Hanru Sazuki

Previous Chapter(s): Hanru and Yoko began bonding at their Thanksgiving party, LJ and his new neighbor Albert are becoming closer friends. At the Thanksgiving dinner, he explained to Al and his family the story about he and his family’s history. Al’s wife Liz also mentioned that Janet and Holly snuck out of the house together one night. LJ chose to let it slide. That same night, Al’s wife Liz revealed to suffer from bipolar disorder. His daughter Krista took his mother’s medication and gave it to her boyfriend, so in a last-ditch-effort, LJ went to his old spot and scored some medication for Liz. Police raided the house and LJ was able to sneak out the back. LJ is now stuck with a bag of drugs which do not belong to him. Someone may come looking. Leo has awoken from his coma and is now reunited with his family. He and Ada have agreed to get married and are once again engaged. Lawrence is enjoying his seemingly last moments alive is his ex-girlfriend Israel after the two of them turned against Jason and disobeyed his orders. Lee confessed to Kaito that he suffers from a sex addiction and that he soon plans to tell his new fiancé Nicky. In a desperate cry, Nicky tries to repair the damage between her and her mother and a new relationship forms between her and her new little sister Michelle.

(Hanru wakes up in a panic from the sound of a large dump truck driving down the street. He quickly jumps out of bed and puts on the first pair of pants he sees. He puts a jacket on and quickly runs out to his front yard. He sees that all of the trashcans on his side of the street have been empty. Hanru sees the truck emptying the garbage cans across the street. Hanru quickly runs to the side of his house and pushes his black trashcan across the street in front of someone else’s house. The boy who lives across the street stares nervously at Hanru and then quickly runs inside. Hanru looks over at his neighbor’s house across the street and notices their trashcans aren’t out yet. He quickly runs across the street and pushes their can across the street too next to his. Hanru stands a few feet back and patiently waits for the truck to show up and pick up their cans. He smiles and waves at the driver as they truck picks up the cans and he waves back. Hanru rolls the two cans back to their properties. He enters his home and locks the door behind him. Hanru walks into his kitchen and sees Leo sitting at the table staring at him.)

Hanru: What? What did I do now?

Leo: We told you not to take the neighbor’s trashcan out anymore.

Hanru: Why because you suspect that they put dog poop in our trashcan?

Leo: Four mistakes: First of all, don’t say what to me, second, who else around here has a dog? Third, don’t you ever question me when I ask you to do something, and four, you better change your attitude.

Hanru: (Annoyed) I didn’t have an attitude I-

Leo: Well to me you did! It’s not always what you say, it’s how you say it. You better watch yourself. One of these days you’re gonna say something to the wrong person and you’re gonna get yourself in trouble!

Hanru: (Thinking) It’s like this all the time with him. It always has been. This is why I’ve been so distanced. Oh well, anything I say or do will result in me someone being the “wrong one”. So it’s best for me to sit here quietly and nod.

(Hanru walks into his bedroom and calls someone on his phone. An old love interest answers laughing and excited.)

Vero: Hello?

Hanru: Hey, Veronica, how are you? We haven’t talked in almost two weeks; I was just thinking about you is all.

Vero: (Laughs) Why are you calling me?!

Hanru: Uhm… to talk and to say hi; see how you’re doing?

Vero: Okay, so talk.

Hanru: Well how have you been…?

Vero: Okay. (Sighs in annoyance) Look, things were good and all but I met this girl a few days ago and she is amazing. I love her so much. I think she’s the one. She’s the only person I need in my life and just… Oh my, gosh she’s so amazing! Her and I are thinking about getting married.

Hanru: (Caught off guard) Already?! After a few days?

Vero: Yep. So what to do you want?

Hanru: Debbie what happened with us?

Vero: What about it?

Hanru: You and I were supposed to be together! We always made each other feel better when we were sad, we always told each other how much we loved one another. When your best friend committed suicide after the two of you got into that argument, I was there for you. I was there for you when you needed a shoulder to cry on. I was always there! Not once have I ever judged you! Not once was I ever cruel to you! And after over a year, the bond between you and I is suddenly broken because you… found a girl who… I don’t know… I don’t even care… You enjoy her. Now that I see what kind of person you really are deep down, I’m glad I was able to avoid ruining my life with someone who doesn’t really care about me.

Vero: (Victimizing) You’re a real butt for saying that you know? Wow! Just wow! Don’t ever talk to me again! You’re such a cruel jerk for saying that! Goodbye! (Hangs up)

(Hanru just sits on his bed a bit depressed. Minutes pass and he calls someone else.)

Hanru: Hi is Sarah there?

Person: Who is this?!

Hanru: I’m one of her friends, Hanru.

Person: Oh well she told me about you and she doesn’t wanna talk to you ever again.

Hanru: What are you talking about? Her and I have been friends for years.

Person: GET IT THROUGH YOUR THICK SKULL! SHE DOESN’T WANT TO TALK TO YOU!

Hanru: (Sighs) Look, I don’t know if this is a jealous boyfriend thing or if you just don’t want Sarah talking to other guys, but her and I have been friends for years and if she doesn’t want to talk to me, then she’ll tell me herself. We’re all adults here.

(There is a pause for a few seconds.)

Sarah: I DON’T WANT TO FREAKING TALK TO YOU! LEAVE ME THE FREAK ALONE!

Hanru: (Sadly sighs again) Alright then Sarah. I’m sorry if I did anything wrong to you. If I did, I’m sorry. I didn’t… I didn’t do anything wrong, Sarah. All I tried to do was be your friend. Sorry.

Sarah: SHUT UP! GOOD-BYE! (Hangs up)

(Hanru calls someone else minutes later.)

Hanru: Hey, Cheyenne.

