Door script

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<Somerville, MA>

Scene 1

EXT Outside - Day

AUDREY is riding her bike. If not happy, she at least looks content. It's sunny, she's taking the ride in a casual way, but at a fair speed. She pushes herself up a hill and then begins to go down the other side. Getting up speed, she looks away from where she's going.

INTERCUT WITH In his car, SEBASTIAN is wearing a suit. He's listening to something overly loud and rocking out. While he's looking away, he opens the driver's side door of his car. Audrey brings her attention back in front of her, Sebastian is opening the door to his car. Right in front of her. Audrey slams into the door and tumbles over it--or whatever people do when they meet doors going at high speeds. Sebastian jumps out of the car and rushes to see what happened. Audrey is on the ground, passed out. Her leg is broken. Sebastian moves closer to look at her. He holds his breath as he gets close.

Sebastian takes out his cell phone and calls 9-1-1.

Scene 2

EXT Outside -- Day

Sebastian is helping Audrey out of his car and into her apartment.

AUDREY

You doored me. You fucking doored me.

Audrey looks at Sebastian quite seriously

AUDREY

Mother fucker.

SEBASTIAN

Yes, I know. I fuck my mother. You've been saying that since you woke up.

AUDREY

You fucking doored me. Only a motherfucker would do that.

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, you've been saying that too. I thought sweet hippie girls who ride bikes didn't curse.

AUDREY

And I thought real people didn't open their doors without looking.

SEBASTIAN

I said I was sorry!

AUDREY

Don't be sorry, just don't do it again!

Sebastian helps Audrey get herself down on the couch. He leaves the apartment and rushes back in with her crutches. While he's gone, she makes the fact typical of a drunk person trying to remember what they just did. When he comes back, she looks at him.

AUDREY (CONT'D)

I puked in your car, didn't I?

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, you did.

AUDREY

I'd say I was sorry, but I'm not.

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, you already said that too. Look, I have to go and take care of some stuff. I'll see you later.

As he leaves, Audrey sticks her tongue out at his back.

AUDREY

Jerk face doored me and broke my leg.

Audrey pauses.

AUDREY (CONT'D)

And took my bike.

Scene 3

Audrey's Apartment - Day

Sebastian is knocking on the door to Audrey's apartment. She hobbles (hops?) over to the door and opens it. He is no longer wearing his suit. In fact, it's a different day all together.

SEBASTIAN

We need to talk.

AUDREY

Okay.

SEBASTIAN

You see, there's a problem.

AUDREY

That my leg is broken? Yeah, I'd say that's a problem.

SEBASTIAN

Well, that's a problem too. You see, technically, legally speaking that is, I wasn't supposed to be driving that car the other day.

AUDREY

And you weren't supposed to be hitting cyclists with it either!

SEBASTIAN

I uhh...my license was suspended. It comes back next week, but... I'm going to be in real trouble if the cops get involved.

AUDREY

And you'll be in real trouble with my fist if you don't pay my medical bills.

SEBASTIAN

That's why I sold my car.

AUDREY

You sold your car?

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, I sold my car to pay your medical bills.

AUDREY

Don't you have a job, Mr. Suit?

SEBASTIAN

More or less.

AUDREY

Are you “between jobs?”

SEBASTIAN

I had an interview the other day. I think it went well.

AUDREY

Well enough that you had to sell your car.

SEBASTIAN

X-rays aren't cheap.

AUDREY

Well, I guess thanks for doing what you're legally required to do or something.

SEBASTIAN

And I need a favor.

AUDREY

I won't sue you or anything, okay?

SEBASTIAN

I need help getting a bike.

AUDREY

There are people at stores for that.

SEBASTIAN

I'm a little closer to broke than I'd like to be. I want a cool bike. Like Lance, you know? You're one of those bike people. You can help.

AUDREY

Didn't you just sell your car?

SEBASTIAN

X-rays aren't cheap!

Audrey looks at Sebastian critically. She then smiles brightly.

AUDREY

Okay. I have a friend who can help you out. One sec.

Audrey pulls out her cell phone and makes a call.

AUDREY

Hey! Yeah, you know that bike you were talking about getting rid of? Yeah, I have someone who wants to buy it. No, it'll be fine. Yeah. Uh-huh. A reasonable amount. Sure. That sounds good.

CUT TO

EXT Outside - Day

Audrey and Sebastian walk to Sprout.

AUDREY

You have to take me to work in the mornings.

SEBASTIAN

I don't have a car anymore, remember?

