Dear John
Page 2
Okay.
JOHN
Okay? Okay. I could come by tomorrow, round six?
SAVANNAH
Okay.
John grins back at her. Tries to figure out a smooth exit.
JOHN
Okay. Then I’ll--
Then he steps right into the fire he just relit.
He quickly jumps out, tries his best to pretend like it doesn’t hurt like hell.
JOHN
Anyway. I’ll see you soon then?
She laughs as he limps away.
SAVANNAH
I’ll see you soon then.
17 EXT. ROAD -- NIGHT
John walks north, carrying his surfboard, still limping a bit on his burnt foot. Headlights from the occasional car illuminate him as they pass by.
A truck comes up from behind him. But this one slows down to a crawl as it passes John... and then the reverse lights come on, and the truck backs up until John sees that the driver --
-- is Tim. Next to him, Alan is in the passenger seat, totally focused on his GAME BOY.
TIM
Need a lift? We’re headed into town for some ice cream.
JOHN
Thanks. But I don’t mind walking.
TIM
How long’s the walk?
JOHN
Nothing too bad.
Tim just looks at him. Then, without a word, he gets out of the car, takes John’s board and puts it in the back of his truck. He calls to Alan in the cab.
TIM
Scoot over, son.
Alan does as he’s told. John opens the passenger door. Alan looks up from his game, makes eye contact.
ALAN
Hello, John.
John smiles at him, impressed he remembered. So is Tim.
JOHN
Hey, Alan.
18 INT. TRUCK -- NIGHT (MOVING)
But Alan just goes right back to his game as they drive off.
JOHN
So how long are you in town for?
TIM
Oh, we live here year round now.
Alan loves the water, and we were driving down every weekend anyway.
I finally convinced my wife this just made the most sense.
John looks over at Tim, who’s focused on the road ahead.
JOHN
She didn’t want any ice cream?
TIM
Who? Oh, my wife -- no. She’s on vacation herself, actually.
He smiles to himself, but doesn’t take his eyes off the road.
TIM
I guess I thought if we spent all year in our vacation house, we’ll have a year-round vacation. But it doesn’t really work like that. And it’s kind of tricky to take trips together, since...
He trails off, but it’s clear he’s talking about Alan -- although Alan is too wrapped up in his video game to notice.
TIM
But it’s fine. We make it work.
JOHN
I’m up here on the left.
18A EXT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT -- SAME
Tim turns into his driveway. John opens the door, gets out.
JOHN
Thanks for the lift. Bye, Alan.
TIM
Hey, John? Just -- for the record -- if you do anything to hurt Savannah, I’ll have to break... something.
Something in your leg. One of the bones in there somewhere.
(then, a bit embarrassed)
I know her father, he’d want me to say that. Although it would’ve sounded a lot more natural coming out of his mouth.
JOHN
It -- sounded fine.
TIM
No it didn’t. Thank you, though.
Tim smiles at John. He’s pretty hard not to like.
TIM
Goodnight, John.
Then he pulls away. John watches the tail lights slowly disappear down the road.
19 INT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- LIVING ROOM -- NIGHT
John walks in. The whole house is dark and quiet, except for the light from one cracked hallway door.
20 INT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- DEN -- NIGHT
John peeks in to find his DAD hunched over at his desk, studying something.
MR. TYREE is balding. His shirt is a size too small and a decade too old. If he is at all aware of John’s presence behind him, he doesn’t let on.
John watches him for a few beats -- whatever he’s doing, it’s with complete focus. Finally John turns and walks away.
21 INT/EXT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- NEXT DAY (POSSIBLE EXT. SCENE)
It is bright outside now, and Mr. Tyree is making a large salad. His socks are mismatched.
John walks out in a nice shirt, sees his Dad at work on the salad.
JOHN
I’m not staying, Dad.
MR. TYREE
But... I made lasagna.
JOHN
Yeah, it’s Sunday. I know you made lasagna.
Mr. Tyree glances up at him. Then quickly turns back to his salad. John sighs, feels like he should explain.
JOHN
It’s just, I’ve got a date.
(off his silence)
I actually need to borrow the car.
Mr. Tyree digs in his pocket for his keys, holds them out to John without making eye contact.
John hesitates just long enough for us to know he wants to say something more... but then just snatches the keys from his father’s hand and --
22 EXT. SHRIMP SHACK -- LATE DAY
John gets out of his dad’s old Lincoln Continental in the parking lot of the SHRIMP SHACK, which looks exactly like it sounds.
SAVANNAH
I know it doesn’t look like much, but it’s got the best seafood you’ve ever had.
JOHN
Yeah, I know, I used to come here all the time. It’s just -- don’t you want to eat somewhere nice?
Savannah grins at him.
SAVANNAH
I don’t want to eat somewhere nice, John, I want to eat somewhere good.
She heads towards the restaurant. John hesitates.
Savannah turns, motions to him -- you coming? John grimaces.
23 INT. BOWEN’S ISLAND RESTAURANT -- LATE DAY
Savannah and John walk in, the best dressed customers by far. John nods evenly at the OWNER BEHIND THE BAR.
