THE REST OF MY DAMN LIFE: A Ranting Klown series

 

 

EPISODE 8

VULNERABLE INTRODUCTIONS

(Christie starts a new relationship while Neill catches Daria in a position of vulnerability)

 

 

Scene 1 (INT, Morning, Christie's Dorm)

 

(A red dress is draped over a chair in the corner, as early morning sunlight enters the room, and lovers wake up)

 

CHRISTIE

Mmmmm....Sandi....you were great

 

SANDI

Thanks...you weren't too bad yourself...

 

(Sandi is 5'10", with short and spunky jet black hair, deep brown eyes, crimson lips, mischievous grin)

 

(They kiss)

 

CHRISTIE

Breakfast?

 

(They both get up)

 

SANDI

Yeah...got any OJ?

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah. You love OJ too?

 

SANDI

If it weren't for that stupid rule about needing water to survive...I'd drink it all day.

 

CHRISTIE

Me too!

 

SANDI

Listen...can I borrow an outfit? I need to get back to town and all I have is this red dress. If I go with that on...my roommates will be asking questions...

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah sure...you know where the closet is right?

 

SANDI

I was in it for 16 years...I think I know where it is...

 

CHRISTIE

Cheap Joke...but coming out of those lips...pure genius.

 

SANDI

Hey, I don't suppose I can keep some of those photos you took can I?

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah...I suppose so...why?

 

SANDI

It'll get me through a long day at work...

 

CHRISTIE

Awww....that's just sweet.

 

SANDI

Well...so are you.

 

CHRISTIE

I didn't make any sweet remarks...

 

SANDI

Who ever said I was talking about your remarks? (Raises eyebrow)

 

CHRISTIE

Damn...you're good.

 

SANDI

I know I am.

 

CHRISTIE

Well, I guess I should ask you some obligatory questions now...

 

SANDI

Shoot.

 

CHRISTIE

Number 1. Parents?

 

SANDI

Maggie and Herb McFerrin. Housewife and Judge. Okay with me coming out. You?

 

CHRISTIE

Martha and Daniel Elliot. Housewife and Drug Store attendant. One was okay with me coming out. The other one wasn't.

 

SANDI

Damn...that's a shame...

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah... Number 2. Occupation?

 

SANDI

Tending Bar.

 

CHRISTIE

Assistant Manager Coffee House. Student. Number 3. Favourite film?

 

SANDI

La Dolce Vita.

 

CHRISTIE

Number 4. Do you want to go out again on Wednesday?

 

SANDI

I'd have to check my schedule...but I definitely want to. As long as you bring those eyes with you.

 

CHRISTIE

I will if you bring those lips.

 

(They kiss)

 

 Scene II (INT, late morning, Daria and Neill's Dorm)

 

(Daria picks up the phone and dials)

 

JAKE

Hello?

 

DARIA

Hi Dad.

 

JAKE

Hey Kiddo!

 

DARIA

Uhh...yeah...is Quinn there?

 

JAKE

Quinn?

 

DARIA

Yes...you haven't gone deaf from all the screaming have you?

 

JAKE

No....although I am having trouble hearing the radio...maybe I should see a doctor...

 

DARIA

Our radio doesn't work dad.

 

JAKE

Right! I think she's upstairs.....Quinn!

 

BACKGROUND

If its Skyler tell him I'm not talking to him until he gets his car fixed...if its Charlie tell him that I'm flattered, but I'm not really dating at the moment...ugh...what kind of name is Charlie anyway?!

 

JAKE

It's Daria!

 

QUINN

Daria? (Picks up phone)...Daria?

 

DARIA

Yes...it's me...

 

QUINN

Wow....what's this about? Finally ready for a makeover?

 

DARIA

In your sickest dreams...no...I need some advice...

 

QUINN

Straight Hair....and blonde streaks...

 

DARIA

What? No! Just listen will you?

 

QUINN

Fine.

 

DARIA

Well, I figure you've had plenty of experience with guys...

 

QUINN

Hey! What's that supposed to mean?......I guess I see your point...

 

DARIA

Anyhow...I've got....a...uhh...crush on one guy....so I call him...and he's not home...so he calls me back...and misses me....so now the balls in my court again, I find that I'm having doubts...but then I see this one guy who reminds me of this crush...and my passion is ignited again...what do I do?

