Screenplay: A Gay In the Life Of

this is the backstory to the 3 day novel, Why Do Mannequins have Nipples

but I wrote it later… wait.. no all my scripts are inter-related

the earlier logline was: Against a backdrop of a homophobic double murder, Nikky (out, butch) and Audrey (closet femme) re-evaluate their relationship

Right: I wrote the original in 6 hours for a National Film Board/Telefilm/BC Film threeway contest deadline to have a back up to Coffee, which I had entered a second time.

WGA # 873783
A Gay
In The Life Of….
A Screenplay
By Nina Tryggvason
Logline: Two Dykes. One Relationship. Two Choices. One Day.

EXT. BACKYARD GARDEN – DAY.
There is a low fence around the yard. GLORIA (35, gardening
gloves, T-shirt, stretch pants) is pulling weeds.
INT. KITCHEN – DAY.
MARY (38, casually dressed) watches Gloria garden for a few
minutes, then resumes cutting up lemons. She drops the lemon
slices into a pitcher of lemonade.
EXT. BACKYARD GARDEN – DAY.
Gloria pauses, wipes her brow and peeks over her shoulder at
Mary emerging from the house with a tray holding the lemonade
pitcher and two glasses of ice. Gloria resumes gardening,
pretending not to have noticed Mary. Mary stops behind
Gloria, kneels down, and quietly fishes an ice cube out of a
glass. She holds the ice cube just above Gloria’s neck, so
that the drips will go down her shirt. Gloria shrieks when
the cold water hits her. She drops her gardening tool and
spins around, knocking Mary flat. They begin to wrestle,
shrieking, laughing and kissing each other.
EXT. NEXT YARD OVER – DAY.
A MAN (40ish) throws his newspaper disgustedly on the ground
as he gets up out of his lawn chair. He enters his house.
EXT. BACKYARD GARDEN – DAY.
Mary and Gloria are lying together, kissing. Gloria leans
back.
GLORIA
How’s dinner coming? Bev and
Lindsay will be here in an hour.
MARY
There’s plenty of time for a
shower.
GLORIA
Together?
EXT. NEXT YARD OVER – DAY.
MAN emerges from house with a hunting rifle. His WIFE comes
running out on the porch.
WIFE
Gary! Don’t!
EXT. BACKYARD GARDEN – DAY.
Gloria and Mary stop kissing and look over to the next yard.
Terror registers on their faces. FREEZE FRAME over SCREAMS
and GUN SHOT sounds.
FADE to red.
Title Credits: A Gay In The Life Of…
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S BEDROOM – (NEXT DAY) MORNING.
There are night tables on both sides of the bed, each with
their own alarm clocks. The room is tidy. The alarm clock on
the left RINGS, NIKKY TAVES (25, brush cut hair, soft butch
dyke, university student) whacks the snooze button. Repeat
GUNSHOT SOUND as Nikky hits the snooze button. She rolls over
and puts her arm around AUDREY DEMPSEY (26, straight looking
lipstick lez, bank teller), kissing the back of her throat.
AUDREY
(into her pillow)
Mmmmm.
NIKKY
(still kissing her)
Happy First Anniversary, Audrey.
AUDREY
(turning to face Nikky)
How do you remember these things
when you first get up?
NIKKY
I checked the calendar last night.
Audrey sits up, leans over and kisses Nikky.
AUDREY
Well, I’ll make a special dinner
tonight. When are your classes over
today?
NIKKY
(freely groping Audrey)
How about I skip my first class
today and we celebrate right now?
Nikky ducks her head under the blankets and kisses Audrey’s
body. Audrey relaxes, a smile plays on her lips.
2.
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY (CONT’D)
(muffled by blankets &
kisses)
Besides, collective meeting
tonight, I’m meeting Lindsay for
coffee before.
Audrey reacts to Lindsay’s name. She squirms & smacks semigently
at Nikky’s covered shoulders. She throws the blanket
back just enough to expose Nikky. Nikky is startled and sits
upright.
AUDREY
What the hell does Lindsay want
now?
NIKKY
I don’t know, that’s why I’m
meeting her.
Nikky leans forward to continue, but Audrey moves firmly away
from Nikky. Annoyed, Nikky slides out of bed and dresses.
Audrey pulls the blankets around herself.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
I should be home by eleven. There’s
a heavy agenda tonight and I expect
that, as usual, Malcolm and Jess
will get into it big time.
AUDREY
When don’t they argue? I don’t know
why Jess even goes to a mixed
gender coalition. Isn’t it against
her separatist mandate to be in the
same room as men or something?
NIKKY
Ha-ha. Forget Jess. I want to
celebrate this morning. It’s your
day off, and I can cut class, so I
thought…
AUDREY
No, you can’t cut class, teachergirl.
I’ve got stuff to do today
and our anniversary is tonight, not
tomorrow and not the moreconvenient-
for-you weekend. Should
I make an anniversary dinner
tonight or not?
3.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
(twisting indide)
Can’t we celebrate tomorrow night
instead?
AUDREY
You know very well that my Queer
Parents-To-Be Support Group is
tomorrow. We’re covering
grandparents’ suing for custody
caselaw. You know my Mother is
going to freak when I have a baby
that we co-parent.
Nikky opens her mouth to make a caustic remark, but she looks
directly at the camera with a ‘Should-I-be-mean-or-let-itslide’
look, waits for an answer, then nods. She lets the
comment slide.
NIKKY
We’ll figure something out. I’m
late, can I borrow your car? I can
get home easier.
AUDREY
Sure, just put some gas in this
time, okay?
Nikky nods as she buttons her jacket. Nikky exits to living
room.
NIKKY (O.S.)
Um, can I borrow ten dollars for
gas?
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S LIVING ROOM – MORNING.
Decorated in “early university student” – brick and board
bookcases (overflowing with lesbian books), lesbian posters,
wimmin music CD’s, photos of wimmin and magazine pictures of
lesbian celebrities, and a computer in the corner covered
with loose papers. Nikky enters.
AUDREY (O.S.)
Whatever. My purse is in the living
room.
Nikky picks up Audrey’s purse from the couch, rifles it and
grimly takes a bill from Audrey’s wallet. The phone RINGS.
Nikky ignores it. She studies a snapshot of herself and
Audrey stuck in the frame of Audrey’s high school graduation
picture. She touches the picture briefly.
4.
CONTINUED: (2)
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S BEDROOM – MORNING.
Audrey (half-dressed) answers the phone.
AUDREY
Hello?
(pauses)
No, Lee, Nikky’s left for school,
she’ll see you on campus I’m sure.
(starts to hang up, but
pauses)
What? Who? Ohmigod. Lemme see if I
can catch Nikky.
(Yelling)
Nikky!
Audrey drops the phone on the bed and exits hurriedly.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S LIVING ROOM – MORNING.
Audrey enters.
NIKKY
What? Who’s on the phone?
AUDREY
Lee, it’s bad news, I’m so sorry.
Nikky reluctantly picks up the phone.
NIKKY
Lee?
(pauses)
No, they can’t be, not Gloria and
Mary. No, Lee, please tell me this
is a sick joke.
(pauses, crying)
No, I’ll meet you,
(pauses)
No, not the pub, it’s too public,
I’ll meet you at the Queer
Association Office. An hour?
(pauses)
Okay, no, it’s better you called.
See ya, Lee.
Nikky hangs up. Audrey looks like she’s going to throw up.
Nikky cries. Audrey steps forward and holds her. Audrey sits
them down on the couch. Gently, Audrey rocks Nikky.
5.
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Why? Why Gloria and Mary? Their
next-fucking-door neighbour. He
shot them over the fence. Lee said
<sob> that they didn’t even make it
to the hospital.
AUDREY
(Holding Nikky, trying not
to cry, soothing)
I don’t know, I don’t know what
makes people do that. Gloria, she
was that womyn who was going to be
your teacher-mentor, wasn’t she?
NIKKY
(crying, trying to stop)
Yeah, you met them at Lindsay’s
cook out last month. Gloria taught
high school history and drama and
Mary painted. I think she privately
tutored kids, too. I dunno. I just
can’t believe that someone would do
that.
AUDREY
Did Lee say why?
NIKKY
(angry)
Next-door neighbour apparently had
had enough of the suburban dykes
flaunting their lifestyle.
Nikky stands up and paces the room.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
(ranting with grief and
anger)
Huh, some lifestyle, like anyone
would pick being discriminated
against and murdered. Gloria and
Mary weren’t living a lifestyle,
they were living their lives, just
living their lives like anyone
else, dammit! – developing their
careers, buying and making a home,
paying taxes. Hell, either of them
could even have passed for straight
middle class suburban housewives.
6.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Audrey recoils, suddenly worrying about the impression that
she and Nikky make on the general public. She looks at the
photo stuck in her graduation picture.
AUDREY
I don’t want you to go out there.
Stay home with me.
NIKKY
I can’t stay home. I’m meeting Lee.
I’ve got a meeting tonight. I’ve
got classes.
AUDREY
You said that you wanted to skip
class today and celebrate our
anniversary. So skip it. Just don’t
go out there, not today, not now.
NIKKY
If I stay in, then those murdering
straight bastards win. I can’t hide
in the woodwork. Gloria wouldn’t
have wanted anyone to stop doing
political work, she was in Gay and
Lesbian Educators. I think Mary did
some political work too.
AUDREY
No, she stayed home and painted. I
talked to her at that cook out,
while you and Gloria and Lindsay
talked shop.
NIKKY
Whatever. Don’t you see that if I
stay home, that they win?
AUDREY
I don’t know or care about this
“they”. All I know is that people
we knew were murdered and I’m
scared and you’re upset and I want
you to stay home. You don’t look
like a straight middle class
suburban housewife.
Nikky stops short. She looks hard at Audrey, who does.
NIKKY
I don’t want to fight anymore with
you.
7.
CONTINUED: (2)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
I’m tired of always fighting over
really trivial things.
(she sits with Audrey)
I love you. I want to be with you
in twenty years. I want a house in
the ‘burbs. But I want to do
political work now so that when we
get to a point where we can have
that, we can have all that. The
baby you want, too.
AUDREY
Just stay with me today. We’ll do
my errands together.
NIKKY
What errands?
AUDREY
Like, haul your undies to the
Laundromat, a lunch appointment
with Mother, and I need to pick up
those theatre tickets you wanted to
the Sexpertease III Show.
NIKKY
I forgot about Sexpertease. Well, I
guess I better let you go and I
better get to school.
Nikky shimmies off of the couch. Audrey is disappointed.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Say hello to your mother for me.
AUDREY
You know Mother and I don’t talk
about you.
NIKKY
Audrey, I’m just tired of her
thinking I’m your roommate and that
we can’t afford more than a one
bedroom place.
AUDREY
Well, we can’t afford a two
bedroom, so it’s a good thing we
are girlfriends and not roommates.
Besides, aren’t you going to be
late to see Lee?
8.
CONTINUED: (3)
NIKKY (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
I’m too upset to drive, so I’ll
catch the bus. I’ll see you later.
Nikky leans down to kiss Audrey. Audrey kisses her desperate
for Nikky to stay. Nikky breaks off the kiss.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
I’ll be okay, I promise. I won’t
flaunt myself and get killed today.
INT. BUS – LATER. MORNING
Nikky is seated alone on a two person seat. She exudes a dark
menacing to OTHER PATRONS. She looks down at her notebook,
which has little hearts and “Audrey” scribbles all over it.
INT. TABLE AT JAQUE’S CAFÉ (FLASHBACK 1 YEAR) – NIGHT
Jaque’s Café is a funky collection of female music and
feminist/lesbian memorabilia. Nikky and Audrey are sitting at
a window table. They are on a first date.
AUDREY
Well, I live with Mother. Father
passed away four years ago, and I
didn’t see any point upsetting her
and moving out on my own. And I
hadn’t met anyone I want to live
with.
Audrey smiles shyly at Nikky
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Until now, at least.
NIKKY
(coughs)
Um, have you had a girlfriend
before?
AUDREY
Well, my answer depends.
NIKKY
On what?
AUDREY
Whether or not I have a girlfriend
now. I don’t discuss my past sex
life with just anyone.
9.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
Nikky sips her coffee slowly. Her hand trembles as she places
the cup on the saucer.
NIKKY
(flushed)
You can tell me anything.
Audrey leans across the table and squeezes Nikky’s hand.
AUDREY
(beaming)
Well, then, it’s all set. I’ll tell
Mother tonight.
NIKKY
Tell her what?
Nikky shifts uncomfortably.
AUDREY
That I’m moving out, of course.
I’ll have to, Mother thinks I’m
straight.
NIKKY
And into?
AUDREY
(wondering if maybe she’s
rushing)
Well, it doesn’t make much sense
for me to get a place by myself.
Does it?
Audrey sips her coffee nervously. Nikky is somewhat
dumbfounded.
NIKKY
Why do you want to move in so
quickly?
Audrey pulls her hand away and sits straighter.
AUDREY
(as if to a small child)
Mother thinks I’m straight, and I’m
an only child, and Father left a
sizeable inheritance that is in a
Trust controlled by Mother. So, I
don’t see any reason to upset her.
10.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
But it’s too soon to move in
together! We don’t even know each
other’s middle names! You’re moving
too fast, Audrey. It’s our first
date, I mean, even U-Haul Dykes
wait until the second date.
(pauses to slow down)
Look, let’s date for a while, if
we’re together in six months, then
we’ll reassess this living together
idea. Okay?
AUDREY
No.
NIKKY
All right then. Wait. Whaddya mean
no? You want to rush in and start
living together when we haven’t
even kissed? What if we’re not, you
know, sexually compatible?
Audrey stands and leans forward, digs her fingers into
Nikky’s short hair and pulls her head back.
Audrey kisses her hard, softening only after Nikky responds
to the kiss. She loosens her grip and slides her hand up and
down Nikky’s back. When she feels Nikky’s lips part, she
thrusts her tongue exploring between them.
As abruptly as she began, Audrey ends the kiss. Nikky sits
and blinks blankly, her brain circuits overloaded by the
intensity.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
When did you say you could move in?
EXT. JAQUE’S CAFE (BACK TO PRESENT) – DAY.
CHRIS SCHROEDER (29, earth mom, vegetarian), JACQUELINE
‘JAQUE’ LEPREVOST (27, butch, walking wounded), BLAIR BISSELL
(24, feminist het, server at Jaque’s) and Audrey are sitting
outside, drinking coffees.
AUDREY
Nikky knew Gloria, and we met Mary
at a cookout last month. They were
such a nice couple. I just can’t
believe it.
