Somewhere I Belong [Original Screenplay]

A New Lifestyle

Nicolette’s dad is sobbing while looking through a family photo album. 10 empty beer bottles lay next to him as he’s sprawled across the couch. Boxes are packed in the dining room and the rooms are practically empty.

Nicolette: (coming home from school, opening the door)(mumbling)  Dad, I’m home.  (She looks around the house and notices barely any furniture is in the house. She gets mad/worried and charges at her dad.) DAD! WHAT’S GOING ON?! WHY ARE THERE BOXES EVERYWHERE?!

Dad: (worn out) We’re moving.

Nicolette: NO! ABSOLUTELY NOT! I’VE BEEN GROWING UP IN THIS HOUSE FOR-

Dad: (Stands up, furious, ready for a strong comeback.)(slurring and screaming) DO YOU THINK THAT’S HOW YOU CAN TALK TO ME?! (he slaps her across the face, knocking her down) I AM YOUR SUPERIOR! I MAKE THE DECISIONS WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT, LITTLE GIRL! (He takes another sip of beer. As he walks out of the room, he throws down a picture of a family portrait.)

Nicolette: (Sobs from being scared, stunned, and hurt. She pulls herself off the floor to look at her face in the mirror. Her face is bright red on one side and tears are streaming down her face.)

Dad: AND WE’RE LEAVING ONCE YOU END SCHOOL! YOU HAVE FIVE DAYS TO PACK YOUR USELESS THINGS!

Nicolette: (reluctant to ask) Dad… Why are we moving and where?

Dad: New Jersey. I can’t stay in this house anymore. It’ll haunt me every night being here… (irritated) STOP ASKING ME QUESTIONS OR ELSE I’LL MAKE YOU REGRET OPENING YOUR MOUTH AGAIN! (He slams the door shut.)

Nicolette: (Startles at the slamming of the door and quivers in fear. She curls up into a ball and cries herself to sleep on the floor.)