Twisted Peel

Excerpt—Photographic Help

In the previous scene Pete had just played a set at the jazz club and had the ladies fawning over him when another piano player out said him and took all his admirers away.

scene 2

INT. – pete’s bedroom - night

Pete is lying awake in his bed completely alone. a couple in the next room are having wild, unbridled sex. Pete tries in vain to block out the sound by covering his ears with his hands and then the pillow. in the end he simply accepts it and lies still.

The couple continue for a few more loud moments. pete hears the girl come and He sighs.

a few moments later the lights flick on. John, wearing just a towel, walks in holding a photograph. He sits down on the bed and flicks the photo to Pete.

John

Here you go.

Pete

What is it?

John

I thought you might like it. You can’t see my face so it shouldn’t get weird for you.

Pete looks at the photo then looks up at john incredulously.

Pete

This is for me?

John

Yeah, well after what happened tonight I thought you could use some fresh material?

Pete

You’re giving me a Polaroid of you and a girl doing doggy style?

John

That’s actually called ‘The Wheelbarrow’. It took some balance holding the camera.

Pete

A girl who is at this moment most likely cleaning herself up in our bathroom.

John

Probably. She’s Venezuelan. Nice skin. No reason you shouldn’t go for it.

Pete

What, just pop next door?

John

No, that’s why I got you the photo.

Pete

You realise I’m conflicted here. I know you mean well.

Pete flicks the photo back down on the bed. Pete is no happier.

John

You’ll be ok.

Pete

I’m fine. I’m on the edge here.

John

Try the photo.

Pete

Forget about the photo. I don’t like the photo, but do I appreciate the dexterity involved.

John puts a reassuring hand on Pete’s leg.

John

It is good music. Really good.

Pete

It’s ok.

John

A bit dark, but it’s nice.

Pete

Nice?

John

Look, you can’t let one show-stopping pop song get the better of you. And trust me, without the constant nagging of all those girls you can actually get a lot of things done. 

Pete

John, the inescapable loneliness tears away at my soul each and every day like a slavering pack of wolves. But sure, I can get terrific focus.

John

Yeah, all that freedom with no responsibility. You lucky bastard.

Pete looks pained.

John

I mean, Alexis is already talking about me meeting her folks.

Pete

All the way in Venezuela?

John

Hammersmith.

Pete takes a deep breath.

Pete

You want to know something? Last week at work I found myself lying on the floor of my cubicle saying to myself: “life makes living so hard.” And for a moment I congratulated myself for being so witty and self-deprecating. How fucked up is that?

John

Pretty much, yeah.

They sit in silent contemplation for a few moments.

John

(serious)

I’m going to go and have sex again now.

John picks up the photo and starts to leave the room. He hesitates about leaving the photo. FInally, he then places it on the edge of the bed and QUIETLY leaves the room.