11.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
JAQUE
Mary always had a peppermint herbal
tea plain and cream cheese with
cucumber on rye. Gloria, a
cappuccino with cinnamon and the
special of the day.
BLAIR
Every Thursday and Saturday. They
always tipped 40%.
CHRIS
I heard that they were together for
almost twenty years. I’ve never
even had a friend that long. I
can’t imagine being with the same
person for that long.
BLAIR
You and Teresa have been together
for two three years now?
Chris shrugs.
AUDREY
Here I sit, where Nikky and I began
our relationship a year ago,
sulking that she’s going to the
collective meeting, while Gloria
and Mary, who’ve been together for
almost twenty, are dead.
JAQUE
(shaking her head)
At least Gloria and Mary had a good
life together, they were well
matched, personality and interests.
You’re not very politically active,
Audrey, but that’s what you have to
expect when you marry an activist.
They’re always at rallies. You
deserve someone who’s more of a
homebody, more like you.
BLAIR
Like you, Jaque?
JAQUE
Hey, I was chasing Audrey back
then, too, I’ll have you know.
12.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
BLAIR
Yeah, but Jaque, I’ve noticed
you’re always chasing femmes,
especially those who have been
caught by others.
CHRIS
Yeah, you’re always here at the
café, so how would that be better
for Audrey than Nikky being at
rallies and collective meetings?
AUDREY
Besides, I thought you wanted to
convert Blair?
BLAIR
Hey yeah, I thought that it was me
you wanted to convert!
JAQUE
Any time, any where, any place, any
thing, baby. But, hot as you are,
Blair, I’m not foolish enough to
turn down a hot fem lesbian like
Audrey while I wait for you to say
yes.
BLAIR
Well, I think that your best pal,
the butch babe Nikky, might still
have something to say about it.
AUDREY
So might the hot fem lesbian
Audrey.
JAQUE
Well, I would hope you have
something to say, preferably “yes”.
AUDREY
Well, mostly, I have things to say
to Nikky. I’m sick of her never
being home and rushing off to
collective meetings.
JAQUE
Nikky’s just dedicated, was it not
her passion for all things
political that you were so
attracted to in the beginning?
13.
CONTINUED: (2)
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S LIVING ROOM (FLASHBACK 10 MONTHS) -
DAY.
Audrey (business clothes) is waiting in the living room.
Nikky ( a “Keep your rosaries off my ovaries” T-shirt,
political lapel pins, jeans) enters from the bedroom.
NIKKY & AUDREY
Why are you dressed like that?
They laugh.
NIKKY
Rally? This afternoon, ring any
bells?
AUDREY
Lunch with Mark and Judy? The
friends of mine you wanted to meet?
Ring any bells?
NIKKY
Oh shit. I forgot, what time’s
lunch?
AUDREY
Well, lunch, lunch-time, call me
crazy, but maybe noon?
The sarcasm goes over Nikky’s head.
NIKKY
Well, it’s perfect, the rally’s at
two, we can do both! Cool. But, um,
Audrey, one of us is not exactly
dressed for the day.
Nikky holds out a T-shirt emblazoned with “I’m not a lesbian,
but my girlfriend is” Audrey takes it, then laughs. She hugs
Nikky and kisses her.
AUDREY
You really crack me up.
NIKKY
I thought you could wear it to
lunch with Mark and Judy. If you’re
gonna tell them about us, we may as
well lay it on thick. If they’re
cool about the shirt. . .
14.
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Hmmm, I hadn’t thought about how I
was gonna come out to my friends. I
guess I’ll go change.
NIKKY
Me too, I’m a little too out to
meet your straight pals for the
first time.
AUDREY
There isn’t a rally?
NIKKY
Yeah, at two, I’ll stuff this gear
in my knapsack. I did remember the
lunch.
AUDREY
You’re a nutbar, a certifiable
nutbar. C’mere.
Nikky moves innocently towards Audrey. Audrey kisses her.
INT. JAQUE’S CAFE (PRESENT DAY) LATER – DAY.
CHRIS
Well, Audrey? What do you think?
AUDREY
I’m sorry, I zoned out. Think about
what?
JAQUE
Coming out and losing your job.
AUDREY
Oh, how’d we get there?
CHRIS
You really did zone out. I was just
saying that if we taught the
tolerance in schools that children
are clearly not getting taught at
home, then Gloria and Mary would
probably still be alive.
BLAIR
Again, I say that that doesn’t help
people now. It doesn’t help people
get and keep their jobs or . . .
15.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
CHRIS
Blair, I understand that people
lose their jobs, believe me. I’m
just saying that if more
celebrities than just kd lang and
Melissa Etheridge came out, that it
would be easier to gain acceptance.
Especially sports figures or
politicians.
AUDREY
Do you think sports figures have a
greater impact than entertainment
Celebes, Chris?
JAQUE
Who’s coming out would affect the
homophobic jock types more – Jodie
Foster or Babe Ruth?
AUDREY
(shocked)
Babe Ruth was gay?
JAQUE
Not from any reliable source, but
it would make the jock strap set
think twice about yelling fag at
him, and, consequently, the
advisability of saying it to
others.
AUDREY
Nikky argues for visibility and all
that, but I kind of like keeping
our community to ourselves. It
makes me feel more special.
JAQUE
Well, I’m all for sharing, Audrey.
There’s more than a few female
actors that I’d like to see sucking
face with other women on screen.
BLAIR
Oh, spare us your Sigourney Weaver -
Jodie Foster fantasy, Jaque. But it
just shows that lesbian actresses
are better at acting when they kiss
men than straight actresses.
16.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Besides, Blair’s right, it’s
acting, you don’t play yourself. I
didn’t know that Sigourney was gay.
CHRIS
It’s Jaque’s fantasy. And no one
can say that Jodie is either, she’s
never confirmed or denied the
rumours.
JAQUE
That many rumours must have some
basis.
CHRIS
Like the rumours that Elvis faked
his death?
AUDREY
Nikky says that what’s important
isn’t the roles they play, it’s the
visibility of being positive models
for young or newly out gays and
lesbians. Celebrities hiding just
reinforces everyone’s closet.
BLAIR
Do you have any of your own
opinions, Audrey?
JAQUE
But what about self protection,
Audrey? It seems to me that actors
have so little privacy already and
they’ve so much more to lose since
their outing is public.
CHRIS
What kind of message gets sent by
outing anyone, anyway? Forcing
celebrities out makes the closets
deeper. Besides, in my humble,
straight opinion, I don’t think
that celebrities hurt anyone by not
telling, it’s the closeted gay
politicians who sign anti-gay
legislation that hurt.
17.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
JAQUE
It seems to me that it’s more
important that everyday people are
out, that way, straight people,
present company excepted, Blair,
have contact with gays and lesbians
- the public expects Hollywood to
be taboo, but not accountants,
lawyers, mechanics and, Audrey,
your future schoolteacher
girlfriend. She’d be able, as a
teacher, to un-warp new minds, it’s
better than Jane Doe actor saying
she’s a dyke.
BLAIR
I don’t know if I would be out, if
I was gay. Look at Gloria and Mary,
they didn’t look particularly gay.
They died for what?
CHRIS
It’s why more people need to be
out, studies show that when people
know someone gay that they are more
tolerant of gays. That’s what the
coalition is working for.
AUDREY
Oh! Thanks for reminding me, Chris.
CHRIS
Of what?
Audrey finishes her coffee, and moves closer to the door.
AUDREY
I came down here to pick up an
anniversary present for Nikky.
Jaque moves slowly, seductively butch towards Audrey.
JAQUE
Well, Audrey, when you and Nikky do
hit that infamous lesbian no sex
second year slump…
AUDREY
(smiling)
Well, Jaque, if and when Nikky and
I ever hit a no sex slump, I’ll
call Blair.
18.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
Audrey leaves, amid catcalls to Jaque’s being turned down.
EXT. STREET IN GAY PART OF TOWN – DAY.
Audrey walks down Davie Street, past grubby STREET PEOPLE
waiting for change, SIGHT SEEING HETERO COUPLES, GAY COUPLES,
A GOTHIC CHICK WITH A SNAKE.
Audrey turns off of the street into the walkway leading to
the gay/lesbian bookstore. Audrey enters the store.
INT. GAY & LESBIAN ASSOC. OFFICE (PRESENT DAY) – DAY.
Nikky enters the Gay & Lesbian Centre. The walls have posters
for AIDS awareness, including the lesbian-targeted ‘Safe Sex
is Hot Sex’ posters, condoms, kd lang, and various marches
and/or rights issues. There are a few plants, a reception
desk, two couches, a low coffee table, a water cooler (no
paper cups, but several coffee mugs).
There is a dry erase monthly planning schedule with some
meeting times booked for different Lesbigay groups and dates
& places indicated for marches. A door leads to a boardroom.
A second door leads a unisex, wheelchair accessible bathroom.
The atmosphere is sombre, the three lesbians, ADELLE (25,
butch from her shaved head to her purple Doc Martens),
LIZBETH (27, Lipstick Lez), CORINE (19, Baby Dyke), and the
two gay men, PAUL (26, Castro Clone) and MARK (21, Cuban Homo
look), are very quiet, almost shell shocked.
Lizbeth and Corine are sitting together, holding hands.
Corine is the most distraught, and is quite pale. Adelle
brightens slightly when Nikky walks in, and gets up to greet
her.
ADELLE
Nikky! Have you heard?
Nikky nods and accepts a hug from Adelle. The hug lingers a
moment longer than a greeting or a comforting gesture.
Lizbeth gets up and gets a drink of water.
LIZBETH
How’s Audrey?
NIKKY
Fine. Any more news about Gloria
and Mary? Or why?
19.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
PAUL
Not much, but at least the man is
in custody.
MARK
I’m surprised that there isn’t a
moral majority group protesting for
his release.
NIKKY
I’m sure even they wouldn’t condone
murder, Mark.
LIZBETH
They didn’t even temper their
rhetoric when that abortion doctor
was shot or when those clinics got
bombed. Isn’t it strange how these
anti-abortionists are so vocal
about unborn foetuses and so damn
quiet about the bombing and
shooting deaths of clinic workers.
Respect all life, unless you’re
queer or work at abortion clinics!
NIKKY
Lizbeth, that’s terrible.
PAUL
Terrible but true. And why are most
pro-lifers white?
ADELLE
Politics. C’mon and sit.
Adelle takes Nikky by the hand and sits on one of the
couches, as far from everyone else as she can get in the
small room.
ADDELLE
So how are you holding up?
NIKKY
I still can’t believe it. Audrey
wanted me to stay home, but I
couldn’t. I needed to be here. Is a
memorial being organised?
CORINE
(crying)
I got a call from my younger
sister.
20.
CONTINUED:
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Some of the kids at the high school
are organizing something. Gloria
was a teacher of mine in high
school. She was gentle and kind.
She listened to me when no one else
would. How could anyone kill such a
giving person?
Nikky and Lizbeth immediately move to Corine’s couch and they
both hold her and make soothing sounds to her. Lizbeth
strokes Corine’s hair.
Adelle is annoyed at Nikky’s abandonment of her and sulks
near the door, torn between wanting to leave and being near
Nikky. Mark and Paul exchange looks then join the wimmin on
the couch.
MARK
Corine, I’m so sorry. Why didn’t
you say that you knew them?
CORINE
What could I say, Mark? I didn’t
want this to be about my loss, but
about the community’s loss.
(laughs bitterly)
Ask not for whom the bell tolls, it
tolls for thee.
PAUL
Don’t wax brave and poetic on us,
babe, you lost people you knew and
cared for and we’re your friends.
Corine reaches out and takes Paul’s hand.
CORINE
Thanks, Paul, Mark. Oh, Lizbeth…
Corine lets go of Paul’s hand and leans on Lizbeth. Nikky
sits up straight, but doesn’t get off the couch.
NIKKY
Paul, is it okay if I use the
phone? I need to touch base with
Audrey. We had a fight this
morning, and I’m starting to see
that maybe I should have stayed
home.
Nikky looks to see if Adelle heard her. She did.
21.
CONTINUED: (2)
CORINE (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
PAUL
The one on the reception desk
works, dial nine to bypass the
university switchboard.
Nikky walks over to the phone and dials.
MARK
Do you and Audrey ever not fight?
Or do you just not come in here on
those days?
Nikky hangs up the receiver. Paul glares at Mark.
NIKKY
Lately, we mostly fight, Mark.
Sometimes it’s amazing we’re still
together at the end of the day.
MARK
Sorry, that was really bitchy of
me. This murder thing. . .
Corine kisses Lizbeth, not a passionate, but a ‘I-need-to-beclose-
to-you-right-now’ kiss. Nikky looks at them enviously.
Corine and Lizbeth never break their kiss, nor at any point
should the kiss become foreplay.
NIKKY
It’s okay. Sometimes I think me and
Audrey stay together because we’re
too scared to find out that the
other could get along fine alone.
MARK
Or better with someone else?
NIKKY
Oooh, yeah. That’s the worst, you
leave your partner and they win the
lottery, get a promotion and land a
total babe. But really, I can’t
stand the thought of Audrey in bed
with another womyn. Especially in
the arms of someone I know.
MARK
Yeah, I know what you mean, the
community sometimes feels so small,
I feel like I’m on my third
rotation.
22.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Sometimes I feel like the community
is my extended family of ex’s and
forbidden to date the ex’s ex’s.
Maybe we need to move to another
town.
Lizbeth pulls Corine closer, the kiss is starting to be
passion driven. Nikky looks enviously at them.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S BEDROOM (FLASHBACK 1 YEAR) – NIGHT
Nikky and Audrey sit on the bed facing each other. Both are
nervous and trying hard not be.
NIKKY
So, that relationship fizzled out
and Adelle and I are still friends.
She’s dating Cee Cee now, another
friend of mine. I think you met
them at Jaque’s Cafe.
Audrey nods and nervously sips her lemonade. Oblivious, Nikky
sips her own lemonade.
AUDREY
Wow. I’ve only had two previous
girlfriends and one of them was
only a one night stand.
NIKKY
Well, I didn’t actually list any of
those, but they were all safe
encounters. Okay, here goes.
(places her drink down)
(deep breath)
I had an HIV test three months ago
and I tested negative. I.. um ..
haven’t been with anyone since, or
within the three months prior to
the test.
Nikky waits for Audrey to run screaming from the room. Audrey
looks suddenly relieved.
AUDREY
That was really brave, to bring It
up, I wasn’t sure how to. I haven’t
ever had a test. I’ve only ever
slept with the two wimmin; and with
the one night stand, we never even
took our underwear off.
23.
