SCENE ONE:
Dawn. Steve’s Tombstone. A crow lands on top.
A GIRL’S VOICE
(OS): People once believed that when someone dies a crow
carries their soul to the land of the dead. But sometimes some
thing so bad happens that a trouble sadness it carried with
it and the soul can’t rest. Then sometimes, just sometimes
the crow could bring that soul back to put the wrong things
right.
SCENE TWO:
It’s mid-afternoon in November, we see the members of Def
Leppard gathered
in a living room, along with their manager, Malvin.
VIVIAN: What’s going on, Mal? Joe?
MALVIN: I want to throw an idea out at you guys.
SAV: You could have done that over the phone.
MALVIN: I know that, but this is something that I’m not really sure how you are going to feel about this and I want you all here together.
RICK: Come on, get on with it.
MALVIN: I know you all know what January is, well two weeks ago, I was approached about you guys doing a memorial concert.
JOE: What?
MALVIN: How do you guys feel about it?
(The band members look at each other, except for Phil who has his head in his hands. No one answers him.)
MALVIN: I thought if we did you, that we would do it in Sheffield and instead of selling tickets, we were pick about 100 fans, using the web site list, and fly them here for it. We could only do music from Hysteria and before.
(More silence.)
VIVIAN: It’s up to you guys. (Getting up and walking out of the room.)
SAV: Oh, man. I never… I mean. I thought…
JOE: I know, none of us did, mate.
RICK: Guys, I know it will be hard, but I think we should do it.
(Well their heads turn to look at Rick.)
PHIL: (Irate, looking at Malvin and Rick) What? How can you even suggest such a thing?
JOE: Phil, I think Rick’s right. I think we should do it.
PHIL: (Getting up) I don’t have to sit here and listen to this. I’m not doing it and that’s final.
(He starts to make his way to the door, to leave, when Sav stands in front of him)
SAV: Running away won’t make it better. January is still going to come and lord knows it’s going to hurt like hell, but if we do this together, as a family, it’ll be better.
PHIL: Sav, don’t hand me this bull shit. You have no idea what it’s been like to go on stage without him. To hear someone else play his solos, to look over and not see him there throwing shadows. None of you do. He was my best friend, I loved him more than anything, O.K. and he left me.
JOE: Say his name.
PHIL: What?
JOE: Say his name, Phil! Say it!
PHIL: Fuck off, Joe! I don’t need this shit! I’m out of here.
(He leaves, slamming the door behind him.)
RICK: You shouldn’t have don’t that, Joe.
JOE: Damn it, Rick. It’s almost ten years and he still can’t say Steve’s name.
SAV: We can’t force him to say it. He has to come to terms with this on his own.
JOE: (Hanging his head) You’re right. I shouldn’t have done that.
SAV:
He’ll do it. I know he will. Malvin, do what you
have to do and book the show.
SCENE THREE: We are back at Steve’s grave, Phil is kneeling in front of the tombstone.
PHIL: I miss you so much. I wish you were here with me. God, damn it! Why?
(After a moment of silence.)
PHIL: They want to do a memorial concert for you. I don’t know if I can do it, I don’t know what to do.
(Phil looks up to the sky, as tears roll don’t his face.)
PHIL:
Your right. I’ll do it. I’ll do it for you.
SCENE FOUR: At the house, same day. Rick, Sav, Joe, and Viv are sitting listening to music, not saying a word. The door opens and Phil enters, they all turn to look at him as he enters.
PHIL: Joe? I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have flipped out on you like that.
JOE: I’m sorry to, I shouldn’t have pushed you.
PHIL: I’ve thought about it and if you want to do it, then I’m with you.
SAV: (To Rick) See, I told you he would.
PHIL: Betting on me, were you?
RICK: I guess you can say that.
PHIL: Where’s Malvin?
VIVIAN: Talking to the webmaster, setting everything up for the contest.
PHIL: How many people are we talking about here?
JOE: We are going to pick 100 fans and they each get to bring 1 guest, then it’ll be our families and close friends. Are you O.K., mate?
PHIL: I don’t want to talk about it.
SAV: You’ll probably feel better if you do.
PHIL:
I said I don’t want to talk about it, Savage, and I meant it.
SCENE FIVE: We hear a phone ringing in the back round, a young women gets up to answer it.
BETH: Hello?
JOE: Is this Beth?
BETH: Yes, it is, how can I help you?
JOE: Beth, my name is Joe Elliott.
BETH: (cutting him off) Very funny, who is this really? And, who put you up to it? I bet you it was one of the girls at work.
JOE: I’m sorry miss, but this isn’t a joke. Like I was saying, my name is Joe Elliott and I’m from the band Def Leppard. The reason I’m calling is because you have been chosen at random to fly to Sheffield, with a guest and attend a private concert, being held in memory of Steve Clark.
BETH: Oh my! You’re not joking are you?
JOE: No, I’m not.
BETH: I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to be rude. I just never would have thought that you would be calling. Wait, did you just say that I’ve been invited to the Steve Clark Memorial Concert?
JOE: Yes, miss I did.
BETH: You can call me Beth.
JOE: O.K. Beth, You’ll be receiving your plane tickets, hotel arrangements, and any other important information in the mail.
BETH: Thank you, Mr. Elliott.
JOE: Your welcome. See you in two weeks.
(Beth hangs up the phone and walks over to her computer, logs-on to the internet, and begins checking her mail. We look over her shoulder at the screen.)
