ANOTHER CHANCE

by

Steve Weissman

Copyright © 2020 Steve Weissman

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-0-6488482-4-0

Cover photo by Warren Wong.

Many thanks to Warren for sharing their work on Unsplash.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 - Gerry

Chapter 2 - Brad

Chapter 3 - I said

Chapter 4 - David

Chapter 5 - Sure

Chapter 6 - Eve

Chapter 7 - Another

Chapter 8 - Till death

Chapter 9 - More of Brad's world

Chapter 10 - Always

Chapter 11 - Rog

Chapter 12 - Sunrise Village

Chapter 13 - Brunch

Chapter 14 - Enough

Chapter 15 - Relief

Chapter 16 - Mary Jane

Chapter 17 - Blood

Chapter 18 - KING TAMPA'S CARS

Chapter 19 - MVP

Chapter 20 - Special night

Chapter 21 - King Yama

Chapter 22 - Hell of a deal

Chapter 23 - Harper

Chapter 24 - Stupid

Chapter 25 - The Lottery

Chapter 26 - New car

Chapter 27 - Try it

Chapter 28 - What a day!

Chapter 29 - The necklace

Chapter 30 - Relax

Chapter 31 - Change

Chapter 32 - Lobster

Chapter 33 - A good fight

Chapter 34 - Stacy

Chapter 35 - The Bar

Chapter 36 - On her own

Chapter 37 - What else?

Chapter 38 - WHAT THE HELL

Chapter 39 - Lunch?

Chapter 40 - Grilled cheese

Chapter 41 - Flabbergasted

Chapter 42 - HOLY SHIT!

Chapter 43 - Glenda hangs up

Chapter 44 - Where you belong

Chapter 45 - Professor Henry

Chapter 46 - DAD!

Chapter 47 - Did you never see?

Chapter 48 - How?

Chapter 49 - Click

Chapter 50 - Never again

Chapter 51 - Yes

Chapter 52 - It's important

Chapter 53 - It's new

Chapter 54 - The Football

Chapter 55 - Can I help?

Chapter 56 - Chocolates

Chapter 57 - Not anymore

Chapter 58 - The Ring

Chapter 59 - Gerry & Max

Chapter 60 - Did you think?

Chapter 61 - Every night

About the Author

Steve's 13 stories

* * * * *

Chapter 1 - Gerry

* * * * *

A red '99 Chevy pulls up in front of a Deli shop, in a low income area of town.

Two tough looking young men get out.

With a three inch scar across his forehead, Gerry walks with a limp.

He has a heavy link chain attached to his belt.

It slides down his leg into a low knee pocket.

Max, shorter with a shaved head bearing tattoos, points down the street, "We should get the deal first."

Gerry gives Max a hard shove, "Max, my jerk Max. Sandwich. I'm hungry, then deal."

They go in the Deli.

* * * * *

Chapter 2 - Brad

* * * * *

Up the same street, two more shady looking fellows, Brad, good looking, mid-thirties, could easily be a movie star, and eighteen year old Harper, matted hair, walk briskly along.

Brad, "Money, if only I had enough, then I'd be really happy."

Harper, "Like hell, Brad."

Brad, "Shit on you."

Harper, "Your dad."

Brad, "Leave him out of--"

harper, "You want your dad to..."

Brad turns to Harper, with a look, "knock it off."

Harper backs off, pauses, but isn't intimidated, cocks one eye, "...approve of you."

Brad says nothing, breathes deep, continues walking.

They approach the Chevy.

He stops, nudges Harper, "Gerry's."

Harper, "Tigers are rolling."

Harper ducks close to the Deli door, looks inside, "Dog eating dog."

They run down the street, turn into an alley.

A large, shaven headed, robust fella, Rog, waits, sitting on a broken stool, next to a beat up brown suitcase.

He smiles, showing three missing teeth.

Brad, "Got it?"

Rog laughs, "Yer lucky, yer first."

Brad, "Gerry wanted it, eh?"

Rog laughs again.

Brad hands Rog an envelope.

He checks the inside, flips through the cash quickly.

He hands Brad the suitcase.

Brad opens it.

Looks in, shuts it.

Rog laughs, walks a couple of yards, enters the side of a building.

A metal door, not unlike a prison gate, shuts.

Brad and Harper run further down the alley, take a left, disappear.

* * * * *

Chapter 3 - I said

* * * * *

Later.

Gerry and Max walk out of the alley.

Gerry's face is hard.

Max, "I said--"

Gerry rears towards Max with his chain held high.

Max backs off.

Gerry turns to the main street, his eyes are burning, "Braddy baby lives high tonight."

* * * * *

Chapter 4 - David

* * * * *

Salvation Army second hand store.

Men unload a truck full of used items.

A beat up brown suitcase gets thrown into a shopping cart.

Clothes go into another.

Electrical items, sporting goods.

* * * * *

Inside two strong, wrinkly hands sort some used kitchen items.

On the back of the right hand is a tattoo, a heart with EVE written in it.

A scratchy man's voice, David Myers, obviously elderly, "Now, Paul, some of these will be good..."

One hand turns on a can opener, it spins effortlessly.

It gets put to one side.

David, "Some will be fixable..."

An iron with the plastic cover off goes to another location.

David, "Some will go to the metal recycle bin..."

A metal spatula with a corner of the scraping part broken off is tossed in a large box labeled, "METAL."

David, "Others to the plastic."

The hands fondle a plastic cracked water jug.

A younger man's voice:

Young man, "Mr. Myers, have you been a volunteer here long?"

David, "Twenty-seven years. Three days a week, five hours a day. I started two weeks after I retired."

The cracked water jug is tossed in a large box labeled, "PLASTIC."

* * * * *

Chapter 5 - Sure

* * * * *

A young woman's bedroom.

A water jug rests next to a bedside table clock, reading 9:12 AM.

A cell phone, laying close by, rings.

A man's arm comes out from underneath sheets, grabs the phone, puts it to his ear.

It's Brad.

Brad, "Yes."

(pause)

"Mary Jane, hi sweetheart."

(pause)

"Uh, yeah, little slow this morning."

(pause)

"Yes, tonight."

(pause)

"See you then. Good."

(pause)

"Yes, I love you, bye."

He puts the phone back on the side table.

A bottle-blonde lies next to Brad, "Sure you do..."

She rolls over onto him, "You love her, yeah..."

She kisses him.

Woman, "You deserve her like I deserve a priest."

* * * * *

Chapter 6 - Eve

* * * * *

Elderly couple's bedroom.

On a side table is a photo of the couple.

The man's right arm is around the woman, showing the back of his hand - the EVE tattoo.

Another photo shows them with a young Brad, in a High School Graduation gown.

Brad smiles broadly, holding two framed certificates.

One shows he was Valedictorian.

The other states he was an All American football player.

Next to the side table is Eve, elderly, asleep in bed.

An empty, but used spot is next to her.

Above Eve is a hospital trapeze bar, used by those who have difficulty getting in and out of bed.

A wheelchair and cane are next to her side of the bed.

The sun shines in on Eve's face.

She stirs, "David?"

David calls from the kitchen, "Breakfast in thirty seconds, honey."

Eve smiles lovingly, pushes a button connected to a cord, her upper part of the bed rises so she is in a seated position.

* * * * *

Chapter 7 - Another

* * * * *

Brad drives up to his town house in a Firebird convertible.

Hops out.

Strides to the door.

He enters, picks up two letters and the newspaper, which had been slid in through the drop.

Girlie and sports magazines lie on the table in this fashionable bachelor's home.

A three foot tall statue of Bacchus stands in the center of the room.

Another statue of Venus rests in a corner.

He walks by a large fish bowl with two odd looking bluish fish in it.

As they open and shut their mouths, their bottom teeth look abnormally large.

He taps on the glass.

The fish swim to where his fingers are.

He laughs.

He tosses the mail and paper on the kitchen table, opens the fridge, takes a small bit of meat out, puts it in the microwave and hits the button.

He spoons instant coffee into a cup, holds the cup under an ever turned on electric hot water jug.

He opens a box of jelly filled donuts, pulls out two, sinks his teeth into one while he puts them on a plate, which he carries with the coffee to the table.

He sits down, grabs one letter addressed to BRAD MYERS and opens it.

The heading reads, "ANOTHER CHANCE... TO HELP."

Brad, "Another damn charity."

He drops it into a trash can.

The second letter, unopened, follows the first.

The microwave bings.

He takes the meat out, strides back into the living room and drops the meat in the fish bowl.

The Piranha rapidly devour it.

Brad watches mesmerized.

* * * * *

Chapter 8 - Till death

* * * * *

David comes into the bedroom with a tray of bacon and eggs, toast and juice.

Solid built, he easily could have been a boxer when young.

He's in top shape for seventy-seven, moves like a thirty year old.

A stark contrast to Eve.

David, "My love, my love, sleep okay last night?"

Eve, "I'm sorry I can't do the breakfast."

Not the least put out, David shakes his head, "Do you, Eve Myers, take me, David Myers, through thick and thin, healthy and sick, rich and poor, till death do we part?"

She laughs, "I do."

David, "And do I, David Myers, take you, Eve Myers, through thick and thin, healthy and sick, rich and poor, till death do we part?"

He puts the tray down and sits next to her, smiling as if he was a love-struck fifteen year old.

David, "I do."

They kiss.

* * * * *

Chapter 9 - More of Brad's world

* * * * *

Brad turns on a computer, clicks on a news site and goes straight to the sports section.

The sports' headline reads, "TITLE GOES TO SPENCER IN THE 4TH ROUND."

Brad, "Nice, nice, what an easy ten grand."

He gets up, opens the fridge.

His cell phone rings.

Brad, "Yes."

(pause)

"More Costa Rica Red?"

(pause)

"How much?"

(pause)

"Hey, sounds too good."

(pause)

"You're a gem, Harper."

(pause)

Okay, fifty pounds."

* * * * *

Brad strolls down a park path, occasionally looking over into the thick bushes.

A woman changes her baby's very soiled diaper on a park table.

As he approaches them, she turns to drop the diaper into a trash can.

But she slips, the diaper opens up, the shit drops onto the walk in front of Brad.

Woman, "Oh, sorry."

She bends down to clean it up.

Repulsed, Brad hurries past.

He turns around a bend and hears a man's voice, "Psst..."

Brad turns, nods.

He looks around, puts his hand inside his jacket, reaching for something, darts into the bushes.

* * * * *

Chapter 10 - Always

* * * * *

David pushes Eve in her wheelchair along the sidewalk of their retirement complex, SUNRISE VILLAGE.

Looking like a small university, fifteen acres, home to over two thousand retirees, ten five-story apartment blocks, three dining halls, swimming pool, putt-putt course, etc.

They meet another elderly couple, Stu & Rose Rogers, strolling with an eight year old granddaughter, Annie.

David, "Hey, who's your little one?"

Annie is far from shy, "My name's Annie, I'm Nana and Popa's granddaughter."

Stu laughs, "She doesn't know there's two thousand Nanas and Popas here."

Annie looks up at Stu, perplexed.

Eve, "Anyone want a hug?"

Rose, "Of course, Eve."

Rose and Stu bend down to hug Eve.

Annie's not to be left out, "Me, too?"

Eve, "I was waiting, sweetie."

They hug.

Annie fumbles in her little side bag, "I have a school project, will you help me?"

David, "Tell us first."

Annie, "We're trying to raise money for poor kids, not like me, poor, real poor. They don't have toys. It's..."

She hands them a leaflet, "ANOTHER CHANCE... TO HELP."

Out falls an envelope.

David picks it up.

Annie, "Here."

David, "Sounds wonderful, Annie. You're a lucky little girl."

David pulls out his wallet, puts a twenty in the envelope, seals it, hands it back to Annie.

David, "You should always give something to help those less fortunate. If you always give, you will be a happy person."

Annie beams.

* * * * *

Chapter 11 - Rog

* * * * *

Brad drives up to a stop light with a shopping center to the left.

A bearded mid-aged man stands there next to a beat up suitcase and duffle bag.

A sign leaning on the suitcase reads, "OUT OF WORK, NOT BECAUSE I WANT TO BE."

The man holds a large can with a label "PLEASE HELP".

Brad eyes the man over, sneers.

The light turns green, Brad floors his Firebird.

* * * * *

Two policemen stand near a police van in front of a courthouse.

Brad and Harper hang out about seventy yards down the street, wearing sunglasses and hats.

Three more policemen come out, leading robust Rog, handcuffed.

Brad and Harper watch as the police push Rog into the van.

Brad shakes his head, slaps Harper on the back.

They walk off the other way.

* * * * *

Chapter 12 - Sunrise Village

* * * * *

Brad drives through a suburban area.

Some kids toss a football further up the street.

He blares his horn.

The kids move to a front yard.

One kid kicks the ball, it veers into the street.

Brad slams on the brakes.

Too late.

The ball is flattened under his wheels.

Brad opens his door, screaming at the kids as they race off, "You bastards, get the..."

The kids are gone.

Brad checks for any damage.

He kicks the sack of a ball into the gutter, hops back in, and follows the road to the end.

A large gate is recessed about twenty yards in with a slight winding entrance bordered by flowers and bushes.

A huge sign reads "SUNRISE VILLAGE, HEAVEN ON EARTH."

He pulls up to a security guard at the gate.

