FADE IN.
EXT. DOWNTOWN STREETS-NIGHT
MUSIC UP.
A picturesque uptown skyline, calm, serene. The well lit low rise buildings illuminate the night.
Outside there's a large luminous three story plaza. It's garnished with Christmas wreathes, lighted snow flakes, and colorful flashing lights. Embellishing a traditional Christmas Town flavor.
CUT TO:
Inside the plaza, the store's display a commercialized Christmas.
SIGNS everywhere entice shoppers. There's Still Time! Get it Now! Fifty, 60 and 70% off!
In a controlled frenzy, patrons whisk in and out of shops buying last minute gifts.
CUT TO:
Outside another plaza. A gigantic Christmas tree seems to touch the heavens. It's warm lights shine brightly.
At the bottom of the tree, a gospel choir sings.
CUT TO:
Downtown, not as pretty, the people not as happy. The traffic is heavy. Winos, vagrants, and prostitutes inhabit the streets.
On the street corner a TEENAGER sells stolen watches.
A Lexus pulls up to the curb. A PROSTITUTE, wearing a skin tight leather red elf's suit, seductively STROLLS over to the car.
In front of a liquor store, a shabby DRUNKEN SANTA CLAUS harasses a YOUNG BLACK WOMAN.
CUT TO:
INT. LIQUOR STORE-NIGHT
Two men in their late twenties, NICK CAMENS (27) and MARCUS ROBINSON (29), occupy the back of the liquor store.
Marcus looks at several bottles of liquor. Nick anxiously looks at his watch.
NICK
Yo man hurry the fuck up, you know we're already late.
MARCUS
All right, all right.
NICK
Come on man, you know how Kelli can get.
Marcus turns to Nick, cutting his eyes tightly, the edges of his mouth curl.
MARCUS
I guess you forgot who I'm married too.
Marcus GRABS two bottles. The two men walk up front.
Marcus sits the bottles on the counter.
The CASHIER, behind bullet proof glass, SCANS the bottles.
CASHIER
Two bottles of Hennessy, will that be all sir.
Marcus smiles at Nick.
MARCUS
(sarcastically)
Yeah let me get some Crown for my man right here. You know he's old school.
NICK
Fuck You!
Marcus LAUGHS. The cashier slides them a bag. Marcus bags the bottles. He and Nick exit the store.
CUT TO:
EXT. LIQUOR STORE-NIGHT
Marcus takes two steps out of the store.
BOOM! He collides with the drunken santa, knocking the santa to the ground.
MARCUS
Sorry.
Marcus and Nick help santa on his feet.
MARCUS (CONT'D)
Are you okay.
The santa slowly nods Yes. Keeping his head down, not giving them a clear view of his face.
Nick glances at Marcus. Marcus peers back, he frowns. Nick reaches in his pocket. Puts a folded bill in the santa's hand.
NICK
Merry Christmas.
The santa opens the bill, it's a TWENTY. Still keeping his face hidden. He hugs Nick and shakes Marcus hand.
SANTA
Bless you.
The santa walks off.
A fine, long legged young black woman exits a drug store.
Marcus sees her, he gets Nick's attention.
MARCUS
Nick get in the car, I'll be back in a second.
Seeing the woman Nick responds.
NICK
Marcus fuck that peeper! Let's go!
Blows Nick off. With a MACK DADDY STRUT Marcus pursues the woman.
Nick checks his watch, pissed, enters the car.
CUT TO:
INT. CAR-NIGHT
Nick mumbles to himself.
NICK (CONT'D)
I should have came by myself.
Spies the review-mirror. Sees Marcus and the fine female.
With a players smile, he makes her laugh. Moments later Marcus approaches the car. Jumps in WAVING a torn sheet of paper, victoriously.
MARCUS
Pisszwo! Got the digits boy.
NICK
Well you better make sure Shy doesn't see that shit!
Marcus RUBS the paper against his head.
MARCUS
Don't worry brother-in-law, I'm gonna engrave this number in my head. Anyway did you see the body on that girl. Booty..booty, and more booty.
NICK
So how old is this one?
MARCUS
Nineteen.