CONTINUED: (4)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
And with my ex-girlfriend, we were
each other’s firsts, so I guess
that means no risk there.
NIKKY
There is still blood product from
surgery or intravenous drug use.
And a whole host of other STD’s
besides AIDS.
AUDREY
Gee, and romantic to boot!
They laugh. Nikky softens.
NIKKY
Sorry, I’m nervous. I didn’t mean
to imply that you had, uh,
anything.
AUDREY
It’s okay. It’s scary being the one
to bring these things up, but you
gotta ask. It’s a wonder that
people ever have sex, there so much
risk. But I’ve never had so much as
a filling.
NIKKY
(self depreciating)
Sorry, it’s just that many lesbians
figure that low risk means no risk.
And, even if lesbians were immune
to AIDS, there’s still all kinds of
sexually transmittable diseases:
syphilis, vaginal warts, chlamydia
. . .
Audrey leans forward and kisses Nikky.
AUDREY
Gee, you really know how to turn a
girl on.
They laugh.
NIKKY
Sorry, I guess I’m still nervous.
Audrey takes Nikky’s hand.
24.
CONTINUED:
AUDREY (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Relax, I’m sorry I rushed the
living together. How about we don’t
rush this part? We could just be
roommates for a while, y’know,
build up to more.
The tension drains from Nikky’s face and body. She leans back
against the pillows.
NIKKY
I didn’t even realize how stressed
I was about sleeping with you.
Ohmigod! I’m sorry, I didn’t mean
it that way, it’s just that I felt
a lot of pressure to be really good
and I… I don’t have a lot of
confidence in that department.
AUDREY
Even with all those girlfriends and
one-night stands?
NIKKY
You don’t usually ask one night
stands how it was, and I guess
since they never came back, I
assumed that they didn’t enjoy my
technique. And some of my past
girlfriends didn’t seem to like to
talk about sex outside of a
political context. Two of the
wimmin I dated were really cool and
I learned a lot, but everyone
enjoys different….
Audrey places a finger over Nikky’s lips.
AUDREY
Shhh. I learned a long time ago
that no one is as good as they say
or as bad as they think.
Audrey leans in and kisses Nikky. They embrace for a moment.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Look, Nikky, I’m really attracted
to you and you touched something
really deep inside of me. I’m sorry
I pushed you.
25.
CONTINUED: (2)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Let’s take some time to get more
comfortable with each other. Maybe
we shouldn’t rush the sexual
aspect.
Nikky doesn’t let Audrey go. She holds her hard against her
body, feeling how wonderful it is to have someone this close.
Nikky’s hand traces the outline of Audrey’s breast, feeling
the nipple harden. They kiss, slowly at first, the passion
building. Nikky slides her hand under Audrey’s blouse. Nikky
bites Audrey’s neck.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Of course, intimacy is such a
wonderful way of getting to know
one another, too.
Nikky kisses her on the mouth.
NIKKY
Shut up and kiss me.
INT. GAY & LESBIAN ASSOC. OFFICE (PRESENT DAY) LATER.- DAY
Paul and Mark sit on a couch away from Corine and Lizbeth,
and are flipping through the personal ads in the back of a
gay magazine. They make comments about the ads and speculate
about the ability of the advertisers to deliver the promised
goods.
Corine and Lizbeth’s kiss is now more passion driven, but is
mainly fuelled by the need to be close to each other. Nikky
turns away from everyone, especially Corine and Lizbeth.
Audrey doesn’t answer, so Nikky hangs up the phone. She is
suddenly very aware of Corine and Lizbeth necking on the
couch.
NIKKY
Well, I’m going to go. Corinne, I’m
really sorry. It shouldn’t have
happened.
Corine and Lizbeth stop kissing.
CORINE
Thank you Nikky. I always knew that
straight people hated us, but I
never really thought of what that
could mean. That could have been
any one of us.
Lizbeth holds her tightly.
26.
CONTINUED: (3)
AUDREY (CONT’D)
(CONTINUED)
MARK
We can’t live in fear, Corine.
CORINE
I thought it was bad enough being a
womyn in this society, for the
first time, I feel vulnerable as a
lesbian.
NIKKY
Society’s changing, all this racism
and homophobia is on the way out.
If I didn’t really believe that the
world is getting better, more
tolerant of differences, I wouldn’t
be able to get up in the morning.
CORINE
How can you think the world is
getting better after. . . after
Gloria and Mary?
NIKKY
Because of the Internet. We can
communicate directly with people in
countries that just a short time
ago was impossible to get any
information into and out of.
Countries stop being just a colour
blob on the map and they start to
be made up of people just like you
and me. It’s hard to go to a
personal web page and see pictures
of some one’s kids and pets and
still think of them as a faceless
impersonal mass.
PAUL
Don’t forget the hate groups’ web
sites. By putting their perspective
out there, it allows people not
exposed directly to them and see
them for what they really are.
CORINE
Dunno. Right now, I’d give just
about anything for a real sharp
knife and five minutes alone with
that bastard who thought nothing of
killing Gloria and Mary. Hothead
Paisan is right.
27.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
LIZBETH
Well, if I had to live in a comic
strip, it’d be Dykes to Watch Out
For, not Hothead.
NIKKY
Well, as much as I hate to go, I’ll
see you later, and don’t forget,
there’s a coalition meeting tonight
and you are all welcome to come.
MARK
I thought you were our
representative in the Collective.
NIKKY
Doesn’t mean other people can’t
come too. I’m outta here.
PAUL
Going to class?
NIKKY
No, I couldn’t stand to be cooped
up in a straight white male
patriarchal space today of all
days. I’m just going to study
outside, meet with Lindsay Furst,
then go home and make up with
Audrey before I have to go to the
meeting. See ya’ll later.
Nikky heads for the door. Adelle follows her. They speak in
low voices, but the group at the couch is no longer paying
attention to them.
ADELLE
Nikky, I… can I come with you?
NIKKY
I think that I’m going to go home,
I can’t focus on class stuff. I
just, can’t believe this is real.
What a fuck up.
Adelle is tearful.
ADELLE
Nikky, I’m scared. For the first
time in my life, I am actually
scared for my life. I don’t… know
what to do.
28.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Adelle, we’re all scared, and angry
because we shouldn’t have to be.
Christ, Gloria and Mary were almost
in their fifties, they lived
through some tough times to be
lesbians, and I just, I just don’t
know what to do except go home and
tell Audrey…
ADELLE
That you love her.
Nikky and Adelle lock eyes, complex emotions that happen
between ex’s who still care for each other pass in the air.
NIKKY
I do, Adelle, more than I thought I
could love anyone.
Nikky puts her hand on Adelle’s wrist.
ADELLE
Don’t.
Adelle shakes off Nikky’s touch.
ADELLE (cont’d)
It just makes it worse for me. Just
go. I’m fine, I’ll be fine. Cee
Cee’s great, everything I wanted in
a girlfriend, political, hot in
bed.
(laughs bitterly)
But she’s not you.
NIKKY
Adelle…
Nikky is torn with her need to be with Audrey and her
friendship based concern for Adelle.
NIKKY (cont’d)
It was real, between us, at the
time, I thought, I thought we would
be with each other forever. And, we
can be, as friends.
29.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
ADELLE
Sure, friends. Nikky, go home. I’m
fine, it’s this murder, shaken me
up, made me feel, afraid to be
alone. Don’t feel guilty, you and
I, we’d finished before you met
Audrey. It was the women studies
class, that exhilaration of being
each other’s first. We’ll hook up
later, have a beer and laugh at old
time, you and Audrey, me and Cee
Cee, who knows?
Nikky smiles, needing to believe Adelle’s words.
NIKKY
Okay, I’m going to believe you mean
that.
INT. LITTLE SISTER’S BOOKSTORE (PRESENT DAY) – LATER DAY.
Audrey roams around the stacks of books. SYLVIA (middle aged,
friendly looking) watches Audrey for a while from behind the
counter. LESBIAN FOLK MUSIC is playing.
AUDREY
I’m trying to find something for
Nikky. It’s our anniversary.
SYLVIA
Already? How long have you too been
together?
AUDREY
A year.
SYLVIA
Dating or living together?
AUDREY
Both, actually. I literally moved
in the day after our first date.
SYLVIA
That must be some kind of landspeed
U-haul Dyke record, Audrey.
30.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Yeah, I never believed in love at
first sight until I looked into her
eyes. I just hooked. I just knew
she was who I wanted to be with.
Although, lately, sometimes I feel
like I forced her into letting me
move in.
SYLVIA
Well, Nikky doesn’t strike me as
someone who can be forced to do
what she didn’t want to do already.
Besides, we all want to met someone
and just instantly fuse. My partner
and I have been together for
fifteen years, it hasn’t always
been easy, sometimes it looked like
we would break up, but we’ve
weathered through it all. Tough
times together make you stronger.
AUDREY
I just hoped it would be awhile
before we started fighting. I’m
gonna find her the perfect
anniversary present.
Audrey leaves the counter and walks down the rows of books,
CD’s, magazines and other wares. She pauses at the novelty
rack and gazes at the triangle toilet seat cover, the rainbow
flags and bandannas emblazoned with “Proud Gay Dog.”
EXT. FLASHBACK 8 MONTHS. CITY STREET – DAY.
Nikky and Audrey stroll down a busy street, lined with queer
friendly stores and coffee shops. They are holding hands.
NIKKY
I feel like singing.
AUDREY
What?
NIKKY
I’m happy, the sun is shining, and
I am walking down my favourite
street with my girlfriend. I know
it’s strange, but I just feel
lighted hearted, you know, I feel
like . . . like singing, you know,
like a musical.
31.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
You’re nuts!
NIKKY
Maybe, but I’m a happy nut.
Nikky stops and looks mischievously at Audrey. Audrey stops
and looks at her apprehensively.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
I think I’m going to be a singing
nut.
AUDREY
Not in public!
NIKKY
(singing)
When I’m calling you-ou-ou!
Audrey lunges at Nikky to cover her mouth to stop her from
singing. People are tying not to notice. A GAY MAN at a
sidewalk café laughs.
GAY MAN
Go girl!
Audrey and Nikky struggle playfully. Audrey kisses Nikky to
stop her from singing anymore.
NIKKY
Well, you kissed me, now I’m even
happier.
AUDREY
If you keep singing you won’t be
anymore, you goof, you’re
embarrassing me.
Nikky clutches at her chest as if shot or having a heart
attack. She kneels on the sidewalk at Audrey’s feet.
NIKKY
Plleeeee-aaaasssssse. Say it ain’t
so!
AUDREY
Okay, okay, you’re not
embarrassing, now stop it. Get up!
Nikky gets up. There is a SMALL CLUSTER OF ON-LOOKERS.
32.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Kiss me again.
Audrey kisses Nikky, lightly at first and then without
holding back. The small crowd claps, laughs and then
disperses.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
See, life can be like a musical.
INT. LITTLE SISTER’S (BACK TO PRESENT)- LATER. DAY
A few LESBIAN & GAY CUSTOMERS wander through the shelves.
Audrey is staring at a book of the history of Hollywood
musicals. Sylvia walks over to Audrey.
SYLVIA
I was thinking, Audrey. As long as
the two of you are happy, why does
it matter that you moved too fast?
Sometimes you have to just go after
what you want. The way I figure it,
every day that a queer couple is
together is a victory. Especially
after yesterday.
AUDREY
Gloria and Mary?
SYLVIA
Gloria and Mary, nice couple. Lived
in that house for eighteen years. I
didn’t know them very well, but
they would come by the shop I think
they may have started in high
school, and look how long they
lasted.
AUDREY
It’s part of what has me worried.
You build your life together and
then it’s just taken away. What’s
left?
SYLVIA
Would it have made a difference if
they’d been killed in a car
accident? They wouldn’t be any less
dead.
33.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Okay, they wouldn’t be less dead,
but at least it . . . it would have
been different. This was more
senseless. An accident is one
thing, but a murder? If the guy
hated them so much, he should have
moved.
SYLVIA
Wouldn’t it be nice if the world
could really work that way.
AUDREY
It will, there’s so much good work
being done by people. People are
working to make it better for all
of us.
(suddenly realising)
Like Nikky
SYLVIA
You’re very sweet, Audrey. Some
days, I just think it won’t be in
my lifetime. Proving that being
homosexuality is genetic and not a
choice won’t help, racism is just
as rampant now as it ever has been,
and no one chooses to be Black or
Asian or East Indian.
AUDREY
Things are getting easier, gays are
allowed in the military in Canada
and Australia, same-sex marriages
are legal in many Scandinavian
countries, Hawaii is till sorting
it out. . .
SYLVIA
Well, I guess it is a matter of
time, I just wish I was sure it
would be in my lifetime. The future
is so far away and doesn’t seem to
be in my hands anymore. We just
have to teach the children well.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (PRESENT DAY) – LATER. DAY.
Nikky is reading on a grassy area, surrounded by books. OTHER
STUDENTS pass by. Nikky puts her book down and stretches out
on the grass. She closes her eyes.
34.
CONTINUED:
EXT. PARK (FLASHBACK 11 MONTHS) – DAY.
Audrey and Nikky are picnicking in the park. HET FAMILIES are
in the background. DOGS BARK. RADIO BLARES in the distance.
They are sitting on a red checked picnic blanket. There are
half filled food containers, and English literature books
holding down the edges of the blanket. It is a little bit
windy.
NIKKY
I told you that lugging those books
was a good idea.
AUDREY
This chicken is fabulous, I had no
idea you cooked. You didn’t buy
this, did you?
NIKKY
No, I, well, okay, Jaque cooked it.
I burn water.
Audrey takes another bite of chicken.
AUDREY
Maybe I should have moved in with
Jaque. This is fabulous.
NIKKY
Well, it’s not too late. Jaque’s
got a bigger apartment than we do.
AUDREY
Hmmm. I don’t think great chicken
compares to great sex.
NIKKY
Well, I was wondering.
Nikky gets up on her knees and leans in to kiss Audrey.
Audrey kisses back, and then suddenly recoils.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
What? What’s the matter?
AUDREY
We don’t know who’s in the park,
someone I work with could be here.
Nikky moves back to her spot on the blanket.
35.
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Look, I’m new to this being out
stuff. I’m sorry. I’m not ready for
people at work to know, I still
don’t think it’s any of their
business. Why don’t you read me
some of that poetry you promised
me.
Nikky is somewhat mollified. She picks up a book from the
corner of the blanket.
NIKKY
Okay. We’ll table the being out in
public. I just . . . I just had to
kiss you. I’ll try to curb those
impulses in the future.
AUDREY
Not all of them, just when it’s in
public. It’s something we’ll have
to deal with for you when you
become an elementary school
teacher, you won’t be able to out
then.