You guys are
never going to believe what just happened to me! Phil Collen
just called me and told me that I am one of the lucking winners going to
the memorial concert for Steve! Can you believe
it? --Lacy
(We continue to watch her reading her e-mail and all of them say the same thing. Realizing that all of her counterparts have also won the contest, she replies)
This is great! We are finally all going to get to meet! Hopefully, we’ll be staying in the same hotel. It well be one hell of a time. - Beth
(She turns off
her computer, and as the scene grows dark we hear her screaming
with joy.)
SCENE SIX: Hotel lobby, mid-afternoon. We see a group of people, they are all introducing themselves.
ANGELA: Hi! My name is Angela. It’s so great to finally meet all of you. Can you believe we are here?
STEPHANIE: No! I can’t! I keep pinching myself to see if I’m a wake! I’m Stephanie, by the way.
RUNT: Well, Stephanie, I’m Tracy, but you can call my Runt. This is such a dream come true!
ENVY: (Carrying a huge box) Thank god! I finally made it! You’re T-Shirts are here guys! (She opens up the box.) Is Beth here?
BETH: Here I am! You must be Envy. Need some help?
ENVY: Yes! Can you help me pass out the T-Shirts.
(We watch from a distance as the girls hand out T-Shirts. Zooming in for a close up of the T-Shirt we can see it says: SMC, on the front and GONE BIT NOT FORGOTTEN, on the back.)
(Moving away from the shirt we see Malvin walking up to the group.)
MALVIN: Hello! Nice to see you all got her safe and sound. The front desk is ready for all of you to check in. What do you say we meet in the hotel pub in an hour?
GROUP: Great!
(Everyone makes
their way to the front desk, and then departs for the rooms.
We follow
a tall girl with shoulder length reddish-brown hair, wearing all black.)
(She opens up the door to her room, puts her luggage on the floor, walks over to the window. Out the window we see a little stream and bare trees covered in snow as far as the eye can see.)
(She starts
to hum to herself, "Animal", as she puts her things away. She
quick freshens up and heads to the pub.)
SCENE SEVEN: Inside the Pub. We see that no one from the group has arrived yet. The girl walks up to the Bartender.
JESSICA: Malibu and cranberry please.
BARTENDER: Right away miss.
JESSICA: (Taking the drink) Thank you.
(She walks over to a table and sits with her back towards the door. She stirs her drink and her thoughts drift off. Behind her we can see someone approaching, but can’t make out who it is. Their hand reaches out and touches Jessica on the shoulder.)
PHIL: Mind if I join you?
JESSICA: (Startled, she screams) Sorry, I didn’t mean to scream.
PHIL: I didn’t mean to scare you.
JESSICA: Of course, you can join me. I’m Jessica. (Extending her hand.)
PHIL: (Taking her hand and kisses it.) Nice to meet you. Didn’t we talk on the phone?
JESSICA: Yes, we did. How are you?
PHIL: O.K. And, you?
JESSICA: Fine, I guess. This is all a little bit surreal for me.
PHIL: Really, I what aspect.
JESSICA: Well, first off I won a contest, which I never win anything, I’m in England, I’m going to a private concert being held by my favorite band, and I’m sitting at a table with a member of that band. Would you like me to go on?
PHIL: I get your drift. Where are you from?
JESSICA: Pennsylvania, a small mining town. I’m surprised that you can’t tell by my accent.
PHIL: I was never really good with things like that. Where’s your traveling companion?
JESSICA: (Looking sad) I didn’t bring one.
PHIL: Why not? I’m sure someone like you would have no problem getting a date.
JESSICA: All of my friends had prior arrangements, and I really wanted to do this alone.
PHIL: Well, if you’d like could I be your date?
JESSICA: That’s very cute. I’m sure your girlfriend would love that. You know I’m really surprised that you are even doing this.
PHIL: What do you mean by this? And, I don’t have a girlfriend, anymore.
JESSICA: This concert. I mean, isn’t this going to be hard. I only know him through his music and it’s hard on me.
PHIL: (Not knowing exactly what to say) Well, it is very hard, but it’s something that should be done.
JESSICA: I’m sorry if I upset you. I didn’t mean to.
PHIL: That’s O.K. So, will you do me the honor of being my date tonight? We have that big get together planned.
JESSICA: Sure! That sounds great!
(In the background we see Sav walk in.)
PHIL: Sav, over here! (Sav walks over) This is Jessica.
JESSICA: Nice to meet you, Mr. Savage. (Envy walks in the bar) Envy!
SAV: You can call me Sav.
PHIL: She’s agreed to be my date tonight!
SAV: I’d watch him if I were you, he’s crafty.
JESSICA: I’ll keep that in mind. This is Envy.
PHIL/SAV: Nice to meet you.
ENVY: Likewise.
SAV: I hate to do this ladies, but Mal is looking for this man. So, we have to go.
PHIL: (to Jessica) I’ll meet you here at 5:30.
JESSICA: Til then.
(The guys leave, as Envy takes a seat and the others start to file in.)
CAROL: Did I just see Sav and Phil leave this table?
ENVY: Yep! They were talking to Jess here.
CARE: That’s awesome! What were you talking about?
JESSICA: Just general stuff.
ENVY: He asked her to accompany his to dinner tonight!
GIRLS: Wow!
JESSICA: It’s nothing major! He was just being nice.
GINA: Yeah! Right! You’ve been writing about him for months!
LYNN: We all read the stories!
JEANIE: Maybe one of your fantasies will come true.
JESSICA: Stop it you guys are so horrible!
TRACY: Well, it’s Noon now! We better get going if we want to see the sites!
RUNT: My van’s outside and ready.
JESSICA: So is mine!
(The group gets
up and piles into the vans.)