NICK
You know what I don't understand, you're married to one of the finest and sweetest sisters in Oakland, Why?
Marcus THUMPS the sheet of paper.
MARCUS
Variety is the spice of life.
Nick shakes his head disgustingly. Puts the car in gear, speeds off.
As the car speeds down the street, the drunken santa emerges from a dark corner. He pulls out a cell phone.
The street light catches his face. Average looking white male, one exception. A three to four cm SCAR under his left eye.
From his pocket, he pulls out a WALLET SIZE PHOTO.
It's Nick's wedding picture. DRAWS a BLACK X over Nick's face.
CUT TO:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, KITCHEN-NIGHT
Two women are cooking, fraternal twins. KELLI, (27) pretty, slim, long black hair, adds spices to the boiling water.
SHA'RON, (27) sexy, slammin body, short neat hair, OBESELY CHOPPING vegetables.
She stops, waving the knife irately.
SHA'RON
Where the hell are they! You know we should have never let those two go!
Kelli backs away from her sister. Calmly removes the knife from Sha'Ron's hand.
KELLI
Your right Shy, but maybe we'll give them a few more minutes before we break out the pistols.
SHA'RON
(smiles)
Girl you know how I can get sometimes.
KELLI
Mmm-hmm.
CUT TO:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, LIVING ROOM-NIGHT
The doorbell RINGS. ANGELA, (34) the oldest sister to Sha'Ron and Kelli, is wrapping Christmas presents. She stops, answers the door.
ANGELA
Who is it?
MARCUS (O.S.)
Hey it's backdoor Santa looking to share some Christmas love!
Angela smiles and opens the door. She quickly looks at her watch.
ANGELA
Two hours to go to the store?
Nick eyeballs Marcus, indicating his blame. Angela cuts her eyes at Marcus too.
Blowing them off. Marcus holds the large brown bag of liquor. Reaches inside, pulls a pocket size bag out. Stuffing it in his back pocket. Hands Angela the large brown bag of liquor.
MARCUS
Yeah, yeah lets blame everything on Marcus tonight.
Marcus and Nick exit the living room. Slowly descend to the kitchen.
The downstairs bathroom door opens, out pops DEBBIE, a very cute 5yr old girl. Wearing pink PJ's, she greets them with a warm smile.
DEBBIE
Hey Uncle Nick, Uncle Mac.
Nick bends down to pick up the cute girl. Tickles her neck and chest. She giggles.
NICK
What's up Debbie, are you ready for santa.
Marcus takes Debbie from Nick. He kisses her on the cheek.
MARCUS
Yeah cutie, you're coming with me.
CUT TO:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, KITCHEN-NIGHT
Nick and Marcus enter the kitchen. Marcus is still holding Debbie.
Sha'Ron arguing, her back to them. Kelli alerts her.
KELLI
Hey look who's here!
Sha'Ron turns quickly. Outraged she points at Marcus.
SHA'RON
Who in the H__ _ _. Hey!
Sha'Ron's obscenity is halted.
Marcus holding Debbie with one arm, pulls a small bag from his back pocket. He smirks at Sha'Ron, boastfully speaks.
MARCUS
Hey boo look who's here.
Debbie waves.
DEBBIE
Hey Aunt Shy Shy, Aunt K.K.
KELLI
Hey Pokey how you doing.
Sha'Ron takes Debbie. She gives her hugs and kisses.
SHA'RON
Hey baby give your Aunt Shy Shy a big kiss.
Sha'Ron frowns at Marcus. Cuts her eyes sharply.
Marcus hands Sha'Ron the bag. She snatches if from Marcus.
Kelli PINCHES Nick's arm. Nick grimaces in pain. Rubs his arm for comfort.
KELLI
Nick let's go help Angie wrap the Christmas presents.
Nick still rubbing.
NICK
Okay baby.
CUT TO:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, HALLWAY-NIGHT
Kelli and Nick stop in the hallway. She glares at Nick.
KELLI
So where in the hell did the two of you go?
NICK
You know Marcus, I know Marcus, and Shy knows Marcus.