NIKKY
I know, I guess that’s why it’s
important for me to be out now.
AUDREY
Read me your poem, and we’ll
pretend that it’s you that has to
pass.
NIKKY
Okay, this one is by Natalie
Barney, possibly the greatest
lesbian that ever lived. . .
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS (PRESENT DAY) – LATER. DAY.
TWO WOMEN walk by. As they approach, they whisper and look
not so secretively at Nikky. Nikky stretches, breaking her
reverie. She sees the two women as they walk past.
WOMAN ONE
Dyke.
Woman Two giggles nervously. Nikky watches open mouthed in
shock as they walk away.
36.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Lee (T-shirt reads upside down ‘If you can read this, I’m
sitting on your face.’) approaches and plunks down beside
Nikky, handing her a coffee.
LEE
What’s wrong?
NIKKY
That woman just called me a dyke!
LEE
Well, you are.
NIKKY
That’s not the point, and besides,
she meant it as an insult, like
it’s a bad thing to be.
LEE
We have bigger things to talk about
than small mindless people. How’re
you and Audrey?
NIKKY
Those were university students for
goddess’ sake! Supposedly educated
and enlightened!
LEE
It’s too hot to be bothered unless
you’re hot and bothered! Calm down,
you don’t have to preach to the
perverted. You and Audrey kiss and
make up or did you fight more?
NIKKY
Sometimes I wonder why I hang
around you.
LEE
Because I bring you coffee and
chocolate.
Lee hands Nikky a Caramilk bar. She takes it without
hesitation and rips it open, stuffing four squares into her
mouth.
LEE (CONT’D)
My, I guess you and Audrey had a
fight. Why is it that wimmin go
crazy for chocolate?
37.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
There’s a chemical in chocolate
that’s similar to the one your body
produces when you’re in love. So if
a person feels a lack of love and
affection in their life…
LEE
Are you trying to tell me that even
lesbians who have girlfriends don’t
have sex?
NIKKY
Lesbians have sex.
LEE
You’ve dated some wimmin for three
months before having sex.
NIKKY
We wanted to be sure.
LEE
Sure of what? You free yourselves
from the tyranny of a demanding
penis to have no sex?
NIKKY
Oh, and when was the last time you
had sex?
LEE
About thirty minutes ago, in the
men’s room by the study hall. I’ll
buy you lunch.
Lee stands up and holds his hand out to Nikky. She looks up
at him, blocking out the sun. Nikky takes his hand, but does
not start to pull herself up.
NIKKY
Lee, do you ever wish you weren’t
gay?
LEE
No. If I had to depend on wimmin
for sex, I’d probably never have
any, wimmin are too uptight and
attach too many strings. Besides,
no offence intended, but wimmin
just aren’t, I mean, I just can’t
see the attraction.
38.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Have you ever slept with a womyn?
LEE
Have you with a man?
NIKKY
No, I’ve never met a man who was
interesting enough.
LEE
That’s exactly what I mean about
wimmin! What’s interesting got to
do with it? I’m a size queen!
NIKKY
Why would you want to share
yourself with someone you couldn’t
respect? That you couldn’t talk to
afterwards?
Nikky pulls herself up and gathers her books and knapsack.
LEE
Respect? Talk? This is sex. You
meet, you fuck, and you go on your
merry way.
Nikky is clearly dissatisfied with this response.
LEE (CONT’D)
Men and wimmin view sex
differently, for men, I think it’s
not so much sharing as taking. It’s
probably a penetration thang.
NIKKY
Penetration can be intimate and
sharing, it’s an opening of
yourself to another person. It’s
not taking or giving, it’s both at
the same time, really.
LEE
That’s what I mean, it’s fucking,
why do wimmin have to make
everything poetry? Besides, a dildo
or vibrator isn’t the same.
Nikky stands up and heads down the grassy hill to the
sidewalk.
39.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
A vibrator? I’m talking about
fisting.
Lee quickly catches up with Nikky.
LEE
EEEEEEEEE! Girlfriend! I didn’t
think lesbians really did that!
They walk through the campus to the student pub. The STUDENTS
they encounter have a tendency to avoid them along the path.
NIKKY
What do lesbians do in bed?
LEE
How should I know?
Nikky pats Lee on the cheek.
NIKKY
Everything we want to. Where’re you
buying me lunch?
LEE
The pub; you’re too tense. I’ve got
a better joke, What do two femme
lesbians do in bed?
NIKKY
I don’t know.
LEE
Each other’s make-up.
NIKKY
I’m going to pretend you didn’t say
that. Besides, I wasn’t joking. Are
you coming to the coalition meeting
tonight?
LEE
I guess, do you think Malcolm and
Jess will have another fight over
semantics?
NIKKY
When don’t they?
40.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
LEE
Okay, good point. A question and an
observation, and then I buy you
lunch, okay? First, why did you
want to know whether I wish I
wasn’t gay?
Nikky walks around Lee and heads for the pub.
NIKKY
I’ll tell you over lunch.
Observation?
Lee re-considers for a moment. He takes a deep breath.
LEE
You want to be half of an old
lesbian couple and your fights with
Audrey combined with this murder
makes you think you’ll never get
that fantasy relationship. Maybe
you should consider that gays and
lesbians aren’t meant to cling to
heterosexual monogamous values, and
you should dump Audrey and get on
with your life.
NIKKY
What’s getting on with life if it
isn’t a career and a family?
LEE
That’s het-life, queers are above
that hackneyed bullshit. I mean,
the career is okay, you gotta pay
the rent, but sister, Audrey is
holding you back. You want to be a
school teacher? Then your legacy is
the minds you open, not that you
lived for forty years with the
wrong womyn. Family? Audrey’s
mother thinks you’re her roommate.
Where’s the family in that? Family
is the people who love you, like
me.
Nikky recoils. She looks at the camera for reassurance. She
turns back to Lee.
NIKKY
I never thought of it that way
before.
41.
CONTINUED: (5)
INT. AUDREY & NIKKY’S BEDROOM (PRESENT DAY) – DAY.
Audrey wraps a book, Warrior Women in History (or something
like that). She is softly humming to herself. There are fresh
lilies in a vase on Nikky’s side of the table. A framed photo
of the two together is on Nikky’s dresser. Audrey finishes
wrapping the book. She looks up and stares at the photo.
AUDREY
What am I gonna do with you, Nikky?
Audrey gets up and takes the photo back to the bed. She lies
down, holding it close to her breasts.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
You make it so hard to get close to
you, and I can’t live without you,
Nikky. But I can’t keep living with
you like this, either.
She lets the photo slip to the floor, and she starts to
undress. She picks up a pair of jeans and lays them on the
bed. Audrey lets her hand slide up and down her body. She
lies down.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S APARTMENT (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT
Audrey and Nikky are necking on the couch.
NIKKY
Go run the bath while I make the
drinks
Audrey looks at Nikky uncomprehendingly.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Go, you’ll like this, trust me.
Just don’t make the water too hot.
AUDREY
(smiling)
Bubbles?
NIKKY
Yeah, bubbles are okay.
Audrey exits obediently to the bathroom. Nikky sits for a
moment, smiling, and then exits to the kitchen.
Audrey runs the tub and sits back on her haunches,
considering the array of bath oils and bath bubbles.
42.
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY (CONT’D)
You’re still dressed.
Audrey gasps at Nikky, naked in the doorway. She composes
herself, trying to be blasé.
AUDREY
What’s that?
NIKKY
Cherry lemonade.
Nikky hands Audrey a glass. The ice cubes CLINK.
AUDREY
Well, I wasn’t sure what end of the
tub you wanted.
Nikky slides into the end away from the taps. Audrey leans in
and kisses her, while covertly fishing an ice cube from her
glass. Audrey circles Nikky’s nipple with the ice cube. Nikky
starts a bit, then relaxes into the sensation. Nikky slides
down into the tub a little bit.
NIKKY
That is so intense.
AUDREY
Whatever happens, don’t move,
agreed?
Nikky nods, closes her eyes and smiles in anticipation.
Audrey pours a small amount of lemonade into the hollow of
Nikky’s throat. Nikky struggles to not jump, and Audrey
drinks the lemonade. Nikky is overcome and pulls Audrey,
clothed, into the tub.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Great, I’m still dressed!
NIKKY
Well, that’s not my fault.
AUDREY
Yeah, you pulled me into the tub.
Nikky kisses Audrey.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Wait, there’s something in the tub
besides us.
43.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Nikky fishes around and produces Audrey’s glass. Audrey takes
it and puts it beside the tub. She leans in and kisses Nikky
again.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
How about we work out bathtub
logistics later and adjourn to the
boudoir?
NIKKY
I love it when you talk dirty to
me.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S BEDROOM (PRESENT DAY) – LATER DAY.
AUDREY
Why didn’t I let you make love to
me this morning? I wanted to.
Audrey slips under the covers, and masturbates.
INT. UNIVERSITY PUB (PRESENT DAY) – LATER DAY.
The pub is fairly crowded, but not packed, the lunch rush is
over. Nikky and Lee (T-shirt reads `Heterosexuality isn’t
normal, just common’) enter. They pick up their sandwiches
and order beer from the CLERK.
There are STUDENTS at intermittent tables. FOUR JOCKS are
sitting at one table. They whistle and make catcalls at Lee
when he & Nikky walk by.
Both Lee and Nikky ignore them and choose a table as far away
as possible from the jocks, but near a table of FOUR ARTSY
STUDENTS (two wimmin & two men, dressed in black, noses and
eyebrows pierced, all around 21) who are drinking iced
cappuccinos and lattés.
LEE
So, why don’t you want to be gay
anymore?
Not noticed by Lee and Nikky, the Jocks point at Nikky and
Lee and huddle together, plotting.
Nikky takes a long sip of coffee before answering. She places
the cup carefully down.
NIKKY
It’s not that I don’t want to be
gay, it’s that sometimes I think it
would be so much easier to not be.
44.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
Lee takes a huge bite of his sandwich.
LEE
Of course it would, but it’d also
be boring.
NIKKY
I wouldn’t have to refer to Audrey
as “he”. I wouldn’t have to hide
any part of myself in my future
career as a teacher. I could be
content with less.
The Jocks are goading each other.
LEE
Being het is being less. Following
a path laid out by society, be a
dyke, be a trailblazer, be all you
can be. You wanna change the world,
teachergirl? Be a dyke.
Nikky chews her sandwich solemnly. During her speech, one of
the Jocks approaches their table.
NIKKY
Maybe my need to change the world
stems from being a dyke. I want to
be included in the world, in order
for me to be included, either the
world or I have to change. If I
wasn’t gay…
JOCK ONE
So, faggot, how much for a blow
job?
LEE
Same as yesterday, you know I
haven’t raised my prices in months.
Lee looks at the other jocks, then at the nearer table of
arty students.
LEE (CONT’D)
(to the arty students)
Half of them are my regulars, and
they ask the price like I’d lower
it just for them.
45.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Lee shrugs then, turns back to Nikky. The table of Jocks get
up as a group and come over to join Jock One at Lee and
Nikky’s table.
JOCK TWO
You better take that back faggot.
Lee takes a dainty, but deliberate bite of Nikky’s sandwich.
He swallows, then dabs his mouth with a napkin. He stands and
then turns very prissily towards the jocks.
LEE
(very swish)
Number one, you’re big boys now,
well, some of you are, but you are
old enough to know that words are
just words and, number two, if you
can’t take a fuck, then, joke you.
Jock Two makes a grab for Lee’s throat. Lee leans backwards
over the table while Nikky launches out of her chair and
grabs the Jock’s arm. Jock Two steps back.
NIKKY
(on the edge)
Why don’t you just leave us alone?
JOCK TWO
You don’t scare me dyke.
Nikky looks at the camera with a ‘if you believe that, I
gotta bridge in Brooklyn’ look. She moves close to him,
vaguely seductive and crazy.
NIKKY
(as if barely restraining
violence)
Really? You just keep thinking
that. Everyone here knows that
homophobes like you are just deeply
closeted fags who can’t cope with
having such strong, erotic desire
for other men and so you take your
self hatred out on others of your
own kind. So, I think you are
scared of me. And, I think you
should be, limp-dick, be afraid, be
ver-rry afraid.
The Arty Students laugh.
46.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
JOCK ONE
I ain’t a fag, and you better pray
we never catch you without your
Dyke-Bodyguard, faggot. Let’s get
away from these fruits and flakes.
The Jocks leave, Nikky clamps her hand over Lee’s mouth as
soon as all their backs are turned so that he doesn’t make
another smart alec remark. As soon as they’ve left the pub,
she lets him go.
LEE
(to the Arty Students)
Eew! All that man-flesh together in
the showers and all that butt
slapping when they score touch
downs!
(to Nikky)
And they call me a faggot.
NIKKY
Your mouth is going to get you
dead.
LEE
Not as long as you’re around to
talk us out of any scrape I talk us
into.
One of the male Arty Students walks over
MALE ARTY STUDENT
Those guys are assholes. Is it true
what you said about homophobes
being closeted gays?
NIKKY
Yeah, I read about a new study
where they got people to fill out
questionnaires on their tolerance
levels and then showed them gay
porn. The guys who rated themselves
highest on the homophobe scale got
the biggest erections.
MALE ARTY STUDENT
That’s interesting. Join us for a
drink?
Nikky hauls Lee to his feet.
47.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
No, we have to get to class.
P.O.V. of MALE ARTSY STUDENT:
Nikky drags Lee to the exit.
LEE
But I wasn’t finished my beer!
They exit.
EXT. UNIVERSITY CAMPUS – LATER. DAY
Nikky walks quickly, Lee (T-shirt reads: “I don’t mind
Straight People as long as they act Gay.”) almost jogs to
keep up with her.
LEE
What’s with you, he was cute!
NIKKY
He was a he, and if he’d been
hitting on you, I’da been fine, but
he was hitting on me. And even if
he was a she, I’m still in a
relationship.
LEE
A little full of ourselves, aren’t
we.
Nikky stops and turns around to face Lee. He back pedals to
avoid crashing into her.
NIKKY
No, he was talking to my tits.
Nikky turns and continues walking, but at a more reasonable
pace.
LEE
Just cause he stared at your tits
doesn’t mean he wanted to sleep
with you.
Nikky gives him a “What-planet-were-you-born-on,-anyway?”
look.
LEE (CONT’D)
All right, all right, straight men
are pigs.
48.
CONTINUED: (4)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Hey, maybe he was gay and just
didn’t think butch dykes had any.
NIKKY
Don’t you have a class to get to?
LEE
Don’t you?