(The group doesn’t see them but the band is sitting in a van in the parking lot as well.)
PHIL: She’s pretty. Isn’t she Sav?
SAV: Definitely.
JOE: Who?
SAV: This girl that Phil was talking to in the pub.
RICK: A girl?
VIVIAN: What was she like?
PHIL: Different!
(Fade to black.)
SCENE EIGHT We are back at Steve’s grave site. The girls are all gathered around, some kneeling, some standing. All of them are crying.
KELLY: (Laying flowers on the grave) On Angels wings may you fly to heaven’s gates.
ALEX: He didn’t know how special he was.
MELISSA: We all miss him, luv.
(The girls each
lay flowers at the grave and say something private to Steve.
They turn to leave and run right into the band.)
MALVIN: I’m sorry that we interrupted you, ladies.
ENVY: We were just leaving.
SAV: Is everyone alright?
GINA: We’re all just a little bit emotional, that’s all.
JESSICA: Come on girls, let’s leave them be.
JOE: Thank you for understanding.
(The girls walk to the vans and drive away.)
SAV: That was her.
JOE: Which one?
SAV: The one that said they should leave us alone.
RICK: Phil’s right, she is pretty.
(The band continues to walk over to the grave.)
PHIL: (To the grave) Hey old friend, it’s us! I see you’ve had some company. (His voice gets caught in his throat and tears well up in his eyes) I’ve missed you.
SAV: (Putting his hand on Phil’s shoulder) It’s not the same without you. Nobody can pull off pranks like you did.
RICK: Yeah! Remember that Monsters of Rock show where you ran across the stage, trying to trip up Phil and ended up sliding off the stage and knocking all the tuning heads off your guitar.
JOE: Or, all those times you would put Pete on the roof still in his mattress.
MALVIN: I wish you could be here with us. It would be so much better to be making music with you instead of for you.
SAV: (Laying a picture on the grave) I brought this for you. It’s a picture of my son and me. He’s so precious.
PHIL: (Digs into the ground, places something inside, and covers it back up.) This is for you. The other day I was walking through the mall and I saw this pendant in the window. It’s exactly like the one you gave that last Christmas, before you… before you… (He falls to his knees, places his head in his hands and cries. Shrugging off the others attempts to comfort him.)
RICK: I want you to know that we all love you and miss you every minute of the day.
JOE: I would give anything to have you back with us. All the success, all the money, the houses, the cars, the women, everything.
MALVIN: Come on guys, we better go.
(They help Phil
off of the ground and the group slowly walks back to the van,
not saying a word. Fade to black.)
SCENE NINE We are back in Jessica’s room. We see her getting ready for dinner. She is wearing a black dress that falls mid thigh, showing off her long legs, and a pair of black heels. Her hair is blown straight and tied back with a simple black ribbon.
(We hear a knock at the door.)
JESS: Coming! I’ll be right there.
(She opens the door to find Phil standing there with a single red rose, dressed in a pair of khaki dress pant and an off-white shirt.)
PHIL: Wow! You look gorgeous.
JESS: Thank you.
PHIL: This is for you! (Handing her the rose.) They didn’t have anything at the flower shop as pretty as you, but this was a close runner up.
JESS: You’re very sweet, but if you keep it up, you’ll give me a big head.
PHIL: Are you ready?
JESS: (Grabbing her wrap) When you are. Are you O.K.?
PHIL: (Hanging his head.) It’s just been a rough day. But, tonight’s going to be great!
JESS: Good, let’s go have some fun.
(They walk down the hall to the elevators)
(Fade to black.)
SCENE TEN The dinning room. There are wall to wall people. At the front of the room we see the head table with name plates for our guests of honor and their dates.
(Phil and Jess walk in, Phil takes her hand and leads her through the crowd, up to the head table.)
PHIL: Joe, I’d like you to meet Jessica. Jessica, of course, this is Joe.
JESS: Nice to meet you! I’ve been a fan for a very long time.
JOE: (Turning on the charm.) Nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy your stay here in England. Phil was saying that you are from Pennsylvania, the mining community?
JESS: Yes, both of my grandfathers were coal miners. It’s nothing exciting, but it makes for a great landscape. I want to thank you for inviting me.
JOE: My pleasure. Do you dance?
JESS: What?
JOE: Do you dance?
PHIL: (Stepping in between the two.) Get your own partner tonight, Joe. She’s mine.
(Phil leads her over to her seat where she puts down her wrap and purse. A hand touches her back.)
JESS: (Turning around.) Sav! How nice to see you! How was your afternoon? Stressful, I take it.
SAV: How did you know?
JESS: We’ll just call it, woman’s intuition. (Looking around) Where did Phil get to?
SAV: He’s over talking to Malvin. Sometimes I think they are joined at the hip. Have you meet the rest of the band?
JESS: Just Joe. Have you meet any of your loyal fans, yet?
SAV: A few! This whole thing is sort of surreal, isn’t it?
JESS: You can say that again.
PHIL: Sorry, luv. I had to talk to Malvin. Has Sav been behaving?
JESS: (Laughing) Well, I did have to remind him to be a gentleman. Of course!
SAV: Would you care to introduce us to some of your friends?
JESS: I don’t see why not. I’ll have to warn you though, they may try to rip off your clothes. Oops! I guess I gave it away. Shoot they’ll be so disappointment in me. HAHAHA!!
PHIL: Come on! People will start to think that we are anti-social.
(The three of them walk off into the crowd.)
RICK: Is Phil going to be O.K.?
JOE: I don’t know. He’s putting up a brave front. I think she can see right through it.