Cheyenne: What do you want?

Hanru: To… talk…

Cheyenne: Oh, well wrong number.

Hanru: Really? Oh… sorry then. Agh, I was really hoping to get a hold of her, gosh I miss talking to her. I’ve been calling and texting this number for over a month thinking this was her number, but I guess I know why there hasn’t been a response. Sorry for bothering you. Bye…

Cheyenne: It’s me.

Hanru: Cheyenne?

Cheyenne: Yeah.

Hanru: Well how have you been?

Cheyenne: I’m good. I have a boyfriend now.

Hanru: That’s good; I’m happy for you.

Cheyenne: Yeah so what do you want?

Hanru: To talk I mean… There are only a few people I’m able to talk to.

Cheyenne: Maybe that’s because you keep pushing people away.

Hanru: What are you talking about? I love making friends. I do all I can to keep people in my life.

Cheyenne: Yeah whatever! Well my boyfriend and I are getting married so…

Hanru: Again, congratulations. You and I are just friends, Cheyenne. I’m not trying to be with you.

Cheyenne: That’s your problem! See you always push people away and don’t realize it! You always pushed me away so I left! You just stopped contacting me!

Hanru: I never pushed you away, and plus you have my number. Text me first sometime. You found some girlfriend and every time I tried to talk to you, it was always a bad time or you would always yell at me for interrupting your quality time with her. So I just took a break for about a week or two to give you guys some time. Then all of a sudden you just stopped answering back for me.

Cheyenne: k.

Hanru: (Sigh) You know that irritates me when people say that.

Cheyenne: See! Oh my gosh now you’re trying to start an argument!

Hanru: (Restless but stays collected and calm) I’m not trying to start anything, Cheyenne, I’m just saying it irritates me when people give me one letter responses like that.

Cheyenne: UGH! GOODBYE!

Hanru: Wait, Cheyenne, don’t go. (Sighs) I’m sorry, I was wrong. Maybe I need to just stop caring about myself. If something’s ever bothering me, if I feel disrespected and I try and tell someone, or if I try and be the adult I’m always the one getting yelled at. I’m always the one starting the argument, and I end up losing friends. If I just didn’t respect or care about myself, maybe then I’ll be able to keep friends longer. I’ve noticed since I started having resect for myself, a lot of people realized they couldn’t run over me as easily and completely cut me out of their life.

Cheyenne: UGH! You’re so fake! I don’t want to have anything to do with someone who’s fake! GOOD-FREAKING-BYE!

Hanru: No, wait, Cheyenne, how am I fake? I’m just saying I should just not care about myself so much, then I’ll be able to keep people in my life.

Cheyenne: THAT’S BEING FAKE!

Hanru: Alright, well I won’t do that then, sorry.

Cheyenne: Of course people are gonna cut you out of their lives when you’re always acting like a 5 year old not getting what he wants!

Hanru: What are you talking about… (Trying to hold in his frustration) How am I acting like a 5 year old?

Cheyenne: UGH! Nevermind!

Hanru: No, tell me, please, so that way I’ll be fully aware of my childish actions and learn to change them, please?

Guy: Hey, who is this?

Hanru: Who… Who is this?

Guy: This is Cheyenne’s boyfriend. She wants you to leave her alone. She’s starting to feel scared and freaked out.

Hanru: Freaked ou- (Sighs) Her and I are best friends. There should be no reason why she can’t talk to me herself.

Guy: Whatever man.

(There is a pause for a few seconds.)

Cheyenne: Look, lose my number!

Hanru: Cheyenne… Ugh. (Takes a deep breath) You are one of my best friends, please just tell me what I can do to make things right between us. I’m sorry for anything I did, please just… please tell me what I can do. Yes a long time ago I did like you but we never had our chance together. You moved away and then you started to date other people right away. I remember a while back I pretended to have a girlfriend and you flipped out and talked about how much I broke your heart and I told you over and over again, I was only joking. You in reality dated multiple people and now you’re getting married. Did I ever get upset about that? Well I was a little yeah.

Cheyenne: Just shut up. My boyfriend and I are talking about marriage now and he makes me happy. I don’t need you in my life anymore, not even as a friend.

Hanru: (Saddened) I once loved you… No, I still do love you, but… I know we aren’t gonna be together. I’ve gotta let you go, even though it’s nearly impossible… I just have to accept the two of you getting married…

Cheyenne: Even if you didn’t accept it, we’re still getting married, so again, quit acting like a 5 year old about this whole thing.

Hanru: How am I acting like a 5 year old?! I’m coming to terms with the reality that my love for you is… worthless and we’re not ever gonna be together. I’m sad. I feel heartbroken. Literally all feelings I have for you seemingly mean nothing! I’m a 5 year old for getting a little upset about losing someone close to me, but when you get upset and flip out on me when you feel heartbroken, you’re not acting like a 5 year old?! When you and I should talk things through like adults and you put your boyfriend over the phone to handle your personal friendship business, that’s not being immature? Please, Cheyenne, just… (Sighs in confusion) No matter what I do it’s always wrong. Help me be a better friend to you. I’m only trying to fight for our friendship!

Cheyenne: k. (Hangs up)

(Hours pass and Hanru is standing in front of Jessica’s apartment door. He knocks on it. Jessica answers. The two of them sit on the living room floor. Hanru looks really saddened.)

Hanru: I’ve spent the first few hours today talking to everyone who I thought were my friends, male and females. I even went over to my friend Nick’s house and his father and sister don’t even like me coming over there to visit all the time. One thing about me: When I start a bond with someone, even if I just meet them for a few seconds, I form this bond with them and my feelings for that person don’t go away. Whatever my maximum feelings for these people were always stays there for me. My feelings for people don’t go away. If I fall in love with a girl, that love never goes away.