Brad, "Hi, Gail."

Gail, "Brad, hey, shore nice to see ya! Say g'day to ya folks, they're so lovely."

The gate opens.

Brad waves as he drives through.

He drives around a forested bend, enters the "Campus".

All fifteen acres, ten apartment blocks and everything else.

Brad parks in a visitors' lot, gets out and strolls to the entrance.

Carved into a corner stone on the outside wall reads, "DO ONTO OTHERS AS YE WOULD WISH HAVE DONE ONTO YOURSELF."

The doors open automatically.

An old woman comes out, bent over using a cane.

A shuttle bus pulls in.

The old woman struggles to get up the steps.

Brad enters a very large entrance area with couches on the left, card tables and chairs on the right.

Postal boxes further on the left.

A large reception counter further on the right.

At the far side are a small bank office and a "Country Store."

Hallways go off on both sides to the residential apartments.

Sitting behind the reception counter, ever smiling, a mid-aged woman, Kate, greets Brad, "Hi there, Brad."

Brad, "Yeah, Kate, how are you?"

On the counter is a bowl with a couple of chocolate Kisses in it.

A "WELCOME" sign stands behind the bowl.

Brad takes both of the Kisses as he walks by.

He strides down a hall and passes by three old women.

One of them, Mabel, looks dazed.

Brad, "Hi."

Mabel, "Young man!"

He turns.

With dazed eyes, wobbling head, Mabel points crazily at him, "Young man! Young Man! Young Man!"

Another woman, Mrs. Turner, grabs her arm.

Mrs. Turner, "Mabel, it's okay, it's okay." To Brad, "Sorry, Bradley."

Brad shakes his head, almost compassionately, yet more disgustedly, "It's okay, Mrs. Turner."

Mrs. Turner, "Tell your mother we haven't had our daily hug yet."

Brad, "Sure thing. You eating brunch with us?"

Mrs. Turner, "Sunday, right?"

Brad, "Okay, see you in a half hour."

Brad continues up the hall.

He passes by forty feet of windows, showing the Gym Room.

A dozen elderly are walking treadmills, kicking weights, rowing, etc.

One of the older men, with a hunched over back, waves at Brad.

He waves back.

He enters the residential area where everyone has their own "Front Yard."

The Front Yard consists of a ledge next to their doors, three feet long, a foot wide.

The decorations are varied.

Halloween is the main theme this month.

He comes to one with hummingbirds on the wall above miniature boats.

The name plaque reads DAVID & EVE MYERS.

He breathes deep.

* * * * *

Chapter 13 - Brunch

* * * * *

Eve and David's apartment.

Family photos line the top of bookshelves. Most of them show Brad and his various achievements when young.

Standing on a podium in his High School graduation gown giving his Valedictorian speech.

In his football gear, holding his MVP trophy.

Being given an award from the National Kiwanis, etc.

Brad's father, David, reads the Bible, sitting by a window with courtyard gardens outside.

A side door is open close by, showing Brad's mother, Eve, sitting on a patio, enjoying the Autumn day.

David, "Listen, Dear: "And King David wrote in the letter, saying, Set ye Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle, and retire ye from him, that he may be smitten, and die."

Eve, "It's so sad. And everyone thinks David was like a saint."

David, "Yes, fancy killing Uriah and then taking his wife. Just shows you what fame, power and wealth can do to a good man."

Brad enters, "Hi!"

David bounces up, "Good to see you, Son. Brunch time already?"

They hug.

Brad goes to the side door, "Hi, Mom!"

Eve, "Oh, Bradley..."

She turns her wheelchair towards him.

He goes out, gives her a hug, "Did you do any walking today?"

Eve giggles and blushes.

Brad, "Mom, you're not ancient yet. You have to walk more."

She smiles, "I'll walk at brunch."

* * * * *

Chapter 14 - Enough

* * * * *

Sunrise Village dining hall.

Thirty dining tables, some small, seating four, others large, seating seven or eight.

About 200 elderly people and a few handfuls of young - children and grandchildren joining for the Weekend Buffet.

Brad supports his mother as she uses a cane in her other hand.

They approach a large table.

Mrs. Turner sits with Mrs. Spencer and Stu and Rose Rogers.

The Rogers' granddaughter, Annie is there, too.

Mrs. Turner and Mrs. Rogers get up to greet them.

Eve smiles broadly, "Want a hug?"

Mrs. Turner, "Of course, Eve."

The women hug and sit down.

Annie bounces up, too, gives Eve a big hug.

Brad notices Mrs. Spencer sitting very quietly, staring at her food.

He and David go to the Buffet.

He takes two plates, one for his mother, turns to David, "Hey, Mrs. Spencer's sitting like stone. Did Mr. Spencer die?"

David, "No, Son."

Brad, "In the hospital?"

David, "No."

It's clear David's not interested in talking about Mr. Spencer.

Brad perseveres, "Jail?"

David, "No."

Brad, "Dad..."

David, "He's gone off with a younger woman."

Brad, "Good for him!"

David, "Brad!"

Brad, "Uh, look, uh sorry for Mrs. Spencer but, Dad, a guy has to live."

David shakes his head, "They were married fifty-two years."

Brad, "But he--"

David is very abrupt, "Brad... enough."

* * * * *

Later.

Brad sits next to Mr. Stu Rogers.

Stu, "Y'know Brad, my young friend, herbs, that's it herbs. Big money in it these days."

Brad's eyes roll, "Uh-huh."

Stu, "Yes, you should get yourself a business selling herbs. Organic, real plants. Import special ones from Asia or South America."

Brad, "You're very keen on it, eh?"

Mr. Rogers leans closer to Brad, almost whispers.

Stu, "Brad, when I was in Vietnam..."

He looks around.

Brad's interest is 100%, "Yeah?"

Stu, "They had a special herb..."

He looks around again.

He makes a face like "wow oh wow!"

Brad's eyes are wide.

Stu, "It, it was absolutely delicious on the rice."

Brad's flattened, "That's nice, Mr. Rogers."

* * * * *

Chapter 15 - Relief

* * * * *

Brad drives out the village gate, waving to Gail.

Once down a block, he stops, reaches into his glove box, pulls out a pack of cards, opens it and slides the cards out.

He removes the first five off revealing a hollow inside with three joints.

He takes one out, lights it up, breathes deep - relief.

* * * * *

Chapter 16 - Mary Jane

* * * * *

Driving along, Brad passes a sign, "FLOWERS."

He pulls over to a colorful array.

He hops out, approaches a young girl and buys a single long stem rose.

* * * * *

In the county library Philosophy section, Mary Jane, 30, sorts some books.

Not particularly pretty, yet she is pleasant, homey, wearing glasses.

She grabs Plato's "REPUBLIC" from her trolley, opens it, flips through it, puts it on the shelf.

Next, "THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA."

She briefs it, also.

She signs, puts her other hand on the Philosophy shelves, strokes the books and smiles.

* * * * *

Brad drives into the library parking lot.

He checks his hair in the mirror, grabs the rose, slides it in a plastic bag and hops out.

He whistles as he walks to the door.

He enters, holding the bag, and looks around the spacious room.

Many people mill around, read, photocopy, surf.

He spots Mary Jane behind the counter serving a man.

He looks at her with soft eyes.

He remembers:

* * * * *

In a supermarket, Brad pushes his shopping cart, grabbing items off the shelves.

He turns the corner of the aisle, bumps into the back of a woman, who falls down.

He goes to her, "Oh, I'm so sorry. Please..."

She looks up at him - it's Mary Jane.

She smiles shyly, "It's, it's ok."

He helps her up, "I, uh..."

He stops, looks long at her.

She blushes, turns her face down.

He picks up a can she had dropped.

Goes to hand it to her, but it slips out of his hand, falling back to the floor.

She giggles.

He picks it up again, hands it to her.

Mary Jane, "Thank you."

Brad, "Yeah, uh..."

He pushes his trolley in another direction.

Twenty feet away, he turns, looks long at her again.

She's grabbing another can, puts it in her trolley.

She pauses, looks toward Brad, smiles.

He smiles back.

* * * * *

Back to the present.

Mary Jane looks up, notices Brad, smiles.

He smiles back, walks over, waits for her to finish.

The man leaves, they look at each other lovingly.

Brad holds out the bag.

She takes it with a giggle, opens it.

Her eyes brighten, she smells the rose.

Brad, "Mary Jane--"

Mary Jane puts her fingers to Brad's mouth, "It's beautiful."

She looks up at the wall clock, 4:45 pm, "Fifteen more minutes."

Brad nods, walks over to the books.

He bends down to pick up one off the floor.

The back side is up, with a quote, "IF YOU KNEW WHAT I KNOW ABOUT GENEROSITY, YOU WOULD NOT LET A SINGLE DAY GO BY, WITHOUT GIVING SOMETHING TO SOMEONE."

Brad frowns, picks the book up, goes to put it on the shelf.

The books facing him are the Religious Section.

He lays it horizontally on top, shakes his hands as if trying to get rid of cooties, quickly moves away.

* * * * *

Brad and Mary Jane exit, hand in hand.

Mary Jane holds Plato's "REPUBLIC" and "THE LIFE OF THE BUDDHA."

She bubbles, "And you should have seen all the little four year olds today. Brad, they're just so cute."

She nudges up to him.

Brad, "Uh-huh."

Mary Jane, "And Sharon came with her baby. He's smiling now."

Brad, "Yeah?"

Mary Jane, "Yes, and Toni brought little Jamie. And..."

Brad bites his lips.

Mary Jane, "Honey, let's go to the Mall for dinner."

Brad, "Okay."

* * * * *

They park outside the mall's West Entrance and stroll to the doors.

A young couple comes out, pushing a baby carriage.

An excited Mary Jane stops them, "Oh, can I see your baby?"

Man, "Sure."

Woman, "Her name is Eve."

The woman picks Eve up.

She's six months old, smiling and inquisitive.

She reaches for Mary Jane's glasses.

Mary Jane, "Oh, she's so cute. And the same name as Brad's mother."

Turning to Brad, Mary Jane smiles slyly, "Brad, wouldn't your mother love a granddaughter like Eve?"

* * * * *

Inside, bustling with people, Brad checks his bearing.

Brad, "I think the Pizza Hut is up the right..."

Mary Jane ignores him, pulling him to the left, "Yes, but there was something over here..."

Her eyes search the shops as they move farther away from the eatery section.

She spots it - the Jeweler's.

The sign in the window reads, "GIVE YOUR LOVE A BIT OF HEAVEN."

She turns to Brad whimsically, rubs up against him, "Just a look, okay?"

Brad grimaces, but nods.

* * * * *

Brad looks the other way as the dealer shows Mary Jane some typical engagement rings.

She sighs deeply as he slides one on her finger, a medium diamond flanked by two sapphires.

Brad glances over, cringes.

* * * * *

In the Pizza Hut, Mary Jane uses her fork and knife, eating daintily, as Brad grabs a big slice and hoes into it.

Mary Jane, "Brad, honey..."

Brad knows that sound.

Mary Jane smiles lovingly.

Brad stops eating.

They are so different, but he can't resist.

He leans over.

They kiss.

Mary Jane, "I have two weeks off next month."

Brad, "Going to visit your folks?"

Mary Jane, "No."

Brad, "No?"

Mary Jane smiles as sexy as her hominess can do, "No."

* * * * *

They come out of the mall.

Mary Jane stops, head down, coy.

Brad, "Sweetheart, look, I just can't get the time off. I, uh, I've got a convention to go..."

A tear forms.

Brad's melting.

With no real convention to attend, being with her for two weeks sounds great, but...

Brad, "Uh..."

He's scared.

Thirty five years and he's never fallen so hard.

In fact, never fallen at all.

Mary Jane's so nice yet she hasn't a clue what Brad's life really is.

Brad, "I'll check with the head office, maybe I can get a week."

Mary Jane wraps her arms around him, giggling.

They kiss.

* * * * *

Mary Jane's home.

They get out of the Firebird, she darts to the door.

Mary Jane, "Catch me if you can."

Brad races after her.

Grabs her at the door, they hug, kiss.

He pulls back to look at her bright, smiling face, "I really don't deserve you."

Mary Jane, "If you didn't deserve me, you wouldn't have me tonight."

They kiss, she opens the door, leads him inside.

* * * * *

Later, Brad steps out of the house, turns to Mary Jane.

A lovable miniature collie stands next to Mary Jane, wagging its tail.

Brad, "So I'll pick you up on Wednesday."

Mary Jane, "It's too far away."

Brad, "Yeah."

They kiss.

He walks slowly to his car.

The collie trots after him.

Mary Jane stays by the door, watching.

He reaches the Firebird, turns, pets the dog, it gives him a huge sloppy lick.

He smiles, wipes his face.

He waves to Mary Jane.

She blows a kiss.

He returns it, gets in and drives off.

* * * * *

Chapter 17 - Blood

* * * * *

Doctor's office.

Brad and Harper wait in the lobby.

Harper shakes as sweat pours out of his skin.

An ill, middle aged man sits across from them, eyes closed, rocking.

His very anxious, tired wife helps him.

She holds a small bucket.

Brad, "Look, Harper, you've got to get checked."

Harper, "Hey, I'm okay, I'm okay--"

Brad, "No."

The ill man cries out in pain, "Aggghhh!"

He vomits.