(Cut to Sav, Phil, and Jess in the crowd.)
CAROL: Wow! Rick Savage in the flesh! This is so unbelievable. Jess, am I dreaming.
JESS: I hope not, because if you are, so am I.
SAV: I’ve read the stories that you have written about me. Very impressive, if I do say so myself.
CAROL: (Blushing) Oh my! I never in a million years thought that you would read them.
PHIL: Actually, if you notice the only ones here are the girls on the Leppard Fiction list and their counterparts. We found your list and became really interested in your stories.
JESS: You mean…..
PHIL/SAV: Yes, we read "I Am Your Child".
PHIL: Two terror twins at once?!?
JESS: (Blushing to high heavens) Ummmmm….. I don’t know what to say. I hope I didn’t upset anyone with my ramblings.
PHIL: Actually, it was very flattering.
JESS: Phil, can you excuse me for a second?
PHIL: Sure, but don’t be gone for to long.
(Jess quick scans the room and heads towards Envy and Gina, who are talking together.)
JESS: Oh, man. You’re not going to believe what Phil just told me.
ENVY: What’s wrong?
GINA: You look like you just seen a ghost.
JESS: The guys have read our stories.
ENVY: Very funny.
JESS: Nope. I’m serious.
GINA: What did they say?
JESS: Sav told Carol that he read her story, and they both looked at me and said they read "I Am Your Child." They said, that the only ones invited to this thing, are the ones on the list.
ENVY: Here comes Joe…
JOE: Jessica, are you going to introduce me to your friends?
JESS: Sure, this is Gina, and this is Envy.
JOE: (With a smirk, obviously recognizing the names.) Nice to meet you two ladies.
JESS: I’ve got to get back to Phil. (Pulling the girls aside) Have fun!
ENVY/GINA: We will.
JOE: I’ve been a fan of your writing for a while now!
ENVY/GINA: Thank you!
JOE: I really liked the ending of Jemma’s story. It had me in suspense.
ENVY: Why thank you.
GINA: Can I ask you, how did you find our group?
JOE: Actually, it was Malvin who found it. He was cruising the site forum and found it. He called us right away so we could check it out. Needless to say, none of us could stop reading. We just really wanted to meet the authors of the stories. We were planning on doing this anyway, but we were going to actually treat it like a contest, so we figured that we would combine the two.
ENVY: Oh, I see. Are there any other authors you would like to meet?
JOE: Actually, ElizaJane. That Vampire story she wrote was really interesting.
GINA: Well, let’s see if we can’t find her for you.
(They each take one of Joe’s arms as they work their way through the crowd looking for ElizaJane.)
(After about a half hour of interaction, Malvin takes the microphone from the DJ.)
MALVIN: Can I have everyone’s attention.
(The crowd turns around and people start moving to their seats.)
MALVIN: Thank you. This is one of the few times that Joe will actually let me use a microphone, so I’m going to make a go of it.
(The crowd laughs, as Joe gives Malvin a look.)
MALVIN: On behalf of the band, I’d like to thank you all for coming! We hope you enjoy your stay and of course, tomorrow nights concert. And, ladies, keep the stories coming.
(The crowd erupts in laughter. Malvin steps down and dinner is served.)
(After dinner the DJ starts to play music and people get up and start to dance.)
JESS: Excuse me please! I’ll be right back.
PHIL: Where are you going?
JESS: For some fresh air. It’s rather warm in here.
PHIL: Would you mind some company?
JESS: Sure!
(Phil places his hand on her back and guides her out of the room.)
JESS: (Walking down the corridor.) Are you staying in the hotel, too?
PHIL: Actually, this time I am. Normally, I stay with my family whenever I’m in town.
JESS: I have the most awesome view out my window.
PHIL: The stream and the trees?
JESS: How did you know?
PHIL: That’s the best view the hotel has, it’s also the view that I have.
JESS: I see.
PHIL: I wanted to thank you.
JESS: For what?
PHIL: Not bugging us at the cemetery. And, for making sure the other ladies didn’t either.
JESS: Well, that really wasn’t the place for it. Don’t you think?
PHIL: It was really nice of you.
JESS: I’m glad you see it that way.
PHIL: Are you ready to go back? The guys will have a bird if I disappear for to long.
JESS: Sure.
(As they walk into the room, the DJ starts to play Love Bites.)
PHIL: Would you like to dance?
JESS: As long as you don’t use me as an air guitar.
PHIL: Aren’t you cute.
JESS: Yes, very.
(He leads her out on the dance floor and pulls her close.)
PHIL: Do you have a favorite ballad?
JESS: Yes, but which one it is depends on the mood I’m in. Usually, it’s Bringin’ On The Heartbreak.
PHIL: (Sounding down.) Oh.
JESS: I’m sorry; I didn’t mean to upset you.
PHIL: Don’t be, you were just being honest. You know, you are really easy to talk to.
JESS: I’m glad you think so. I can’t help but noticing that something is on your mind. If you want to talk, I’ll listen.
PHIL: Not right now. After this is over with, we can find someplace quiet and talk.
JESS: That sounds great!
(She lays her head on his shoulder and they sway until the song ends.)
PHIL: Do you know who Lacy is?
JESS: Yes.
PHIL: Can you introduce me to her?
JESS: I think I saw her over there. (Pointing off to the right.)
(Phil places his arm around her waist and they head in the direction of Lacy.)
JESS: Lacy! Hi! Are you enjoying yourself?
LACY: (Whispering in Jess’s ear.) Not as much as you are.
JESS: Phil this is Lacy. He asked to meet you.
PHIL: It’s so nice to meet you.