JOHN
Steve.
Steve doesn’t respond, just gives John the death stare. John nervously excuses himself from Savannah, then heads over to the bar and quietly takes him aside.
JOHN
C’mon, man. It’s been three years.
STEVE THE OWNER
I don’t want any trouble.
JOHN
You won’t get any. Okay? I promise.
Steve pauses, weighing his options. Then, finally, he nods over to the HOSTESS, giving his okay.
She takes them to a table by a window overlooking the water. Savannah looks at John curiously.
SAVANNAH
What was that about?
JOHN
We’re old friends, that’s all.
The hostess takes their drink orders. Savannah gets a sweet tea.
John glances over at Steve behind the bar again. He’s watching John closely, listening to what he’s gonna order.
JOHN
Uh... sweet tea for me too, please.
The hostess heads off. But Savannah noticed the look John stole toward the bar and misreads it, thinking that she’s the reason he only ordered tea.
SAVANNAH
It’s okay. You can get a beer if you want, don’t let me stop you.
JOHN
Nah. I don’t drink.
Savannah cocks her head at him.
SAVANNAH
You were drinking right after I met you.
John doesn’t have to look over at the bar this time to know that Steve is watching him. He stumbles for an excuse.
JOHN
Um-- anymore. I don’t drink anymore.
SAVANNAH
I me
t you yesterday.
JOHN
Yeah, well things change. But don’t let me stop you -- you can get a beer if you want one.
SAVANNAH
Nah. I don’t drink anymore either.
JOHN
Oh yeah? Since when?
She looks him in the eye. Grins.
SAVANNAH
Since that Zima back in 8th grade.
He smiles back at her.
JOHN
Musta been one hell of a Zima.
SAVANNAH
Those things can knock you over, lemme tell ya.
23A INT. BOWEN’S ISLAND RESTAURANT -- NIGHT (LATER)
The waitress drops a bucket of shrimp off at their table.
SAVANNAH
So. Did your Dad get mad at you for coming home late last night?
JOHN
Nah. My Dad... my Dad’s not the kinda guy who really gets mad.
SAVANNAH
Oh yeah? What kinda guy is he then?
JOHN
A quiet kinda one.
Savannah studies him, feeling him out.
SAVANNAH
Could be worse, I guess.
JOHN
I guess.
John waits for Savannah to take a shrimp, but she doesn’t. John SIGHS, realizing he’s going to have to give her more.
JOHN
It’s no big deal. Him and I... we just don’t talk very much.
SAVANNAH
Why not?
John shrugs. He breaks the standoff, starts to peel a shrimp.
JOHN
I have my theories.
Savannah snatches the shrimp out of his fingers and eats it herself. She grins at him.
SAVANNAH
Wow. Those are good. I want to meet him.
JOHN
Meet who? My father?
Savannah nods. John hesitates.
JOHN
Okay.
SAVANNAH
Tonight. I want to meet him tonight.
JOHN
That’s...not quite what I had planned.
SAVANNAH
(playfully)
And what did you have planned exactly, John?
JOHN
Nothing, no that’s not -- I didn’t have any specific plans -- but they definitely did not involve my Dad.
Savannah peels John a shrimp now. Her eyes twinkle.
SAVANNAH
Well... guess we’ve got a change of plans then, huh?
23B EXT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT
Establishing of them walking in. Only one light is on in the entire house.
24 INT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- NIGHT
John walks in the front door. Savannah follows.
JOHN
You’re not gonna get much out of him. Don’t take it personally.
Savannah nods. John lightly knocks on his father’s door.
JOHN
Dad? Got someone I want you to meet.
25 INT. MR. TYREE’S HOUSE -- STUDY
Mr. Tyree is focused on his coins, as usual, but he stands awkwardly when they enter.
JOHN
This is Savannah.
SAVANNAH
It’s really nice to meet you.
Mr. Tyree shakes her hand but doesn’t respond, just glances down at his coins. Silence fills the room.
JOHN
Um -- my Dad collects coins. It’s his big hobby.
SAVANNAH
Really? How interesting.
Mr. Tyree shrugs, inching closer to his desk as Savannah looks around the room. Coins really are everywhere.
SAVANNAH
You have so many! How’d you get started in all of this?
Mr. Tyree stands perfectly still, scratches his bald head.
MR. TYREE
Through John, actually.
He glances over at John. John just looks away.
MR. TYREE
But they’re not really his thing anymore.
JOHN
Okay. Anyhow, we should probably--
SAVANNAH
Tell me about this one.
She picks up a very worn and faded PENNY off his desk.
MR. TYREE
This one? This one’s a mule. Most all of these are mules, actually.
Savannah glances at John, mouths “What’s a mule?” John rolls his eyes, shakes his head -- trust me, you don’t wanna know.
Mr. Tyree doesn’t notice, however, too focused on the coin in Savannah’s hand. He politely but firmly takes it away from her. Obviously he doesn’t like other people touching them.
