don’t say liddat la uncle, you don’t look that old. But sure, I would love to know your story at least. How did you meet your wife?

Man:

She was something back in the day.  Didn’t even know she had an eye for me until a few years after we’ve been friends.  *pauses: reflective* I asked her out on our first date alone after knowing her for three years.  I’ve had feelings for her for almost two years then already but was always too shy to make a move. I rather we stayed friends and avoid the awkwardness.  But I finally found my guts and we were off like rockets.  After three years of going together (of course with the bumps and turbulence) I proposed and we were married the year after that. 

The only tip I can get you is, don’t wait too long like I did.  I waited while she jumped from relationship after relationship, getting her heart broken, and getting angry at all the jerks that took advantage to her.  She told me when we were dating that she was actually waiting for me to ask her but she taught I had an eye on someone else… Well, who could have known? In the end, even though all things worked out for the better, I just wished I had more time with her…

My stop’s here.  See you around and all the best with your girl.

*YM looks blurred out but greets Man goodbye.  Looks out the window to see Man walk into a cemetery.*

-END