A Serialized Work of Fiction
Little Earthquakes
Installment Two
INT. EMERGENCY ROOM — NIGHT
Adam and Iris are sitting in the waiting room.
Dillon comes out of ER and walks to them.
ADAM
How is he doing?
DILLON
They've stabilized him with a sedative. The doctor said we have to keep it light and not bring up anything stressful or triggering.
IRIS
Maybe it was seeing Elena.
(Brief pause.)
She's outside getting air. There was some news special on screen about Ken Fox's murder.
DILLON
Ugh. Maybe they both got triggered by the same thing. Thank God there's no TV in there.
Dillon rubs his face.
CUT TO:
INT. KAS AND DILLON'S HOUSE — NIGHT — OCTOBER 27, 2012
Kas and Dillon are just arriving inside their home. Dillon is dressed in a Lone Ranger costume and Kas is dressed in a Tonto costume. Kas is helping him in. Dillon looks woozy and has one hand on his belly.
DILLON
I feel sick.
KAS
How much did you drink, Kemo Sabe?
DILLON
Just my usual, two mojitos. Maybe it was the shrimp cocktail?
KAS
I had them, too, and I'm okay.
KAS
Let's get you to bed.
DILLON
Are you trying to take advantage of me?
Both laugh as Kas helps Dillon to the bedroom.
CUT TO:
INT. KAS AND DILLON'S BEDROOM — NIGHT — OCTOBER 27, 2012
Kas is tucking Dillon in, whose eyes are closed as he mumbles unintelligibly. Kas kisses his cheek. When he pulls away to stand upright, he looks sad while looking at his partner.
Kas stands there in a black t-shirt and black boxer briefs.
CUT TO:
INT. KAS AND DILLON'S BEDROOM — MORNING — OCTOBER 27, 2012
Dillon wakes up, squinting, slightly hungover. He looks at the time on the alarm clock, it's 7:47 am. Dillon looks over at Kas still sleeping... puzzled.
Kas' shoulders protruding from the covers show a red t-shirt.
CUT TO:
INT. KAS AND DILLON'S KITCHEN — MORNING
Clock hands read ten to 9:00 am.
Dillon is making breakfast.
The coffee pot is brewing, some steam misting upward.
Kas walks into the kitchen in his red t-shirt and black and red plaid pajama bottoms.
KAS
(Groggy)
Good morning, babe.
DILLON
Good morning.
Kas comes to sit at the kitchen island.
DILLON
You good?
KAS
Yeah, why?
DILLON
It's almost nine — you never sleep this late.
KAS
This week and that party caught up with me.
Dillon scoffs.
KAS
Is someone grumpy from their hangover?
DILLON
Not today.
KAS
Ouch.
Dillon sets a plate of food in front of Kas, then sits with his own plate next to him. They begin to eat in an uncomfortable silence.
CUT TO:
EXT. EMERGENCY ROOM — NIGHT — PRESENT
Elena is looking out at the night sky. Her mind is elsewhere...
CLOSEUP ON ELENA (32).
MATCH CUT TO:
INT. FANCY APARTMENT — EVENING — APRIL 2012
CLOSEUP ON ELENA (18).
Camera pulls back to see her and KEN (21) sitting on the couch, giggling. Pop music playing in the background. Ken is in a polo shirt and jeans. Elena is wearing a floral print maxi dress that hangs just below her knees.
Ken initiates a kiss and Elena kisses back. He leans in closer toward her, kissing more forcefully, but she pulls away.
ELENA
Easy there.
KEN
Sorry, I got a little excited.
He chuckles but it seems forced. Elena gives a strained smile.
KEN
Come on, I'll show you the rest of the apartment.
He stands and extends his hand to Elena. He has a casual charm about him, which is magnified by his handsomeness.
Elena smiles and takes his hand. Ken begins to walk through the apartment. Every room is immaculately maintained.
KEN
This is the powder room.
He walks diagonally across the hall to another door.
KEN
This is the study.
At the end of the hall is the door to the master bedroom, which has its own full bathroom. A king-sized bed with an upholstered headboard sits against the far wall opposite the door. Every room is immaculately maintained.
ELENA
This place is beautiful.
KEN
(Gesturing toward the bed.)
This is where the magic happens.
Elena giggles nervously.
KEN
Come on. We've been on a few dates and we're at my place — we both know what we want.
Elena turns red with embarrassment.
KEN
I'm kidding.
KEN
Let me just use the bathroom before we head out.
Elena looks around at the posh decor.
We hear running water quickly followed by the sound of the bathroom door opening.
KEN
(Off screen)
I'm ready.
Elena turns around and sees Ken as he comes into view. He's standing there stark naked.
Elena backs up in shock.
ELENA
What are you doing?!
KEN
I'm going to give you the Fox.
He walks to her trying to kiss her. Elena tries to wrestle herself free but he's stronger. As he forcibly kisses her neck, she screams out.
ELENA
STOP!
Ken pulls her toward the bed and tosses her against it, then gets on top of her.
CLOSEUP ON Elena's hands digging their nails into his biceps.
Ken smacks her hard across the face.
CAMERA PANNING AWAY FROM BEHIND KEN.
"Tonight, I'm Lovin' You" is heard in the background.
We hear a RIP.
ELENA
Please stop! Ken, stop!
FADE TO:
Elena's torn panties are on the floor near Ken's bed. She's laying flat on the bed. Her dress looks disheveled but still mostly covering her body. Her left cheek is bright red from Ken's smack.
KEN
(Off screen.)
I'm going to shower. You can use the powder room to freshen up.
As soon as she hears the shower water running, she gets up rapidly, leaving her torn panties on the floor.
CUT TO:
EXT. LAYE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
CUT TO:
INT. DORM ROOM — NIGHT
REBECCA CHANG (18) turns around from her desk chair as Elena bursts through the door. Elena is crying. Rebecca gets up to go to her. She sees the bright red left cheek.
REBECCA
Oh my God. Elena, what happened?
ELENA
I don't have my panties. I don't have my panties.
REBECCA
Elena. What happened?
ELENA
I... I had a date with Ken.
Elena starts sobbing harder.
ELENA
I need a shower.
REBECCA
NO!
Rebecca gently blocks her roommate from going toward the bathroom.
REBECCA
Elena, just breathe. You can't shower until we get a police report.
Rebecca stays calm. Elena nods her head in disagreement.
REBECCA
I'm your friend. I won't leave your side. I promise.
Rebecca holds her hand as Elena still looks shell shocked.
REBECCA
Please. I beg you to come with me.
CUT TO:
EXT. EMERGENCY ROOM — NIGHT — PRESENT
Elena is still staring blankly at the night sky. Adam is walking up behind Elena. He places his hands on his daughter's shoulders.
Elena quickly turns around, startled, and almost punches her father in the face before catching herself.
ADAM
(Backing up.)
Whoah.
ELENA
(Upset.)
Dad, don't EVER sneak up on me like that.
ADAM
I'm sorry, zemer.
A female figure approaches just past Adam's shoulder.
REBECCA (32)
(Off screen)
Elena?
ELENA
Rebecca?
FADE OUT.
