INT. TRUE LOVE COFFEEHOUSE - MORNING
Back patio at True Love - a refuge for underage smokers and anonymous alcoholics. Bamboo blinds shielding the lounge from the street. Christmas lights twinkling year round.
Roan against the far wall, slouching on a couch - a blue book with 'Alcoholics Anonymous' embossed across the front. An open spiral bound notebook on the coffee table.
Saul slides in next to him on the couch - a blue book in his hands.
SAUL
Anything grab you in there?
Roan's face is unshaven, eyes red.
ROAN
Huh? Oh, yeah, dude. Just my story over and over again in this funny 1930's language. Started writing my own minus the archaic expressions.
He glances at the spiral, at a form that says 'Graduate School Application.' Looks back at Roan.
SAUL
Grad school, huh?
ROAN
Yeah, man - trying to get back in.
Saul purses his lips, nods his head.
SAUL
So why do you look like you had a little bit too much fun last night, dude?
ROAN
Because I had a little bit too much fun last night, dude.
They laugh. Roan ashes his cigarette. Saul lights up one of his own - a pre-rolled.
SAUL
That's why you called me this morning, huh? Tried the 13th Step, liked it so now you wanna see what the others feel like, is that it?
Roan half frowns, shaking a hand back and forth.
ROAN
Sorta kinda, I mean, I did get a pretty good crash course in recovery at my rehab in Wernersville (it was one of these places where you pay 10,000 bucks for your Big Book) but I wanna be secretary at Young Peeps and I know I can't do it alone so...That's why Omi and Yuki are making campaign stickers right now.
SAUL
And so you want me to help you get elected like your little AA muffins are doing?
ROAN
(laughing) Hmmmm. No and yes. I want you to take me through the 12 Steps and maybe along the way you can give me a few more pointers on the young peeps meeting like you did last night - you know, an insight here and there.
SAUL
What? I'm Mr. Miyagi to your Danielsan or some shit? Look, bro the only guarantee with the 12 steps (if you give yourself to them completely) is a spiritual awakening. It don't say shit about getting elected to dick.
ROAN
I know. I know. It's just I wanna start carrying the message instead of the mess.
YOU ARE READING
Stark Raving Sober
SpiritualIf the film 'Barfly' knocked up the movie 'Election' their lovechild would be 'Stark Raving Sober.' Roan, the freshest fish at a halfway house in Sacramento, think sobriety sucks and rehab is for quitters. On the brink of relapse, he runs into two...