Jessica: I know; you’ve told me.

Hanru: I don’t know how not to love people, Jessica. I was going to ask Debbie to be my girlfriend tomorrow and move with her. We’ve actually planned it for a while, but she met a girl two days ago and she just… doesn’t really care for me anymore.

Jessica: (Hugs Hanru) I know you’re in a complicated place when it comes to love. I love you and although I do wanna be with you, I want you happy. No matter how many other girls you like, or fall in love with, or even make your girlfriend, I will always love you the same and I will always be here for you. Always. (Stops hugging and gives him a smile) I know how kind you are and any girl would be lucky to have you.

Hanru: Even though I love somebody, that doesn’t mean I want them to be my girlfriend. I just want to be friends with them, but I do love them and so… Things just get mixed up…

Jessica: (Holds Hanru’s hand and looks him in the eyes) Listen to me, we all go through problems and as people we sometimes don’t like listening to other people’s problems or we tell people to “get over it”. But I want to be here for you, Hanru. I don’t care that you sometimes go through these random bipolar moods, or that you suffer from depression. I want to be here with you. I know what it’s like living in that dark and lonely place I recognize when I look in your eyes. You’re there right now. And you know, I’m- (Forcefully hugs Hanru) I’m here for you, Han. I wouldn’t mind staying there with you in that dark place, okay? I love you and I accept every part of your being, happy or sad. I’m just here for you. I’m gonna help you through this. I know this random depression recently developed for you, and it just came out of nowhere, but I will be by your side through it. I believe you when you say your friends all left you and don’t respect you, and always say you’re wrong. And I can understand why they feel that way, but I’m here for you and I choose to be.

(Hanru hugs Jessica.)

Hanru: Thank you, Jessica. I really need a friend right now.

(Miami)

(Lee is lying in bed with his shirt off starring at the ceiling. His cell phone rings. He reaches over the desk and answers it quickly before the ringing wakes sleeping Nicky beside him. He puts his feet on the floor and sits at the edge of the bed.)

Lee: Hey, what’s up?

Jessica: Hey, Lee, Hanru has been really depressed lately, and I don’t know why. I want to do all I can to make him feel better. Is there any way you can come down here and help cheer him up?

Lee: Cool guy’s depressed, huh? (Chuckles) He’s not the only one. (Peaks over at Nicky sleeping)

Jessica: Oh, don’t tell me you’re depressed too.

Lee: Then I won’t tell you. Look… (Scratches front of hair and sighs) I don’t know what to say about Hanru, but I can’t fly down there, I’m sorry. My baby is gonna be due any day now and I need to prepare for my wedding. Oh wow, V8 moment. Uh, look, I will try to have Hanru sent out here for the wedding, okay?

Jessica: Me too, right? I’ve got some Christmas vacation days available.

Lee: Alright, alright, fine, I’ll do my best. Just, don’t say anything but I forgot too… (Glances at Nicky sleeping again) I forgot to get a best man.

Jessica: Omg. I’m so flattered! I’d love to be your best man!

Lee: We all know you look like a man Jessica, but I was actually gonna ask Hanru.

Jessica: Hey, I do not look like a man!

Lee: Oh come on, Jessica; maybe you don’t look like a man but you sure do act like one. You hang out with guys, your hair is always short, you act like a dude. You were born a man, or at least, you’re a lesbian.

Jessica: A lesbian; really?

Lee: Well yeah. You remember that talk you and I had about Hanru a while back. You told me you felt a type of feminine/masculine aura coming from him and that’s why you love him so much. He’s a guy but he has the mentality of a female and he’s more into female roles gender-wise. Hanru is a chick on a guy’s body and you sense that, and that’s why you wanna make smooches with him all day. If Hanru was a female- Oh, pardon my manors, if he was in a female’s body… I bet you would be all over him like salt on a cracker. Am I right?

Jessica: w-well… (Looks around nervously)

Lee: Yeah, it’s true. Jessica, you’re a lesbian but Hanru’s an exception because of his fluffy pink chick-aura. Congratulations, you just learned something new, yay!

(Jessica is nervous and she thinks heavily about what Lee is saying to her. Lee hangs up his cell phone. He turns around and sees Nicky lying in bed staring at him.)

Lee: (Turns away from her) How long have you been up?

Nicky: Just woke up. Who was that?

Lee: … Uh… Jessica. My friend Jessica.

Nicky: I’ve met Jessica; I know who she is.

Lee: (Turns around to face Nicky) She was telling me my friend Hanru is suffering from unknown depression, so I’m thinking about having Kaito send him out here. Maybe we can try and cheer him up and I can ask him to be my best man at our wedding.

Nicky: Yeah… It’s just… I’ve been thinking about our wedding and… I don’t know. I’m having second thoughts. I think it’s a great idea having him sent out here though, but I’m just not sure about the wedding is all. I mean look at the reality of us, Leon. You’re 22 years old and I’m 38. It’s already almost Christmas so this year has pretty much ended. I’ll be 39 in February, that’s two months. Then the next year I’ll be 40. By then you’ll only be 24. You have your whole life ahead of you, Lee, and my life is already almost over. (Smiles and places her hand on his cheek) Enjoy life; find a beautiful woman your age who will treat you like the sweet young man you are. You deserve that.

(Lee slowly goes in for a hug, but then tricks her and gives her a passionate 8 second long kiss.)

Nicky: (Sad) I’m sorry, Lee. We can’t be together just because of this baby.

