Impressing the family

INT KITCHEN – CITY APARTMENT – MORNING

CLOSE UP – WALL CLOCK
We see the second hand move to the 12 position with a LOUD CLOCK TICK. It’s exactly 7 a.m.

ANGLE ON STOVE

A MOTHER in her bathrobe is fixing scrabbled eggs and bacon for her family. Her hair is still wet from the shower. She looks up at the clock.

MOTHER

(Shouts at the doorway.)

Breakfast!

The FATHER stumbles in, followed by their SON (age 7) and DAUGHTER (age 4). All three sit down at the table.

MOTHER

We leave in two hours…and I want pictures before we go.

(Mother places a cup of coffee in front of her husband.)

Here Dear.

(While serving breakfast.)

Johnny, Lucy…

(Waits for both kids to look at her.)

I need your help this morning…please do as you’re told so I can get ready.
Can you do that for Mommy?

JOHNNY AND LUCY (Together)

Yes Mommy.

FATHER

Sweetheart…must I shave my beard? It’s finally looking great.

MOTHER

(She disagrees. Tries gentle approach.)

I know Dear…but I don’t think it’s a good look with a jacket and tie.

He starts to protest. She gets authoritative.

MOTHER

No beard! Start growing a new one tomorrow.

FATHER

(disgruntled)

I’m not sure I even remember how to tie one.

MOTHER

(Exacerbated)

I’ll tie it for you…

(She quickly calms herself. Looks lovingly in his
eyes as she fondles his beard.)

Please do this for me.

It’s the kids first family reunion.

(With his look of resignation she smiles.
She then notices Johnny is not eating.)

Eat your eggs.

JOHNNY

But I don’t like eggs.

MOTHER

Since when?
You eat eggs all the time.

JOHNNY

(With admiration.)

Ricky’s Uncle said eating eggs is worse than eating a chick.
Baby chicks are cute…can I have one for a pet?

Father chokes on his eggs while Mother tries to hide her shock.

MOTHER

Uhm…no sweetie.

Why don’t you and Ricky play over here from now on.

(Glancing at the clock she gives in.)

What will you eat?

JOHNNY

Waffles!

MOTHER

(Checking the fridge, her patience is running thin.)

We’re out of Eggo’s.
How about a Pop Tart?

She pulls the box of Pop Tarts off the shelf immediately opening it. Father stands up and exits the room.

JOHNNY

(Disappointed.)

Alright.

While she opens the bag.

LUCY

(Looks up from her now empty plate excited.)

I want a Pop Tart!

MOTHER

You’ve already eaten.

LUCY

(Mini tantrum.)

I want a Pop Tart!

MOTHER

Calm down! I’ll make you one too.

Mother proceeds fixing two Pop Tarts. The toaster rings and she starts serving.

MOTHER

Here. When you’re done go watch cartoons while I get ready.

JOHNNY

Yes Mom.

LUCY

(With a mouth full of Pop Tart)

Uh huh.

Mother exits the kitchen.

MASTER BEDROOM WITH BATHROOM DOOR ON REAR WALL
C.U. – DIGITAL ALARM CLOCK
The time is now 7:45 a.m.

ANGLE ON BEDROOM DOOR
We hear WATER RUNNING on the other side of the door. Mother walks into the bedroom carrying shoe polish, a shoe brush and a rag…heading for a bench at the foot of the bed where a pair of dull black dress shoes rest. Her makeup is halfway complete with eye shadow on only one eye.

MOTHER

(To the closed door while
placing the items on the bench.)

I brought some polish for your shoes…they’re looking pretty dull.

While she walks to the bedroom vanity plugging in her curling iron and begins brushing eye shadow on her other eye.

FATHER (O.S.)

(Unintelligible grumbling.)

MOTHER

(Now shouting at the door.)

Steven did you hear me!

The door opens. Freshly showered, we see Steven with a towel around his waist. Razor in hand with part of his beard now missing.

STEVEN

Janet I heard you! Just calm down…everything will be fine…

CRASH! (O.S.) Steven retreats shutting the door. Janet leaps to investigate.

JANET

(Rushing out the door.)

What the…???

KITCHEN
Lucy is on a chair reaching for a bag of cookies. A broken flour canister on the floor. Flour dust still lingers in the air.

JANET

(Shouting.)

What are you doing?

LUCY

(Determined.)

Getting a cookie.

Janet gets two clean towels out of a drawer. Walks towards Lucy while protecting her hair with the first towel.

JANET

You just ate two breakfasts! No cookie!

Lucy jumps off the chair and exits screaming leaving a trail of flour footprints. Janet grabs a broom and begins sweeping.

JANET

(To herself.)

All I asked for was a little cooperation…

C.U. KITCHEN CLOCK
The time is 7:55, LOUD CLOCK TICK, the time jumps to 8:10.

BEDROOM
The bathroom door is shut. Johnny is sitting on the bench trying to put polish on Steven’s shoes, but somehow it also ended up on his hands and face.

JANET

(Entering the room holding a towel
wiping the flour that covers her face)

Steven…Can you please give Lucy a quick bath…

Janet sees Johnny and screams.

JOHNNY

(smiling proudly)

Look Mom! I’m helping Daddy!

JANET

I see that. Why aren’t you watching cartoons?

JOHNNY

Rerun.

JANET

Steeeeeveeeeeen!

The bathroom door opens, Steven stumbles out clean shaven, looking uncomfortable.

Janet points at Johnny.