LACY: The pleasure is all mine.
PHIL: I just wanted to let you know how much your stories about him mean to me. They were very hard to read, emotionally, but I’m glad I did. Thank you.
LACY: Why, I’m glad you enjoyed them. You’re welcome. I want to thank you for inviting me here. It’s an honor.
PHIL: Please enjoy the rest of your night and the concert tomorrow.
LACY: Don’t worry I will.
(They begin to walk away from Lacy and over to Joe, who still has both Gina and Envy on his arm.)
JOE: Feeling better mate?
PHIL: A little. Are you having fun?
JOE: Most definitely. Have you meet Gina and Envy?
GINA: Jess introduced us earlier.
PHIL: (Pulling Joe off to the side and leaving the girls alone.) Joe, I’m going to get out of here. It’s been a long day, and tomorrow is definitely going to be worse.
JOE: I understand. Is Jess going with you?
PHIL: Yes, but it’s not what you think. She’s really great to talk to. I know I’ve only just meet her today, but I feel like I’ve known her for a long time. It must be because of her writing.
JOE: Oh, I see. Have fun?
(We focus on the girls.)
ENVY: You and Phil look pretty good together. What’s going on?
JESS: I don’t know. He’s been a perfect gentleman all night.
GINA: Booo Hoo!
JESS: Tell me about it. What’s going on with you two and Joe?
ENVY: His animal magnetism is out in full force, but I can’t really tell what he’s up to.
GINA: Neither can I.
JESS: (Laughing) Maybe, he’s been writing fan fiction about the two of you and wants to live it out tonight.
ENVY: Wouldn’t that be awesome.
GINA: Yes, it would.
PHIL: Are you ready to go?
JESS: Sure. I’ll catch you two tomorrow! Have fun!
GINA/ENVY: We will.
(Fade to black.)
SCENE ELEVEN Interior elevator.
PHIL: Do you want to get changed into something more comfortable?
JESS: I’d love to. I’m on 5.
(Phil pushes the button.)
PHIL: I’m sorry I made you leave the party so early.
JESS: Don’t worry about it. I didn’t really feel much like being there anyway.
PHIL: Really, why is that?
JESS: It just seems weird, like we shouldn’t be doing it.
PHIL: (Stepping off the elevator.) I know what you mean. Tomorrow is the 10 year anniversary of his death. We shouldn’t be partying. I don’t even think we should be playing tomorrow.
JESS: Then why are you? This is my room here.
PHIL: The rest of the guys wanted to do it. They seem to have their hearts set on it, so I gave in.
JESS: (Opening the door.) Peer pressure. And they say it’s just for kids. (Pulling clothes out of her suit case.) If you want to have a seat I’ll be right out. (She closes the bathroom door.)
(Phil looks around the rooms. His attention gets drawn to the dark corner. There appears to be someone there.)
VOICE: Don’t be afraid to let her in. She won’t hurt you. Your hurting will stop with her.
PHIL: What?
(Nothing. He walks over and turns on the light, looking to see if there is someone there. He sees no one.)
JESS: (Walking out of the bathroom. She is wearing black stretch pants and a long black sweatshirt.) I’m sorry. Did you say something?
PHIL: (Still looking at the chair.) No. Let’s get out of here.
(Fade to black.)
SCENE TWELVE. The band’s suite.
(Phil comes out of his room to the main room of the suite, he has changed into sweats himself. Jessica is sitting on the couch paging through a magazine.)
PHIL: You look awful comfy sitting there.
JESS: I don’t believe in being uncomfortable.
(He sticks out his hand in a gesture for her to come with him.)
PHIL: I want to show you my favorite part about this suite.
(He opens up the door to the balcony.)
PHIL: I absolutely love balconies. This one has the best view of any I’ve ever been in.
(Looking out we see much of the same view as we did from Jessica room, except now the trees below are lit with white lights.)
JESS: This is breath taking.
PHIL: I thought maybe, since it’s not to cold that we could sit out here and talk for a while.
JESS: Sounds just fine to me.
PHIL: Great I’ll be right back.
(He runs into the suite and brings back with him to chairs. They both sit, half facing each other, half facing the wood.)
JESS: You know, when I first heard about the concert tomorrow, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, for sure, that you all had flipped your lids. But, then I thought about it. And, I came to the realization that this is a good thing.
PHIL: How do you see that?
JESS: Tomorrow, Lep fans all around the world are going to stop at least once during their day and remember him. But, by having a small concert with some hand chosen fans, we won’t all be alone. There will be others for us to lean on. I know that I’d, personally, feel a lot better having a fellow fan next to me, then just having someone that doesn’t know what I’m upset about. Am I making any sense?
PHIL: Yes, you are. I never really thought about it that way. I know that there are people out there who miss his presences in the world, but most times my own grief over his death over shadows everything. I do think that being with the guys and the fans tomorrow remembering him will be better than if I was locked up in a room somewhere by myself.
JESS: I’m glad you see it that way. By the way, can I ask you a question?
PHIL: Sure!
JESS: Why don’t you say his name?
PHIL: (Getting defensive.) What do you mean? I say his name.
JESS: I haven’t heard you say Steve’s name once since we’ve been talking.
PHIL: (Getting up, rather irate.) You know, I don’t have to take this. Did the guys put you up to this? Huh! Answer me!
JESS: (Scared, not knowing what to do.) I don’t know what you are talking about. No one put me up to anything. Calm down. Forget I said anything.
(Phil storms through the living room and into his bedroom, slamming the door. Leaving Jess outside on the balcony, alone. She starts to bring the chairs back into the living room.)