John’s face burns with embarrassment. This is his father, antisocial to a fault. But then Mr. Tyree looks back at Savannah, makes eye contact with her for the first time.
MR. TYREE
Wanna see some more?
Savannah smiles at him. And so John-- half annoyed, half amazed -- watches his father show off his collection.
26 INT. CAR -- NIGHT (MOVING)
John drives Savannah home in his father’s car.
SAVANNAH
I like your Dad. I like people that have a passion for life.
JOHN
He has a passion for coins. Not the same.
SAVANNAH
Passion’s passion, John. He raised you all by himself?
JOHN
Ever since I can remember. I was two when my Mom left.
SAVANNAH
Has he always been that... solitary?
JOHN
Ever since I can remember.
SAVANNAH
So what’s your theory? On how come you guys don’t talk?
JOHN
Why?
SAVANNAH
Because I have a theory too and I want to see if it’s the same.
JOHN
I just... I don’t think we like each other, to tell you the truth.
SAVANNAH
John. Come on. You’re family.
JOHN
Exactly.
Savannah still doesn’t say anything. She doesn’t push him to talk, doesn’t ask too many questions, just waits him out.
JOHN
I... well, I got in a lot of trouble when I was younger. I think at some point he just musta figured-- enough was enough. He’d rather deal with his coins than with me.
John stops, suddenly self-conscious of how much he’s talking.
JOHN
Why, what’s your theory?
SAVANNAH
(with a smile)
My theory’s a little different.
27 EXT. SAVANNAH’S BEACH HOUSE -- NIGHT
They arrive in her driveway. She leans in, kisses him on the cheek.
SAVANNAH
I had fun tonight. Don’t be too hard on him, okay? He loves you -- I can tell, even if you can’t.
Then she gets out, leaving John fascinated and rattled.
JOHN
So -- wait. I guess I’ll... see you soon then?
She looks back at him as she walks away. Her eyes do that twinkling thing.
SAVANNAH
Oh yeah. I’ll see you soon then.
28 EXT. FAR BEACH -- THE NEXT DAY
John’s out in the water on his surfboard, a good way from Savannah’s beach house.
He squints in the distance, trying to find Savannah among the people milling about the house. But she’s not there.
He half-heartedly tries to catch a wave but is too focused on the house and falls off his board almost immediately.
29 OMIT
30 INT. SAVANNAH'S BEACH HOUSE -- LATER IN THE DAY
A few people snooze on the couches when the front door opens and Savannah enters, tired and sweaty.
31 EXT. BEACH HOUSE DECK -- DAY
Savannah walks out. There’s only one figure out in the water. Savannah smiles when she realizes who it is.
32 EXT. CLOSE BEACH -- DAY
John has paddled out right in front of Savannah’s beach house when she finally comes out and walks towards the water.
SAV
ANNAH
Nice waves here, huh?
John looks around. He’s busted -- there are absolutely no waves here. The water is completely still.
JOHN
Well. It was better earlier.
33 He paddles in. Grins at her as he walks over to her.
JOHN
Where have you been all afternoon?
She shrugs. Grins back at him.
SAVANNAH
None of your business.
JOHN
You’re on spring break. You’re supposed to be lounging around on the beach, wasting the day away.
You’re not supposed to be out...doing things.
SAVANNAH
You have your spring break, I’ll have mine.
John steps out of the water.
JOHN
What if I want yours, too?
She pauses. Then she smiles again.
34 EXT. HALF BUILT HOUSE -- DAY
Savannah and John get out of the car, look up at something that we cannot see.
SAVANNAH
The family that lives here, their home was smashed up in the hurricane.
REVEAL that they’re in front of a half-built house.
Construction materials are stacked everywhere. John stares at it all, a little floored.
JOHN
So... now you’re rebuilding it.
SAVANNAH
Well. Not me by myself.
John glances sideways over at her. Grins.
JOHN
Okay, I gotta be honest. You’re kinda making me nervous here.
SAVANNAH
Why am I making you nervous here?
JOHN
I’m just starting to think you may be too good of a person for me.
SAVANNAH
Trust me. I’m not that good of a person.
JOHN
Savannah. You’ve been secretly sneaking off every day... to do manual labor. On a house for charity. On your spring break.
Savannah pauses and bites her lip.
SAVANNAH
Wow. I’ve never thought about it like that. But you’re right -- it’s selfish, really. Me being this generous.
JOHN
Oh, but that’s just the beginning, though. Because you don’t drink...
(she mock GASPS)
You don’t smoke...
(she shakes her head)
You probably don’t sleep around...
She moves close, almost -- but not quite -- seductively, and she smiles back up at him.
SAVANNAH
Absolutely not.
John eyes her. Registers how close she is to him.
JOHN
I mean, you gotta have a fault in there somewhere.
SAVANNAH
Sure. I have lots of them.
JOHN
Well just name one. Please. Cause I’m getting a little intimidated.
Savannah narrows her eyes at him. Thinks.
SAVANNAH
I curse like a sailor.
JOHN