Blood is mixed with yellow fluid.

Brad, "Shit!"

Harper, "NO WAY!"

Harper races out.

Brad stares in equal horror to the sight.

Holding his stomach, he turns his face away, leaves.

* * * * *

Chapter 18 - KING TAMPA'S CARS

* * * * *

A huge soft banner sign swaying in the breeze reads, "KING TAMPA'S CARS - ONE HELL OF A GOOD DEAL."

Brad ogles over a new Mercedes.

David taps him on the shoulder, "You know I can't afford this."

Brad, "What if you won the lottery, would you buy it?"

David shakes his head, disapprovingly.

A salesman approaches, "Anything interest you gentlemen today?"

David, "Charlie here?"

Salesman, "King Tampa, himself?"

David, "Young man, I've been buying cars from Charlie for thirty-five years. He's the most honest guy I've ever known. Tell him David Myers is here."

Salesman, "Sure thing, Mr. Myers."

The salesman goes off.

Brad checks out a Ferrari.

David, "Come on, Brad, we have to look in the used section."

Charlie, 60, the owner of the lot, also known as King Tampa, strolls up.

Balding, a white mustache and a small half inch scar under his left eye, "Mr. Myers, how you doing?"

A warm handshake.

David, "Good, Charlie, good. And you?"

Charlie, "Yeah, not bad. Business is slow. I can't complain but I sure could use a new super salesman. Hey Brad, want the job?"

Brad, "I, uh..."

Charlie pulls out a name card, sticks it in Brad's pocket, "Look, I never asked you what you sell, but I can tell you're good. I'd give you a go, if you want it."

Brad, "Charlie, thanks, uh..."

Brad takes the card out, returns it to Charlie, who shoves it back in Brad's pocket.

Charlie, "I'll start you off with good pay. Think about it some."

Charlie turns to David, "I have a two year old Toyota, Mr. Myers. It's over here."

* * * * *

Chapter 19 - MVP

* * * * *

Brad and David drive along in Brad's Firebird.

David, "The Toyota looked okay, what do you think?"

Brad's mind is elsewhere, "Yeah, uh, fine..."

David frowns, "Let's pull into the park, toss some, okay?"

Brad, "Uh..."

David, "You have time, I'm sure, come on."

Brad, "Okay, okay."

Brad drives in, parks.

He reaches into the back seat, pulls out a special looking football.

It's normal colored except for each panel's edges are gold.

The football's well used, yet words on it still read, "BRAD MYERS FORT GROVE H.S. MVP."

Brad still has the finesse of his high school quarterback days.

And it appears David was equally gifted when young.

David holds the ball, looks at Brad.

His eyes water.

He remembers:

* * * * *

High School Football Field.

The crowd is going wild.

The scoreboard reads: "FORT GROVE 6 - SPRINGTON 10." The time shows: Fourth Quarter, thirty seconds remaining.

A huge sign reads "STATE CHAMPIONSHIP."

Fort Grove has the ball, second down and eight, on their own forty yard line.

A young Brad is on the ground, the Coach and a Medic check him over.

He has some blood around his mouth.

He wipes it with his arm, pushes the Medic away.

He gets up slowly, puts on his helmet, raises his arms up in the air, holding his fingers in number one positions.

The crowd chants, "Myers... Myers... Myers..."

Brad limps slowly to the huddle.

They break, line up.

He calls out "14... 8... 3."

He's got the ball, goes back to pass.

Springton's big front liners are on him, he dodges, pumps once.

No open receivers.

He dodges again, looks, no one free.

He runs.

A classic exciting sixty yard run and he scores.

His teammates hoist Brad onto their shoulders.

* * * * *

Back to the present.

David, "Son..."

Brad, "Dad, please..."

David, "I'm worried, Brad."

Brad, "Everything's fine, I've got no worries. I have a great life."

David, "You had such potential."

David shakes his head.

Brad, "Do you always have to be so moralistic?"

David, "Good way to live, Son, no regret and self-hatred."

Brad, "Yeah, well I don't have any regrets-- Dad, look, you and Mom are old fashioned. Why not let your hair down? Live it up. We only have one life to live."

David sits down on a bench.

He drops the ball, stares at it.

Brad walks over.

David, "Son, is there no--"

Brad, "Dad, tell me, what would you do if you had another chance at life? Would you live it up?"

David breathes deep, thinks a moment, laughs, "I would have arranged for more brownies at the wedding. I was still hungry when the plates were empty."

Brad, "Nah, c'mon, be serious, what if you won the lottery, let's say a cool $100 million. What would you do with it?"

David, "You know I don't buy lottery tickets."

Brad, "But just what if, or what if you inherited $100 million, what then?"

David, "Son, listen, once I read about an older couple like me and your mother winning the lottery in Australia. They used the money to build a soup kitchen for beggars to get a free meal. It was still going fifteen years later."

Brad, "But that's not for you, what about doing something for yourself?"

David sighs, looks up at some crows flying over, squawking loudly, "Then some time later, I read about a young couple, maybe your age, they were unemployed, won the lottery."

Brad, "Yeah, that's good, eh? I bet they really lived."

David, "Two years later they were back on unemployment benefits."

* * * * *

Chapter 20 - Special night

* * * * *

David reads the paper in their living room.

David, "Honey, listen to this one, "Father kills son through jealousy. He admits lust for his son's fiancé drove him crazy."

Eve, "Oh, dear, that sounds so much like King David and Uriah. History just keeps repeating itself, doesn't it?"

David, "Yes, I wonder will humans ever really wake up."

Brad enters with a bouquet of red roses.

He strolls to his mother in her wheel chair, singing, "Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you."

Her face is aglow with love for her only child.

Brad, "Happy Birthday, dear Mother. Happy Birthday to you."

He drops to his knees, handing her the roses.

Eve, "Bradley, they're just beautiful."

He gets up, gives her a big hug and kiss, "Seeing you smile is more beautiful."

She blushes.

Eve, "Bradley Uriah Myers, with a swoon like that, why don't I have any grandkids yet?"

Brad laughs, avoiding the answer.

Brad, "Right, which restaurant do I take you to for this super special night?"

David, "We've made reservations at Mike's Family Restaurant for 8:00."

Brad, "Eight? Bit late, isn't it?"

Eve, "They're having a special night at Vespers, so we'll go there first."

Brad, "Uh, maybe I'll just meet you at the restaurant."

David, "Son, it's your mother's birthday."

Brad, "Yeah, yeah, okay Dad."

* * * * *

Chapter 21 - King Yama

* * * * *

The Church is on a unique street corner where a Synagogue, Buddhist Temple and Mosque are also located.

A medium sized, grassy traffic island lies within them all.

It is home to a small open pavilion, with a sign, "SANCTUARY HALL."

Brad drives up, parks in front of the Buddhist Temple, across the street from the Church.

He hops out to help his mother.

They walk slowly toward the Church.

* * * * *

David, Eve and Brad sit with about eighty other people in the pews.

Tonight there is no pulpit, no extra Christian orientation.

The stage area is set up like a TV talk show, with a slide projector and screen.

The Minister questions a University Eastern Religions Professor, Mr. Henry, who has a small half-inch scar below his left eye.

He is pleasant looking, wears glasses and has a normal cut style brown hair, that’s bit longer over the ears and curls in the back.

Minister, "Now tell us, Professor Henry, with your Eastern Religion classes, I believe Buddhism has a different concept of Hell."

Professor Henry, "Right."

Minister, "And is it true, they even have more than one Hell?"

Professor Henry, "According to some writings, there's eight major Hells and many minor ones. I will say, though, that these are not permanent Hells. Once a person has lived out the results of their bad actions, they are reborn in a higher realm."

Minister, "That's very interesting. And is there someone like St. Peter who greets those arriving?"

Professor Henry, "King Yama is his name. I've brought some slides to give you an idea... If a person has been a very bad person in this life, they will be treated similar to this..."

Professor Henry turns on the projector, the overhead lights dim, he runs some slides.

-- a MAN in a royal red and black outfit stands tall.

He looks like Professor Henry, but with a shaven head, no glasses.

Although there is darkness behind him, he stands in a spot light.

Dark shadows surround his eyes.

Professor Henry, "King Yama's job is not pleasant."

-- around him stand six bare-chested muscular men, holding various kinds of deadly weapons: a red-hot iron stake, a double bladed axe, a sword, a whip, an iron chain and a foot long barber's razor.

Professor Henry, "And there are many warders of Hell, his assistants, who carry out the torture."

-- a man kneels in front of King Yama.

Professor Henry, "When someone arrives, King Yama greets them, then questions them on whether they saw the five heavenly messengers."

-- a baby gets its very soiled diaper changed.

Professor Henry, "He asks the newcomer concerning these five, "Good person, have you never seen in the world, or heard of, a young tender infant lying prone, fouled in their own excrement and urine?"

-- a very old, bend over lady.

Professor Henry, ""Or a person aged, frail, gray-haired, wrinkled, with limbs all blotchy?"

-- a sick person, in a hospital bed, vomiting.

Nurses are close by attending.

Professor Henry, ""Or someone afflicted, suffering, and gravely ill?"

-- a man, handcuffed, in front of a judge, being pulled away by police.

Professor Henry, ""Or a robber caught, being sentenced to prison?"

-- a dead body in an open casket.

Professor Henry, ""Or a man, or a woman, dead, ready for burial?"

-- the man kneeling in front of King Yama, has his head hung low, his hands to his face.

Professor Henry, "Ashamed, the newcomer will usually admit they knew of these conditions but did not take notice of them."

Professor Henry turns off the projector, the overhead lights brighten.

Minister, "Oh, and what happens to this man next?"

Professor Henry, "Then King Yama tells the man, his deeds were his own actions and he must take responsibility for them."

Minister, "And..."

Professor Henry, "And then the torture starts..."

Both the Minister and Professor Henry look at each other with compassionate faces.

* * * * *

Dad, Eve and Brad leave the church and walk slowly to Brad's car.

David, "Fascinating, just fascinating. Why, I never knew--"

Brad, "You don't believe that rot, do you?"

Eve, "Bradley--"

Brad, "C'mon, it's just a bunch of rot."

David, "Son, when are you going to--"

Brad, "Okay, okay, look, sorry, sorry, it's Mom's birthday, sorry, okay?"

* * * * *

Chapter 22 - Hell of a deal

* * * * *

Driving back home, they pass by King Tampa's car lot.

David, "Hey, King Tampa sounds like King Yama, Charlie's cars will never be the same again."

Brad, very sarcastically, "Yeah, that's why he'll give you one hell of a deal."

* * * * *

Chapter 23 - Harper

* * * * *

Brad enters his house, reaches down to pick up the mail.

He opens his computer, refreshes the news and freezes, looking at the headline stories, "DRUG RING SHOOTOUT - FOUR DEAD."

He clicks on the link.

A photo of four bodies on the ground. One has matted hair - it's Harper.

Brad drops to his knees, uncontrollable tears flow, his whole body shakes.

He stops, his face hardens.

He quickly wipes the tears away, gets up, "Stupid ass."

He pulls out his cell phone, dials, "Timmy."

(pause)

"Yeah, me. You're my man now, right?"

(pause)

"Play it cool, don't be like Harper."

(pause)

"Good, good, now lay low two weeks, okay? Go to Florida or something."

(pause)

"Yeah, call me then."

Brad hangs up.

He stares at the computer and slowly turns it off.

* * * * *

Chapter 24 - Stupid

* * * * *

Brad undresses.

He empties his coins and wallet out of his pants.

Pulls King Tampa's card out of his shirt, tosses it on his dresser below the mirror.

Brad, "Stupid jerk, why should I sell cars?"

He grabs his pajamas.

* * * * *

Chapter 25 - The Lottery

* * * * *

Brad stirs, gets out of bed.

His cellphone rings.

He shakes his head, declines the call without looking, goes into the bathroom.

It rings again.

Stops.

It rings again.

Brad comes out, frowns, with shaving cream on half his face, shirt off, a towel over one shoulder.

He picks up the phone, "Yeah."

Eve, "Hi, Brad."

Brad, "Uh, oh, hi, Mom."

Eve, "Are you sitting down?"

Brad, "MOM, ANYTHING WRONG? IS DAD DEAD?"

Eve, "No, no, Dad's fine and I'm fine and we are better than fine. But sit down."

Brad shakes his head, annoyance written all over his face.

He stays standing, "Yeah, yeah, okay, I'm sitting."

Eve, "Dad's won the $50,000,000 lottery!"

Brad's eyes go wide, he sits down, "Holy Moses..."

* * * * *

Chapter 26 - New car

* * * * *

Brad bursts into his parents' apartment with a bottle of champagne, "Whoopee, time to celebrate!"

David's got a big grin on his face, but shakes his head disapprovingly, "Son, you know we don't drink."

Brad, "To hell with that, time to let your hair down!"

Eve, "Bradley!"

Brad, "Okay, if you won't, I will."

He pots open the bottle, "Whoopee, Dad's a millionaire!"

He grabs three glasses, pours each one.

Drinks one down, fills it again, "Time for fun. What are we going to spend it on?"

David, "Son, I think--"

Animated, Brad moves around the room, "First a brand new car."

David, "Brad."

Brad, "That big Mercedes, Dad, stuff your junk Toyotas--"

Eve, "BRADLEY!"