AUDREY

That's okay, you're getting a cargo bike.

SEBASTIAN

A cargo bike? I want a Lance bike!

Sebastian pauses.

SEBASTIAN

What is a cargo bike anyway?

They arrive at Sprout. Someone is there with the xtracycle. It looks a little beat up. Technically, it's barely rideable.

AUDREY

That's your cargo bike.

CUT TO

Scene 4

EXT Sprout - Day

The person who had had the xtracycle walks away counting something like two hundred dollars in cash. Sebastian is staring at the bike somewhat horrified. Audrey is looking it over and making comments on it. The crankset ought to be replaced because the broken pedal doesn't come off. The brake pads are a little weak. The tires probably need to be replaced. The wheels are off true.

SEBASTIAN

No one will take me seriously on this bike.

AUDREY

Lots of people will.

SEBASTIAN

Like who?

AUDREY

Bike people.

SEBASTIAN

But I'll look so lame!

AUDREY

You'll look cool. Now, I'll see you in the morning.

SEBASTAIN

What time?

AUDREY

I need to be at work by four AM, you need to be at my place by 3:30.

Scene 5

EXT Audrey's Apartment - Early Morning

Sebastian shows up at Audrey's apartment, parking outside. He locks the xtracycle up. Audrey is waiting outside. He helps her get onto the back of the bike. He drives off, obviously having trouble pulling her. He brakes at a light and the back brake line snaps.

SEBASTIAN

What?

AUDREY

It was your back brake.

SEBASTIAN

What do we--?

AUDREY

Nothing.

SEBASTIAN

I don't think I can ride without a brake.

AUDREY

You have the front brake. That's like ninety percent of your stopping power right there. We'll fix it later. It's easy.

Sebastian starts biking again. He starts slowly. Audrey rolls her eyes.

Scene 6

EXT Sprout - Day

Audrey and Sebastian are changing the brake line on the bike. Having looked at both, they decided to change both, since the front one looks as though it may snap as well at some point.

SEBASTIAN

Can't I just get this fixed at a bike shop? Why do I have to do it?

AUDREY

So you know how to fix it yourself.

SEBASTIAN

Other people don't fix the bikes they have. They pay someone else to do it.

AUDREY

That's because other people just have bikes.

SEBASTIAN

What else do people do with bikes?

AUDREY

When you work on your bike, it becomes more than just this thing you have and use. You know how it works, you'll know how the brake cable bends and turns, where it's tightened and how it's supposed to feel. You'll know your bike and when you know something, you let it be part of you.

SEBASTIAN

And I have to let this bike be a part of me?

AUDREY

If you want me to help you fix it, yeah, you do.

Sebastian sighs.

SEBASTIAN

Hand me that thing. To tighten the things.

AUDREY

One thing to tighten the things.

Audrey hands him a socket wrench.

AUDREY (CONT'D)

But just think! You can't get your biking license suspended.

SEBASTIAN

What does that mean?

AUDREY

You got your driver's license suspended, right? There are no licenses to ride a bike.

SEBASTIAN

My license is coming back in a few days.

AUDREY

What did you do to lose it anyway?

SEBASTIAN

It was really dumb. Okay? Let's get back to the thing with the things.

AUDREY

No, I totally have to hear this one.

Audrey begins to poke Sebastian in the side with one of her crutches.

AUDREY (CONT'D)

Tell me tell me tell me.

SEBASTIAN

Will it get you to shut up?

AUDREY

About this at least.

SEBASTIAN

I drove a friend's car. I wasn't covered by his insurance. I was speeding. I got pulled over.

AUDREY

That's not so bad. Everyone speeds.

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, but why I was speeding is the thing. The TiVo was broken and I didn't want to miss the series finale of Lost.

Audrey starts to crack up.

AUDREY

Lost? Seriously?

SEBASTIAN

You said you'd shut up.

Scene 7

EXT Audrey's Apartment - Early Morning

Audrey is standing around waiting for Sebastian. She's holding a package (brown bag, bag, pick one). Sebastian pulls up and she gives it to him

AUDREY

Here's some bread.

Sebastian takes the package and opens it.

SEBASTIAN

Good morning to you too.

He tears off a chunk and bites into it.

SEBASTIAN (CONT'D)

Hey, this is pretty good. You made it for me?

AUDREY

No, I made it--

While chewing, Sebastian helps her onto the bike.

AUDREY (CONT'D)

--because it's my job. It was left over.

SEBASTIAN

I bet you made it just for me.

AUDREY

If I did, there would be cyanide in it.