 

QUINN

Daria? Is that you?

 

DARIA

Shut up.

 

QUINN

Fine...I'll tell you what I told Stacey when she had the same problem...she liked Skyler right? So she calls him...and THEN...get this...

 

DARIA

Get to the point...or I'll be forced to point out your pores...

 

QUINN

Fine...I find whenever you're in that kind of situation...the best thing to do is nothing.

 

DARIA

Nothing?

 

QUINN

Yeah...if this crush feels the same way...guys will always call you...even if you haven't returned their call yet...

 

DARIA

I suppose you'd know... but what do I do about the guy who reminds me of the crush?

 

QUINN

Well, just try to avoid him...

 

DARIA

He's in my class...and I'm tutoring him.

 

QUINN

A freshman needs tutoring? Daria...he is so hitting on you!

 

DARIA

He is not!

 

QUINN

Whatever Daria! Just try to avoid him...

 

DARIA

Well...I guess this has been remotely helpful...oh...if you tell anybody about this...I'll tell them about the copy of Kafka you have under the bed...

 

QUINN

You wouldn't!

 

DARIA

Don't tempt me

 

QUINN

Fine...I'll keep quiet about the whole thing.

 

DARIA

Okay then.....bye

 

QUINN

Yeah...bye.

 

(Daria hangs up phone)

 

Scene III (INT, Midday, Coffee House)

 

(Neill walks up to the counter)

 

CHRISTIE

Hey Neill

 

NEILL

G'Day

 

CHRISTIE

What are you doing here?

 

NEILL

Well I've got a macro-economics class in 45 minutes...I need coffee....and I'm also here for the pictures

 

CHRISTIE

(Hands Neill pictures) Here you go. Do you have anything for me?

 

NEILL

Oh...yep. (Reaches into bag, pulls out some photos)

 

CHRISTIE

(Examines photo's) Nice....you really do have a thing for blondes don't you?

 

NEILL

Hey...allegedly blondes have more fun. (Looks at photos) Choice! Nice pickup!

 

CHRISTIE

Yes...she is rather stunning isn't she?

 

NEILL

I'll say! So...tell me all about this....

 

CHRISTIE

Sandi

 

NEILL

Sandi

 

CHRISTIE

Well, what is there to tell? I think this one has some potential. Smart...funny...likes Fellini, and dynamite in the sack.

 

NEILL

Potential?

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah. I think she may be a future girlfriend. We're going out again on Wednesday again.

 

NEILL

Wow...two dates...you're serious about her aren't you?

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah...I guess so.

 

NEILL

Well good for you! I can't imagine ever getting that deep myself. Scares the crap out of me.

 

  CHRISTIE

It scares me too. But sometimes you've just got to take a chance. You should know that.

 

NEILL

I guess you're right. Well, I've got to go...but I must meet this Sandi

 

CHRISTIE

Okay...I'll try to hook it up...I'll see you later.

 

(Neill leaves)

 

(Daria enters, ready for her shift)

 

CHRISTIE

Hey Daira. Can I get you to start on register?

 

DARIA

Sure... (Looks around)...quiet today...

 

(Men enter with Audio/visual equipment)

 

(Daria looks puzzled)

 

CHRISTIE

Oh yeah...RCR are transmitting from here today.

 

DARIA

So...why are we working?

 

CHRISTIE

We're not. We just have to look good.

 

(Daria looks puzzled)

 

CHRISTIE

It's a free wage for standing around all day and serving coffee to the DJ's.

 

DARIA

Ahh....the timeless publicity stunt... but where are the circus clowns and candy floss?

 

CHRISTIE

Out the back with the ponies and the carnival rides. Don't worry...you're only on for 3 hours today aren't you?

 

DARIA

I think so

 

CHRISTIE

Well, you'll only be here for the Randy Goat's set.

 

DARIA

Oh Goody.

 

CHRISTIE

Come on Daria! Surrender you're will to the DJ's! Resistance is futile!

 

DARIA

Well, aren't we in a good mood?

 

CHRISTIE

Well, I am...

 

DARIA

(The penny drops) Oh.

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah. It feels so good to take a chance and to have it pay off like this!

