#sciptwriting

The program aims to take our monthly Creative Writing exercises to the next level and help writers maintain a continuous creative flow with your writing, focusing on style and vision.

INT. COLEMAN HOUSE - EARLY EVENING

Heather enters hurriedly, throws down her jacket and papers on the sofa. She heads to the kitchen.

INT. KITCHEN - CONTINUOUS

Heather sets out two champagne glasses. She opens the refrigerator, pulling out the dinner from the other night. She undoes the foil and puts it in the oven. She pours a glass and she takes a sip, looking around the house. Frowning, she smells the air and places her glass back on the counter.

HEATHER

Eric?

When she hears nothing, she shrugs picking up the two glasses and the bottle.INT. LIVING ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Heather turns on the stereo, smiling to herself. She turns around, heading toward the bedroom. There is a crack in the door and she pushes against it gently. Eric stands in the center of the room, buttoning up his shirt.

HEATHER

Eric, what are you doing here?

ERIC

You’re home early.

HEATHER

Yeah for once. I was trying to surprise you. Didn't you hear me call your name?

A noise comes from the closet. Heather turns her attention to it, walking toward it.

HEATHER

What was that?

ERIC

Heather don't.

Another noise is made and the door swings open. A woman clothed in an unbuttoned blouse steps out.

WOMAN

Sorry.

Heather turns back to Eric; the two glasses slip from her hands and shatter across the hardwood floor.

INT. CLASSROOM - DAY

The students talk loudly, tossing balled-up paper across the room. Heather sits at her desk, her back toward the students. Tru looks up from her work, taking in the disorder of the classroom. She looks at Heather unable to see her face, but notices as her shoulders shake.

INT. GRIFFIN'S ACADEMY - HALLS - LATER THAT DAY

The halls are empty as Tru waits outside the door of Heather's classroom. Heather opens the door and Tru steps back in an effort not to startle her.

TRU

Mrs. Coleman?

Heather jumps, twirling around almost hitting Tru.

TRU 

Sorry.

HEATHER

Tru. What can I do for you?

TRU

Nothing. I um, I saw you crying --

HEATHER

Oh. It's just one of those days you know? Heather awkwardly adjusts her purse.

TRU

Yeah, I know.

HEATHER

It was nice of you to ask --

TRU

I'm sorry about the other day. I snapped at you for asking me if everything was fine and now I'm asking you the same thing --

HEATHER

No, no. It's fine, really. I mean it's not fine, but I'm fine.

TRU

Okay, well I guess I'll see you.

HEATHER

Yeah.

Tru steps back as Heather closes the door to the classroom. She begins to walk down the hall.

TRU

Mrs. Coleman?

HEATHER

Yes?

TRU

(slowly)

You said whenever I wanted to, I could talk to you.

Heather looks at Tru and begins to walk back toward her.

INT. CLASSROOM - LATER

Tru and Heather sit with their desks pulled together, facing each other. It’s obvious that neither one has said much of anything, as Tru sits with her arms under the desk playing with her fingers and Heather looks around the room. Finally Heather looks pointedly at Tru.

HEATHER

Tru?

TRU

My mother died.

HEATHER

I'm sorry. When did it happen?

Tru looks up at Heather.

TRU

A few weeks ago.

HEATHER

I'm sorry. I don't even know what to say.

TRU

That's okay. That's actually better.

HEATHER

What do you mean?

Tru shrugs.

TRU

I've heard enough of the "Oh you poor thing," or "I understand how you feel." Sometimes it's just nice not to say anything at all.

Heather continues to look at her, pulling her lips between her teeth afraid to say anything else. Silence takes over the room once again.

TRU

So, why were you crying?

Heather takes in a deep breath shrugging her shoulders.

HEATHER

I’ve been stressed lately. I guess it all came to the surface.

TRU That’s the “I’m the teacher and can’t really tell you” speak isn’t it?

Heather smiles.

HEATHER

Yeah.