SEBASTIAN

Almondy deliciousness.

Audrey reaches and attempts to wack Sebastian on the helmet. She misses. He laughs. He makes his way up a hill. He's struggling.

AUDREY

What's wrong?

SEBASTIAN

The uhh left pedal is smaller than the right one.

AUDREY

So change it.

SEBASTIAN

I tried, but the pedal wouldn't come off.

Audrey sighs.

AUDREY

We'll do it later, okay?

SEBASTIAN

Can we also do something about the chain? It seems too long.

Scene 8

EXT Sprout - Day

Sebastian and Audrey are working on his bike. It's almost finished. Sebastian is leaning over the bike, doing something. Audrey is watching critically. Sebastian is looking at the chain and it's not closed and too long.

AUDREY

You need to cut off more links.

SEBASTIAN

But what if it's too short?

AUDREY

We add them back on. Just take off two.

Sebastian cuts two links off the chain and tries to pull the ends together. It's about the right length. He looks at the key link.

SEBASTIAN

How does this work?

AUDREY

You put the key link back on. Slide it down the chain.

SEBASTIAN

This doesn't make sense.

AUDREY

Here, let me show you.

Audrey maneuvers herself over to Sebastian and shows him how to do it. He watches her and nods.

AUDREY

Now try to take off the pedal again.

Audrey hands over the pedal wrench to Sebastian. Sebastian tries to unscrew the pedal but it doesn't come off.

AUDREY

Well, let's replace the crankset.

SEBASTIAN

So, I was thinking that we could go on a ride when you got your cast off. Like a nice ride.

AUDREY

I won't be able to bike right away. Not like I used to. I mean, my leg won't be able to take it.

SEBASTIAN

We can work up to that. I was reading up on rides and there's a lot of good stuff in the area. There are some small trails we can take.

Sebastian makes a minor adjustment or two. Sebastian looks up at her and smiles.

SEBASTIAN (CONT'D)

It looks good to me.

AUDREY

Try it out.

SEBASTIAN

Like around the block?

AUDREY

Like as far as you need.

Sebastian takes the bike outside and leaves the driveway. Audrey watches him

Scene 8

EXT Outside of the Bakery - Day

Audrey is hobbling out of her place of employ. Sebastian's there, outside, on the xtracycle. He's beaming.

AUDREY

Welcome to surprise land, population me.

SEBASTIAN

I got a job!

AUDREY

That's great!

Sebastian and Audrey hi5.

SEBASTIAN

Woah, just moved up the friendship scale. We're now at hi5 familiarity.

AUDREY

I still hate you.

SEBASTIAN

But we hi5ed! You don't hi5 people you hate!

AUDREY

Fine, I am more than mildly intolerant of you.

SEBASTIAN

Would ice cream make you more tolerant of me?

AUDREY

...yes.

SEBASTIAN

Great! Let's go celebrate!

AUDREY

My being more tolerant of you?

SEBASTIAN

And the fact I'm working again next week.

Sebastian helps Audrey onto the back of the xtracycle. While he's helping her, he talks.

SEBASTIAN

I was thinking that since the wheels are so off true, I should get new ones once I get paid.

AUDREY

We can pick you out some cool ones.

SEBASTIAN

Lance ones?

AUDREY

Sure.

Sebastian bikes off. Now, he goes easily with Audrey on the back.

Scene 9

EXT Ice Cream Place - Day

Audrey and Sebastian are sitting next to eachother eating ice cream. They're getting along. Audrey and Sebastian talk trash about other people's bikes.

INT Audrey's Apartment - Night

I think maybe I should just delete this.

Sebastian knocks on the door to Audrey's apartment. He's carrying a garment bag over his arm shoulder and his bike as well. Audrey opens the door. She's already in her pajamas.

SEBASTIAN

How do you ride a bike in a suit?

AUDREY

What?

SEBASTIAN

I have work tomorrow. I need to wear a suit. How do I ride a bike in a suit?

AUDREY

You take the T.

SEBASTIAN

But I want my bike around. I don't want to have to rely on public transportation.

Audrey sighs and shakes her head. She turns around and reenters the apartment, motioning for Sebastian to follow. She talks to herself

AUDREY

I've created a monster.

Cut to

Sebastian is wearing his suit. His tie matches. Or is ugly. One or the other. It's not just “okay,” it's either great or awful.

AUDREY

Roll up your pant legs. Both of them.

Sebastian does so.

SEBASTIAN

Can I use those little reflective velcro thingies? They look cool.

