The Difficult Hour: Original Screenplay

Part 11: Seconding That Emotion

       

ANNA
You'll be happy to know you made the exceptions list.

MICHAEL
Okay, that's it...'Topic for discussion: Do Men Have
Feelings...Real Ones?

Anna laughs.

ANNA
Count me out.

IAIN
What, so we're all emotionless robots?

GRACE
Of course not, everyone has emotions.

IAIN
Oh, ta very much.

GRACE
I was being glib.

IAIN
But you meant it.

GRACE
There was a basic kernel of sincerity, yes.

The sun is going down as the groups slowly merge and walk together to the house.

INT.  ANNA AND MIKE'S BEDROOM - MORNING
Anna lies in bed, she is very still. Michael can be heard humming and opening drawers in the bathroom.

GRACE (O.S.)
Can I come in? If you're having sex say no. Or moan
or something.

ANNA
Come in!

Grace makes her entrance with a drama reminiscent of Lena.

MICHAEL
Woman, what is the matter with you?

GRACE
Lots.

Grace jumps onto the bed next to Anna.

GRACE
(to Michael)
Are you going downstairs? Bring me some
toast...and tea?

Michael gives her an 'are your legs broken?' look. Grace smiles brightly giving him a pure baby sister wheedling...

GRACE
Pleeeaase?

MICHAEL
Fine. But feet off the bed.

Grace plops down and snuggles under the covers next to Anna.
Michael leaves the room.

GRACE
Ugh...there are too many people in your house.

ANNA
Should we ask them to leave?

GRACE
Would you?

ANNA
Child, please.

GRACE
But I hate them.

ANNA
Who?

GRACE
People...Everyone is pushing, pressing in on me...and
I wish they would stop.
(beat)
Mm...just like old times.

Anna looks confused.

GRACE
This side smells like him.

Anna laughs.

GRACE
Anna?

ANNA
Hmm?

GRACE
You don't know how much I love you for not minding
about me and Mikey.

Anna reaches out to stroke Grace's hair.

ANNA
You're welcome.

Anna looks off, pensive.

GRACE
Anna?

ANNA
Hmm?

GRACE
Are you okay?

ANNA
Tired.
(beat)
No. Not even a little.

Anna's eyes and voice fill with tears

ANNA
I have cramps.

GRACE
Your period?

Anna nods and Grace reaches for Anna's hand. They are quiet, laying side by side as Anna struggles against tears.

GRACE
Stop fighting them my girl...let it in...

A huge sob that spasms her stomach like physical pain hit Anna and she lets go of Grace's hand and turns away from her, curling into a ball.  Grace gets up and goes around the bed, crouching down in front of Anna.

GRACE
Do you want me? Do you want anyone?

Anna, lost in a well of misery, manages to shake her head. Sobs turn to wails. Michael comes into the room, followed
closely by Iain. Grace reaches out a hand toward Anna and draws it back.

MICHAEL
What the--

Michael rushes toward Anna. Grace leaps onto the bed to push him back.

MICHAEL
Grace get out of my way! What--

GRACE
Leave her be.
(low and urgent)
Michael you leave her be. Do you hear me? She has her
period...she's not--

Grace moves to block Michael as he tries to move around her.

GRACE
No! I mean it.
MICHAEL
I can't. Grace get out of my way. Let me go to my wife!

Anna continues to wail. Iain looks uncertain.

IAIN
Does she...need a doctor. I mean it seems like--

GRACE
No, she's grieving. She needs--

Grace moves to block Michael who is using the break in her concentration to get around her. He starts to pick her up.

MICHAEL
I love you but little girl I promise if you don't get out
of my way I'll throw you across this room.

Grace leaps up and wraps her arms and legs around him.

GRACE
(in his ear)
Let her be Mikey, she needs to feel it. She needs to let the
pain move through her. Don't take it away...don't get in
the way.

He staggers beneath her weight, his own eyes filling with tears.

MICHAEL
But I can't bear it. I can't...

GRACE
You have no place in it...This is hers and hers alone...we're
going to leave the room and lock the door. Got it?

He nods. Crying now, Grace is rubbing his back whispering comfort. Outside he lets her go and leans against the door.
Anna's sobbing can be heard. Grace begins to move him away from the door. He stops a little way down the hall, getting
himself under control, holding on to Grace.