KELLI
So if Marcus wants to ride all over Oakland, you're going to be fool enough to be his chauffeur.
Nick moves closer to Kelli.
NICK
Kelli why are you stressing, it's not that deep.
Kelli PUSHES Nick away.
KELLI
Oh yes it is! I trust you, but Marcus is trifling. So please don't let him get you in trouble.
Nick GRABS Kelli by the waist. She passively resist. Nick manages to pull her closer.
NICK
Stop fussing and come here. It's Christmas Eve, so let me bring you some holiday joy.
Nick attempts to kiss Kelli. Kelli turns her head. Pulling her head back, she places a finger in Nick's face. Smiles very sexy.
KELLI
Don't you mess up a good thing.
Nick and Kelli kiss deeply, passionately.
FADE:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, DINNING ROOM-NIGHT
Food steams from the table. Turkey, ham, corn, and cornbread are some of the choices. Seven out of ten chairs are occupied. Kelli and Sha'Ron set the table. The phone RINGS.
Angela rises out of her seat, rushes out of the room to answer the phone.
CUT TO:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, LIVING ROOM-NIGHT
The answering machine has pick up. Angela stops it, grabs the phone.
ANGELA
Richardson residents.
Angela's startled by the voice. YELLS upstairs.
ANGELA (CONT'D)
Daddy it's for you!
MICHAEL RICHARDSON (O.S.)
Thanks baby I'll take it up here!
Angela places the phone to her ear. SHOUTING is heard. Angela is visibly disturbed. Hangs up the receiver. Angela returns to the dinning room.
CUT TO:
INT. DINNING ROOM-NIGHT
The men are getting restless. They are ready to eat. Two YOUNG BOYS pick at the food. Angela scolds her husband, DAVID LOPEZ (36) Latin, medium built, very reserved.
ANGELA
David don't let those boys eat until everyone is here!
DAVID
Boys you heard your momma, put that food down!
The two boys quickly stop. Marcus takes a PINCH of cornbread, puts it in his mouth.
MARCUS
Shit you can't get mad at the boys, I wanna eat too.
Nick rubs his stomach, indicating extreme hunger.
NICK
Your daddy won't mind if we break bread without him.
CLANG! Kelli drops the carving utensils on the table.
KELLI
Hell no!
Kelli walks to the front of the table.
KELLI (CONT'D)
This is a family dinner and it's going to stay a family dinner!
MIKE RICHARDSON,(52) tall with a trimmed graying beard. Enters eyes glaring. He speaks harshly.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
You guys ain't eating yet?
Nick sarcastically jokes.
NICK
See what I told you.
Kelli SMACKS Nick on the back of his head.
KELLI
No!
Kelli gently hooks her father's arm, calmly placing him at the head of the table.
KELLI (CONT'D)
Since Christmas Eve dinner is a family tradition, and this your house. We just wanted you to bless the food daddy.
Mike Richardson nods in approval. Everyone holds hands and bows their head.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
Lord thank you for the wonderful blessing you have given this family; Health, prosperity, happiness. Thank you for the abundance of food on the table and especially thank you for keeping our family healthy, strong and safe...Amen.
MARCUS
Lets' eat!
Mike Richardson carves the meat. The family passes plates of food. Everyone is talking and eating.
FADE:
INT. RICHARDSON HOME, LIVING ROOM-NIGHT
The adult members gather by an enormous WHITE FIR PINE CHRISTMAS TREE. The tree lots of lights. Lots of presents.
Nick and Marcus stand by the couch drinking.
David sits on the couch. Angela is between his legs.
Kelli and Sha'Ron are on the floor. They shake the Christmas presents, then pass each one out.
Mike Richardson stands and speaks.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
You know I look at my girls and I'm so proud. I just wish your mother was here to see this, although I only see it once a year.
KELLI
Well daddy that's the only time everybody can get together, but next year Nick and I want everyone to come to Atlanta for Christmas.
Mike Richardson sips a drink. He sits down.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
You know I haven't been down south in years.
Mike Richardson points to Kelli.
MICHAEL RICHARDSON (CONT'D)
You see those boxes Kelli, take one and give the others to your sisters.