 

DARIA

Well...good for you...when do I meet her?

 

(Christie looks over Daria's shoulder to doorway, where Sandi is standing)

 

CHRISTIE

Sandi! What are you doing here?

 

DARIA

Tell me more, tell me more, did you get very far?

 

SANDI

Well, business was slow, so I thought I'd come down and see you.

 

(They kiss)

 

(Daria looks uncomfortable)

 

SANDI

Who's the girl?

 

CHRISTIE

Daria

 

SANDI

Ah, she's the one I've been hearing so much about! Nice to meet you Daria.

 

DARIA

Uhh...yeah...you too.

 

CHRISTIE

Daria's still a little uncomfortable with the whole girl on girl action.

 

(When she mentions 'girl on girl action' the AV guys prick up their ears)

 

SANDI

Well she's just going to have to get used to it.

 

DARIA

I'm sorry...I come from a very conservative town

 

SANDI

Ahh...Christie...are we still on for Wednesday?

 

CHRISTIE

Well, nothing's changed since the 4 hours you left my dorm, so yes.

 

SANDI

I'm sorry; I just get nervous about these things...

 

CHRISTIE

That's sweet. Daria, can you go and get some coffee for our guest?

 

DARIA

Sure...I guess so.

 

(Daria walks over to a machine and turns it on)

 

CHRISTIE

Wait! Not that one!

 

(The machine explodes, spraying Daria with espresso)

 

(Rushing over to Daria)

 

CHRISTIE

Are you okay?

 

DARIA

Yes. The machine wasn't warmed up yet.

 

CHRISTIE

Wow...lucky. You could have had third degree burns!

 

DARIA

Well I don't have any burns...but I do have warm espresso all over me...do you mind if I go home and change? My spare uniform is there.

 

CHRISTIE

Yeah...sure...it's not like were doing anything.

 

SANDI

And it'll give us a chance to be alone...

 

(Daria blushes)

 

SANDI

You're right...that is fun.

 

 Scene IV (INT, Day, Neill and Daria's Dorm)

 

(Neill's in the kitchen wearing headphones blaring AC/DC)

 

(Daria enters the lounge)

 

(Neill doesn't know she entered)

 

DARIA

(Smells herself, and repels) I think a shower is in order...

 

(She goes into the bathroom)

 

(Neill enters lounge)

 

NEILL

Let's see...competition idea....competition idea...what about trivia? No...people could just google it. I could always bring some Vegemite and see how long they can last...no...that's way too cruel...I could always do a guessing weight game...but what to weigh...what to weigh...I know! Me! Now I know the scales are somewhere around here.....the bathroom!

 

(Neill enters the bathroom)

 

DARIA

Eeep!

 

NEILL

(Stunned) uhh....umm....scales....me...headphones....good...

 

DARIA

Now would be a very good time to get out!

 

NEILL

Oh...yeah...right...

 

(Neill leaves)

 

(Expression of sheer terror on Daria's face)

 

(Expression of sheer terror on Neill's face)

 

NEILL

Eeep? Who says 'eeep'? Something tells me I'll be awake the whole day now...

 

Scene V (INT, Day, Coffee House)

 

(Daria enters)

 

CHRISTIE

Hey...I'm sorry about the whole machine thing...there should have been a note on it.

 

DARIA

That's okay... (Still shaken)

 

CHRISTIE

Are you okay?

 

DARIA

Ummm....sure...

 

CHRISTIE

I'll take that as a resounding 'no'

 

DARIA

Fine...Neill just saw me.....

 

CHRISTIE

You're his roommate...of course he saw you...

 

DARIA

In the shower...

 

CHRISTIE

Oh.

 

DARIA

I should have just continued to work whilst soaked. It would have been marginally less humiliating...

 

CHRISTIE

So...what happened?

 

DARIA

What do you mean what happened?

 

CHRISTIE

Well...how did he take it?

 

DARIA

He stood there mumbling for awhile...

 

CHRISTIE

Neill? Mumble? That would indicate that he was shocked by the whole thing. That would mean he has some modesty...that can't be right...

 

DARIA

I'm not looking forward to going back there......hey....what happened to Sandi?

 

CHRISTIE

She had an appointment to go to. You'd like her...she has taste.

 

DARIA

Is that some sort of disgusting euphemism?