Lee: (Looks her in the eyes) You are my baby. And I want to marry you because I love you. Do you know why I purposely got you pregnant? I know I claimed it was an accident, but it wasn’t. I loved you long before this child. I’ve been with so many women, my age, younger, and older. So many girls, but none of them made me feel the way you do. I’m making this choice to be with you forever. I know what I’m sacrificing and you and this child are worth it. Even if this child doesn’t happen, you are still worth it. I do not care about our age and I’ve lived more in these past 6 years than most people. My life has been out of control, and I’ve been through a sex addiction. I actually still do have that addiction.

Nicky: I love you, Lee, I really do, but I couldn’t bare the feeling of knowing I was stopping you from finding someone better who could offer you more and grow old with you; not before you.

Lee: (Holds Nicky’s hand) By the time you get in your 80’s and I’m in my 60’s, and if you pass on, I’ll already have about 40 years-worth of fan-girls lined up waiting to marry me.

(They both chuckle. The two of them press foreheads against one another and look into each other’s eyes.)

Lee: And I still wouldn’t want to marry any of them. When I asked you to marry me, I was serious. I was serious about making this commitment. And I know my sex addiction is going to cause a lot of problems, but I’ll do whatever it takes to fix it and be loyal to you. If I slip up, I promise to be honest with you and not keep secrets from you. I will always be 110% with you about everything.

Nicky: … Okay… Fine. But know that this isn’t going to be easy for me either. I feel a mid-life crisis coming on. After this baby is outta me, who knows what kind of person I’ll become.

Lee: It wouldn’t matter, because we would be together and I would be here for you no matter what. I know how cruel reality can be and I know what kind of sick twisted person I can be sexually, and you know, I accept all those things. I accept that the truth is cruel and so is reality, so I’m willing to take whatever life throws at me, and I’m willing to take whatever you throw at me, because I love you. Sometimes love means sacrificing your own morality to be free with a person you care for. I don’t picture a future for us, I just picture us together, and that’s all that’s important to me. I’m giving myself to you completely. I only ask you do the same.

Nicky: I do- do the same. (Smiles) Please, don’t paint a suspected future for us, because if you expect me to be a certain way, and I’m not that way-

Lee: That’s when arguments start. That’s why I say I’m not painting a future. I’m not expecting anything from you, just mutual trust, openness, and honesty. And some occasional sex here and there.

(The two of them laugh.)

Nicky: Love is about surrendering yourself to another person, and having faith in them, right?

Lee: I believe so.

Nicky: (Tempting) So, how about you just sit back and surrender yourself… to me… Let your fiancé take care of you…

(Nicky pushes Lee down and crawls on top of him slowly.)

Lee: (Worried) Um… shouldn’t we switch places? I don’t want you on your stomach with you know… the baby… inside of your… tummy pouch.

Nicky: (Gently kisses his neck) Stop worrying and just relax…

Lee: Okay, I’ll try… (Closes his eyes and takes a deep breath)

(Nicky begins kissing him all over his chest.)

Lee: (Opens eyes) Okay, this isn’t going to work. Please, can we switch positions?

Nicky: No… now shut up and learn to live in the moment.

Lee: Alright, alright… (Closes eyes for a few seconds, and then opens them back)

(Nicky spends a few seconds around Lee’s sensitive area. Lee looks a bit troubled.)

Nicky: Awe, what’s the matter? Why is he so shy all of a sudden?

Lee: I… don’t know… I’m not really in a receiving mood right now.

Nicky: Is the baby still on your mind?

Lee: Yeah…

(Nicky climbs up to Lee and cuddles with him.)

Nicky: What’s the matter?

Lee: (Slowly freaking out)Is our kid gonna be boy or girl? Shouldn’t we start shopping for baby stuff? I just realized we haven’t went shopping yet! What if we have triplets, or become octo-parents?! What if he’s born Asian?! Oh no, what if I forget its birthday? What do they eat?! How many times a day do you take them out for walks?!

Nicky: Honey, honey, honey, calm down. Okay. (Clenches his face and gives him a big kiss) We’re gonna be great parents. You see how laid back I am. I don’t have a worry, and you see I’m happy. (Smiles) Now relax, okay. Trust me and let me take care of you. Meditate and empty your mind. (Gently slides down the bed)

(Virginia and Marshall’s home)

(Erika parks her car in front of her parents’ home. She walks up to the front door and knocks. Michelle opens the door wearing casual clothing.)

Erika: Hey, Chelle, is mom around?

(Michelle silently stares at Erika, twitching her lip.)

Erika: What’s the matter?

(Michelle and Erika are standing over Marshall’s wheezing body. He’s having trouble breathing and he looks like he could die at any moment.)

Michelle: I already called for an ambulance, but I don’t know when they’ll be here. I don’t know if they’ll be able to save him. (Cries and embraces Erika)

(Erika can’t help but to silently feel victim to this morbid situation.)

Erika: Michelle. Go get our father a glass of water, could you please? Please?

(Michelle stops hugging Erika and leaves the room. Erika closes the door behind her. She takes a deep breath and takes a few seconds to get herself together. She then turns around and walks up to her father.)

Erika: (Faint) Hey dad.

Marshall: Hey, Erin… (Coughs twice) How ya doing?

Erika: I’m… I’m doing fine… dad…

Marshall: (Smiles) Then where’s your smile?

Erika: What?

Marshall: Usually when I see someone claiming to be happy, they smile.

Erika: I… Tch… (Forces a smile)

Marshall: Oh come on. I know you can do better than that. I’m dying here. Is it too much for a father to ask for one last smile from his first daughter? (Smiles)

(Erika smiles, but seconds later she begins to tear up.)

Marshall: Oh, there, there.

(In one motion, Marshall opens his arms and Erika buries herself in his chest. Marshall embraces her.)

Erika: I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have left you.

Marshall: Hey, you did the right thing.