NIKKY
I don’t feel like going to class.
LEE
And you want to be a schoolteacher?
NIKKY
All right! I’ll go to class. Tell
me, do you work for Audrey on the
side?
LEE
No. Never kid me about her. Wanna
meet for coffee before the
collective meeting?
NIKKY
Can’t, I’m meeting Lindsay before
the collective meeting. And, even
though you hate her, I want to find
some time to sneak Audrey into my
day, it’s our anniversary, after
all. I better pick up an
anniversary present or something.
Maybe lilies. Well, I gotta head
this way, pal.
Lee leans over and hugs her. Nikky hesitates, then returns
the hug. Paul and Mark walk over.
MARK
Breeders! Breeder Alert!
Nikky hastily and guiltily pulls away from Lee.
NIKKY
Oh, it’s you guys. Goddess, I was
worried for a minute.
LEE
She’s. . uh . . in a touchy mood
today.
Mark sashays closer to Lee.
49.
CONTINUED:
LEE (CONT’D)
(CONTINUED)
MARK
Are you?
Lee links his arm through Mark’s, then leads him away.
LEE
(over his shoulder)
See you at the meeting, Nikky! Bye’
Paul!
Nikky shakes her head.
NIKKY
That boy is a walking hormone.
PAUL
Ah, it’s spring, legs and love are
in the air. Shall we get to class?
Nikky and Paul walk through the hall.
NIKKY
How’s David doing?
Paul barely suppresses a wave of grief.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to catch
you off guard like that. Why didn’t
you say anything in the Centre?
PAUL
I’d already been sobbing on Mark,
and then Corine and Lizbeth came in
and told us about those two
lesbians. David’s alive, we still
have time together. And we’ve known
for a while that he’s getting
worse. But those two wimmin . . .
NIKKY
Yeah, I mean, anyone can get hit by
a bus, and kersplat. Accidents
happen. Illnesses happen. Murdered?
How can you begin to cope with
that?
They reach a classroom door and enter.
50.
CONTINUED: (2)
INT. RESTAURANT (PRESENT DAY) – LATER DAY.
Audrey very stressed looking (in a dress and very fem) enters
the restaurant. When Audrey sees her MOTHER (Cool, matronly,
steel blue hair), her stress level increases, but she hurries
to the table. Audrey does not have a problem walking in
heels.
AUDREY
Mother, sorry I’m late, I got
involved in something at home, and
I lost track of the time.
MOTHER
Being on time is a virtue that is
not practised these days. So many
qualities falling into disrepute.
AUDREY
I’m sorry, Mother. Have you ordered
yet?
MOTHER
Of course not.
A WAITER comes over.
WAITER
Would you ladies care to order now?
MOTHER
Yes, we’d both like the 6 oz. New
York Steak, chef’s salad, no
dressing, baked potato, with chives
and…
AUDREY
Actually, I’m a vegetarian, so I’ll
have a large salad and a dinner
roll. I’d also like a grapefruit
juice, please.
MOTHER
And I’ll have a black coffee.
The waiter nods and leaves.
AUDREY
You know I don’t eat meat, Mother.
51.
(CONTINUED)
MOTHER
Well, I just don’t see why you
think it would hurt you. You need
the higher quality of protein that
meat provides. You look so pale,
how are you going to find a
husband?
AUDREY
I don’t need a husband.
MOTHER
I don’t want you to be all alone
your life, Audrey.
Audrey looks to the camera for help.
AUDREY
I’m not alone.
MOTHER
Your roommate doesn’t count.
Honestly, that girl, she’s in that
University stage, I suppose, rebel
against everything. Seems that
Universities are no longer the
healthy environment they used to
be. Men went to school to become
career professionals and women went
to meet husbands. Now, people go to
stop believing in God, and who
knows what else they get up to.
Where does that get you?
AUDREY
Mother, I didn’t come here to
argue, let’s just have a nice
lunch, okay?
MOTHER
It’s not nice to be concerned for
my only child’s happiness?
AUDREY
I’m sorry, Mother, I just heard
some upsetting news this morning.
Two wimmin were murdered yesterday.
MOTHER
Did you know them, dear?
52.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
No, they were friends of friends of
mine.
MOTHER
It’s best to not dwell, they
probably wouldn’t have wanted that.
(sweeter)
Now, darling, my friend, Margaret,
has a son, just returned home from
a good university, and I’d like you
to meet him.
AUDREY
Mother, I thought we’d talked about
you trying to marry me off.
MOTHER
I’m not asking you to marry him,
just meet him, show him around the
town. Is that so bad? Just a
friendly visit? You can’t be
friends with a man, even? All I’m
asking for is for you to meet him.
Audrey looks at the camera, she looks strong, but when she
turns back to face her Mother, her resistance crumbles.
AUDREY
Oh, all right, Mother, Saturday.
Mother sits back smug and content. She glances disdainfully
at the camera.
MOTHER
(gleeful)
See, you need me to help you,
otherwise, you’ll never get
married. You can’t work in that
bank forever.
AUDREY
I did hope to meet a nice bank
manager, but so far they’ve all
been married women. And you raised
me better that to go in for tawdry
office affairs.
Mother is oblivious of the meaning in Audrey’s last words, as
the waiter puts their food on the table. Audrey looks out the
window.
53.
CONTINUED: (2)
INT. CITY STREET (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT.
Nikky and Audrey are strolling hand in hand down the street.
INT. RESTAURANT (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT.
Nikky and Audrey eat at a vegetarian restaurant. Audrey
watches Nikky intently, Nikky smiles shyly at Audrey as she
opens a small box with a ring in it. Nikky holds Audrey’s
hand over the table, tears of joy in her eyes.
INT. MOVIE THEATRE (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT.
Nikky and Audrey cuddle together at a lesbian movie. They are
sharing a large popcorn. Audrey feeds Nikky popcorn. Nikky
sensuously licks Audrey’s finger.
INT. THEATRE BATHROOM STALL (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT.
Nikky and Audrey are having sex.
INT. MOVIE THEATRE (FLASHBACK) – NIGHT.
The movie is playing, Audrey and Nikky’s popcorn bucket sits
on their empty seats.
INT. CLASSROOM (PRESENT DAY)- DAY.
There is a teacher, MICHEAL, and TEN BORED STUDENTS (Nikky &
Paul included).
MICHEAL
Well, this tutorial session is
over, and I just want to remind
everyone that essays are due by
Friday 5 pm, late assignments will
not be accepted.
Students gather their books and file out. Paul waits for
Nikky.
PAUL
Want a lift off campus?
NIKKY
Can you drop me off in the West
End?
PAUL
But you live on the Eastside.
54.
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Yeah, I know, but Lindsay Furst
asked to meet me before the
Collective meeting.
PAUL
What does that dykasaurus want with
a tender slip of a sapphist like
you?
They get a weird look from a woman student, who leaves
quickly.
NIKKY
Is it too much to expect people to
not be uncomfortable when they find
out you’re gay?
PAUL
Yes, because, while they don’t want
to sleep with you, they still want
you to hit on them. When we don’t,
it confuses them. Only uptight
straights get more offended by not
getting hit on them.
NIKKY
Hey, I’m a lesbian because I don’t
understand straights, if you
explain them to me, you’ll just
confuse me. But you can drop me in
the West End?
Paul smiles and shakes his head at Nikky.
PAUL
You’re meeting Lindsay for coffee,
going home for an Anniversary
dinner, then making a seven o’clock
meeting?
Nikky shoves her notebook and text book into her knapsack.
NIKKY
If you take me downtown. It’s a
7:30 meeting.
PAUL
Nikky, you are running yourself
ragged. Why not skip the meeting?
55.
CONTINUED:
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
You can’t change the world in a
night, but missing a meeting may
make a difference in your
relationship. Enjoy your
anniversary. Don’t take Audrey for
granted, you never know how much
time you really have together.
NIKKY
Feeling like I can make a
difference in this world is my
lifeline to sanity. If I thought
that I couldn’t change things, I’d
give up. I’m not going to teach
because I like children, it’s
shaping their minds and outlooks,
balancing what they get at home.
Audrey understands that.
PAUL
Well, I hope you’re right. David
always clobbered me when I missed
anniversaries for world saving
meetings. They meant, I mean, mean
everything to him. And he means
everything to me.
Paul tries hard not to cry. Nikky looks at him for a moment,
then hugs him. He smiles thanks, and wipes his eyes. Nikky
scoops up both bags and they exit.
INT. LAUNDROMAT (PRESENT DAY). LATE AFTERNOON.
Audrey puts two loads of clothes into separate dryers. She
tiredly plunks down on a bench. She looks into her purse and
sees a rolled up copy of Xtra! West on the bench farther
down. She almost takes it when she looks at the other people
in the room.
A bored LAUNDRY CLERK watches a shock shlock t.v. program,
TWO WIMMIN blankly stare at their CHILDREN squabbling, a
YOUNG HET COUPLE neck in a corner. A MAN is taking his
laundry out of a dryer. Audrey leans back in her seat and
closes her eyes.
INT. A MALL CONCOURSE (FLASHBACK) – DAY
Nikky and Audrey are shopping for household items. OTHER
SHOPPERS periodically walk past and through their
conversation.
56.
CONTINUED: (2)
PAUL (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
(muttering)
All I said was I wanted to pick up
a little birthday present for Lee,
something naughty from Little
Sister’s or funny from Return to
Sender.
AUDREY
What was that, Sweetheart?
NIKKY
(sweetly)
Nothing, absolutely nothing.
Nikky looks at the number of shopping bags they have and
wonders if Audrey always shops like this.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
(whining)
Can we sit down for a minute? My
feet hurt!
AUDREY
Oh, all right already.
Audrey looks around for an empty bench. There is one bench
that is empty – right in front of a window display of sleek,
streamlined almost female mannequins. There are three, one in
a satin nightie, one in tap pants and a black bra, and the
third in garters and bustier. There are small gold coloured
balls on the display floor with a plastic light tube
intertwined through the display, connecting them in a weird
disco pseudo-female soft core SM sexuality.
They sit down. Nikky looks at the display.
NIKKY
Why would mannequins need ben wa
balls, Audrey?
Audrey looks closer at the display.
AUDREY
Nikky, you are twisted. It’s just
to add some glamour.
57.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
(on a feminist rant)
I like this, these middle of the
road shoppers from the suburbs come
to the big city mall and look at
this faux-lesbian display for
titillation, but we’d get kicked
outta here if we held hands or
kissed.
Nikky stares solemnly into the display, eyes wandering over
the ben wa walls, the flashing light tube and along the
mannequins’ bodies: long thighless legs, their non-existent
hips with impossible waists and their barest hint of breasts
and with erect nipples.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Audrey….
AUDREY
Oh, god, I know that tone in your
voice. We are not doing anything to
this display Nikky, no matter how
much it offends your feminist
values or hackles or whatever it
offends. I’m not going to jail or
getting banned from this mall. We
are leaving this area right now.
Audrey grabs Nikky’s arm and pulls her. Nikky remains seated.
NIKKY
Awwww, I wasn’t going to do
anything. I just wanted to make an
observation.
Audrey sits down again.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
You don’t get much more suburban
than malls right?
Audrey nods.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
So why does a mall have a pseudo
lesbian display with a sadomasochistic
slant?
Nikky can see that Audrey is not convinced.
58.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Well, look at it, you have three
impossibly proportioned almostfemale
mannequins..
AUDREY
Almost female?
NIKKY
Look at their extra-long legs, nonexistent
hips with impossible
waists, and the barest hint of
breasts with very erect nipples. No
real womyn is shaped like that. I
mean really!
(pacing in front of
display)
How do you have waists with no hips
or breasts? Hardly Family Value
Viewing. And look at that tube with
the flashing lights interconnecting
them in a weird disco pseudobondage
sexuality. Okay, that one
is a stretch, but deny that those
are ben-wa balls!
Nikky excitedly points to the small golden orbs.
AUDREY
(too innocently)
What are ben wa balls?
Nikky immediately calms down and blushes furiously.
NIKKY
Don’t you know?
AUDREY
Obviously not, otherwise I wouldn’t
have asked.
NIKKY
(squirming & lowering her
voice)
They are an ancient Chinese
pleasuring device for women. You
can use them in a couple of
different ways.
59.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
(enjoy herself far too
much)
And those are?
Nikky shifts uncomfortably.
NIKKY
I don’t think that a public mall,
this early in the morning, is a
good place to explain.
AUDREY
As far as I’m concerned, the balls
just add some colour contrast.
Besides, ben-wa balls have a chain
to pull them out. Interpret them as
eggs, as an empowerment of female
sexuality. Lez up the malls!
NIKKY
You knew all along what ben wa
balls are?
AUDREY
Of course, you’re just being silly.
Nikky gets up and walks to the display window.
NIKKY
Okay, forget the balls, look at
their nipples!
AUDREY
So, they’ve got nipples.
Audrey rifles through a shopping bag for a chocolate bar.
NIKKY
Wimmin get arrested for walking
around topless because nipples are
deemed obscene by the law, and
right here in hetero-central,
mannequins with permanently erect
nipples!
AUDREY
You can’t see the actual nipples.
They probably aren’t even pink.
It’s just to catch your eye. And if
you ask me, this display has you
hooked.
60.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
Audrey unwraps her candy bar and takes a bite.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
It’s just one more cynical
advertising tactic, and it worked.
Look at the lather you’ve worked
yourself into.
NIKKY
But, Audrey…
Audrey stands and glances at other mannequins.
AUDREY
No ‘but’s’ about it, besides, you
should be glad that there is
lesbian visibility in the mall. We
shop here too. Let those who get
it, get it and those who don’t,
don’t. If you want something to be
mad about, be angry that all the
mannequins are Caucasian. Racism is
a larger problem than erect
nipples.
NIKKY
I thought you said you weren’t
political.
Nikky sits down beside Audrey on the bench.
AUDREY
I’m not politically active, I’m
politically aware. What, I have to
have short hair and an attitude to
be political?
NIKKY
Well, no. I’m sorry. I guess I have
a few preconceived notions based on
stereotypes, myself.
Audrey leans over and kisses Nikky on the cheek.
AUDREY
No shit. And that’s probably the
last time I’ll kiss you in public.
I don’t care for my co-workers
finding out I’m a lesbian. Worst
case scenario, it could mean my job
or my upcoming promotion.
61.
CONTINUED: (5)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Y’know Audrey, statistics show that
most lesbian couples last two
years. We may not be in for a long
ride. Understand that I hope that
we are. But I promise you, that
it’ll be an educational and
entertaining ride.
AUDREY
For both of us. And I hope a long
one, too.