STEVEN

Honey I’m sorry! I was on the toilet…he knocked saying he was bored…
I..I wasn’t thinking.

JANET

Just go find Lucy.

(Looks over at the clock,
then directs Johnny towards the bathroom.)

They’ll have to bathe together.

Steven exits. Through the open door we see Janet starting a bath then stripping Johnny’s shirt off.

C.U. MAN’S WATCH ON DRESSER
Time is 8:15. LOUD CLOCK TICK time jumps to 8:22.

ANGLE ON OPEN BATHROOM DOOR
Side view of Janet on her knees washing Johnny (Just O.S.). She looks frustratingly out the door and we see her makeup has been washed off along with the flour.

ANGLE ON BEDROOM DOOR.
Steven enters leading Lucy by the hand.

C.U. LUCY’S FEET STILL LEAVING A TRAIL OF FLOUR.

ANGLE ON OPEN BATHROOM DOOR
Steven lifts Lucy into the tub (o.s), then removes her nightgown tossing aside.

STEVEN

In the tub kiddo.

JANET

What took so long?

STEVEN

Couldn’t find her.

JANET

Couldn’t you follow the trail?

STEVEN

What trail?

With loathing frustration, Janet stands up and starts to exit the bathroom.

JANET

Please finish this….I need to curl my hair.

Janet sits down at her vanity and begins using the curling iron.

A minute later Steven enters from the bathroom.

STEVEN

They’re playing in the tub…I’ll get dressed.

Janet nods continuing to curl her hair. Steven starts getting dressed and Janet glances at her watch.

C.U. JANET’S WATCH ON VANITY
Time is 8:27. LOUD CLOCK TICK time jumps to 8:35.

BEDROOM
Janet unplugs the curling iron and opens her foundation. Steven is now fully dressed. He approaches Janet holding his necktie.

JOHNNY (O.S.)

Gross! Mooooom!

BATHROOM
Janet rushes in. Johnny is out of the tub wrapped in a towel. Lucy covered in bubbles is giggling.

JOHNNY

She pooped!

JANET

(To Lucy)

Why did you poop in the tub?

LUCY

I was making bubbles like Johnny.

JANET

(To Steven)

Go dress your son.

JOHNNY

(To Janet looking disgusted)

Mom! I need another bath.

JANET

Did it touch you?

JOHNNY

No.

JANET

(With authority)

You’re fine.

Steven and Johnny exit. Janet drains the tub then wraps a towel around Lucy and carries her into the bedroom.

JANET

Lets get your dress on.

C.U. ALARM CLOCK
Time is 8:43. LOUD CLOCK TICK time jumps to 8:50.

BEDROOM
Janet is now wearing an unzipped dress. Lucy sits on the bed wearing her dress and gloves while Janet struggles putting Lucy’s stockings on. Johnny enters wearing his jacket, black socks and shorts.

JOHNNY

Can I wear shorts?

JANET

It’s the middle of January…you can’t wear shorts.

JOHNNY

Lucy is wearing a dress?

JANET

Well she must learn to suffer for beauty…besides…she is wearing stockings.
What is wrong with your pants?

JOHNNY

They’re itchy.

JANET

Why didn’t you tell me this two days ago?

JOHNNY

I dunno.

JANET

Tough! Put your pants on!

Johnny exits. Lucy lays on the bed. Janet starts throwing makeup from her vanity into a bag.

Steven enters looking uncomfortable.

STEVEN

Babe we’ve got to go…you’re not even…

Janet gives Steven her “If looks could kill” stare.

JANET

I’ll put my makeup on in the car!

Is Johnny dressed?

STEVEN

Yes…Do we have anything for constipation?

JANET

(Flabbergasted)

Are you kidding me? You couldn’t have said something earlier?

STEVEN

Well you were busy and I didn’t want to bother you.

JANET

We have a two hour drive to the reception hall…we’re not stopping half-way for you! I have some Ex-Lax in my purse…you can take it when we arrive.

Bring me your tie and zip up my dress!

Janet ties the necktie then Steven zips her dress.

JANET

Grab the camera. I at least want a picture of the kids.

Janet looks at the watch on her wrist.

C.U. JANET’S WATCH
The time is 9:00

OUT – FRONT OF APARTMENT BUILDING – MORNING

Outside the kids stand next to each other while Steven tries to take their picture. Janet tries directing the kids for the picture she is hoping for. Johnny is digging for gold. Lucy is obviously cold.

JANET

Johnny quit picking your nose!

(To Lucy)

Stop fidgeting and stand still.

LUCY

It’s cold.

JANET

(Sweet Motherly voice.)

I know baby, just a couple pictures and we will be on our way.

(With authority.)

Hold your sister’s hand.

JOHNNY

No!

JANET

Johnny!

Steven will you get in there so I can get a picture?

STEVEN

Why can’t you? I’m…

We are reminded Janet isn’t wearing makeup yet.

JANET

Steeeeeveeeeeen!

Steven hands her the camera then stands in the middle of the children and holds their hands.
Janet raises the camera to take a picture.

JANET

Say cheeeeese.

No one bothers as Janet takes the picture. She looks at the screen to see the result.

C.U. ON THIS PICTURE…

ANGLE ON JANET

JANET

Screw it! Everyone just get in the car!

Johnny goes to wipe a booger on Lucy’s dress

JANET

Don’t you dare!

Johnny wipes it on his jacket.

THE END.

For this week’s challenge we had to write something about the above picture.
I’m not a screenplay writer…but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once.
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