Erika: (Looks up at her father while lightly crying) No I didn’t, dad. I abandoned my family, ruined mom and almost destroyed my little sister’s freedom. I… I wasn’t here for you, dad, I wasn’t here when you were well and now I’m here when you’re sick and I can’t help but feel this deep burning of guilt in my heart! Dad, I’m sorry… I’m so, so sorry… (Buries her face back into his chest)

Marshall: Come here, look at me.

(Erika looks up at her father; he gently wipes a few tears.)

Marshall: Now normally I would lie here and hold you all day but I don’t got that much time left. So you listen to me, okay? I need to hear you say it- okay?

Erika: Okay, yeah, yeah, I’m listening.

Marshall: You’ve been through some rough things growing up, and despite all you’ve been through, you did what you had to, to find peace. Most people don’t bounce back from what you’ve been through. You are a strong young lady and I am so proud of you for going your own way in life and still making the right choices.

Erika: I didn’t make the right choices. I put my babies up for adoption, I became an alcoholic, got addicted to drugs to drown out my misery, and I’ve done so much damage to my family.

Marshall: You did what was best for that child by letting him get adopted, and you did fall, into the demented pit of needles and toxins, but you made it out alive. You’re here now and you’re sober. I’d say that’s some really good progress.

Erika: What if it wasn’t for the better? What if things turned out a lot better than they did?

Marshall: (Firmly squeezes his daughter’s hand) Life isn’t about what if. What if is nothing more than an excuse for not accepting the truth or being afraid of the truth. Maybe things would have worked out better, but you’ve gotta remember that things could always be better than what they are now; not just for you, but for every single one of us here on this Earth. Things are the way they are and we all make regretful choices, but we can’t let those choices define who we are today or who we can be in the nearing days. I know what you’ve been through is rough, but always remember, the past has already happened, but only you have the power to change what your future becomes by learning to deal with past events here in your present life time. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift; that is why it is called the present.

(Erika hugs her father one last time; he hugs her back and closes his eyes.)

Marshall: I will always love you. I am so proud of you for finding your way. Don’t let your demons define who you are. Never forget, that at our weakest moments, we find our inner strength which defines our will to accept the truth.

Erika: … What if I can’t accept the truth…?

Marshall: When we are at our lowest point in life, our inner strength is having the ability to embrace pain and turn it into faith. Faith is about surrendering and accepting truth, no matter how harsh or cruel it may be, but also having the willpower to not let the chaos control you; it is not just about believing in something you cannot see.

Erika: I’m scared, dad… I’m scared of what might become after you’re gone… and what if there are things I need from you, and you’re not here for me…? Just… (Closes eyes tightly for a few seconds)

Marshall: Fear is something that cannot be seen. We as people rely and put our faith in fear, because it offers security from pain. Remember all pain in this world originates from pleasure; same goes for the opposite. Pleasure originates from pain. You have the choice to turn your misery into happiness. I know you’re scared, but you’ve gotta let go of that fear and be willing to accept the truth. Your days will be filled with tears and pain, but what you must know about inner strength, is no matter how much darkness comes your way, you will always know how to use it to make your inner essence glow brighter, and you will become stronger in heart.

Erika: Dad-

Marshall: Shhhh. (Buries his daughter’s head in his chest) I love you and your sister and your siblings, and your mother. I left something for you for when I pass on. Please take good care of it. And tell your mother, I’m sorry for leaving her in the dark about it.

Erika: Thank you for everything.

Marshall: One more thing you need to know about your mother…

(Minutes pass and Erika walks out of the bedroom. She sees Michelle sitting on the couch scared with her fingers tied together. Erika kneels down next to Michelle and gives her a huge hug.)

Erika: Dad said he loved you…

(Michelle is fully aware at the fact that her father is gone… All she can do is cry and hug Erika tighter and tighter.)

(Hanru’s home)

(Lawrence is seen in the kitchen eating a bowl of chocolate cereal. He seems a bit out of it. Leo walks in and sits next to him.)

Leo: Hey, nephew.

Lawrence: You are not my uncle; don’t pretend to be.

Leo: Okay... I’m waving the flag. I only wanna try and fix this gap between us as best I can.

Lawrence: You can’t. You were adopted by my real mother’s family- by my real family, and you tried to have my father killed and instead almost had us killed.

Leo: I only did that to protect your mother.

Lawrence: I know why you did it, and I don’t care. Hanru lived the first 7 years with his real parents and then you because of what you prospected to happen to him. I really just can’t standing being near you. I very much dislike the fact that I have to once again share a roof with you.

Leo: I’m sorry I can’t go back and change what I’ve done, but I’ve stepped up to all my mistakes and I’ve learned to move forward; why haven’t you? You just sit there like a big baby pouting about something that could have happened 14 years ago but didn’t. I want to make things right with us, but not at the expense of having to subject myself to your childish whining.

Lawrence: Fine, you wanna make things right, then go ahead, but honestly, I don’t see what the point is if you’re not even my real family.

Leo: I am your real family.

Lawrence: Not by blood.

Leo: So how are we gonna fix this tension between us?

Lawrence: I don’t know. I really don’t.

Leo: Well think of something, because you can’t hold on to that hate forever.

(Miami)

(A light-skinned African-American young man with short curly black hair is walking down the street of a very trashy ghetto neighborhood. A random man yells across the street.)

Random Man: You better recognize, OG; you sellout buster!

(The young man peaks behind him while still walking. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a set of keys. He walks up to a gate leading into an apartment complex and before he has a chance to unlock it, a dozen men in suits swarm him suddenly with guns pointed at him.)

Man: DEA! Get on the ground now!

(The young man knows he has nowhere to run to, so with a very disappointed look on his face, he gets on his knees and puts his hands behind his head.)