(Inside Phil’s bedroom.)
VOICE: What are you doing? You are pushing her away. Go back out there and get her, before it’s to late.
(The voice is coming from the far corner. Phil quick turns on the light and finds nothing.) (Phil quickly opens the door to find Jessica closing the door to balcony. She is crying and shivering. He has obviously upset her. She doesn’t pick up her head when she hears the door. He goes over to her.)
PHIL: I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to snap on you. (She is still looking down, like a little child that has just been scolded by their parent. He gently takes her chin in his hand and lifts up her face.) Please forgive me. (He places a small kiss on her forehead.)
JESS: (Whispering.) I’m sorry. I should be going.
PHIL: (He wraps his arms around her.) Don’t! Please! I want you to stay with me. I promise there won’t be any more yelling.
JESS: O.K.
PHIL: How about if we watch a movie?
JESS: That sounds like a good idea.
PHIL: Come on.
(He takes her hand and lead her into his bedroom. The quickly decide on a movie. While Phil gets the movie up on the TV, Jessica pulls the pillows out and gets comfortable. For the next hour and a half they laid next to each other. Jessica has her head resting on Phil’s chest and Phil’s arm is wrapped around her shoulders. Just before the end of the movie, he notices that she is asleep. He gently picks her up and tucks her in bed. He stands there looking at her.)
VOICE: Go ahead, mate. Lay beside her. I assure you she won’t mind.
PHIL: (Turning wildly.) Stop! Don’t move. (The voice was gone.)
(Phil crept into bed with Jessica, taking her in his arms and spooning her.)
(Fade to black.)
SCENE THIRTEEN – Morning. The living room of the suite.
(Sav, Vivian, and Rick are sitting around having breakfast.)
SAV: The craziest things kept on happening to me last night.
VIVIAN: How so?
SAV: Occasionally, there would be this voice in the dark corner of the room, telling me what to do.
VIVIAN: (Laughing.) Did you hit the spirits a little to hard last night, Sav?
RICK: Uhm, it happened to me, too. Was the voice telling you that the hurting would stop?
SAV: Yes! That’s exactly what the voice said.
VIVIAN: I think you guys are losing it!
PHIL: (Quietly closing the door.) Good morning!
VIVIAN: Hey Phil! You have to hear this, these two are hearing voices.
PHIL: What?
RICK: It’s the strangest thing. We both heard a voice in the darkness tell us that the hurt would…
PHIL: (Cutting him off.) Stop.
SAV: You too?
PHIL: Yes! I first heard it in Jess’s room, and then twice last night in my room. I don’t think Jess heard it though.
VIVIAN: You heard it three different times? Did this voice say the same thing all three times?
PHIL: No! And, don’t look at me like I’m crazy. (Walks over to the tea pot and starts to make two cups.)
SAV: You drinking with two hands these days, Phil?
PHIL: No, this one is for Jessica.
RICK: She’s here?
PHIL: We were watching a movie and she fell asleep. I didn’t want to wake her up and kick her out.
VIVIAN: Sure! She fell asleep.
PHIL: Seriously guys!
(He heads back
to his bedroom.)
PHIL: Good
morning!
JESS: (Rolling over.) Oh man! I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?
PHIL: 9 a.m. I brought you some tea.
JESS: Thank you! I’m so sorry I fell asleep on you.
PHIL: Don’t worry. It felt good to have someone to hold. What are you doing today?
JESS: We didn’t really have any plans for today. We did everything yesterday. I think some of the girls were going into London to go shopping.
PHIL: Would you like to spend the day with me?
JESS: Are you sure I won’t be in the way?
PHIL: Nonsense. I’m sure you won’t be in the way.
JESS: (Taking a sip of her tea.) I think that would be nice.
PHIL: You hungry?
JESS: A little.
PHIL: There is food in the living room, why don’t you use the bathroom to freshen up and join us out there?
JESS: I’ll be out in a bit.
(Fade to Black)
SCENE FOURTEEN The Living room.
(We see Rick, Viv, Phil, Jess, and Malvin sitting eating breakfast. As Jessica finishes she get sup and puts her cup on the service tray. We hear a door close and three voices coming towards us.)
JESS: (In shock.) Envy, Gina, Joe! Good morning.
ENVY: (Looking down with a "We just got caught" look on her face.) Good morning!
(Just then another door closes. Two more voices come down the hall.)
GINA: KELS!
KELS: (Who is with Sav.) Oh, Good morning.
GINA: We will be back in an hour!
JESS: You two are going also?
ENVY: Yes!
JESS: Well, wait on second and I’ll go down with you. (Turning back to Phil.) I’ll be back in an hour.
PHIL: (Getting up.) I’ll see you then. (He kisses her full on the lips.)
JESS/ENVY/GINA/KELS: Bye guys! We will see you later.
(They leave.)
PHIL: (To Sav and Joe.) It looks like the both of you had fun last night.
JOE: We could say the same to you.
PHIL: I what did last night and what you two did, is something totally different.
SCENE FIFTEEN - Elevator
GINA: Kels, you spent the night with Sav?
KELS: Um! I guess I can’t deny it.
JESS: (Putting her arm around KELS.) It’s O.K. Everyone should get something they want once in a while.
ENVY: Like we can’t say the same for you?
JESS: Sorry to disappoint you guys but nothing happened. But, what I really want to hear is what happened with the three of you?
KELS: The three of you? Wow! I missed something.
GINA: (The girls step off the elevator.) You and Phil didn’t do anything?
JESS: Believe it or not, I feel asleep.
(The three girls burst out laughing.)
KELS: I thought that only happened in our stories.