Taking no notice, he grabs Eve, "Mom! Time to live."

Eve, "Bradley, I am not going to live the way you do."

Brad stops, stares at his mother, "Mom, fine, you don't want to, but... Dad... surely a new car?"

David's wavering.

Brad, "With all that money, surely you deserve a new car. It's not much."

David, "Well, we have been looking for--"

Brad, "Right, let's go!"

* * * * *

King Tampa's car lot.

Charlie shows David and Brad a new Mercedes.

Charlie, "Right, Mr. Myers, here's the latest Mercedes, straight from Germany last week."

David, "Nice..."

Brad, "Charlie, isn't this last year's model?"

Charlie, "Nope, special, top of the line."

David, "Okay, looks super--"

Brad, "Dad, wait, this ain't the newest."

David, "Sure it is, Son, Charlie's no liar."

Brad's face goes hard, turns to Charlie.

Charlie smiles innocently, hands the keys to David, who passes them to Brad.

David, "You can drive."

* * * * *

Brad and David speed along the highway.

Brad, "I still think it's last year's--"

David, "Brad, it's great, super."

He pats Brad's shoulder, "Thanks, Son, I wouldn't have done it on my own."

Brad smiles, soaks in the praise.

He pulls off into a park.

Brad, "Dad..."

David, "Yeah."

Brad, "Want another super great?"

David, "Huh?"

* * * * *

Chapter 27 - Try it

* * * * *

Brad and David sit in an isolated wooded area.

Brad rolls a joint.

David, "Son, I, uh, I'm still not--"

Brad, "No harm, Dad, just try it once."

David, "Your mother, Brad..."

Brad, "Mom's old, a cripple. You're still young. Look at you, fit as a fiddle, time to live."

David, "Uh..."

Brad, "When you were in Korea, lots of guys got drunk, right?"

David, "Yeah."

Brad, "And you told me once, you tried it, got sick and never again, right?"

David, "So?"

Brad, "Well, grass is different, no harm. Helps you relax."

Brad lights the joint.

Breathes in deep hands it to David.

David stares at it.

Brad motions to go ahead.

David slowly moves it to his mouth, hesitates.

Brad nods his head approvingly.

David puts it in his mouth.

* * * * *

Playground area.

David's on one swing, Brad's on another.

David, "And little piggy said to big piggy..."

David stops abruptly, giggles.

Brad giggles.

David, "Piggy, piggy, piggy... ha, ha..."

They both fall down together, laughing hysterically.

* * * * *

Baskin Robbins ice cream shop.

Thirty-one flavors and thirty-one colors.

The server's big spoon moves into Strawberry Royale.

One scoop goes into a sugar cone.

Then Chocolate Mint.

Then Caramel Crunch.

The three tiered cone moves over the counter into Brad's hand.

Already holding another triple cone, he puts the second one into David's smiling face.

* * * * *

Go-cart course.

Tires line the perimeter of a spacious two hundred yard long hourglass shaped paved joy field.

In the center stands a twenty foot statue of Bacchus.

Zooming past it goes David in a circular go-cart, shouting with glee.

He stops abruptly.

Spins the go-cart two times full circle.

Brad zips up.

His large inner tube which surrounds his cart bounces into David's tube.

Both of them laugh uncontrollably.

* * * * *

Chapter 28 - What a day!

* * * * *

Sunrise Village parking lot.

They drive into the residents' area.

Brad hops out, helps a very dizzy, giggling David to the side entrance.

* * * * *

Hugging each other, stumbling down the hallway, David and Brad laugh.

Brad signals for David to stop, while he puts his ear to the apartment door.

Eve's on the phone, "Yes, officer, they went out this morning and haven't come back."

(pause)

"I'm just so worried..."

He indicates to David that Eve is upset.

Brad and David enter.

Eve, "Oh, thank God, they just came home."

She drops the phone, stares in horror as David wobbles in towards her.

David, "Honey, what a day!"

He kisses her.

Brad beams.

David, "What a wo... won... wonderful d-d-day!"

Eve, "My God, David, are you drunk?!"

David, "Drunk with new life, dear. We've got one hell of a good son."

* * * * *

Chapter 29 - The necklace

* * * * *

Next day.

Brad bounces in to his parent's apartment, "Hi, everyone!"

Silence.

David sits near the windows, head hung low.

He looks up, sighs.

Brad, "Hey, why so gloom? Time for more fun."

Glenda, a short woman, comes from the hallway, "Mr. Myers, Mrs. Myers is..."

Glenda spots Brad, "Oh sorry, I didn't know..."

David, "It's okay, Glenda. Meet Brad, our son."

Glenda frowns.

Brad, "Hey, what gives?"

David, "Glenda's your mother's new aide. I, I've arranged twenty-four hour care."

Brad, "Great, you can have more fun!"

David looks to the window, "I don't think it's--"

Brad, "Dad, look, Mom's upset. Okay, no big deal, let's go buy her a diamond necklace."

David perks up.

Brad, "She'll be fine..."

David smiles, nods.

* * * * *

They enter the Jeweler's.

The dealer smiles, "My partner owes me five dollars."

Brad, "Huh?"

Dealer, "You've come for the engagement ring, right?"

Brad, "Give me a break. It'll be snowing in Hawaii first."

Dealer, "Sorry."

Brad, "But we want a super necklace for my Mom."

Dealer, "Price?"

Brad, "Sky's the limit."

David, "Wait, Brad--"

Brad, "Dad, you're loaded. It's for Mom, get her the best."

David breathes deep, "But..."

The dealer displays a stunning multi-diamond necklace.

Dealer, "Forty-nine thousand."

Brad, "Great, sold."

David's whole body shakes.

Brad grabs David by the shoulders, "Dad, have you ever, ever, ever shown your love to Mom with such a super gift?"

David, "We couldn't afford--"

Brad, "Right, but now you got the dough. Do it."

David, "It is a beautiful necklace."

Brad, "And only pennies of 50 million."

David purses his lips, smiles intently, "Sold."

David, "Yes! Yes!"

* * * * *

They walk out of the store.

David beams, holding a pink bag, "It's just beautiful, Son."

He pats Brad on the shoulder.

Brad smiles broadly, the praise is priceless.

David, "I never would have thought to do it. Your Mom and me have been so frugal for so long."

Brad, "No more need, Dad. Time to live again."

* * * * *

In the apartment, David and Brad stand smiling as Eve opens the pink bag.

She bursts into tears, but not from joy, "Oh David, how could you?"

David, "I, uh, don't you like it?"

Eve closes the box, slides it in the bag, "Starving kids in Africa, homeless beggars on our streets."

David, "Dear, uh--"

Eve, "We vowed we would never waste money."

Eve turns to Brad, shakes her head, "Bradley, what are you doing to your father?"

* * * * *

Chapter 30 - Relax

* * * * *

A very depressed David walks slowly with Brad to the Mercedes.

Brad, "Don't worry, Mom'll come good."

David stares at Brad.

Some squawking crows pass over.

They both look up at the birds.

David, "Son, I, uh--"

Brad, "Let's see if we can get tickets for the game."

David, "It's my day at the Salvation--"

Brad, "Dad! You don't have to go there any more."

David, "But--"

Brad, "Just write them a check. It's worth much more than doing shit work there."

David, "Brad, it's not--"

Brad, "Okay, look, today, don't go. It's too soon. You have a new go, Dad, another chance at life."

David breathes deep, shakes his head, "Son, your mother isn't happy."

Brad, "Thirty-eight, twenty-two, thirty-six, D-cup."

Brad smiles temptingly, moves his hands in the air, indicating a woman.

He whistles.

David's eyes open wide.

Brad, "Her name's Stacy."

The noise of the shuttle bus.

They turn to look at it.

A dozen elderly get out.

Slow.

Limping.

Canes.

Hunched over.

Others wait to board.

Grey hairs, every one of them.

Old.

David turns back to Brad, "It's been seven years since your mother and I had sex."

Brad takes the cue, "Dad, you're not ancient like everyone else here. You've got life left in you. And now money."

David, "It's, it's happening very fast, Son."

Brad pats him on the back, "Let's go relax some and then you can think better."

* * * * *

They stroll in the park.

Brad's arm hangs around David's shoulders.

Brad hands David a joint.

They smile at each other.

David breathes in deep.

* * * * *

Chapter 31 - Change

* * * * *

Brad leads David into a fashion clothing store.

David, "Son, my clothes, they--"

Brad turns, scrunches up his face, gives David's baggy, khaki pants a tug, "Old, Dad, old."

David looks around wearily at the hip styles.

Brad picks some clothes, gives them to David, who tries them on.

Three times David comes out of the dressing room sporting new threads.

Three times Brad and the attendant shake their head.

On the fourth go, it's all smiles.

* * * * *

David peers through the glass windows of a beauty salon, shaking his head.

Brad smiles.

David, "This is for women."

A young man with teased, yellow tipped hair walks out.

Brad grabs David's hands, "Rough, Dad, too rough."

Brad drags David inside.

* * * * *

Later.

David lays back in a chair with a face cloth on.

A young attendant works on his hands.

Brad sits close by, reading Sports Illustrated.

A Playboy magazine lies on the table.

* * * * *

They exit the mall.

David looks fifty-five instead of seventy-seven.

Brad, "They open at seven. Dinner first? Filet mignon or Lobster?"

David, "Brad, uh, maybe I should call your mother. I'm uh--"

Brad, "Sure, sure, here."

Brad hands David his cell phone.

David sighs, looks long at his manicured fingernails.

He dials, "Honey?"

Eve, "David, I've been worried sick. Where are you?"

David, "With Brad."

Eve, "Stop, Dear, stop. Something's wrong, terribly wrong."

David, "But--"

Eve, "Please, please come home."

David holds the phone a little away from his ear, looks at Brad questionably.

Brad, "Old people, old, old."

Eve, "David, are you there? David? David, please."

David's face hardens.

He hands the phone to Brad.

Brad, "Mom, now don't you worry. Dad's just going to meet some of my friends."

Eve, "Bradley, why? Why are you doing this to us?"

Brad hangs up, frowns.

Brad, "Steak?"

David nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 32 - Lobster

* * * * *

Larry's Steak & Lobster - dusk.

They drive in, park next to a Jaguar on one side, Cadillac on the other.

Every car in the lot is pricey.

Definitely not the family restaurant.

* * * * *

A large fish pond graces the entrance.

A dozen Piranha swim around.

A young receptionist, Tricia, stands next to a small Venus statue.

She greets Brad as if he was more than just a customer, "Brad..."

She touches his arm lightly.

He smiles, gives her a wink, "Dad, meet Tricia."

Tricia, "No way."

Brad, "Huh?"

Tricia, "This ain't your dad. He's your brother."

David laughs, "Tricia, honey, if you're aiming for a good tip tonight, keep it going."

She gives him a cute smile, takes his arm, leads them to a table.

Brad, "Top steak filets, Tricia, medium-rare. Dad?"

David, "Rare..."

David licks his lips, hones his eyes in on a juicy steak at the next table, "Rare, with lots, lots of blood."

He smiles oddly, as if possessed.

Tricia backs off, alarmed.

Brad, bewildered, sits slowly down.

* * * * *

Tricia brings two large plates of succulent, melted butter coated Lobsters, "Here you go, our best, bon appetite."

Brad shakes his head, "Tricia, uh, I think this goes to another table."

David, "Why?"

Tricia, "Brad, sweetie, you stoned or what? You ordered Lobster, your favorite, here it is."

David, "What's your problem, Son. Losing your memory?"

Brad's eyes are wide.

He's lost, "But, but we ordered steak. What do you mean--"

David, "Too many joints, Brad. You better lay off a while."

Brad looks up at Tricia.

She gives him a big, sexy smile.

Walks off.

* * * * *

They exit.

Brad's face is drained of color.

He shakes his head, looking at the ground.

David holds the small Venus statue from the restaurant.

Brad, "I still think we ordered--"

David, "Hey look, what's the big deal. So you lost your memory for a while."

David gives him a playful punch, "Now where's this woman you promised me?"

Brad turns to David.

He can't believe what he sees - the statue.

Brad, "Dad... the statue... you... stole..."

David, "Yeah, nice, huh?"

David strolls over to the car.

He looks back to a stunned Brad, "You coming?"

* * * * *

Chapter 33 - A good fight

* * * * *

Downtown, low income street.

Heavy rain falls, making vision difficult.

Brad turns down a wrong street, looking for the massage parlor.

He pulls up to the left side curb, trying to see the house numbers, "I, uh, I think this is it... Let me check."

The rain eases.

He hops out, takes a few steps to the door.

He hears a rough man's voice, "Well, well, looky here."

Brad turns abruptly, freezes.

A gang of four young guys are eyeing the car over.

Shadows hide their faces.

The leader puts his hand on the Mercedes as the other three block Brad's path back to the car, "Nice car, nice, real nice."

Brad, "Look, guys, be cool..."

Leader, "Cool? Nah, hot."

The other three laugh.

The leader pulls a heavy chain off his hip.

Brad, "Hey, I'm Brad Myers, I got the drug run on--"

Gerry, "Myers, criers."

Brad, "Look, you've heard of me, I'm sure you've--"

The leader turns around, it's Gerry.

Max is standing with the other two.

Gerry, "Yeah, Brad baby, you cut us out of fifty grand last week."