AUDREY

They're pretty good, but they don't always work. Rolling always works. Take off your the jacket. You'll want to carry that. They're really not suited for bike riding.

Sebastian takes off his coat.

SEBASTIAN

Did you seriously just make a joke?

AUDREY

Not on purpose. Oh, and tuck your tie into your shirt. It'll flap around if you don't.

SEBASTIAN

But I'll look cool like that!

Audrey puts his helmet on his head. Once she's close enough, she tucks his tie into his shirt herself.

AUDREY

The helmet makes you look cool enough.

SEBASTIAN

Am I Lance cool?

AUDREY

You're Lance cool.

Audrey and Sebastian stand there awkwardly, still just as close. I can write flowery text to express complex emotion here. Slightly before he moves, Audrey kisses him. It's rushed and sudden. I'm trying to think of an analogy to a film. I don't want it to be sweet and loving, but heavy and full of need. They sink to the ground, out of the image of the shot. The two bikes--Audrey's and Sebastian's--are leaning near eachother. One bike leans more and falls into the other. Audrey or Sebastian--implications? I think Audrey would make more sense--just because she has a broken leg--reaches up and we see their hand grip the frame of the bike. Alternatively, we can not have this happen and have an awkward good bye.

Scene 10

EXT Audrey's Place of Employ - Day, early morning

Sebastian pulls up and stops. Audrey's been holding the garment bag. Sebastian's wearing the clothes he was last night. He gets off his bike and tries to help her off. As they touch, they both apologize too often, move awkwardly around one another, and try not to be too involved. Their goodbye is muddled and covered with multiple levels of see you laters. Sebastian takes off rather quickly. Audrey, herself not sure what happened or what it means, looks uncomfortable.

Scene 11

EXT Outside - Night

Sebastian walks outside of a restaurant or bar--somewhere--with a friend of his. Let's call him Mike. Mike's a generic kind of general name. Outside is parked the car that had been Sebastian's. Sebastian is holding his helmet.

MIKE

I just gotta say, thanks for selling me the car. It's been great.

SEBASTIAN

No problem. I'm glad it's working out. You helped me, I needed the money and everything.

MIKE

I'm surprised you were willing to part with it. You and that car have been together for as long as I knew you.

SEBASTIAN

Yeah, but some things are more important, you know?

MIKE

You're telling me. Do you need a ride home?

Sebastian looks at the car for a moment. There's a pause, but no longing or nostalia associated with what had been his life before. He holds up his helmet.

SEBASTIAN

No, I got my bike here.

Mike shrugs and unlocks the car.

MIKE

See you later.

SEBASTIAN

Later.

Mike gets in and Sebastian goes to unlock his bike.

Scene 12

EXT Sprout, or similar outside place - Day

Audrey is cast free. Her bike is there and she's holding it a little farther away from her than she should be to get on it. Sebastian is standing there. He's trying hard not to look impatient.

SEBASTIAN

I can just put you on the bike.

AUDREY

No, I can get on it myself.

SEBASTIAN

You've been standing there for twenty minutes.

AUDREY

I'm savoring the moment.

SEBASTIAN

You're being scared.

AUDREY

I am not scared of a bike.

SEBASTIAN

That's not a bike, that's your bike.

AUDREY

Just shut up, okay?

Audrey is standing on the side of the bike that the broken leg was on. She tries to balance herself on the recently broken leg to get on her bike. She wobbles and the bike doesn't provide enough balance and it too wobbles. She and the bike fall down in a heap. Sebastian offers her a hand, but she shakes her head and gets up quickly on her own. Sebastian picks the bike back up.

SEBASTIAN

At least let me hold the bike.

AUDREY

I said I could do it.

SEBASTIAN

No, you can't. You're not steady enough and your bike isn't steady enough so something needs to support one of you.

AUDREY

I guess I don't have a kickstand.

SEBASTIAN

You don't. I could be like a kickstand.

AUDREY

So it'd be you helping the bike.

SEBASTIAN

It'd be me helping your bike.

Audrey gets on the bike with Sebastian supporting it.

SEBASTIAN (CONT'D)

I'm gonna let go, okay?

Sebastian lets go and Audrey begins to pedal slowly on her own.

AUDREY

See? I told you I can ride my bike myself.

Scene 13

EXT Somewhere Pretty - Day

Audrey and Sebastian go on a bike ride. He's riding a different bike, e.g. not the xtracycle. Like a regular bike. They stop somewhere pretty. They kiss.

Fin.