INT. LAUNDROMAT (PRESENT DAY) – LATER. LATE AFTERNOON.
Audrey opens her eyes. Determinedly, she picks up the copy of
a gay paper and proceeds to openly read it.
A couple of the Laundromat patrons notice, but no one takes
offence. The man smiles at Audrey and gives her a ‘thumbs
up.’ She smiles back at him.
INT. PUB (PRESENT DAY) – LATER. LATE AFTERNOON.
There are four MALE PATRONS (professional types) near the
bar. The bar is dark panelled and relatively smoke free.
LINDSAY FURST (34, feminist, HIV+, lawyer, mediator
personality) leads Nikky to a table away from them and
motions for the BARTENDER.
LINDSAY
Order whatever you like, it’s on
me.
Nikky shifts uncomfortably. The Bartender arrives.
BARTENDER
What’t'll it be, ladies?
LINDSAY
Scotch, neat.
NIKKY
Pint of Riker’s Red.
The bartender leaves. Lindsay smiles at Nikky and shakes her
head. Nikky sits like a school kid who knows that she’s in
trouble, but is unsure as to why. Lindsay unpacks her
notebook from her briefcase.
62.
CONTINUED: (6)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
(smiling)
You look a little lost.
NIKKY
I just can’t recall a time when
we’ve talked one on one. I mean one
to one.
LINDSAY
I’m not the ferocious person
everyone makes me out to be. I’m
really quite gentle, you people at
meetings only get to see my
business side. This isn’t what you
think.
NIKKY
(too quickly)
I don’t think anything.
A very attractive FEMININE WOMAN enters the bar. The Male
Patrons all watch as she selects a table. They huddle as if
to determine who is going to approach her first.
LINDSAY
You and I both know that’s not
true. Anyhow, I won’t be coy. I’ll
just tell you what…
NIKKY
Lindsay, I’m really flattered, and
I know I’ve said Audrey and I
aren’t monogamous, but I don’t…
LINDSAY
I’m not trying to seduce you Nikky.
NIKKY
I like you a lot Lindsay, and I
have a lot of respect, what? You’re
not? Why not?
Lindsay laughs very hard. The bartender brings the drinks. He
places them on the table.
BARTENDER
Well, I was going to wish you
lovely ladies a good night, but I
see you’ve beat me to it.
63.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Nikky starts laughing. Lindsay dabs her eyes, then hands the
bartender a ten.
LINDSAY
Keep the change, we’ll wave to you
when we want another round.
The bartender returns to the bar. Nikky looks embarrassed.
NIKKY
I’m sorry I misunderstood. A couple
of the people in the coalition have
noticed that you seemed interested
in what I do, I’m sorry.
LINDSAY
Don’t worry about it. Many people
in the coalition, and they are all
good people, often view things in
too limited a context.
Nikky looks confused but is trying to hide it; she has a deep
respect for Lindsay, and would rather die than appear stupid
in front of her. Lindsay realizes that Nikky didn’t follow
her.
LINDSAY (CONT’D)
They can only see their own little
concerns and personal issues.
NIKKY
You forgot ego gratification and
publicity seeking.
LINDSAY
Sometimes I think certain people in
the coalition forget we’re fighting
for our lives and not for
headlines. You and I know what’s
important, Nikky. I need your
energy and commitment, I need you
on my side.
Nikky takes a long sip of beer.
NIKKY
Lindsay, I’m not sure I understand.
64.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
You have on many occasions
expressed frustration with the lack
of perceivable action or progress
within the coalition.
NIKKY
Because we keep talking about how
to do something instead of doing
it.
LINDSAY
Don’t you think that just doing is
reckless?
One of the Male Patrons approaches the woman with two drinks.
He engages her in a brief conversation.
NIKKY
Certainly consequences have to be
considered, but not to the point
that we spend more time discussing
the wording of press releases than
issuing them. We can’t wait for
every kind of gay person to join
the coalition before we act, if we
don’t do anything, what have we to
offer them to join?
LINDSAY
Nikky, you are a very passionate
person, and I think that often you
let your heart lead your head.
These are turbulent times and they
require diplomacy, patience.
The Male Patron moves back to his tablemates. They tease him.
The womyn looks longingly at the door.
NIKKY
I’m tired of being afraid for my
future career, for my home, for my
life. I’m tired of referring to
Audrey in non-gender specific
language. And I’m angry that I have
to so that no one knows I’m a dyke.
LINDSAY
It’s not me you have to convince.
Why don’t you ever volunteer to
handle media?
65.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
The Fem Woman ignores the men who are still talking about her
and looking, but starts to look at Nikky and Lindsay in an
interested manner.
NIKKY
Because I want to be a
schoolteacher. I’m out at
university for the most part. I
joined the campus gay association
as a way of meeting wimmin, but I
don’t raise lesbian issues in
class, even when others do. I guess
that makes me a collaborator.
Lindsay reaches across the table and holds Nikky’s hand.
LINDSAY
No, it makes you scared, and human.
I didn’t realize that you weren’t
out everywhere, you give a very
different impression.
Lindsay sips her drink and sits back thoughtfully.
NIKKY
What did you want from me?
LINDSAY
I’m worried that the coalition is
going to tear itself apart in my
absence. They need someone to
remind them that we’re all on the
same side, that we’re fighting for
the same goals.
NIKKY
Everyone knows the goals are the
same, it’s the way and the order to
achieve them in that everyone
differs. I think if we fight for
same sex marriage, everything falls
into place after it. But I also
know that having spousal or partner
benefits would make the marriage
thing easier. But that’s just my
opinion, I don’t know about the law
side.
LINDSAY
Nikky, I appreciate your approach,
it has a certain efficiency that is
hard to resist.
66.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY (CONT’D)
(choosing her words
carefully)
I need you on my side. Malcolm is a
by-the-rules person and Jess tends
towards process rather than results
and she doesn’t want to include men
in the social revolution. They are
both good people with valuable
contributions to make, but each of
them often prevent others from
making contributions.
NIKKY
Like Alan.
LINDSAY
Yes, before I ask you what I am
going to ask you, I need to know
how you feel about Alan.
NIKKY
His being bisexual or that he’s
married to a straight woman?
LINDSAY
All of it.
NIKKY
I don’t have a problem, my first
two girlfriends were bi.
LINDSAY
Do you think his marriage is a
problem?
NIKKY
No, I’m glad he found someone he
loves and married, I’m even a
little jealous. But I don’t think
his access to straight privilege
should prevent him from being at
meetings or from being included in
gay rights issues. I wouldn’t even
have a problem with straight people
joining and being out as straight.
I want the rights and privileges
that they can take for granted, but
I don’t hate them for having them.
67.
CONTINUED: (5)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
I hoped you’d say something like
that. I’m… I’m going to be out of
town for the next few months, and I
need someone I can rely on to speak
for me at meetings.
Lindsay takes a long drink.
NIKKY
Do you have an out of town trial?
LINDSAY
Can I trust you Nikky? I feel like
I can, but I need to know if you’re
up to what I’m asking. And no one
in the coalition can know about
this meeting, so tonight, act like
we never had it, all right?
NIKKY
Lindsay, I respect you more than
anyone I know; of course you can
rely on me.
LINDSAY
Do you keep secrets from Audrey?
Nikky considers her answer very carefully.
NIKKY
Yes. Secrets other people tell me
are easy to not tell her.
LINDSAY
Okay, Nikky. I’ve made up my mind,
I want you to be my protégée, I am
not going to be around forever and
I want you to be my final
contribution to the lesbian, gay,
bisexual and transgendered
communities. I want you to be able
to carry on what I have started.
You don’t need to be a lawyer, you
just need to commit and to care.
A very BUTCH WOMYN enters the bar and joins the fem woman.
They do not kiss or touch, but it should be clear that they
are a couple.
68.
CONTINUED: (6)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
I’d be honoured to be your
protégée, Lindsay, but you’re going
to be around for a long time.
LINDSAY
No, I won’t. I…I’ve updated my
will, most of my money will be
going into various lesbian and gay
organisations, but I want to help
you in your education. It’s hard to
go to school, work and be an
activist. Not to mention maintain a
relationship.
NIKKY
Lindsay, I don’t want your money.
Why do you think you’re going to
die?
LINDSAY
I have AIDS. And I have six months
to get everything in order.
NIKKY
People can live a long time with
AIDS, your doctor shouldn’t have
said six months.
LINDSAY
My doctor didn’t, it’s a self
imposed time limit. It’s an ugly
disease, the wasting, the
powerlessness. I can’t cope with
it, and it’s my choice not to. I’m
not willing to wait for the cure.
NIKKY
How? How did you get it? An
operation?
LINDSAY
Unprotected sex, Nikky, lesbians
can transmit it to each other.
NIKKY
There’s no proof that oral sex
transmits, last I read, the virus
can’t withstand exposure to air.
69.
CONTINUED: (7)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
There’s no proof that you can’t,
besides, I enjoy certain unsafe
activities, and part of what
I…like…about them is the
unsafety. I just thought that
nothing could ever get me.
NIKKY
I don’t understand why you’d…give
yourself just six months.
LINDSAY
I don’t want to go through the
pain. I’d rather be remembered the
way I am now. My mother had a
lingering death from cancer, and I
can’t put my friends and family
through that. It should be my
choice legally, and it isn’t, but
it is my choice in actuality.
One of the Male Patrons, obviously drunk, weaves over to the
other lesbians table. He makes a stupid remark and the butch
stands up. When she does, he realizes that he may be in over
his head and he returns meekly to the bar.
NIKKY
I need time to think about this, I
won’t tell anyone, not even Audrey.
LINDSAY
You should discuss this with her,
but please, don’t tell her what I
intend to do. She will wonder why I
left money to you, and you will
need help with tuition and living
expenses, so don’t turn it down.
Nikky, you’re as close to a
daughter as I have. You will do
well and I just want to help you
stay on track. Okay?
Nikky gets up and downs the rest of her pint.
NIKKY
Okay. Speaking of Audrey, I have to
book. It’s our anniversary and I
wanted to see her before the
meeting, and that’s in about two
hours. She’s always asleep when I
get home from meetings.
70.
CONTINUED: (8)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
I’ll see you at the meeting, Nikky.
Nikky exits.
EXT. CITY STREET/ENTRANCE TO SUBWAY. LATE AFTERNOON. LATER
Nikky stalks down the street. She is upset by Lindsay’s
request and feeling very much the secretive nature of the
information Lindsay gave her about having AIDS and her
impending suicide.
Nikky walks past a very YOUNG PANHANDLER.
YOUNG PANHANDLER
Spare change?
Nikky stops, walks back, and pulls some change out of her
pocket and hands it to the kid. She walks quickly away before
he can thank her. Nikky enters the mall concourse to the
subway station.
INT. MALL CONCOURSE ENTRANCE TO SUBWAY – LATE AFTERNOON.
LATER
Nikky stops at the flower vendor.
VENDOR
What can I get for you today?
NIKKY
I’d like some lilies. Do you have
an anniversary card to go with it?
VENDOR
$11.50, plus tax. Lucky guy, not
many women buy flowers for their
boyfriends.
NIKKY
(she pays)
Actually, they’re for my wife.
He laughs, thinking she’s joking. He wraps the flowers and
give her a card to write on.
She writes `To Audrey, someday it’ll be Sixtieth year, not
one year. I love you, Nikky.’ The Vendor straightens up,
pretending he hadn’t read what she wrote.
71.
CONTINUED: (9)
INT. AUDREY & NIKKY’S APARTMENT – LATER EARLY EVENING.
Nikky walks into the apartment. She has a bouquet of lilies.
NIKKY
Harriet, I’m home!
Audrey emerges from the bedroom. She lights up when she sees
the flowers.
AUDREY
(taking the flowers,
inhaling)
Oh, Ozzie, you shouldn’t have!
NIKKY
Ooooo, I’m jealous.
AUDREY
Of the flowers?
NIKKY
Your face is in them, isn’t it?
Audrey looks at Nikky mock disgusted. She slowly lowers the
flowers, seduction in her eyes.
AUDREY
Well, you are a really cute
delivery person, but my girlfriend
is the jealous type.
Nikky licks her upper lip in contemplation.
NIKKY
Yeah? Well, how butch is she?
AUDREY
She’s pretty butch. She fights a
lot, although most of it’s
political arguing. I guess, maybe
she’s not so tough.
NIKKY
(dropping the game)
Not so tough?!
Audrey opens her blouse a little bit.
AUDREY
No, strange delivery person, my
girlfriend isn’t so tough.
72.
(CONTINUED)
Nikky, dropping back into the role playing game, moves
closer, then leans slowly in and kisses Audrey, deeply.
NIKKY
Do you want me to leave, or do you
figure your ol’lady’ll be home
soon?
AUDREY
No, she has a meeting tonight, and
she’s left me all alone. With noone,
I mean, nothing to do.
Nikky kisses her again. Audrey pulls her very close. The
flowers drop to the floor. Nikky presses her up against the
wall, the kissing becomes almost violently passionate. Audrey
pulls back.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Oh, I better get these flowers into
water.
NIKKY
Your ol’lady neglects you, Passion
Flower. She doesn’t deserve ya. How
long you been seeing her, anyway?
Audrey kneels down to pick up the flowers.
AUDREY
Long enough so that she would know
I hate these dumb role playing
fantasies. If I wanted to sleep
with anyone other than you, Nikky,
I’d send out for my own flowers.
Audrey stands up and kisses Nikky again. Audrey takes Nikky
by the hand and leads her into the bedroom.
INT. BEDROOM – EARLY EVENING.
Audrey pushes Nikky down on the bed, then lies beside her,
kissing her.
AUDREY
I masturbated and fantasized about
you this afternoon, does that
excite you?
73.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
Yes, and normally I’d kiss you
until you told me what you did
while you fantasized and what the
fantasy was, but…
AUDREY
I get the feeling I would have
gotten flowers even if it wasn’t
our anniversary.
NIKKY
Lindsay Furst asked me to be her
protégée.
AUDREY
Weird. What did you tell her?
NIKKY
I said I had to think about it. I
mean, just think what I can learn
from her.
AUDREY
I’m not sure her motives are so
pure. When was the last time you
heard she had a girlfriend?
NIKKY
C’mon Audrey, she’s years older
than me,
Nikky leans closer. Audrey moves away. Nikky stands up.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
Besides Audrey, you are the only
one I love. Lindsay is…a mentor.
Nothing else. Besides, I haven’t
given her an answer. She’s offered
to pay for my education. I’ll say
‘no’ if you want me to. Lindsay is,
she’s. . .