Brad's eyes widen, he has no way out.

David, "Leave him alone, punk."

The four turn to see David, standing on the other side of the car.

Gerry laughs, "Well, well, baby Brad has his baby sitter."

David, "You heard me, get out of here."

Gerry looks David over, jangles his chain, "I got only one worry, gramps, your heart's gonna get you before I pound you into the ground."

Brad, "Wait, wait, I'll pay you. Fifty grand, you want it, I'll get it."

Gerry turns back to Brad, smiles, "Now you're talk--"

A hand grabs Gerry's shoulder, jerks him around.

David sends a lightening karate chop to his gut, another across the head, he's down.

David turns to the other three, poised, ready.

Max, "Cool, pops, cool."

They stay tight together, back off, run down the street.

In awe, Brad is practically speechless.

Brad, "Dad, uh..."

David laughs, "Haven't had a good fight since the Marines! C'mon, where's the women!"

* * * * *

Chapter 34 - Stacy

* * * * *

They drive up to what is obvious the right place, red lights and all.

David hops out, wringing his hands in expected delight.

* * * * *

An over mid-aged, very buxom, heavy make-uped "Momma" greets them.

Cleavage bulging out a low cut blouse.

Momma, "Why, Brad, honey, ain't seen ya for ages."

Brad, "Yeah, uh, look, Momma, we want your sexiest, most beautiful woman. Stacy, right?"

Momma, "Ya know she costs."

Brad, "No problem, no problem, this is for my dad."

Brad pulls out his wallet, hands over some green.

Momma, "Ya dad?"

Momma eyes David over.

Shakes her head, turns doubtfully to Brad.

Brad, "Yeah."

Momma, "A bit old. He'll have to sign the release."

David, "Hey, I'm in great shape."

David flexes.

Momma giggles, "I wouldn't mind."

Brad, "No, no, Stacy."

Momma, "Might get a heart attack, he'll have to sign."

Momma pushes a pen and paper towards David, who obliges, "Ya lucky night, she's free now."

Momma pushes on a yellow button, marked "69", three times.

It turns green.

She points towards a staircase.

Stacy comes to the top of the stairs, absolutely stunning in a semi sheer night gown with bra and panties on underneath, "I'm ready if you are, big man."

David's eyes can't get any wider.

He turns to Brad, with a smile a mile wide.

Brad, "One hour, Dad, go for it!"

David slaps Brad on the shoulder, "What a son I have, just super."

He bounds up the stairs.

Brad glances at a wall clock, eight o'clock sharp.

He sits down.

Momma, "Brad?"

Brad, "Uh, not tonight, Momma, it's a special treat for Dad. I, I have to be ready for him..."

Momma mosies over, Brad's head is level with her cleavage, "Y'know the girls have missed ya."

She walks behind him, rubbing her breasts against his head.

Brad, "Yeah, uh, I've been busy."

Momma, "Ya one of our favorites."

She's around the front of his chair now, rubs her crouch against his knees.

Brad, "Uh, I got a girlfriend now."

Momma, "Two, we've heard."

Brad, "Yeah, uh."

Momma strolls back to her reception area.

* * * * *

Brad looks at the clock, nine-fifteen.

David comes down with huge grin on his face, "Haven't had sex like that for years!"

Stacy stands behind him, at the top, with only her nightgown on.

Her eyes are rolling, "Smashing..."

David turns to Stacy.

Stacy, "Brad, you're good, real good, but your Dad is..."

She smiles lovingly at David, "Like a Royal Monarch. You come back, King."

David, "Sure will."

He slides some hundreds between her legs, "We paid down below, that's your tip."

* * * * *

Chapter 35 - The Bar

* * * * *

They reach the car.

David, "Nice nickname, eh? I like King."

Brad, "Neat, Dad."

David, "Drinks?"

Brad, "But, Dad, you don't--"

David, "Shit on that, kiddo. Where's the bar?"

Brad smiles broadly, "Ted's coming right up."

* * * * *

Brad and David amble up to the bar.

Bartender, "Hey Brad, who's your friend?"

Brad, "Dad meet Ted, super best mixer in town."

David, "Call me, King, Ted."

Bartender, "Sure thing, King. Brad's ol' man gets one on the house."

David, "You're a charmer. Beer's fine."

Bartender, "How about Foster's, Australia's best?"

Brad, "Dad, it's too strong for you."

David, "Stronger the better, serve her up."

Brad, "But, Dad, you--"

David, "Son... keep your shirt on."

David takes a swig, his eyes spin, "Whew!"

Brad, "Yeah, Dad, easy, easy..."

* * * * *

David laughs as he tells a joke to a few guys, "And she was going to serve dinner to Mr. Skinner, but before they could eat dinner, Skinner was inner. Ha, Ha!"

Man's voice, "Old joke, gramps."

David's eyes sharpen, he turns to a heavy ex-footballer.

David, "So laugh anyhow, shrimp."

Brad, "DAD!"

The huge man grabs David's shirt, pulls his arm back, ready for a blow.

David's too quick, a chop into the chest, another to his gut.

The man doubles over, face white.

Standing over the gasping man, David's face is stone, eyes burning.

It's as if he smells blood and wants more.

Brad grabs David, "Dad! Stop!"

Bartender, "Brad, better take your King for a walk."

Brad, "Yeah, Ted. Look sorry, okay."

Ted nods, goes to help others who are assisting the floored big fellow.

Brad pulls David away, "Dad, c'mon, c'mon..."

* * * * *

Chapter 36 - On her own

* * * * *

David grumples as they leave the bar, "Not sure I like that bar, Son. Let's try another."

Brad shakes his head, "Dad, maybe, uh, look I'm a bit tired. I'll run you home. Mom's, uh, she's probably worried."

David, "I ain't going back to that reservation."

Brad, "What?!"

David, "It's a place to die, Brad. Old folk dying. I ain't old."

Brad, "Uh, but Mom, uh..."

David's eyes are cold, "I gave her ten million, she's on her own now."

Brad's face is blank, eyes wide, jaw dropped.

* * * * *

Chapter 37 - What else?

* * * * *

Strolling along the street, laughing, Brad passes David a joint.

Two honeys stand seductively, preening themselves.

David motions to the prostitutes, rolls his eye, nudges Brad.

Brad laughs, they continue walking.

They pass by an alley.

Brad glances down it.

Harper's there handing a bag to a teenager.

Brad, "HARPER!"

The kid runs off.

Harper, "You been lost, eh?"

Brad gives Harper a big hug.

Harper shrugs him, "Hey, cool..."

Brad, "But, but I thought you were dead."

Harper, "Yeah, me and other guys."

Brad, "Great, great. Dad meet Harper. He's my number one man."

David, "Harper, if you're number one, give me a gun."

Brad, "Dad!"

Harper, "Sure, Pops, here."

Harper pulls out a handgun, hands it to David.

Brad reaches for it, "Dad, wait..."

David grabs the gun first, waves it around, "Not bad, not great, it'll do."

Harper, "Hip, gramps."

David strides back out the alley.

Bewildered, Brad turns to Harper, who winks.

Harper, "Neat pop, Brad."

Brad shakes his head, "No, Harper, uh, something's not--"

Harper, "Hey, you wanted him to join your world."

Brad looks around, dazed, "But..."

Harper grins, turns his back, walks away down the alley, "What else, hey, hey, what else did you want him to do?"

* * * * *

Chapter 38 - WHAT THE HELL

* * * * *

Brad stands with David and Charlie under the big soft sign, "KING TAMPA'S CARS - ONE HELL OF A GOOD DEAL."

Though the wind is strong, blowing their clothes, the sign stays perfectly still.

Brad, "Charlie, look, it--"

Charlie laughs.

David, "Brad, maybe you're--"

Brad screams, "SHIT, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE? Charlie, you know damn well this ain't--"

A salesman approaches, "King Tampa, Sir. Senator Dobson is looking over the new Porsche."

Charlie, "Right. Well, Mr. Myers, better take Brad home for a good rest. He'll feel better after a solid night's sleep."

Charlie smiles, walks off.

Brad's face is hard, he turns to David.

David, "Son, it's a great car. C'mon, let's zoom on the highway."

* * * * *

Chapter 39 - Lunch?

* * * * *

Brad hits eighty on an empty stretch.

David smiles, lights up a joint, "Faster."

Brad looks over to David.

David nods.

Ninety.

Brad, "I just don't get it. I know this is last year's--"

David, "Faster."

Ninety-five.

Brad, "Maybe I am losing my mind."

David, "Faster."

One hundred.

David, "Son, if it really bothers you, why don't we just kill Charlie?"

Brad's shocked, he turns to David, who smiles like Al Capone ready for a hit, "WHAT?"

Brad loses control of the car.

It swerves.

Crosses over to the oncoming traffic lane, heading for the embankment.

A four wheel drive Toyota with a front bull bar ploughs into David's side of the car.

The Mercedes is thrown off the road, slams head first into a tree.

Brad screams, turns to David, who's face is white and frozen.

Brad tries frantically to resuscitate David, to no avail.

He bursts out crying, sinking his head into David's chest.

* * * * *

Seven-Eleven store.

Brad sits in the car, head back against the rest.

Tears flow down his face.

David, "Brad, Brad..."

David's right hand with the Eve tattoo comes in the car window and rubs Brad awake.

Brad, "Huh?"

Brad looks up bewildered.

David sports a huge smile, hands Brad a candy bar, "Snickers."

* * * * *

Brad drives, keeping to the speed limit, "And then I dreamed you wanted me to drive faster and faster and--"

David, "Dreams sure can be weird. I've even had dreams inside dreams."

Brad, "Yeah, and then you said we should kill Charlie."

David, "Not a bad idea..."

Brad slams on the brakes, pulls over to the shoulder, "Shit."

David, "Son, you're right, this ain't a new Mercedes."

Brad, "Yeah, but uh, we don't have to--"

David looks straight ahead, "No one does this to me and gets away with it."

Brad gets out of the car, his whole body shakes.

He can hardly stand up, "Dad, uh... Shit."

David gets out.

Walks over to a tree, urinates, "Nah, Charlie ain't worth it, maybe I'll kill someone else."

Brad, "I, uh, I think things are going a bit too far."

David, "Yeah, next time stop at a gas station, okay?"

David turns around, zipping up his fly, grins.

Brad breathes deep.

Timidly he moves back to the driver's side, he looks at David with apprehension, "Lunch?"

David nods.

* * * * *

Chapter 40 - Grilled cheese

* * * * *

Sandwich shop.

Brad pays a shop attendant for a couple of grilled cheese.

He walks over to David, sitting by the window, hands over the sandwiches.

He returns to the counter for two milkshakes, strolls back to David.

No sandwiches.

He starts to sit down.

David, "How about the sandwiches?"

Brad, "Huh? Where'd you put them?"

David, "Funny, Son."

Brad, "But, I, uh..."

Shop attendant, "Hey, fella, wanna eat?"

Brad turns to the attendant, who's holding the two sandwiches.

Brad shakes his head, looks at David, who's nonplused.

David, "Well?"

Brad, "Funny, yeah, uh..."

Brad goes to get the sandwiches.

* * * * *

Chapter 41 - Flabbergasted

* * * * *

They exit the sandwich shop.

Stu Rogers and his granddaughter, Annie, are walking on the sidewalk, coming toward them.

David, "Shit."

Stu waves, "Hey, David."

David whispers to Brad, "Stupid old fogy."

Stu, "Where have you been? Everyone's worried sick."

Annie grabs David's hand, lovingly, "Hi, Mr. Myers."

David pulls his hand away, "Cool it, twerp."

Stu is shocked.

Annie bursts crying.

Stu, "David, uh--"

David, "You can move it, too."

Brad's confused, though he's happy David's joined his life, he's never been rude to David's older friends.

Brad, "Dad, Mr. Rogers, uh--"

David turns to Brad, gives him a shove, "Shut your face, Son."

Stu, "David, what are you doing?!"

David, "Piss off, fart."

He grabs Brad fiercely by the arm, pulls him away from a flabbergasted Mr. Rogers.

David, "C'mon, I want to talk about something more important."

* * * * *

Chapter 42 - HOLY SHIT!

* * * * *

Brad and David down some beers in a bar.

David, "Brad, I want Mary Jane."

Brad, "WHAT?!"

David, "I'll give you five million dollars for her."

Brad, "Dad, c'mon, that's movie stuff. You're kidding, right?"

David's face is hard, "No."

Brad, "Uh, uh, look, Dad, uh, maybe we've had enough."

David, "Brad..."

David grabs Brad's shirt fiercely, "Brad, I... want... Mary Jane."

Brad breaks away, "HOLY SHIT!"

David, "If you won't give me her, I'll just take her."

David's eyes dig into Brad.

Brad shakes his head, "What the hell have I created?"

* * * * *

Brad walks in a park, totally dazed.

Leaves fall in his face.

One gets stuck in his hair.

Angrily he grabs it, throws it on the ground.

He sits down on a bench, eyes spaced, "What... what..."

He lays down, curls up in the fetus position.

* * * * *

Coming out of the park gates, wiping his red eyes, Brad approaches his car.

David's Mercedes zooms around the corner.

David's not driving - it's Mary Jane! David sits next to her, laughing.

She screeches to a stop next to Brad.

David's right hand is outside the window.