(Jessica’s apartment)

(Jessica sits beside Hanru on the floor. She takes a deep breath and the room grows silent for about 5 seconds.)

Jessica: So apparently I’m a lesbian, says our tripod-brother Lee.

Hanru: That’s obvious.

Jessica: I am not lesbian! I never looked at another girl with sexual intension! How do you and Lee figure I’m a lesbian?! Seriously, tell me. I-is it my hair?! Is it because I always wear my hair short?! What is it?!

Hanru: (Looks over at Jessica and cracks a smile) Calm down, Jessica. It’s the vibe you give off. I don’t know how to explain it.

Jessica: (Sadly exhales) So do I give off some kind of male-pheromone that secretly makes women attracted to me or… (Sadly sighs and looks down)

Hanru: Hey, Jessica.

(Jessica leans toward Hanru and he quickly grabs a hold of her with both arms. Jessica begins to sob.)

Jessica: No, I don’t wanna be a lesbian! I was always teased as a little girl and everyone called me that! I’m not a lesbian! (Buries her face in Hanru’s chest)

Hanru: (Dumbfounded) Don’t- think so much about it. You… Your pheromones are… fine…

(Without a warning or a heads up, Jessica forces a kiss upon Hanru’s lips and holds the kiss for 7 long seconds. The two stop kissing and they both make eye-contact.)

Hanru: I’m- sorry, I didn’t mean to make you upset.

Jessica: It doesn’t matter. I love the way you make me feel. Half the time I’m so wrapped up in my own emotions, I feel I can’t even think for myself, but with you, I can feel your emotions and I know where they come from, and… I feel as if I’m linked to someone who can help guide my emotional rage. We Scorpios are very unstable. Sometimes it’s good to have someone take charge of our emotions, ya know?

(The two gently grasp one another’s hand.)

Jessica: I… I love feeling vulnerable around you… I… Wish I could have lost my virginity to you instead of that loser who only used me then left me. (Cuddles up next to Hanru) I know you’ll never hurt me. If you did, I would be okay with it, as long as I still had you.

Hanru: (Thinking) Suddenly she confesses her feelings for me, but why…? And at the most random time...

Jessica: I have cancer, Hanru.

Hanru: W-What…?

Jessica: I also have a blood clot in my brain and a possible life-threatening illness.

(Hanru makes eye contact with Jessica. He tries to talk but can’t seem to produce words.)

Jessica: I went to the doctor a week ago and got checked and I’m sick. I’m dying, Hanru…

(Hanru hugs Jessica tightly and presses the back of her head into his chest.)

(Doctor’s office)

(A male doctor walks into his office and sees a young woman sitting on the bed with her legs spread wide and wearing a white hospital gown. The doctor closes the door behind him and walks up to the woman while reading a file.)

Male Doctor: Okay, miss, Heartwood, we-

Woman: Um… Heartwood?

Male Doctor: That is your name, correct? Heartwood, Jessica.

Woman: Uhm… I think you have me mixed up with someone else. That’s not my name. And where’s my gynecologist?

Male Doctor: (Confused) Um… I think we may have our records mixed up, we got a few new doctors recently.

Woman: Okay well I know I look young but I’m in my thirties and I’m already dried out enough down there and waiting for a doctor to come in here and assist me is speeding up the process, so could you doctors please speedup your process and get me outta here?! Thank you!

(Jessica and Hanru are sitting on the floor still hugging. Jessica’s cell phone rings. She reaches into her pocket and answers it.)

Jessica: Hello?

Woman: Jessica, Heartwood?

Jessica: Yeah, this is her, who’s this?

Woman: No one you need concern yourself over. Listen, you’re being targeted for attack. The results from your doctor are fake. 42 seconds.

Jessica: Fake? What are you talking about? Who is his?

Woman: Don’t trust anyone new in your life and be careful who you talk to. They are everywhere and they want you. They mixed up your records at the hospital. 30 seconds.

Jessica: I… Okay, okay… Thanks you, but seriously who is this?

(The phone hangs up.)

Hanru: Who was that?

Jessica: Some woman saying my files got changed at the hospital and that my results are fake…

(Virginia’s home)

(The paramedics carry out Marshall’s body through the living room on a gurney and across the front yard, and to the ambulance. They drive off and Erika wraps her arm around her sister’s shoulder. Night time comes and around 2AM, Erika’s mother Virginia walks in the door. Michelle is on the bed sleeping with a blanket covered over her. Virginia closes her front door and locks it. Virginia and Erika silently stare at one another for 20 seconds. Virginia blinks twice really fast. Erika senses tears. She stands and walks up to her mother, forcefully giving her a hug. Virginia doesn’t say a word, she just takes slight comfort in the embrace of her daughter’s love.)

(Miami)

(A huge party is going down. Drugs, booze, body parts, and loud music are everywhere. Holly is suddenly seen taking a big snort of a small line of cocaine off a glass table. She stares up at the sealing for a few seconds and starts freaking out. A young man runs up to her and wraps his arms around her shoulder.)

Jake: Oh, don’t worry, babe, it’ll even itself out. The colors will go away soon. Hey, let’s head upstairs for some alone time.

(Holly stares at Jake with a heated passion in her eyes.)

Holly: You’re so romantic…

(Holly Dives onto Jake and forcefully kisses him.)

Jake: Okay, okay, Holly, calm down. Let’s save it for upstairs.

Holly: (Smiles) Okay.

Group of Teens: (Cheering) CHUG, CHUG, CHUG, CHUG! YEAH!!!

(The individual being cheered by the group of teenagers is none other than Holly’s mother, Janet. Janet sits up and yells out at the top of her lungs through the chaos.)