Nikky crawls back in the bed beside Audrey and wraps her body
around her. She makes no move for sexual contact, just
physical.
AUDREY
Are you okay?
74.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
I just need you to hold me. It
scares me to think that we won’t
always do this.
AUDREY
What’s wrong?
NIKKY
I’m scared of one of us dying.
Those two wimmin yesterday,
Lindsay, the hatred, I got gay
bashed today and Lee almost gotten
himself beaten by a bunch of jock
jerks.
AUDREY
What happened?
NIKKY
Some spritzhead idiots called me a
dyke and some jocks tried to beat
up Lee. I jumped in with my big
mouth and fortunately, they left us
alone. It was in the pub, too many
witnesses. When is this changed
supposed to happen? Why do people
hate us?
Audrey strokes Nikky’s hair and squeezes her a little
tighter.
AUDREY
Mother set me up for a date
Saturday night. A son of a friend
of hers. I have to go. I wish I
could stand up to her.
NIKKY
Did she order your lunch?
AUDREY
She tried to, I actually asserted
myself there, I just ordered the
salad. I guess maybe I am starting
to challenge her authority.
NIKKY
Maybe soon you can tell her I’m not
your roommate.
75.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
My mother isn’t like yours. I’m an
only child, Mother wants me to give
her a grandchild, it’s important to
her. I’m almost thirty, I’m going
to have to decide soon.
Nikky pulls away.
NIKKY
Decide what soon?
AUDREY
If I’m going to have a child and
how I’m going to do it if I decide
yes.
NIKKY
What about me?
AUDREY
Darling, last time I checked, you
didn’t have the equipment to get me
pregnant.
NIKKY
That’s not what I meant.
Nikky gets off of the bed and starts pacing.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
What if I don’t want to have kids?
We’d have to get a bigger place,
where’s the money going to come
from? What about a donor? We gotta
decide who and what role would he
play. And besides, having a child
for your mother is all the wrong
reasons.
AUDREY
(angry, defensive)
I want to have a child, Nikky.
NIKKY
You’ve never said this before!
Audrey gets off of the bed and physically confronts Nikky.
76.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
What are you so terrified of? How
do you even know we’ll still be
couple by the time I want to have a
child? The way you’re talking, you
sound like you’ve got more say than
I do. It’s my body.
Audrey stomps out of the room. Nikky flinches as she hears
the bathroom DOOR BEING SLAMMED. Nikky follows after the echo
dies.
INT. HALLWAY TO BATHROOM – EARLY EVENING.
Nikky stands outside the door, unsure of what to say for
several moments. She looks at the camera, as if to ask
advice. She knocks on the door.
AUDREY (O.S.)
Go to your meeting, Nikky.
NIKKY
Audrey, I’m sorry.
AUDREY (O.S.)
Go to your damn meeting, you’re
going to be late.
NIKKY
Audrey, come out of the bathroom.
I’m sorry, you just caught me off
guard. Let’s talk about it..
Audrey opens the door. She is crying. Nikky moves to hug her,
Audrey flinches, and Nikky pulls away.
AUDREY
What makes you think that we can
last another month, never mind
twenty more years? We’ve been
fighting so much lately. My parents
fought a lot and I vowed I wouldn’t
live like that. That my child would
never have to hide under her pillow
to drown out the yelling.
NIKKY
It’s just stress, end of term,
final exams coming up.
77.
CONTINUED: (4)
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Audrey, it’s so hard for any same
sex couples, there’s so much stuff
externally pulling us apart and
internally pushing us away. We have
to fight to stay together.
AUDREY
This is personal, about us, between
us, not politics, there’s no
political analysis here. It’s not
about social homophobia or stress
or school or Mother or my job. It’s
us, how well we get along, how much
we care about and love each other.
NIKKY
So, we’ll talk. . .
AUDREY
You’re going to be late for your
meeting.
NIKKY
Why do I think you might not be
here when I get back?
AUDREY
Do you need a couple of dollars for
coffee?
Nikky backs away.
NIKKY
No. I’ll be back around eleven.
Should I wake you when I come in?
AUDREY
Whatever.
NIKKY
Audrey….
AUDREY
Go already. Lindsay’s waiting.
Nikky picks up a leather jacket and exits the apartment.
Audrey looks defiantly at the camera. Her composure breaks
and she cries. She exits to the bedroom.
78.
CONTINUED:
NIKKY (cont’d)
INT. MEETING ROOM – LATER NIGHT.
The room is medium sized. A long table is in the centre with
chairs ringing it. There are posters on the wall – Human
Rights, Environmental, Wimmin’s Rights, Lesbian & Gay Rights,
Worker’s Rights, etc. Two pitchers of water, tray of glasses
and a box of donuts are on the table.
Seated are: Lindsay Furst at the head of the table, Chris
Schroeder at Lindsay’s right; beside Chris is ALAN STONEMAN
(34, bisexual and married), then MALCOLM JOHNSON (42, gay man
of colour, accountant, a media slut). On Lindsay’s left is
JESSICA `JESS’ LEWIS (32, stone butch and process junkie).
The chairs alongside Jess and at the foot of the table are
empty. Nikky stands at the foot of the table and tosses the
two local daily newspapers on the table.
NIKKY
A lesbian couple is murdered by
their next door neighbour and
neither major daily paper runs it
on page one.
CHRIS
The Times mentioned it on the first
page.
NIKKY
Yeah, but only to refer readers to
page five, Chris, that’s just not
good enough. The Chronicler ran it
on seven and it’s under an ad for
used cars!
Nikky sits down heavily into the chair at the foot of the
table.
MALCOLM
If a straight couple was murdered
by a gay, it’da been splashed over
both front pages and we’d all be
condemned as murderers.
Malcolm leans backwards, his arms folded across his chest.
CHRIS
Double standards makes the world go
round, Malcolm. Hey, it bothers me
too.
79.
(CONTINUED)
JESS
The worse part is, because the
papers down play the words ‘lesbian
couple’, you don’t really know why
he killed them. It leads one to
think that there may have been a
reason he shot them. Hail the
mighty white man and his defence of
his castle.
Malcolm leans forward and makes notes about everyone’s
comments on a legal pad.
NIKKY
It bothers me that if a male
teacher molests a female student,
the public’s attitude is “Oh, what
a horrible man”, but, if the
student was male, it’s “Hang the
homos”.
JESS
Gay people have to play it
straighter than straights because
we get lumped together; and that’s
completely ludicrous since lesbians
and gay men have very little in
common. Our issues, our concerns,
our lives are all different. That’s
never acknowledged by mainstream.
CHRIS
Straight people understand that
they are different from each other,
but to apply that principle to
other communities is.. it’s just
easier to lump all Chinese people
together as bad drivers, black
people as lazy, and fags as child
molesters. Lesbians, of course,
don’t really exist because all they
need is a big enough dick and
they’ll return to the fold. Every
group its own stereotypes of how
everyone else is, and no individual
is allowed to be different.
80.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
Chris, I realize that you meant
those as examples of other people’s
attitudes, but it makes me
uncomfortable to hear such hateful
platitudes. We all know them, but
we don’t have to verbalize them;
that just gives them some validity.
CHRIS
Sorry, Lindsay, I was just trying
to illustrate my point.
ALAN
Well, it’s obvious that we’re all
upset by this event, and by the
poor coverage, maybe we should skip
this month’s meeting or reschedule
it for next week.
LINDSAY
That’s a nice suggestion Alan, but
we’ve got a heavy agenda. I knew
them, and Gloria and Mary wouldn’t
want us to stop our work.
Lindsay’s composure slips for a moment and she looks away so
no-one can see that she is trying not to cry.
LINDSAY (CONT’D)
Sorry.
NIKKY
Lindsay, you knew them?
LINDSAY
(trying to be composed)
Yes, Bev and I were supposed to
have dinner with them. When we
arrived, the coroner…
Chris leans over and takes Lindsay’s hand.
JESS
(softly)
There, but for the goddess, go I.
Chris gets up and hugs Lindsay. Jess leans over and puts her
hand on Lindsay’s shoulder. Lindsay cries openly, freely.
81.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
I keep thinking, if only we’d
arrived sooner.
MALCOLM
You may have been shot as well,
don’t do that to yourself. It could
just have easily happened the day
before or after. Anybody know what
set the guy off?
NIKKY
According to the Sun, he’d had
enough of the two wimmin “flaunting
their lifestyle for the children in
the neighbourhood to see.”
ALAN
Which means they were behaving like
a straight married couple; only
with gays and lesbians, it’s
flaunting.
Alan moves to the head of the table, but does not touch
Lindsay.
ALAN (CONT’D)
Are you sure you wouldn’t rather
that the meeting is postponed,
Lindsay?
Lindsay pulls herself together.
LINDSAY
We only have this room booked for
one a month, and I’d rather not
miss a meeting. I know we all made
sacrifices to be here. Give me a
minute, and we’ll get started.
Where is the bathroom key, anyway?
Lindsay gets up and opens the door to the room. The reception
area visible is sparsely furnished, and the activist poster
theme is continued.
JESS
I’ll come with you, Lindsay.
LINDSAY
Thank you, Jess.
82.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
The bathroom key is the top left
drawer of that desk.
Lindsay and Jess exit.
NIKKY (CONT’D)
I didn’t know that Lindsay knew
those two wimmin. I feel even worse
now.
CHRIS
You had no way of knowing, Nikky.
Even though we are a small
community, no one knows everyone. I
remember being so scared to ask a
womyn out for fear that she’d dated
one of my ex’s, or was friends with
them. I’m glad I’m in a
relationship now and can avoid all
that.
MALCOLM
Now the community is two less.
CHRIS
Malcolm, I’m sorry if my examples
earlier offended you, that’s not
what I think. In fact, it’s white
straight people who are lazy
because they never seem to make the
effort to distinguish other groups
as individuals
MALCOLM
I know what you were doing. I
wasn’t offended. Is it a womyn or a
man who’s supposed to chair this
meeting? I can’t remember who
chaired last.
NIKKY
Alan chaired last meeting, so one
of us wimmin will have to chair.
CHRIS
Why don’t you chair Nikky, I don’t
think you’ve chaired for about six
months.
Nikky looks startled for a moment. She shifts uncomfortably
and sucks her cheeks in.
83.
CONTINUED: (4)
(CONTINUED)
Slowly, she nods, unable to figure out a good reason why she
shouldn’t chair, and unwilling to admit she’s nervous.
NIKKY
Okay, let’s start the agenda list.
I guess we can skip the round
because there’s no new people
tonight. Items?
CHRIS
I guess a press release about the
murders should be drafted.
ALAN
Committee report on the upcoming
meeting with the mayor. And Lindsay
has an update on our getting
intervener status in the Duke and
Samuels court case.
MALCOLM
And a report from the fund raising
committee.
Lindsay and Jess return.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S APARTMENT – MEANWHILE NIGHT.
Audrey paces around the apartment, touching knickknacks.
Occasionally she picks one up, and it makes her cry harder.
She picks up a ceramic cat figurine and throws it against the
wall. It shatters.
She plunks down on the couch. She starts to cry.
AUDREY
I just can’t believe she’d really
leave me alone on our anniversary.
Audrey flops sideways onto the couch, then rolls onto her
stomach and sobs into the couch. She punches the floor with
her hand. She pulls her hand against her breast, cradling it.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
(to the camera)
Fuck it. Fuck this bullshit. Fuck
you Nikky. I’m tired of being
second choice to everything else.
Audrey stops crying and gets purposefully off of the couch,
exiting to the bedroom.
84.
CONTINUED: (5)
INT. MEETING ROOM – LATER NIGHT.
The room is as before with an additional person, JACOB DAVIS
(40, Malcolm’s lover), having joined the group.
JESS
Malcolm, I didn’t say that I didn’t
appreciate the effort, I just said
that given how common vegetarianism
is among lesbians, that it was
inconsiderate for Jacob to have
brought donuts laden with refined
sugar.
MALCOLM
I just said it was nice that
someone thought to bring anything
at all.
Lee (T-shirt reads ‘Pink Sheep of the Family’) enters and
squeezes in beside Nikky.
LINDSAY
Perhaps we should make this an
agenda item, and discuss taking
turns bringing snack foods and what
constitutes appropriate snacks?
LEE
Cool, donuts!
Lee reaches over and grabs two, hands one to Nikky and stuffs
the other into his mouth.
JESS
Chris is a vegetarian, and doesn’t
eat refined sugar.
NIKKY
Chris, do you have a problem with
Jacob bringing donuts?
CHRIS
Not really, I ate dinner.
LINDSAY
Actually Nikky, that’s a little
simplistic.
85.
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
Jess has a valid point – if we are
going to bring snacks for meetings,
we need to be sure that everyone
can partake, regardless of whether
everyone actually does or wants to.
LEE
(eating a donut)
Kind of like trying to include
transgendered issues in our mandate
without actually having any
transgendered people in the
coalition?
Alan shifts uncomfortably.
ALAN
Lee, we all know what oppression
feels like, as a bisexual, I’m used
to the double oppression from the
mainstream and the gay community.
Jess writes some notes down and by her expression, is
blatantly not listening to Alan. Everyone is aware, but no
one says anything.
ALAN (CONT’D)
(quieter)
It’s not like we haven’t done any
outreach to transgendered groups,
and they’ve indicated interest,
it’s just a matter of matching
schedules.
LINDSAY
Well, let’s just put the snacks on
the agenda and continue the
meeting.
Lee eats another donut.
MALCOLM
I believe we agreed three meetings
ago that agendas are to be set one
meeting before and only time
sensitive things, for example court
rulings or suddenly announced
legislation, events requiring an
immediate press release,
Malcolm nods in deference to Lindsay.
86.
CONTINUED:
LINDSAY (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
MALCOLM (CONT’D)
Like the murders yesterday, can be
added pre-meeting. I don’t think
donuts count.
LEE
We could do a round and see if
people want to add donuts to the
meeting.
CHRIS
Why don’t we just make a note for
the ‘set agenda’ item to add it at
the next meeting?
NIKKY
I vote for that.
LEE
Me too.
Lee stuffs his another donut into his mouth.
ALAN
Okay, the next item is mine, it’s
our meeting with the Ministry of
Attorney-General. We’re asking for
$150,000 a year for office space,
equipment, salaries for 3 full time
staff people and…
Lee reaches for another donut and offers it to Nikky. She
shakes her head ‘no.’
JESS
Shouldn’t we do a round of
introductions? After all, we don’t
all know Jacob.
LINDSAY
It should be done for the minutes,
anyway. I’m doing minutes, so I’ll
start. I’m Lindsay Furst from
Barrett, Furst and Harris,
Outspoken and the National Action
Committee’s Vancouver Regional
Office.