His heart tattoo has Mary Jane written in it.

He spits down in front of Brad, "Better get yourself a new honey, Son. I'm King now."

Going weak at the knees, Brad's devastated.

His voice is hardly audible, "Dad... Mary Jane..."

David laughs, mockingly.

Brad races to the driver's side, hands to the door.

Mary Jane is wearing the $49,000 necklace David bought for Eve and has no glasses on.

She looks more like a gorgeous, sexy movie star.

Brad, "MARY JANE!"

Mary Jane, "You just heard a real man speak, Braddy Baby."

She looks over lovingly to David, "A real man... and I'm his... all his... his Royal Queen."

She kisses David, strokes his leg, floors the Mercedes.

Brad falls back and down, "Mary... Jane... please..."

* * * * *

Chapter 43 - Glenda hangs up

* * * * *

Brad sits in his car, dialing on his phone.

It rings, and continues four times.

A recording comes on.

Glenda, "You have reached the home of Eve Myers. Please leave a message or phone again later."

Brad looks blankly at the phone.

Turns it off.

He pushes redial.

Glenda, "You have reached the home..."

He hangs up, dials again.

Glenda, "You have..."

A fourth go.

On the third ring.

Glenda, "Hello."

Brad, "Glenda, it's me, Brad. I want to speak to my mother."

(a long pause)

Glenda... GLENDA!"

Glenda, "Your mother doesn't want to talk to you."

Brad, "What do you mean? Let me--"

Glenda hangs up.

Brad stares.

* * * * *

Chapter 44 - Where you belong

* * * * *

Brad drives up to the village gate.

Gail, "Hey, Brad, ain't seen ya ol' man, is he dead?"

Brad, "Uh, uh, no, uh..."

He continues to the parking lot, jumps out, runs to the entrance.

Newly carved into the corner stone on the outside wall reads, "REPENT - THE TIME IS NEAR."

* * * * *

Behind her reception desk, Kate is busy helping some old people.

Brad runs past.

Kate, "Hey, Brad, you okay?"

Brad races by the gym room.

Some wave to him, he doesn't look.

Up ahead in the hallway are a cluster of elderly women.

Mrs. Turner is one of them.

Her back is toward Brad.

He has to slow down to pass them.

Mrs. Turner, "David Myers was such a nice man. I just don't know how."

Another woman, "The devil did it."

Brad makes sure no one recognizes him as he passes the women.

Sweating profusely, he approaches Eve's apartment.

He knocks on the door, tries to open it, locked.

Knocks again.

No answer.

He knocks louder.

It opens an inch, the safety chain still connected.

Eve's nursing aide Glenda stares out through the gap.

Brad, "Hey, it's me, Brad."

Glenda, "Brad, your Mom doesn't want--"

Brad, "What do you mean, Glenda, look, let me in, c'mon."

Brad pushes hard on the door, shaking it madly.

Glenda opens the door, "Okay, okay."

Brad bursts in, races to his mother in her wheelchair, staring out the window.

She won't look at him.

Eve, "Your father doesn't live here anymore."

Brad, "Mom..."

Eve, "Thanks to you, I'm all alone."

She turns to him, "You're a rotten son, get out of here."

Brad, "Mom--"

Eve, "I've never sworn at anyone ever, in seventy-four years, never sworn, but there's a time and place. You can go to hell where you belong."

Brad, "Oh Mom, I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

She turns from him.

Cold silence.

Glenda, "Brad, get out."

Eve, "And don't ever come back."

He staggers toward the door.

He stumbles near the kitchenette, glances at the trash can.

His High School graduation photo and others of him are piled in it.

Glenda, "Get out."

Eve, "Get out."

Glenda, "Get out."

Eve, "Get out."

Brad's out the door, dizzy, wheeling.

Their voices fill his head as he runs down the hall.

Glenda, "Get out."

Eve, "Don't ever come back."

Glenda, "Get out."

Eve, "Go to hell where you belong."

* * * * *

Chapter 45 - Professor Henry

* * * * *

Sanctuary Hall traffic island.

Brad drives up.

Parks in front of the Buddhist Temple.

Stares at the Sanctuary Hall.

He gets out.

Eyes transfixed on the Hall, he walks towards it.

Car horn.

A car slams on the breaks, almost hitting Brad.

Driver, "Shit, fella!"

Brad, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."

He stumbles to the open pavilion, facing the Church.

Sits on the grass, shuts his eyes, tears fall.

He gets up, walks around the pavilion slowly, clockwise.

The Buddhist Temple.

The Jewish Synagogue.

The Islamic Mosque.

He kicks at some gravel.

Picks up four rocks.

Does another clockwise walk.

Brad, "Eeney..."

One rock tossed toward the Church.

Brad, "Meeney..."

Another toward the Temple.

Brad, "Miney..."

Toward the Synagogue.

Brad, "Mo..."

The Mosque.

Brad, "Who's the stupidest ass..."

He collapses on the grass, buries his head in his knees, sobbing.

Professor Henry, "Looks like you're lost, buddy."

Brad keeps his head down.

Professor Henry's legs are inches away.

Brad, "Yeah, uh, I, uh..."

Professor Henry, "Hey buddy, look at me."

Brad slowly looks up at the Professor Henry, but doesn't recognize him.

The scar under the left eye is familiar.

The glasses, the dark hair.

Brad's unsure.

Professor Henry, "If you're lost in life, why not try a new way of living?"

Brad, "Uh..."

Professor Henry, "You know, like doing some good for a change."

Brad shakes his head, "I'm an ass. I'm going to hell."

Professor Henry, "Want another chance?"

Brad, "Another chance at life?"

Professor Henry, "Yeah."

Brad, "Now?"

Professor Henry, "Now."

Brad cries, buries his head again.

Professor Henry puts his hand on Brad's shoulder, "Now."

The hand comes off.

Brad keeps his head down for a few moments, takes a big breath, looks up.

Professor Henry is gone.

Brad, "Where, uh... SHIT!"

He jumps up, races to his car.

* * * * *

Chapter 46 - DAD!

* * * * *

Mary Jane's home.

Brad pulls up in front of David's Mercedes.

He gets out, stares at the house.

The stolen statue of Venus stands near the door.

A light shines in an upstairs room.

Through the sheer curtains - Mary Jane's figure.

She's taking off her blouse.

David's figure moves toward her.

She shuts the heavier curtains.

Brad, "I have to..."

He adjusts his clothes, walks to the door, knocks loudly, "Dad, Mary Jane, it's me, Brad."

No answer.

He bangs harder, "C'mon, c'mon, open up. I want to talk."

David opens the upstairs window.

Brad, "Dad."

David, "Piss off, Son."

Brad, "Dad."

David, "You're in the wrong battlefield."

Brad, "Dad, look, I have to talk."

David, "Get the hell out of here or I'll get my gun."

Brad stares, stunned.

David's head goes back inside.

He comes out again, waving his gun, "You're a bastard."

Brad runs toward the side of the house.

David fires.

It misses.

Brad rounds the corner.

Another shot.

Brad's hugging the side of the house.

Heart beating like mad.

He hears the window open above him.

He runs to the back yard.

Another shot.

David's out the back door.

He aims.

Brad hesitates.

David, "Stupid jerk of a son."

He fires as Brad darts back to the side of the house and into the front yard to his car.

He jumps in, turns the ignition.

Nothing.

He hears David's laugh.

He turns the ignition again.

David's laugh, closer.

Again the ignition.

David's laugh...

He stands in front of the car.

Brad turns the engine on.

If he drives, he'll kill his father.

Brad's frozen.

David raises his gun, laughs.

Brad, "DAD!"

David fires...

and fires...

and fires...

* * * * *

Chapter 47 - Did you never see?

* * * * *

Space.

Brad falls through semi-darkness, like a drowning person sinking in the ocean.

Brad, "Ohhh, ohhh... help..."

Fierce winds howl.

He keeps falling.

Lightening shafts shoot around him, but no thunder.

He keeps falling.

He hits ground with a thud.

Groaning, clutching his chest, he tries to establish his bearings, "Ohhh, shit..."

It's dark, very dark.

He fumbles with one hand outstretched, feeling the cold, metallic floor.

He shivers, "God... damn... freezing..."

He moves to a wall, feels his way to a corner.

A blood curdling woman's scream, "HELLLLPPPPPP!"

Brad crouches down in the corner, eyes wide.

The sound of deep breathing.

A man's voice bellows, "HIT HER AGAIN."

Woman, "NOOOOO, Noooo..."

A heavy thud sound.

Man, "Again!"

Woman, "HELP!"

Again, a heavy thud.

Man, "The stakes, strike her!"

(pause)

The swords, stab her heart!"

Brad shakes his head, his hands are at his mouth.

Woman, "Ahhhhhhh!"

An eerie silence.

A dim light shines straight towards Brad from fifty yards away.

Brad trembles, crouches in a corner.

Man, "King Yama, Sir, he has arrived."

King Yama, "Bradley Uriah Myers, come here."

Brad tries desperately to crawl backwards into the wall.

King Yama, "COME HERE."

Brad screams, "NOOOOOO!"

Brad collapses, crying hysterically.

King Yama, "Get him."

Four bare-chested muscular men stomp in unison towards Brad.

Their heavy boots shake the metal floor.

Brad, "Shit no! NOOOOOO!"

Brad tries to stand, falls, crawls to the other side of the wall.

The four men get closer.

Biggest man, "Fool."

The men grab him by all four limbs.

Brad wrenches for his life to no avail.

Their strength is incredible.

They carry him toward the light, drop him in front of King Yama, looking every bit like the Religious Professor had shown.

Shaven head, half-inch scar below his left eye, in a royal red and black outfit standing tall.

Dark shadows surround his eyes.

Two more horrifying men join the four to surround Brad, each holding their favorite deadly weapon.

Shaking, Brad kneels down in front of King Yama, "Please, Sir, please."

Biggest man, "Sire, this man has ill-treated others, he has had no respect for decency. Let King Yama order his punishment."

An ear shattering lightening bolt strikes behind King Yama.

King Yama, "Bradley Uriah Myers, did you not see the divine messengers appearing to you in the World?"

Brad, "I did not, Sir."

Another bolt strikes inches away from Brad's face.

He falls backward, "Aggggh!"

One of the men pokes Brad with a sword.

He quickly gets up again.

King Yama, "Did you never see a baby lying in his own excrement and urine?"

Behind, above and to the left of King Yama appears the vision of the baby in the park, lying on it's back, the diaper open, exposing a gooey mess.

King Yama, "Or a man, woman eighty, ninety, a hundred years old, doubled up, frail?"

The baby vision fades.

Above to the right appears the old woman walking out of Sunrise Village entrance, hunched over.

King Yama, "Or a man, woman gravely ill, lifted up by some and set down by others?"

The old woman vision fades.

Above to the left appears the man, in the doctor's waiting lobby, vomiting into the bucket.

King Yama, "Or a body lifeless, dead?"

The sick man vision fades.

Above to the right appears Harper's photo, lying dead in the street.

King Yama, "Or a robber caught, sentenced to punishment?"

Harper's photo vision fades.

Above to the left appears his shaven headed friend, Rog, being put in the police wagon.

Brad, "I have, Sir."

A deafening drum roll resonates.

King Yama, "Did it never occur to you, an intelligent man, 'I, too, am subject to birth, aging, sickness and death?' Did it never occur to you, 'Those who do evil actions have various tortures inflicted on them in regular life, so what in the hereafter?'"

Lightening strikes all around.

King Yama raises his hands high in the air.

They come down, pointing at Brad like machine guns setting their sights.

His voice bellows, "FOOLISH MAN! DID YOU NEVER THINK THAT YOU SHOULD CHANGE YOUR UNWISE WAYS?"

Brad's head is low, "I was unable, Sir, I was negligent."

King Yama, "Bradley Uriah Myers, you have compounded your foolish deeds by enticing your father, such a good man, to do evil."

Total blackness except for a soft glow around Brad.

King Yama, "Because you did such harm to your father, you shall reap tenfold... fifty-fold... ONE HUNDRED-FOLD THE PUNISHMENT YOU DESERVE!"

Dead silence.

The wind howls.

The glow is brighter.

King Yama is gone.

The six men encircle Brad.

In their eyes, burning fires appear instead of pupils.

The man holding the double edged axe begins the process.

Axe man, "His shirt."

The foot long barber's razor is flashed by another.

He lunges quickly at Brad, who backs off, only to be shoved forward by another man.

The razor has split his shirt open.

Brad, "No! NOOO!"

Two other men hold him tight.

He struggles to get free.

No way.

They pull open his shirt.

Axe man, "Mark him."

The razor man lashes out again.

A thin red line of blood runs from Brad's left shoulder to just above his belly button.

Brad, "SHIT! HELP ME!"

The razor man strikes again, making a "X" above Brad's heart.

The razor man steps back.

The two holding Brad force him to the floor.

Two others grab his legs.

The four stand on his arms and legs.

Their pupils have turned solid white.

Razor man, "STRIKE HIM!"

The axe man steps forth.

His eyes are like mirrors, showing Brad hopelessly struggling.

He raises his axe high.

Razor man, "LET THE TORTURE BEGIN!"

Down comes the axe.

Brad, "NOOO!! NOOO!!"

* * * * *

Chapter 48 - How?