(LJ’s home)

(LJ is in his kitchen sitting at the island; trying to call someone on his cell phone. There is no answer. The answering machine picks up.)

LJ: Hey, where are you?! Your daughter has gone missing and neither of you are picking up your phones! Call me as soon as possible! (Hangs up)

(LJ sighs in frustration and drops his phone on the counter. He presses his palm against his face. Holly’s older sister Tsuki comes downstairs and opens the refrigerator looking for something. LJ lowers his hands and looks at her. She pulls out a bottle of orange cream soda and closes the refrigerator. She turns around and sees LJ looking at her. The room grows silent for a few seconds.)

Tsuki: Mom and Holly went off to some party with her boyfriend Jake. Now usually I’m not a snitch but that Jake guy isn’t a very good role model for my little sister and her being the rebel that she is, makes it difficult for me to get to her.

LJ: Do you know where this Jake lives?

Tsuki: I don’t, but I’m sure with your “skills” you could track him down.

LJ: Is there anything else you can tell me that could make things easier for me?

Tsuki: Well he… uh… has short brown hair and drives a black car. Just think what Hanru would do in a situation like this.

LJ: Okay, let’s see… How old is Jake?

Tsuki: He’s 18, or 19, I can’t remember.

LJ: Okay, so he’s young. You say he’s not a very good role model so he must not be a college student. Maybe he lives in a high school, school district because of him being fresh out of high school.

Tsuki: That’s if he even graduated.

LJ: Yeah… (Sighs) Alright are there any high schools around the area?

Tsuki: I’m not Google Maps.

LJ: you could’ve fooled me. Alright so Jake is a young kid, who drives a black car and he may live in a school district. Those are the only clues I can think of at the moment. I’m headed out right now to search for houses with loud music playing.

Tsuki: Good luck. (Drinks soda)

(LJ walks out of his house and closes his door. His phone rings in his hand. He quickly answers it with a confused look on his face.)

LJ: Hello? (Pauses for 8 seconds) Yes. (Pauses for a few more seconds) Who is this?

Prisoner: (Enthusiastic) LJ: My dogg; my homie fo’ life! I hear you doing real good for yourself out there, dogg. You got yourself a nice home with the cheese-eating white people, shacking up wit a nice white piece of booty, and you even got a little rugrat running around. Mmm… You just livin’ it up, ain’t cha boy?

LJ: Who is this?

Prisoner: (Angry) It’s me, buster!

LJ: Me who?!

Prisoner: Oh, okay, I see how it is. So you know me when you uh… need stealing my merchandise, but when it come time to reap the consequences of your devious action, you don’t know me, huh? That’s alright. When I scoop up that fine white piece of meat of yours, bet you’ll know who I am then, huh?

LJ: Otis?

Otis: DING, DING, FOO! What you thought you was just gonna take my merchandise, call the one time on my crew, and rat my operations out to the DEA, and get off Scott-free?

LJ: I never called the police at that party. And you’re lucky I took that bag of narcotics with me when I snuck out the back, otherwise the police would’ve found it and sent you to prison.

Otis: I AM IN PRISON! I was strolling down the block from Tanisha’s place; as soon as I get to the gate, DEA is on me like salt on a cracker! With all this stuff going on with these young black kids getting shot up for no reason, I’m panicking! I’m thinking Imma be the next victim to hit the news! But I wasn’t. I’m stuck in this place, and I know it was you who called the DEA on me.

LJ: I didn’t call anyone on you.

Otis: See, that’s where you make your mistake at. I’m smarter than you, boy, you can’t play me on this! And I am deeply disrespected by your insult to my intelligence. You get me my stuff back and you hack the system or do whatever to get me outta here and maybe, maybe… I’ll let you and your girls live in peace. I’ll keep in touch. (Hangs up)

(LJ hangs up his phone in frustration and quickly walks toward his black SUV in the driveway. As LJ enters his vehicle and drives off, his next door neighbor Al is seen hiding on the side of his garage.)

(Motel)

(Erika walks into a motel room with her sister Michelle. Sitting on a chair is former detective Henry Michaels.)

Erika: Henry, this is my little sister, Michelle.

Michelle: (Distanced) Hi.

Henry: Hey, how ya doing?

Erika: We just… lost our father not too long ago.

Henry: (Quickly stands up) Gosh, Erika, I’m so sorry.

Erika: It’s, okay. He and I made up before he passed; that’s all that matters. Michelle didn’t feel comfortable sleeping in the house tonight, so I told her she could crash here; I hope you don’t mind?

Henry: (Edgy) No, not at all. You’ve been through a traumatic scenario; anything I can do to help out, just let me know.

Erika: Okay, good. Michelle. (Both make eye contact) I have to make sure mom is alright. I need you to stay here with Henry, okay?

Michelle: But I don’t know him.

Erika: I know, but… please- just trust me. He’s a former detective who worked in my department and close friend. If he does anything to make you uncomfortable, he knows he’ll have me to deal with and he’s not a dummy so he won’t. (Lightly chuckles and hugs Michelle) I’ll be back, Chelly. Watch him; make sure he doesn’t wet the rug.

(Erika once again lightly chuckles and then leaves the room. Michelle sits on the bed and faces Henry nervously. The room begins to fill with awkward tension, but Henry attempts to break it.)

Henry: Hey, look, I know what it’s like losing someone.

Michelle: Okay. Are you tryna sympathize with me or something?

Henry: No, I’m just… do to the nature of the situation, I was just trying to establish mutual grounds of this emotional crisis.

(The room gets silent again for a few seconds.)