 

CHRISTIE

What? No....although it could be...hmmm.....no. she's a big fan of Fellini and early cinema verite'.

 

DARIA

She sounds like the kind of girl who'd go a see a movie with subtitles.......congratulations...

 

CHRISTIE

Well, thank you...speaking of subtitles, did you know Neill spoke French?

 

DARIA

Ugh...I don't want to think about Neill right now...

 

CHRISTIE

Oh yeah...that's right...he saw you while you were vulnerable...sounds like you could use some coffee.

 

Scene VI (INT, Day, Brad's Dorm)  

 

BRAD

Dude...sounds like you could use some coffee.

 

NEILL

Round.......Round.....

 

BRAD

You haven't been eating my muffins have you...because they're 'special' muffins...

 

NEILL

What? No....she was standing there....and I couldn't do anything...I just...froze....

 

BRAD

Dude...

 

NEILL

Exactly...I mean...whenever I see a naked woman I'm the first to offer her a drink...but...I just froze...and now I'm afraid that all the hard work I've done trying to get Daria to open up may just go out of the window...

 

BRAD

Dude....

 

NEILL

What?

 

BRAD

What did she look like?

 

NEILL

It's not like I was taking notes Brad...why do you want to know?

 

BRAD

No reason....

 

NEILL

I'm sure. I heard you're lessons are going well...

 

BRAD

Yeah...she's really smart...

 

NEILL

Well that's good to hear...

 

(A man enters)

 

MAN

Hey boys. Just here to get my keyboard (Thick British accent)

 

NEILL

Pom!

 

MAN

Ahh...a convict. Isn't there a cell somewhere you should be rotting in?

 

NEILL

Isn't there a member of the royal family you should be shagging?

 

MAN

You lost the World Cup!

 

NEILL

You lost the Empire!

 

MAN

We smashed you in the Ashes!

 

NEILL

We smashed you at the Olympics!

 

MAN

Our Queen rules you!

 

NEILL

You lost to us at soccer...soccer!...3-1!

 

(Neill and man exchange evil glances before the man leaves)

 

BRAD

Dude....what was that all about?

 

NEILL

It's not something that can be put into words...

 

BRAD

Okay then...I'll take your word for it....dude...can I get you to do me a favour?

 

NEILL

Always willing to help out a mate...what is it?

 

BRAD

Can you play this demo tape at your show tonight?

 

(Hands Neill a demo tape)

 

NEILL

Can't hurt...by the way...we got some pretty good feedback the last time we played some of your stuff...although some people were confused as to the exact genre of music it was.

 

BRAD

How many times do I have to tell people...? It's a hip hop/electronica/classical vibe.

 

NEILL

Thanks...I'll keep that in mind...

 

BRAD

Cool...I heard you're running a competition today...

 

NEILL

Yeah...although I have no idea what to offer as a prize...

 

BRAD

Maybe you should offer yourself...you seem to be pretty lucky with the chicks...

 

NEILL

That's it!

 

BRAD

You're going to whore yourself out?

 

NEILL

No. But I may just have an answer to the strained relations between Daria and I...

 

BRAD

Dude....'strained relations'? You're not in Macro-economics anymore....

 

NEILL

Sorry mate. I forgot about the big words...

 

Scene VII (EXT, Late Afternoon, Outside Raft Coffee House)

 

(In front of coffee house)

 

RANDY GOAT

Okay, that's my time up folks! This has been the Randy Goat bringing you all the news, views and interviews from around the campus....stay tuned...after the break...my man Neill Hayden will be here bringing you the Alfie Langer Tribute Half Hour Show...until next time...keep safe and God bless....

 

(Pushes button on console)

 

RANDY GOAT

Where the hell is Neill!

 

(Neill runs up)

 

NEILL

Am I late?

 

RANDY GOAT

No, not this time, but the next time you pull a stunt like that I'll have your ass in a sling!

 

NEILL

Sorry Randy. I just had to leave a note for my roomie...

 

RANDY

You're just lucky you're so damn popular at the moment!

 

(Neill goes up on stage to girlish cheers)

 

NEILL

Thank you! I hope I passed the audition!

 

(Crowd laughs)

 

(Neill does a console check, puts on headphones and goes on air)