by Katie Ryan

Created on: August 05, 2009

1956

INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY
A college-town cafe is crowded by groups of students. Some groups are more intimate than others and limited to two beatniks hunched over in deep discussion.
Other parties scream at each other across several tables, trying to get their points across.
A small jazz band plays in the corner, providing the background for all arguments.

Two men enter the cafe. CHARLIE is small but with a sturdy build. He tends to overreact and wear his emotions on his sleeve. Often Charlie lashes out to compensate for his small stature.
His friend, WINIFRED, is taller but slouches slightly to blend in with the crowd. Unlike Charlie, he is more pensive and emotionally reserved.
They sit at a table somewhat secluded from the rest of the commotion.
A WAITRESS takes their order.
CHARLIE
Two espressos, please.
They sit without speaking until their drinks arrive.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Thanks.
Charlie takes a sip. Winifred says nothing.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Say, did you finish that term paper for Wilson?
WINIFRED
Yeah.
CHARLIE
No kidding? Huh...
Perplexity washes over Charlie's face.

You know what I can't stand about that guy?
Winifred sips his espresso.
WINIFRED
What?
CHARLIE
He's so goddamn self-important. Like organic chemistry is really something we should be pissing ourselves over.
WINIFRED
So you didn't finish your paper?
CHARLIE
Hell no. I'm nobody's kiss-ass.
Silence ensues.
WINIFRED
Well I guess that's alright.
CHARLIE
What do ya mean? Of course it's alright. Someone's gotta stick it to the man.
WINIFRED
Sure, but-
CHARLIE
But what? If I didn't, who would?
WINIFRED
I don't know.
CHARLIE
That's right. Cause no one would.
Charlie takes a sip.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
No one has the balls, Winifred. Have you noticed that? No one has the balls to stand up for what they believe in.
WINIFRED
What do you believe in, Charlie?
CHARLIE
What do I believe in? Boy! I believe in a lot of things, Winifred. So many things you wouldn't even understand. So many things this whole goddamn country doesn't even understand. So what I've got to do is stick up for myself, you see? No one's gonna do me any favors. I understand that much.
The pair avoid looking at each other and Charlie picks up on the silence he's perpetuated.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)
Hey, do you remember back in high school when we flushed that toad down the toilet and it clogged the whole sewage system?
WINIFRED
Hah, yeah, won't be forgetting that one.
CHARLIE
Ha-ha! Who would? Caused a freaking riot.
Winifred dazes off at the frenzy encircling them.
CHARLIE (CONT'D)

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