* * * * *

Kicking and pulling on his bed sheets, Brad screams, "NOOO!! NOOO!!"

He wakes, convulsing with fear, "NOOO... uh, oh my God, shit oh shit..."

Brad's head rocks, his hands holding it.

He can't get enough air, "Uh... uh..."

Through the window, the sun shines on his face.

He opens his eyes, blinks at the light, "Yeah, yeah..."

Breathes deep.

Brad, "I didn't die... I didn't die..."

He looks around the room, "Yeah..."

He pushes the sheets off, checks over his body.

Brad, "Bradley Uriah Myers, you've been one hell of a stupid fart."

He shakes violently, kicking his legs in the air, waving his arms around, "NO MORE! No more... no more..."

Leaping out of bed, Brad's eyes are wide, "No more, you stupid ass..."

He can't stand up straight.

Holding his stomach, he looks in the mirror, "Today is the first fuc, no, no..."

He squeezes his eyes tight, shakes his head, "Today is... the... first... day. Yes. Today is the first day of my life."

Gazing firmly at himself, confidently, he nods.

He reaches down to the bottom dresser drawer, opens it, pulls out an old Fort Grove H.S. Letter sweater, looks long and drops it to the floor.

.

Exposed in the drawer is his High School photo album.

He grabs it, sits down on the floor, turns some pages.

Football team photos.

Some action shots.

The team shot - he's center, smiling, holding the State Championship trophy.

He shakes his head turns some more pages with more photos.

One heading reads: "OUR BEST & BRIGHTEST."

Another shows him standing on a podium on graduation day. He remembers.

* * * * *

The football field.

With four hundred classmates watching, all sporting their black gowns, holding their caps, Brad stands emphatically voicing a classical idealistic eighteen year old Valedictorian's views, "Drugs, we must resist them. How can we change the world if our minds aren't clear?"

The teachers behind him clap energetically, though few students do.

Brad, "We must be leaders, not followers. We must show good values, do good things, speak good words."

The teachers applaud harder.

Some more students join half-heartedly.

Brad, "And lastly, I'd like to give you a small quote I once heard, "And many will think, what can I get? How often comes the thought, what can I give?"

He waves to everyone.

This time his classmates give Brad a standing ovation, though mildly, looking around, bored.

* * * * *

Back to the present.

Brad shuts the book.

Tears stream down his face.

He leans against the dresser, eyes closed, "How... how did I get so lost?"

He jumps up, eyes wide, runs madly out the bedroom, down the stairs to the kitchen.

* * * * *

Chapter 49 - Click

* * * * *

Like a mad man, Brad fishes in the kitchen trash can.

Half of it lands on the floor.

He finds it - the charity letter.

He pulls it out, cleans it off, "Good, oh good. Not too dirty. Okay, yeah, relax, relax."

He turns on his computer, reads the website on the letter and types.

The website opens, he clicks to the donation page.

He plops in a chair, "How much? Uh, how, uh... DAMNIT, just give, you stingy bastard!"

His whole body trembles, "Okay, okay, uh, hundred."

He fills in the online form, types in one hundred in the amount section.

He stares at it.

He deletes it, "Shit... Dad, Mom, how..."

His head's down, crying.

He leans back in the chair.

He breathes deep, collects himself, "I'm thirty-five. I'm not a baby. I'm going to do what's right. C'mon Brad, just fill it in and click."

He types two hundred and fifty.

He clicks.

An acceptance and thank you page appear.

Brad smiles.

* * * * *

Chapter 50 - Never again

* * * * *

Exiting the kitchen briskly, he freezes.

He walks slowly to the computer and clicks on the news.

He spots an article with Harper's photo.

Tears gush.

As if hypnotized, he opens the article.

His body trembles.

A larger article with many photos of Harper with family.

He falls to his knees with uncontrollable sobbing, "HARPER!"

His body rocks back and forth, "Harper, I'm so sorry, please, please forgive me... I swear, Harper, I swear... never again..."

He lays down on the floor, rocking, "Never, Harper, never again, I swear..."

* * * * *

Chapter 51 - Yes

* * * * *

Dressed, Brad combs his hair, "Work... work?"

He glances down to the back of the card he pulled out of his shirt yesterday - King Tampa's business card.

He turns it over, picks it up, "Cars? Sell cars? Me?"

He straightens himself in the mirror, yet quickly slumps his shoulders, "Who'd buy a used car from an ass like me? But... if... I'm not..."

He nods approvingly, straightens himself again.

Puts the card in his shirt pocket.

Turns.

Brad, "SHIT!"

His eyes are wide, "MARY JANE!"

As if experiencing a heart attack, Brad transfixes on Mary Jane's photo on his bedside table.

Slowly he sits down on his bed.

His arm extends toward the photo, grabs it, "Mary Jane..."

Tears fall, "She's... she's..."

He looks up, out the window to falling leaves, "She's... beautiful... Mary Jane... marry... Mary Jane..."

In between crying and laughing, he grabs a handful of tissues, wipes his eyes, blows his nose, "Marry... Mary Jane... I change, I'm worthy..."

Breathing deep, he grabs the phone, dials.

Mary Jane, "Hello?"

Brad stares.

Hangs up the phone.

Brad, "It's too fast, too... I, uh... SHIT!"

He dials again.

Mary Jane, "Hello?"

Brad, "Mary Jane, I love you."

Mary Jane, "Oh, Brad, how lovely, I love you, too."

Brad, "And I want to marry you. I love you and I want to live the rest of my life with only you."

Silence.

Brad's shaking.

One hand holds the phone, the other runs all around and across his head, "Mary Jane, uh, are you there?"

Mary Jane, "Brad, honey, I love you."

Brad, "Will you marry me?"

Mary Jane, "Yes."

Brad, "I'll be over, I'll be over as soon as I can. I have to see my folks first. Okay?"

Mary Jane, "Yes. Yes, Brad, yes."

* * * * *

Chapter 52 - It's important

* * * * *

Brad bounds down the steps, singing to himself, happier than he's ever been since High School.

He hops in his car and pulls out his cell phone, dials, "Dad?"

David, "Yeah, Brad, how are you?"

Brad, "Dad, you and Mom stay there for a bit. I'm on my way and I, I want to talk to you, both. It's important, Dad, okay?"

David, "Why sure, Son, good."

Brad, "Dad..."

David, "Yeah."

Brad, "I love you. I love you and Mom lots, okay?"

David, "Why that's real nice to hear, Brad. We love you, too."

* * * * *

Chapter 53 - It's new

* * * * *

Top down, Brad drives up to an intersection.

The bearded mid-aged man stands next to his beat up suitcase and duffle bag, with his out of work sign and his large can with "PLEASE HELP".

The light is green.

Brad drives through the light, yet his eyes are on the man.

He swerves, almost hits another car.

The other driver blares his horn, shakes his fist.

Man, "WATCH THE ROAD, JERK!"

Brad, "Sorry, sorry, oh..."

He stops his car thirty yards beyond the light, shaking.

He looks back at the begging man, nods his head, breathes deep.

He’s out and runs back to the light, then across the street.

But it's a red light that way!

Cars beep, dodge Brad crazily running through the traffic.

He makes it to the beggar.

The beggar looks at Brad like he's from outer space, "Hey man, I ain't interested in seeing ya blood on the road."

Brad's heart pounds.

Bent over, he tries to catch his breath, "Yeah, uh, yeah..."

Looking up, he smiles.

The beggar smiles.

Brad, "I, I..."

Shaking his head, he gets out his wallet, pulls out a five, puts it in the can, smiles.

Beggar, "Thanks, man, that's really--"

Brad, "No, no..."

Brad reaches in the can, takes the five back.

Beggar, "What the--"

Brad, "Wait, wait, it's uh, new..."

He pulls out a twenty, hands it over.

The beggar's spaced.

Brad shakes his hand, "I, uh, I hope you get lots today and a job, too!"

Brad runs back across the street, again against the red light!

* * * * *

Chapter 54 - The Football

* * * * *

Brad turns into the suburban area.

Up ahead he sees the kids tossing their football.

He smiles, slows down.

Getting closer, he taps the horn gently a couple of short beeps.

The kids move to their yard.

Brad stops in front of them, "Hey!"

Now frightened, the kids back off.

Brad, "Nah, it's okay."

He reaches into the back seat.

Grabs his trophy football.

Sends it to the biggest kid in a perfect touchdown pass, "Have fun!"

The kids are flabbergasted.

Brad laughs a truly, decent loving laugh, his first in years, as he drives off.

* * * * *

Chapter 55 - Can I help?

* * * * *

He comes up to the village gate.

Brad, "Hi."

Gail, "Hey, good to see ya!"

Brad, "Gail, I, uh..."

Gail, "Cat got ya tongue?"

Brad, "I, I just want to say, thanks for working here helping my folks and all the other old people."

Her tough veneer shattered, Gail's eyes are wide.

Shaking her head, she fights a tear, "Shucks, Brad, ya get going before ya make a traffic jam."

Brad laughs, drives around the bend, into the visitors' lot.

He hops out and strides to the entrance.

The words carved into the corner stone still read, "DO ONTO OTHERS AS YE WOULD WISH HAVE DONE ONTO YOURSELF."

Brad stares at the words as if it was the first time he had seen them.

The doors open.

The same bent over old woman comes out, waits for the shuttle bus.

Brad looks around, sees it coming.

The bus pulls up.

Brad approaches the woman, "Ma'am, can I help you?"

Cricked over, she raises her head slightly with a big smile, "Thank you so much."

He helps her get into the bus and watches her go to a seat.

He waves to her.

She waves back.

The bus drives off.

A tear falls down his cheek.

* * * * *

Chapter 56 - Chocolates

* * * * *

Ever smiling Kate stands behind her reception counter with her back to Brad, talking with someone in the back room.

Today there is no bowl of chocolates on her counter.

Brad zooms by, heads straight to the "Country Store", rather like a miniature 7-11.

He purchases three big bags of Kisses and one large plastic bowl.

Out he heads towards Kate.

Brad, "Hi."

Kate, "Hey, how'd you get in without me spotting you?"

They both laugh.

Brad puts the bowl on her counter.

Kate, "Nice bowl, but I don't have any chocolates today."

Brad, "Yeah."

He pulls out two bags of Kisses and pours them in.

Kate smiles broader than her normal, "Why, Brad--"

Brad, "My pleasure."

Whistling to himself, he bounds down the hallway.

He stops in front of the gym room.

A dozen elderly are on the machines.

He mimics being a cheerleader, getting them all to laugh and wave.

Waving back, off he continues.

He slows down, breathes deep.

He reaches his folks' apartment door.

He straightens his clothes, knocks and opens the door.

* * * * *

Chapter 57 - Not anymore

* * * * *

Entering, he hugs his father in the kitchenette, "Hi Dad, great to see you."

David's puzzled, this is not his normal Brad, "Yeah, Son, uh, how are you?"

Brad, "Great, real great-- Mom!"

He heads to his mother.

Giving her a hug and kiss, he drops the third bag of Kisses in her lap, looks around the room.

Eve, "Bradley, how nice."

Brad, "You two didn't win any lottery, did you?"

They laugh.

Eve, "Can't win when we never buy tickets, did you?"

He laughs, too, awkwardly, "No, uh, not yet."

David, "Something on your mind, Son?"

Brad, "Dad, would you ever leave Mom?"

David shakes his head, grins, walks over to Eve, gives her a big hug and kiss.

David, "In a box, Son, only in a box."

Brad, "Yeah, yeah, that's what I thought..."

David and Eve give each other a "what's with him?" look.

Brad, "I have, uh, something important to tell you."

Brad walks nervously around the room, "Actually two things, uh, first..."

Brad looks at both of them, bursts crying, "I love you both, I really do..."

He hugs them.

Tears stream down his face.

Both David and Eve are tearing, also.

Eve, "We love you, too, Bradley."

David, "Son, that's lovely to hear."

Brad, "Yeah, I mean it, and, and, look, uh, thanks, thanks for everything you've done for me."

They both smile lovingly.

Brad's up again, fidgeting, "And, and the other thing is, uh..."

Brad takes a big breath, "I'm going to marry Mary Jane and take the job at King Tampa's."

David, "Well, well, wonderful!"

Eve, "Bradley, that makes us very happy."

Brad, "Yeah, uh, yeah, well I have to go now. I told Mary Jane I'm on my way and, and, I, uh..."

Brad gives a huge boyish smile, "I'm going to pick up the ring first."

He gives them both a hug, leaves, singing to himself.

David shakes his head in bewilderment, "Well, well, will wonders never cease, truly a miracle... Was that really our son?"

Eve, "Looks like our little lost boy isn't lost anymore."

With tears falling, they hug.

* * * * *

Chapter 58 - The Ring

* * * * *

Brad parks at the mall, races in the West Entrance.

With people everywhere, Brad looks for the Jeweler's.

In he goes.

The DEALER recognizes him, smiles broadly, "My partner owes me five bucks."

Brad smiles back, "You guys are probably psychic."

Dealer, "Not bad, I have an 83% record. Do you remember which one she wanted? Cause if you don't, I do."

Brad nods.

Points to the medium diamond flanked by two sapphires.

Dealer, "And I thought you didn't notice, ha!"

* * * * *

Brad exits holding a pink little bag.

He pauses, pulls out the engagement ring box.

Opens it.

