INT. JAMES' HOUSE - DINING ROOM - EVENING
Decorations cover the room for James' "18th Birthday". James, Edith, and Kevin sit at the table (just finished their meal).
Edith turns to the kitchen and clears her throat.
The lights turn off. Perry takes a cake to James.
EDITH/PERRY/KEVIN (singing) - Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you...
James looks to Edith and Kevin with a grateful smile.
EDITH/PERRY/KEVIN (CONT'D) - Happy birthday dear James. Happy birthday to you.
He closes his eyes and takes a moment to think of a wish.
KEVIN - Take your time. We know it's hard.
Edith chuckles. Perry glances to Kevin -- there's still a clear tension between the two of them.
James BLOWS out the candles. They all clap. Edith takes a knife to cut the cake, but Perry quickly stops her.
PERRY - I got it. Enjoy yourself.
Edith lovingly smiles. James and Kevin glance at each other. James appears nervous and Kevin gestures with his eyes.
James composes himself and turns to Edith.
JAMES - Mom?
EDITH - Yes sweetie?
Perry has cut the cake and hands everyone a piece.
JAMES - Remember how it didn't work out with that agent I told you about?
Kevin listens in, impassive.
JAMES (CONT'D) - Well I have good news. The other day, a different agent called. And he --
EDITH - Really?! That's amazing!
JAMES - Yeah. And, um... He asked me to come to LA.
Edith drops her fork.
EDITH - LA?? That's your dream, honey.
JAMES - I know.
EDITH (to Kevin) - Did you know about this?
KEVIN - He briefly told me about it.
Perry joins them at the table. He seems overly interested in the way Edith eats her cake.
PERRY - That's awesome bud.
JAMES - Thanks. The problem is...
(wincing)
He wants me there in two weeks.
EDITH - James! That's so soon.
PERRY - Yeah, what about school?
KEVIN - I'll be right back. Just gonna use the bathroom.
Kevin stands. There's an awkward tension before he leaves.
JAMES - Well, I kinda figured I would get my GED out there. Plus plenty of actors never graduated -- Leah Gunn, Harper Helt, Jaden Doz.
EDITH - If that's your dream, honey, then I support you.
Edith cuts a bit of cake when she notices something unusual. She grabs something from the cake...
... A RING. Perry quickly rises. James' face furrows.
PERRY (to James) - Sorry, bad timing.
Perry goes on one knee.
PERRY (to Edith) - But Edith Ann Ritter.
Edith's eyes widened from shock. James' mouth goes ajar.
PERRY (CONT'D) - You make me a better man. I know I'm not perfect, but I want to grow with you.
Kevin walks back into the room and STOPS in disbelief.
PERRY (CONT'D) - Will you marry me?
Edith looks to James and gives an "I'm sorry" look.
PERRY (CONT'D) - Well? What do ya say?
All eyes are on Edith. She regards for a moment... Before she puts on a loving smile and kisses Perry.
EDITH - Yes! Of course, I will.
James rises and storms out the front door.
EDITH (CONT'D) - James!
PERRY (to Edith) - I'm sorry. I didn't know that --
EDITH - Not your fault, love.
Kevin marches to the front door. Edith chases after James, who SLAMS the door.
INT. JAMES' APARTMENT - LOS ANGELES - DAY
James bursts inside a dingy, studio apartment. He quickly SLAMS the front door from excitement.
Even with no furniture and only a few boxes waiting to be unpacked, James appears the happiest he's ever been.
YOU ARE READING
LA Monster (Screenplay)
General FictionAfter visiting Los Angeles for just four days, I knew I had seen enough to write -- what I believe -- is an eerily accurate depiction of what this place means to a lot of people. LA Monster is a screenplay about an aspiring actor that moves to Los...