87.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
CHRIS
Chris Schroeder, no group
affiliation, so I guess that make
me the coalition’s Lesbian at
Large.
Giggles, including Jess, from around the table.
NIKKY
I’m glad someone finally said it.
LEE
Wish I’d thought of it.
ALAN
Alan Stoneman, from Day Bi Day, a
bisexual support group, and if we
don’t get this meeting started
soon, I’ll be from Prime Timers.
MALCOLM
Malcolm Johnson, Outspoken, The
Rainbow Band and the Gay Men’s
Choir.
NIKKY
Nikky Taves from the campus Gay and
Lesbian Association.
LEE
Lee Hayes, same as Nikky.
JACOB
Jacob Davis, I’m with Malcolm.
JESS
Jess Lewis from Kinesis, feminist
newspaper.
ALAN
Our first agenda item is the
funding request we’re submitting to
the city council. I’ll pass around
the breakdown of the funds we’re
requesting and the allocation that
Lindsay worked out…
INT. BEDROOM – MEANWHILE NIGHT.
Audrey is finishing packing an overnight bag. She takes the
photo of her and Nikky off of Nikky’s dresser. She stares at
it a long moment, then wipes a tear from her cheek.
88.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
Audrey sits down on the bed, clutching the photo to her
chest. She lies across the bed, her head on Nikky’s pillow.
AUDREY
Ow.
She reaches under the pillow and finds Nikky’s present. She
runs her hand over the book she’d wrapped earlier. This time
she doesn’t stop the tears. She sits up and reaches for the
phone, and dials.
MOTHER (PHONE)
Hello?
AUDREY
Mother, it’s Audrey.
INT. MEETING ROOM – LATER NIGHT.
Malcolm and Jacob push their chairs away from the table.
MALCOLM
Anyone want to go to the pub for
drinks? I’m buying the first round,
it’s mine and Jacob’s fifth
anniversary today.
LEE
(T-shirt reads: homophobia
is a social disease)
I’m in.
NIKKY
Somehow I knew you’d say that.
Actually, it’s mine and Audrey’s
first and I want to get home,
because I’m not entirely sure she’s
happy that I came to the meeting.
CHRIS
I’ve got an early appointment so,
thanks for the offer gentlemen, but
I’ll pass. Nikky, I can give you a
ride home.
NIKKY
Thanks.
89.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
LINDSAY
I accept your offer, and I’ll even
buy the second round to
congratulate you. It’s nice to see
couples stay together.
NIKKY
Maybe we’ve hit that famous second
year lesbian slump early, I’ve
always been an overachiever.
LEE
Girlfriend! How can I adapt that to
my stage routine? This lesbian
friend of mine is such a fast mover
that she hits the second year slump
by the second date!
ALAN
Lee, your delivery needs a little
work.
People move towards the door to leave.
MALCOLM
Jess, will you join us for a round?
JESS
No.
Jess softens a bit.
JESS (CONT’D)
I’ve got an early appointment, it’s
not personal or anything.
Lindsay puts her arm around Jess’ shoulder.
LINDSAY
Yes, but it’s with me at my office
and I’m going, so come along and
I’ll be understanding tomorrow if
you’re late. Hell, I’ll even drive
you home after.
They all exit. The lights are turned off.
INT. CHRIS’ CAR – LATER NIGHT.
Chris is driving very carefully, Nikky can barely keep still
and looks like she’s trying really hard not to ask Chris to
speed.
90.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
CHRIS
I saw Audrey today at Jaque’s. What
make you think she’s leaving you?
NIKKY
I went home before the meeting. We
had a fight. It was pretty bad.
We’ve been having a lot of little
fights lately.
CHRIS
I’m sorry, I like Audrey, but you
and Audrey never seemed destined to
last forever to me, Nikky. You
literally were living together
within a week of meeting each
other. That’s too fast.
NIKKY
Yeah, it was fast in retrospect,
but at the time, it didn’t seem
like that. We’ve put a lot of time
and effort into our relationship.
We can make it longer than this.
CHRIS
Relationships shouldn’t be an
effort. I’m sorry, you’ve got
enough on your plate, and it isn’t
what I wanted to talk about anyway.
They drive in silence for a couple of blocks.
NIKKY
Why did you want to drive me home?
CHRIS
I wanted to assure you that Audrey
loves you. I don’t think you’re
right for each other, but I’m an
outsider. It’s up to you two to
stay together. Audrey bought you an
anniversary present this afternoon.
NIKKY
Well, she hadn’t given it to me
when I was home earlier, maybe she
changed her mind.
Nikky looks out the window so that Chris can’t see that she’s
started to cry.
91.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
Chris reaches over and puts her hand on Nikky’s shoulder.
Nikky smiles at Chris, allowing her friend to see that she’s
crying.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S APARTMENT – LATER NIGHT.
Mother is examining the bookcase crammed with Lesbian & Gay
titles and wimmin’s studies. There are also posters of kd
lang, Melissa Etheridge on the walls, as well as a framed
black and white vaguely lesbian erotic print. Mother moves
away from the bookcase, very primly. She notices the broken
cat ceramic figurine, but does not comment on it.
MOTHER
I always suspected that your
roommate was a little…queer.
AUDREY
I don’t want to talk about Nikky,
Mother. You know, it just occurred
to me that you’ve never been here
before.
MOTHER
Well dear, you don’t have to be
ever again. Leave a note for your
roommate, to pack the rest of your
clothes and I’ll send someone to
get them. I don’t understand how
you could stay in this place for as
long as you have. Weren’t you
worried that she’d make a pass at
you?
AUDREY
No, it really wasn’t a concern,
Mother. It’s 10:30, Nikky should be
getting out of her meeting.
Audrey runs her hand along the bookcase, lingering.
MOTHER
Well dear, we should be going, we
don’t want to have a scene, and
there’s really nothing for you here
anyway.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
(a beat)
Is there?
Audrey turns towards the bookcase, her back to her Mother.
Her shoulders slump inwardly.
92.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
(strained)
No, there isn’t.
Mother moves towards the door, she picks up Audrey’s
suitcase.
AUDREY (CONT’D)
Why do you think there’d be a
scene?
MOTHER
Well, you’re moving out on very
short notice.
Audrey sits down on the couch.
AUDREY
Mother, I’m not just leaving a
roommate.
MOTHER
I know that you and Nikky are
friends.
AUDREY
Nikky and I….Mother, put my
suitcase down and come and sit with
me. I have to tell you something.
Mother puts the suitcase down and sits with Audrey. She knows
what is coming but doesn’t want to hear it.
MOTHER
Everyone does some experimenting
when they’re young, but it’s time
for you to move on. I’ve suspected
about you and Nikky, there was no
reason for two adult wimmin to
share a one bedroom apartment. When
you move back home, and are exposed
to the proper environment again,
you’ll be able to see this is in
proper perspective, sweetie.
AUDREY
Mother, it’s not an experiment,
this is the way I am. Most of those
are my books, and, I’ve had them
for years. I just hid them from
you.
93.
CONTINUED:
(CONTINUED)
MOTHER
You called me over to take you away
from… this, not to throw it in my
face.
Mother stands and picks up the suitcase.
MOTHER (CONT’D)
We’re leaving Audrey Louise
Dempsey. Now.
EXT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S APARTMENT BUILDING – NIGHT.
Chris is hugging Nikky. They are standing on the sidewalk by
the parked car.
CHRIS
I can’t believe that Audrey would
just be gone, I think she has more
class than leaving a Dear Jane
letter in lipstick on the bedroom
mirror. It’s just your overactive
imagination working on your nerves.
Chris sits back facing Nikky with her back against the door.
CHRIS (CONT’D)
Those murders yesterday has made
everyone jittery. I got into a
fight with Teresa before the
meeting. She wanted to move the
date up for our commitment
ceremony.
NIKKY
I didn’t know you and Teresa were
planning one.
Chris smiles shyly.
CHRIS
No one does yet, we haven’t mailed
the invitations. I told her that
two months from now was fine, and
that if we were going to be killed,
it wouldn’t make a difference if
we’d already had it or not, the
ceremony isn’t going to change how
we feel, it’s just a way to get
great gifts.
94.
CONTINUED: (2)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
I always new you had a very
practical side underneath your
earth mother exterior.
Chris rumples Nikky’s hair.
CHRIS
Well listen to your earth mother,
go inside, and make love to your
girlfriend. And next anniversary,
skip the meeting and take her to
dinner.
Nikky leans forward and hugs Chris briefly.
NIKKY
Thanks.
Nikky slips out of the car. Chris waits until Nikky is inside
the lobby before driving off.
INT. BUILDING HALLWAY – LATER NIGHT.
Nikky waits a long moment before she opens the door. Nikky is
terrified of finding that Audrey is gone. She opens the door.
INT. NIKKY & AUDREY’S APARTMENT – LATER NIGHT.
Nikky creeps quietly inside. She stops at the closet and sees
that Audrey’s suitcase is gone. Nikky kicks the closet door.
NIKKY
Damn! Damn! Damn! Damn! How could
you leave?!
The bedroom light comes on, Nikky stops mid-tantrum.
AUDREY (O.S.)
What are you yelling about?
Nikky stands, mouth open, in shock.
NIKKY
I thought . . . your suitcase . . .
You’re here!
Nikky runs into the bedroom.
95.
CONTINUED:
INT. NIKKY AND AUDREY’S BEDROOM – LATER. NIGHT
Audrey is in bed. Nikky jumps onto the bed, landing partially
on top of Audrey. She starts to kiss her all over her face
and her body through the blankets.
NIKKY
I thought you’d left me. Where’s
your suitcase?
AUDREY
Packed by my dresser. I was going
to leave you, Mother changed my
mind.
Nikky stops kissing Audrey.
NIKKY
Your Mother told you not to leave
me?
AUDREY
No, my Mother told me it was time
to grow up and stop experimenting.
I told her that I was gay, not
experimenting.
NIKKY
You told your Mother that we’re a
couple?
Nikky launches herself against Audrey in a big hug and
kisses.
AUDREY
Yes. It was something that Chris
said to me when I was at Jaque’s
Cafe, about unwarping minds. I had
to unwarp my mother’s mind. It was
no easy feat, she was more than a
little stunned when she left. She
came here to take me home and I
sent her away with the knowledge
that her daughter was a lesbian who
was planning to have a child with
another lesbian. It was quite a lot
for her to absorb.
NIKKY
Chris drove me home.
96.
(CONTINUED)
AUDREY
Well, you’ve got great timing,
Mother just left about fifteen
minutes ago.
NIKKY
How’d she take it?
AUDREY
Slightly worst than when I wouldn’t
eat steak at lunch, but better than
when I told her I was moving in
with you. I think seeing our
apartment, the way we fit together,
the way we’ve made a life for
ourselves, affected her. And her
initial reaction made me see how
intertwined we are.
NIKKY
I love you too much to let you just
leave. And I’ll never let another
meeting be more important that you
are.
AUDREY
Don’t make that promise, Nikky.
Part of what I love about you is
your passion for changing the
world, your dedication to make
things better for future
generations of gays and lesbians.
NIKKY
Speaking of future generations, I’m
really sorry about how I acted when
you talked about children, I guess
it just touched my nuclear family
terror buttons. I do like children,
I’m just not ready to co-parent
yet.
AUDREY
I’m willing to wait, I’m not ready
either.
NIKKY
I know it’ll be hard, and there’s a
lot of forces that pull at every
same sex couple.
97.
CONTINUED:
(MORE)
(CONTINUED)
But the way I figure it, it’s one
day at a time, and every day we end
in this bed, is a day the
homophobes don’t win. We have to do
this life that way, one day at a
time.
AUDREY
So, you think we can withstand
anything?
NIKKY
As long as we’re honest with
ourselves and with each other,
babe, there’s nothing we can’t do.
AUDREY
You’re a dreamer, Nikky, that’s
what I love about you.
NIKKY
Just a dreamer with big plans and
enough personality to convince
everyone I can pull them off.
Somedays I can’t even get out of
bed, and I think I can change the
world.
Audrey moves closer to Nikky. She presses against Nikky,
holding her tightly as if afraid she’ll lose her.
AUDREY
There’s nothing wrong with
dreaming, your dreams are your
goals, your reason for being. You
wouldn’t want to live if you
couldn’t dream of a better world.
I’m afraid of holding you back from
achieving them.
Nikky pulls away in shock.
NIKKY
How can you say that? How do you
hold me back?
AUDREY
By taking time away from you
working for your dreams.
Nikky moves close to Audrey, she strokes Audrey’s hair and
kisses her lightly.
98.
CONTINUED: (2)
NIKKY (cont’d)
(CONTINUED)
NIKKY
(tearfully)
Don’t you know that having you in
my life in twenty years is my
biggest dream? Nothing I do is
worth anything if you’re not beside
me, supporting me, loving me,
catching me when I stumble; and
letting me be there the same way
for you. Anything that’s important
to you is to me, please, Audrey….
Audrey presses her face into Nikky’s throat. When she looks
up, she is crying.
AUDREY
Anything?
NIKKY
Yes. Let’s have a kid, what’s the
point of fighting to make a better
word if you don’t have someone to
leave it too?
AUDREY
That’s beautiful, but not where I
was going.
NIKKY
What then, that’s all you’ve been
talking about all month.
AUDREY
We’re expected for Sunday dinner at
Mother’s. She wants to meet you in
your new role of son-in-law. You
can wear a tie if you want.
NIKKY
A meeting the in-law thang? With
your Mother?
Nikky pulls away fearfully (she is just playing, however).
AUDREY (NOT PICKING UP ON THE JOKE)
But you just said….
NIKKY
Your Mother? The woman’s a dragon
lady, I’d rather debate with anyone
from Focus on the Family than…
99.
CONTINUED: (3)
(CONTINUED)
Audrey suddenly understands that Nikky is playing again and
hits her with a pillow.
AUDREY
Well, maybe after my Mother, we
should take out a full page ad in
the paper, it could have our photo
and everything. Oh, I know, the
text could say we fuck wimmin or
something like that. I could post
it in my lunch room at work, d’chja
think?
NIKKY
Oooooooooooo!
Nikky leans forwards and kisses Audrey’s breasts. Then she
and Audrey kiss passionately. The kiss should build from a
lips closed but touching to a full fledged tonsil licking.
Nikky abruptly ends the kiss and then hits Audrey back with a
pillow. They wrestle, when the wrestling changes into
foreplay, freeze frame
NIKKY (CONT’D) (OS) (CONT’D)
Hey, no other womyn is ever gonna
put her hands on these.
Fade Out.