Kelli exited grabs THREE RED and GOLD BOXES and hands them to Sha'Ron and Angela. Angela tears the corners of her box.
Sha'Ron rips her paper off to open hers.
Kelli carefully takes her time to open hers. She takes one piece of tape off at a time.
Everyone stops and look at Kelli. Their stares indicate to her hurry up. She looks, then RIPS the paper off.
Angela opens her box first. Very excited, she pulls two tickets out.
ANGELA
Plane tickets!
MICHAEL RICHARDSON
Those are first class tickets for 2 weeks in Rio. All expenses paid.
Angela stands up walks towards Mike Richardson. She smiles at her father, squeezes him tightly, gives him a KISS.
ANGELA
Thank you!
Kelli the same as Angela.
KELLI
Love you daddy.
Sha'Ron same as her sisters. Sha'Ron holds her father's hand tightly.
SHA'RON
I've always wanted to go to Rio.
Sha'Ron SQUEEZES her father's hand a little tighter. She gives him a loving stare. Sha'Ron takes a deep breath.
SHA'RON (CONT'D)
There's something I have to say. The reason why I've been so moody & more crazy than usual is, I'm pregnant!
Kelli and Angela rush to give Sha'Ron a hug. Marcus beams with excitement.
MARCUS
Shit I'm going to be a daddy!
ANGELA
Oh baby, welcome to motherhood.
Kelli smiles brightly, eyes water slightly.
KELLI
Oh girl, I didn't think you were going to beat me.
Everyone is LAUGHING and TALKING.
FADE:
INT. OFFICE-DAY
Subtitle, The months later. Phones RINGS WILDLY. A multitude of CUBICLES dominate. WORKERS HECTICALLY perform their jobs.
A set of worker, in business attire, walk through a double glass door. They wave. Then board an elevator.
Behind a large desk, a SECRETARY, has a communication head set on. She waves. Her phone RINGS. She answers.
SECRETARY
Good morning, Vilade Marketing, hold please.
Another RING. In control she taps a button.
SECRETARY (CONT'D)
Vilade Marketing. Yes you want to confirm your Friday appointment with Mrs. Camens.
She reaches for an appointment book. Turns two pages. Then back to the phone.
SECRETARY (CONT'D)
Okay it's confirmed.
Another RING. Calmly she hits another button.
SECRETARY (CONT'D)
Good morning Vilade Marketing, you would like to speak to Kelli Camens, may I ask whose calling. Hold please.
The secretary hits another button, BUZZING her boss.
CUT TO:
INT. KELLI'S OFFICE-DAY
Kelli reviews files on her desk. RING! She touches a button on the phone, on speaker a voice BELLOWS out.
SECRETARY (V.O.)
Mrs. Camens.
KELLI
Yes.
SECRETARY (V.O.)
You have a call on line 2, from Jason Thrash.
KELLI
Okay I'll take it.
Kelli touches a button.
KELLI (CONT'D)
Hello Jason how's it going.
On speaker again, the voice emotionally CRACKS, SQUEAKS.
JASON THRASH (V.O.)
(frantically)
I need your help! Sales for this quarter were low!
KELLI
Well Jason we have a meeting today, and the new project should be ready.
JASON THRASH
Perfect! I hope they like the new concept.
KELLI
Jason they will.
Kelli hangs up. She walks to her window. Admires the downtown scenery.
CUT TO:
INT. OFFICE BOARDROOM-DAY
Six MEN and WOMEN sit at a long table. They are tense. Kelli enters. She places a briefcase on the table. Walks around the table.
KELLI (CONT'D)
Good morning everybody. I just assured the client that we had something slammin for him. So lets see it.
Two workers leave the table. They insert a disk into a video player.
WORKER IN BLUE DRESS
Well, here's our presentation.
Another worker turns the lights off.
A series of images are shown on the projection screen.
The show ends, lights come on.
Kelli walks to the front of the table.
KELLI
Good concept, but the product needs to stand out more.
MALE WORKER
So you like the idea, but we need to highlight the product more.
KELLI
Exactly!
Kelli sits down. Rolling her sleeves up.
KELLI (CONT'D)