JESS: Well, it happened last night, too. Now, stop avoiding my question! What happened?
ENVY: Don’t worry, I plan on writing all about it!
GINA: Let’s just say, it was better than fiction.
KELS: Wow! Hey, were you guys invited to go with them today?
JESS/GINA/ENVY: Yes, we were!
KELS: Great! I won’t be alone.
GINA: How about we meet my room, before going up?
ENVY: Sounds like a great idea.
JESS: I have to call Lacy, Phil said I could bring someone with me.
KELS: Great don’t forget to tell her to wear her T-Shirt.
GINA: Envy, don’t forget to bring the extras we had made up for the guys.
ENVY: Don’t worry! See you all soon.
(The girls all go into their rooms and shut the doors.)
SCENE SIXTEEN Gina’s room.
(The girls are all gathered. They call look like morbid carbon copies of each other. The are all wearing their T-Shirt, with black jeans and black boots.)
LACY: Thank you for inviting me along. This is really a once in a life time thing.
JESS: No problem! I’m just glad that we are all going to be together.
KELS: Well, come on, I don’t want to keep Sav waiting.
GINA; I’m sure you didn’t keep him waiting last night.
(The room erupts in laughter, as Kels puts her hands on her hips and a frown on her face.)
ENVY: We’re just joking with you.
KELS: I know! But, you are right, I didn’t make him wait.
(More laughter, as the girls leave the room.)
SCENE SEVENTEEN The living room of the suite.
(The girls are being left in by Malvin. The guys are all sitting on the couches.)
MALVIN: Glad you girls decided to join us for the afternoon! It’s always more interesting when we have guests.
SAV: Do you guys all shop at the same store?
GINA: I guess we do look the same, don’t we?
RICK: What’s up with the shirts?
(Noticing the shirt, Phil hangs his head, Jess walks over to him.)
ENVY: We had them made for the trip.
JOE: They are really nice.
KELS: Thanks, we wanted them to be nice and simple.
MALVIN: I would really like one of those!
ENVY: Here you go, there is one for each of you.
(Cut to Jess and Phil.)
JESS: I’m sorry. I should have told you about the shirts. I totally forgot.
PHIL: No, the shirts are nice.
JESS: Rough day?
PHIL: Very! I really can’t wait for it to be over. At least you will be there with me.
JESS: I won’t leave you side until you tell me to.
PHIL: Thanks! I’d really appreciate that.
(He pulls her into his arms and hugs her tight.)
PHIL: I don’t ever want to let you go.
JESS: Then don’t.
MALVIN: If we are going to do this, let’s go.
(Fade to black.)
SCENE EIGHTEEN Music Hall
(The band is on stage doing their sound check and the girls are standing together in the middle of the hall talking.)
KELS: Man! Phil was upset when he saw our T-Shirts.
LACY: What’s up with that?
JESS: He just has a very difficult time with Steve’s death. He did say that he likes the shirt. I think he’s planning on wearing it tonight.
ENVY: That’s cool. You and him look like you are really close.
GINA: Are you sure you two didn’t?
JESS: Nope! It wasn’t even an issue.
LACY: That’s so weird.
JESS: I thought so to.
(The band stops playing.)
KELS: Let’s see what’s going on.
(The guys are at the end of the stage, Malvin comes over to them.)
MALVIN: You guys sound great! Tonight will be fine.
JOE: Did you get the passes for the girls?
MALVIN: Of course! Ladies these are for you. You shouldn’t need these but just in case. You will be able to go anywhere you want.
SAV: Let’s get some tea.
PHIL: I’ll be there shortly. Jess, come here.
(Everyone leaves, except Phil and Jess. She stands in between his legs looking up at him.)
PHIL: I take it you’ll be with the girls tonight during the concert.
JESS: I was planning to, why?
PHIL: I want you to come backstage to my side during Photograph.
JESS: Sure! Why?
PHIL: I’m going to be playing Switch followed by SMC, after that song, and I want you by my side.
JESS: Then that’s where I’ll be. (He lowers his head and kisses her on top of hers.) You’ll do beautifully, just play from your soul. I’m sure he’ll be with you.
PHIL: He’s with me almost always. I feel him all the time.
JESS: (Places her index finger over his lips.) SHH! No More.
(He jumps down from the stage. Places his hands on her butt, she takes his face in her hands, and kisses him passionately. He returns with one of his own, things continue to heat up.)
RICK: Guy! Um, sorry! (They brake apart.) We are going for some diner, you two coming?
PHIL: Be right there! (Rick leaves.) We’ll continue this later.
(Fade to black.)
SCENE NINETEEN Backstage of the Music Hall
(It’s close to show time. The guys are all wearing their T-Shirts. Things are very solemn, not like you’d imagine.)
RICK: (After a great deal of silence.) I miss Steve!
(The girls move closer together and exchange glances. It’s obvious that they don’t want to hear this conversation.)
JOE: Please don’t start. It’s going to be hard enough the way it is.
SAV: Someone had to say it, Joe!
VIVIAN: I’m going to get something to drink. (leaves.)
PHIL: Tonight, we do this for Steve!
(There is a collective gasp among the guys and Jess. The guys gather together in a group hug, as do the girls, who are all shedding silent tears.)
JOE: Come here girls.
(They join together.)
VIVIAN: Come on, it’s time.
(Phil, Sav, and Joe pull Jess, Kels, Envy and Gina close.)
SAV: Stay together! We will find you from the stage.
PHIL: Remember what I said!
JESS: After Photograph.
JOE: Enjoy the show!
(Fade to black.)