Henry: My, father worked for the military; he flew jets. He was Air Force branch. I never got to see him much growing up. It was always my mother and I and my three siblings. My mother was in and out of hospitals so many times, her medical bills put us in debt. My brother left the nest for his own reasons, and we never heard from him again. My other brother helped rob a bank and was killed IA during the process. My little sister is about your age. She… She’s doing her own thing. It’s sad to say, but I haven’t been keeping in touch with her. My mother died of illness sadly and the only people I really had to lean to were… some… unsavory individuals. I’m not proud of getting involved with them, but I did and it was a mistake, which defined my life. But I know what it’s like to lose a parent. I lost both of my parents at the same time. And I know it’s a dark and lonely road, when those you came from are gone. Especially when you still rely on them to nurture you from the pain of losing them. (Sits on the opposite of the bed next to Michelle) But they are gone now, and you have to find something to help keep you going in life. Right now all you can do is cry, but… trust me, the pain will ease. It doesn’t go away completely, but over time, it gets easier to deal with.

Michelle: (Pauses for a few seconds then looks up at Henry) Thank you.

(Party)

(LJ casually walks into the teen house party. It is late at night, but the music is still loud and the party is still at its peak. “Turn Down for What” by Lil John is blasting through the house. A drunk sorority girl bumps into LJ with a plastic cup of beer in her hand.)

Sorority girl: Oops. (Laughs) I’m sorry, my bad. I get clumsy when I’m wasted. (Burst out laughing uncontrollably)

LJ: Why don’t I hold this for you? (Grabs her beer)

Sorority Girl: Oh, thank you, you’re so nice. I wish my boyfriend was like you. Awe, I wish he hadn’t dumped me… I’m so ugly! (Cries and runs away)

LJ: (Gulps the entire cup of beer in 7 seconds) Ah, that’ll take the edge off.

(LJ pulls out his pistol and shoots it up in the air. Everyone gets quiet instantly and scatters away from LJ. LJ then shoots the speakers to turn the music off.)

Teenage Boy: My iPhone, man! You’re gonna pay for that!

LJ: I’m looking for my daughter, Holly! Cute white girl; blonde hair!

Janet: (Walks in front of the crowd) LJ?

LJ: You’ve been here this whole time?!

Janet: Your daughter is upstairs! Run up there and make sure you didn’t accidentally shoot her through the sealing when you let that shot off!

(LJ quickly runs upstairs. Janet presses her hand against her forehead and walks toward the kitchen. LJ is seen running through the upstairs in a panic.)

LJ: Holly?! Holly?!

(LJ stands and sees Al’s daughter Krista standing in a doorway paralyzed. LJ stops and quickly puts his gun away.)

LJ: Krista, where’s Holly?

(LJ looks in the bedroom and sees Holly sleeping with Jake on the bed.)

Krista: (Teary eyed) He was my boyfriend. (Storms off)

LJ: Krista, wait! (Sighs)

(LJ looks at his daughter and rubs his face with his hands. He walks up to Holly and pulls her out of bed. He looks at Jake in disappointment then walks away carrying Holly over his shoulder. He leaves the room and Jake opens his eyes, relieved that LJ didn’t try to hurt him.)

(Al’s home)

(LJ returns the girls home and both he and Al are having a discussion in Al’s kitchen over a nice cold bottle of Root Beer in the dark home.)

Al: Thank you for bringing the girls back. Who knew our daughters were dating the same boy and were completely unaware?

LJ: How do you have relationships with two women who are friends and neighbors? This guy is an amateur.

Al: … (Playing along jokingly) Yeah, well we all slip up at one point or another.

LJ: A’int that the truth.

Al: You want a second bottle? Mine’s about empty.

LJ: Sure, I could go for more caffeine.

Al: Alright, hand me that bottle opener in that drawer right behind you, would you?

LJ: Sure thing, neighbor.

(Al is going through the refrigerator talking to LJ and LJ opens the drawer and sees something that sinks his heart into his stomach.)

Al: Our daughters, huh? They’re cute when you raise ‘em, but as they get older, they’re miniature pains in your tushie. (Hands LJ a bottle of Root Beer) They’re like wives in training. (Chuckles)

(LJ nervously chuckles with him. Al closes the drawer LJ opened up and opens the one next to it.)

Al: Wrong drawer, my friend. (Smiles friendly and opens LJ’s bottle for him)

LJ: I can’t believe I never ask you this before, but what exactly, do you do for a living?

Al: Oh you mean job-wise? I see my badge in the drawer startled you. I guess the jig is up, but it was only a matter of time before this issue had to be confronted.

LJ: (Nervous) What, issue?

Al: I appreciate you getting that medication for my wife when she needed it. But the person who owned that bag of illegal narcotics was your buddy Otis. I heard you talking to him over the phone today in the yard. We arrested him do to an anonymous tip. However, we lack the actual evidence he is involved in illegal drug trades. You my neighbor, have that evidence. You still have Otis’ drugs and those drugs are what we need to really nail him to the wall.

LJ: So you’re a cop?

Al: No. DEA agent. Now please, LJ, don’t make things more complicated than they have to be. Without that evidence, we have no case against Otis and he walks free.

LJ: He told me he would let my family go if I got him out of prison and if I returned his bag. Without that evidence, I can’t deliver my side of the deal.

Al: Of course, but… With the evidence, we’ll be able to keep him locked away for years and your family would be in no harm’s way. The threat would be eliminated.

LJ: I can’t risk that for my family.

Al: Your family will go into witness protection.

LJ: I can’t risk it.

Al: I’ll tell you what- I’ll give you some time to think it through before making any decisions. I only hope you make the right one. You got ‘till the end of the day tomorrow, neighbor. I’m sorry but this is how it has to be. This is my job, and Otis is a criminal.

TO BE CONTINUED…

[“The Modern Age” by Exitmusic]