The diamond sparkles.

Closes it again.

With a face ever so bright and cheerful, he jumps and skips to his car.

* * * * *

Chapter 59 - Gerry & Max

* * * * *

Brad approaches the intersection.

His light is green.

He looks over at the beggar, beeps his horn and waves.

The beggar waves back.

A red '99 Chevy is stopped on Brad's right, first in line to turn left, waiting for the light to change.

It's Gerry and Max.

* * * * *

Max slaps Gerry and points at Brad passing by from left to right.

Max, "Hey."

Gerry's face is rock, "Now."

With the light still red for his side, Gerry pulls out in front of the other cars and turns right.

* * * * *

Chapter 60 - Did you think?

* * * * *

Brad pulls up on Mary Jane's side of the street.

Holding the pink bag, he gets out slowly.

He looks toward her home, breathes deep.

He takes a few paces around his car and steps up on the curb.

A strong autumn breeze strikes his face.

He stops.

Leaves fall all around.

He smiles.

Puts out an open hand.

A leaf lands in it.

He closes his eyes, nods his head, "Yes... it's time..."

Gerry's Chevy comes down the street.

Max sits in the back seat.

They drive toward Mary Jane's home.

Brad walks slowly to her door.

Some crows fly overhead, squawking.

Gerry and Max are close.

Max puts a rifle out the window.

Mary Jane opens the door, smiling lovingly.

Her dog races out to Brad, wagging its tail madly.

Brad bends down to pet it.

Mary Jane sees Gerry's car and the rifle.

She screams, "BRAD!"

Without looking around, instinctively, Brad dives behind his car, shielding him from Max.

Four shots.

Mary Jane falls...

like a leaf...

dead...

Gerry speeds off.

Brad rises, races to Mary Jane, but somehow he feels he's in slow motion.

He's half way to Mary Jane.

King Yama's voice booms, "Did you think you could get out that easy?"

Still running in slow motion, Brad looks around with horror.

He doesn't see anyone.

The house simmers, turns dark.

Brad falls...

through space.

He lands amidst the six warders.

Brad, "No! No!"

* * * * *

Chapter 61 - Every night

* * * * *

Hospital room.

A doctor holds an unusual medical chart, indicating daily times over the course of one week.

There is a distinct rhythm to whatever is being measured.

The clock on the wall reads 2:00 AM.

The doctor talks to David, Eve and Mary Jane, "I, uh, know this is an odd time to ask you to come."

David, "Please, Doctor, it's ok."

Doctor, "I'm terribly sorry Mr. and Mrs. Myers, and, uh, I did not get your name."

Mary Jane, "Mary Jane Edwards, Sir."

The four of them stand around Brad, lying in bed, with many electrodes attached.

Doctor, "Yes, Miss Edwards, uh, I can't say for sure, but he's still in the coma. When the bullet grazed his brain, well..."

The doctor shakes his head, "I'd have to say it, uh, the brain damage is, well, looks permanent."

Brad starts humming, rocking his head from side to side.

Mary Jane, "Doctor!"

Doctor, "Yes, this has been happening every night at this time. It's the reason, I asked you to come."

He looks at his charts, "It's a recurring phenomenon as if Brad is reliving part of his life."

Mary Jane, David and Eve are all in tears.

Mary Jane, "He looks so happy."

Doctor, "Well, yes, uh..."

David, "Doctor, tell it to us straight."

Doctor, "Yes, well, you see we've monitored it and every twenty-four hours, with perfect clockwork, this is happening."

Mary Jane, "So even though he's comatose, he's happy."

She somewhat smiles, "Doctor, this is--"

Doctor, "Uh, there's more..."

David breathes deep, Eve's leaning on him, nearly collapsing them both.

Doctor, "He's obviously reliving a happy time right now, but then--"

A nurse barges in.

Nurse, "Doctor, emergency."

Doctor, "Sorry."

The doctor races out, leaving the three bewildered.

Brad stops humming.

He's still.

His breath changes, becomes heavy, rapid.

Every facial muscle tightens.

His body shakes violently.

He grabs his chest.

Screams, "NO! NO! NOOOOOOOO!"

* * * * *

The end

About the Author

Thank you for reading "Another Chance", one of Steve Weissman's 13 stories now available worldwide.

Steve has been an international Buddhist meditation teacher since 1987. He was a resident teacher at a meditation center in Thailand for 25 years, teaching over 8,000 students from more than 85 countries. He currently lives in Australia, and continues teaching at various centers worldwide.

It was in his early years of teaching that Steve started weaving in entertaining short stories. One of his students commented on how they thought Steve could successfully write a screenplay. At the time Steve had far too much work to consider such a project, and dropped the thought.

Several years later, Steve was contemplating the Buddhist philosophy concerning death in different realms of existence, particularly the higher realms. In those realms, beings are thought to live an extremely long time and may come to believe their existence is permanent. He wondered what it would be like to explain what death is to someone, who had absolutely no knowledge about the aging process or death. These thoughts sparked more thoughts, and three days later, Steve finished his first screenplay draft.

After polishing that script and experimenting with a few more, Steve realized that no one has yet produced a dramatic movie of the Buddha's life for Western audiences. Yes, there are many biographies of the Buddha, but a biography is a biography, and very difficult to create the excitement that movie audiences want.

So, why not write a semi-fictious biography, with the dimension and character of a true "Hero's journey"?

Steve's movie script, "The Great Quest" is that story, which has the potential to become the first Hollywood-level, dramatic movie of the Buddha's life produced for both Western and worldwide audiences. <http://thegreatquest.net>

But although "The Great Quest" has made 22 script contest finals, Steve's many attempts to attract producers, directors, actors, agents and managers, has not yet produced fruit.

Understanding more about the film industry, Steve realized that a film of this magnitude - with good directing & acting - could be Oscar-worthy, but it would be very expensive. So he decided to write more scripts that were lower budget, thinking that if one of these would sell, he might get a better response for "The Great Quest". These scripts have made another 36 finals, and he has now won 7 contests, with dozens more semi & quarterfinals.

But, again, Steve's attempts to attract Hollywood interest, has not yet produced fruit.

So now his thought is - turn the scripts into inexpensive short stories, and see what happens.

Do you have any possible connections with film personnel? If so, would you please pass "Another Chance" on to them. Steve will also gladly send all 13 of his stories to anyone who has a genuine interest in turning one or more of these into a film.

And, if you did enjoy this story and would like to help in even a small way, would you please take a few moments to leave a good review at your favorite retailer? More positive reviews will encourage others to read and enjoy it, too.

Thank you very much. You might be that special person who can help "Another Chance" and "The Great Quest" become wonderful movies.

More information about Steve's teaching can be found at <https://rosemary-steve.org>. And specific film/stories information can be found at <http://thegreatquest.net/stories.htm>.

* * * * *

Steve's 13 stories

The Great Quest

Drama Biopic

Based on the true story of the Buddha: The battles of a Prince who rejects riches and power, risks insanity and death, in a quest to find ultimate freedom.

Imprisoned in the Palace by his father, the time fruits when a naïve Siddhartha awakens to the realities of the world, and escapes in search of a deeper meaning to life. His devious, look-alike, unrelenting alter ego, Mara, presents the greatest obstacle, thwarting Siddhartha at every possible opportunity. Siddhartha also confronts barbaric Brahmin Priests, a war-raging King and evil spirits before he attempts harsh austerities and starvation. Barely escaping madness and death, Siddhartha strengthens himself for his illustrious battle with Mara, when only one will survive.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-0-3

Open Your Eyes, Dude

Romantic Comedy

Relaxing at the beach before a seminar with the world's most renown, yet reclusive eye surgeon, playboy doctor Tom has been given an ultimative - stay a bachelor stuck in his boring job or join an elite group of doctors keen to be in the Senate. However, he has just one week to find a wife who will enhance his public image. When he meets secretive, gentle new-ager Tricia in the surf, she intrigues him and then escapes his advances before he can discover more. He follows her but confronts the scheming tricks of a jealous neurosurgeon, and his own selfish ways. Finally he seduces her for one night, and actually finds that he is falling in love with her. But what happens when she discovers his original motivation?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-5-7

Barred Engagement

Crime Thriller, Romance

Travis and Janie are lovers from high school, engaged to be married, with her father welcoming Travis more than his own son. But when they find out Travis has a different real last name, all hell breaks loose. With her father threatening to kill Travis if they tried to marry, Janie cancels the marriage to save Travis, but he won't give up that easily. Despite the danger, a resolute Travis must fight not only for his love, but for his life. And little did he expect to find out how Janie's father was connected to his parent's deaths.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-8-9

Love, Mysterious

Fantasy Romantic Comedy

Cupid's top marriage agent from who-knows-where, Kolby has a massive problem. His job – and Cupid's life - are on the line unless Kolby can fulfill the hardest of all assignments! Rumor has it the couple were Romeo & Juliet, Anthony & Cleopatra, plus believe it or not - Adam & Eve. But when there's a time limit on the love arrow's potion, things don't always work out the way you'd like. He shot the greatest two soul mates as little kids, but the girl was born to the wrong parents and moved halfway around the world. Kolby must get them back together and make sure they stay that way. He's in a race against time to save Cupid and Love on Earth. And if that wasn't enough, he also struggles with another love agenda of his own.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-6-5

Mick, a kid who fought

Coming-of-age Drama

Brought up by a immigrant Polish father who never "stirs a tiger", quiet Mick shies away from any confrontation, even when he's denied his well earned High School award with a desperately needed scholarship by a jealous teacher. Yet after the girl he loves calls him a loser, Mick chooses to identify with his freedom fighting grandfather who died rocking too many boats. Will Mick learn to fight against bullies and win back his love, or will his father prevent him?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-3-3

Vicki in Viewland

Fantasy Adventure Animation Comedy Spoof

ALICE IN WONDERLAND meets THE WIZARD OF OZ in the land of foolish views.

A 13-year-old's crush on the paper boy has her falling head over heels, landing in the fantasy world of Viewland where the vicious President labels her a terrorist and tries to annihilate her. Aided by a five foot tall Bluejay and Count Alf the Fourteenth, she confronts foolish view after view until she must defeat the President in order to return home. Yet is the President the only one she must battle? Or is there someone more ominous who awaits her?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-7-1

For Life

Drama

For years Taylor, the president of a leading euthanasia group, has pumped all his energy and drive into his "mission". But now he must confront the reality of his own mother's illness and face-off with his estranged anti-euthanasia daughter, who holds power of attorney and medical decisions for her grandmother. Fearing the worst of her hated father, she does what she can to stop Taylor, yet his buddies also come knocking on her grandmother's door. Meanwhile Taylor's incestuous sister-in-law plays her sexual games and plans what to do with her share of the inheritance.

ISBN 978-0-6487941-7-2

Security Act 2070

Thriller Drama Sci-fi

Sixty years in the future, materialism reigns supreme in America, "One nation under Money". Those who protest the accepted creed are declared fanatical enemies of the State. After losing his parents and his love, the death of his brother tips Buddy over the edge into the "disease" which pits him against the culture. Swiftly suppressing his protest, the authorities commit him to a mental hospital where a doctor seeks a live specimen for research.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-1-9

Get Updated, System's Archaic

Coming-of-age Dramedy

Ken and Aaron's childhood sibling rivalry continues as adults. Though Aaron tries to make it good, even saving Ken's life, Ken's hatred stays. When Aaron shows up for a family reunion with Rahula, a half-Asian adopted son, Ken's prejudice grows, and multiplies a hundred-fold when Rahula and Ken's daughter fall for each other. Can the past be healed or will the reunion tear the family further apart?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-0-2

The Kalama Awakening

Cult Drama

On a spiritual quest, young naive Julie's longing for freedom and devotion makes her an easy target for a cult Guru's lust and her boyfriend's willingness to trade her for power and fame. Isolated and drugged, she ends up in a nightmare of betrayal and manipulation, yet resists being brainwashed into submission and becoming the Guru's sex slave. Sage, an ex-devotee, knows the evils that await and risks his life to rescue her. Yet he also becomes caught in the Guru's web and it's up to Julie whether she can save both of them.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-6-4

Leaves fall

Fantasy Dramedy

In a world where soulmates meet, an inept fellow has failed constantly for over 300 years. Even when his true love appears, rather than being ecstatic to see him, she yearns for her past life as a celibate nun. Clever, quick and breaking the rules, she outfoxes mating attempts, not realizing that they are an eternal pair. So what happens when a ninety year old nun, celibate all her life, dies and is spontaneously reborn as a young beautiful woman in a world where everyone meets their true mate?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-2-6

Another Chance

Drama Thriller

Brad, a star High School quarterback/Valedictorian, turns bad, becoming a local drug lord. Despite his wrong ways, he longs for the approval of his virtuous father. When Brad finally entices his father into his nightmare world, a surprised and shocked Brad watches his Dad out perform his own evil ways. When he awakens from his hell, he tries to reform and plans to marry a homely, innocent Librarian whom he truly loves - but will his fate allow this?

ISBN 978-0-6488482-4-0

The Burden of Angels

Fantasy Comedy Short

God warns goofy Humphrey, he's on the verge of failing Angel School when an elite class of angels head to earth to help major catastrophes, yet poor Humphrey plans to aid just one man who lost a piece of paper.

ISBN 978-0-6488482-9-5