SCENE TWENTY Music Hall
(The girls make their way through the crowd to the front of the crowd. The band takes the stage.)
JOE: We’d like to thank everyone for being here.
SAV: Tonight, we are here in loving memory of Mr. Steve Clark! We love and miss you.
RICK: 1-2-3-4.
(The band kicks off into Rock Rock! The crowd goes crazy. We hear parts of the following songs: Stagefright, Rock Brigade, Woman and Animal. Then we hear Photograph.)
JESS: Excuse me! I’ll be back. (She makes her way to the backstage and Phil’s side.)
(The song ends. Phil comes back to Jess and switches his guitar.)
JESS: Good luck, sweetie!
PHIL: Give me a kiss. (They lock lips and Phil turns to go out on stage.)
JOE: (Announcing Phil) And Now (He realizes that the mike isn’t working and that the lights have not come on. He walks over to Malvin.) Mal, what’s going on?
MALVIN: I don’t know. It’s like we’ve lost power, but the board is one.
(Suddenly, there is a kerrang of a guitar, as loud as thunder, and the spot light shines down on a figure standing in the center of the stage. We pan back and forth between the band members, Malvin and Jess. Everyone has a different look of shock on their face. Jessica walks up to Phil, as we her Switch 625 being played. She puts her hand on his back.)
PHIL: This is a joke, right?
JESS: I don’t know.
(Joe, Rick, Sav, Mal, Phil, Viv, and Jess begin to walk onto the stage, in utter shock. We watch as Steve plays Switch to the end. When he finishes there is a moment of complete silence, even from the crowd. As Gina, Envy, Kels, and Lacy run up behind Joe and Sav the crowd erupts. Steve walks over to Phil and places his arms around him.)
STEVE: I’ve missed you. Let’s play.
PHIL: My god. You’re real.
(The girls jump down into the audience and immediately take out there video and still cameras.)
JOE: (Looking very confused.) Ladies and Gentleman! Mr. Steven Clark.
(They immediately start to play the version of Bringin’ On The Heartbreak they did on the Hysteria tour. They continue to play, finishing off the show.
SCENE TWENTYONE
Backstage of the Music Hall
(The 12 of
them are sitting around. Jess is on the back of the couch above
Phil and Steve is next to them.)
PHIL: I don’t understand.
STEVE: I couldn’t stand watching you ache anymore. I begged and pleaded until they sent me back.
SAV: You’re here to stay.
STEVE: No! I only have until dawn. But, I wanted to say good-bye and play with you, one last time.
PHIL: (With tears.) No! You can’t leave me, not again.
STEVE: (Pulling him close.) But, I must.
PHIL: Then I’m coming with you.
GROUP: No!
STEVE: Your place is here. This world was too painful for me.
JOE: But, you are so loved! Please say you’ll stay.
PHIL: Don’t leave me.
STEVE: Phil, I never left you and I never will. Sav, I sent Kels to you, likewise I sent Gina and Envy to you Joe, and Jess to Phil. Keep them, love them, cherish them. They love you unconditionally and always will. Don’t lose them. Now, I have 5 or 6 hours left, let’s not spend it like this.
(Fade to black.)
SCENE TWENTY-TWO The Living Room of the Suite
(Steve, Phil, Sav and Joe are sitting on the floor playing music. Jess, Lacy, Kels, Gina, Envy, Rick, and Malvin are sitting around listening. The girls still have their cameras going. The song ends.)
STEVE: Phil, Jess come with me.
(The three leave. And go to Phil’s room. As soon as the door closes the two men embrace.)
STVE: I’m so sorry. I wish I didn’t leave you like that.
PHIL: Then don’t leave me now. We could tell everyone that you were in rehab, that you never died. It’ll be great! I won’t be alone anymore.
STEVE: Phil, I can’t. Jessica?
JESS: Yes!
STEVE: Come here! Give me your hand. (She walks over and does as asked.) You realize that I can’t stay with him, so I want you to. Phil give me yours. (Places their three hands together and puts his free hand on her head.) You have natural talent for music. I will watch over you and make your talent grow. (Looks at Phil.) Within her, you will find me. She will be your strength when you have none, and your joy when things are at their darkest. Now, I must go. (Turns to leave.)
PHIL: (Crying.) Wait! I’m sorry! I should have stuck by you.
STEVE: You couldn’t have saved me. I was sick.
PHIL: I love you.
STEVE: I love you. You’ve made me so proud over the last decade. There was a point where I thought you were going to pack it in and call it quits. But, instead you made the most beautiful music.
PHIL: It was the only thing that dulled the pain.
STEVE: I know, my friend, I know. I never meant to cause you any pain.
PHIL: I know that.
STEVE: Come on. Want to say good-bye to the guys.
(They walk into the Living Room.)
STEVE: I must go! Time’s up.
RICK: I guess this is good-bye, old friend.
STEVE: We’ll meet again. Someday!
JOE; Til then. We’ll miss you.
STEVE: I’ll be with you always.
SAV: Watch over us! Keep us safe!
STEVE: Always!
MALVIN: Thank you!
(The guys hug. Everyone is in tears. Steve opens the door and exists.)
JESS: (Running after him.) Wait! You forgot your…( He’s gone.) necklace.
(She comes back inside and walk over to Phil.)
PHIL: Come let’s go to sleep!
SCENE TWENTY-THREE Steve’s grave.
(We see Steve walk up to grave and lay down. His image starts to fade.)
A GIRL’S VOICE: If the people we love are stolen from us. They way to have them live on is to never stop loving them. Buildings burn, people die, but real love is forever.
(Fade to black.)
~ The End ~
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