Dating.

DATING.

Written by Christopher Michael Carter

FADE IN

INT. A BAR - NIGHT

Busy. Smoky yet bright atmosphere. People dance to Top Forty hits playing on the radio.

A WOMAN - beautiful, thick, young redhead – sits at the bar, sipping her drink. Dolled up and dressed nice. She looks over.

GUY – young, average, not dressed for the surroundings – looks around him before looking back at her. He smiles – unintentionally goofy.

He stands up and walks over to her. Timid and shy, he attempts a strut.

GUY

Hi, I don’t normally do this but do you think I could get your number?

Hesitant at first, she pulls a pen from her cleavage and writes her number on a cocktail napkin and slides it over, winking.

EXT. PARK – DAY

Guy sits on a park bench with JOE – older, slobby, a contrast to Guy. Fast food bags sit between them.

JOE

(Chewing his food)

So you asked for her number, and then what?

GUY

She gave it to me, and I walked away.

JOE

She gave you the number, right after you asked for it. You didn’t buy her a drink, or stir up small talk. You got the number and left.

GUY

Yeah.

JOE

(Shaking his head)

Man…

GUY

(Sarcastic)

Love your ability to play back a scenario right after it was told to you.

JOE

Ya got balls, kid.

Guy puts his burger down, sighing and rolling his eyes.

GUY

Do I now?

JOE

Yeah. You had nothing to really help you out. You didn’t buy her a drink, give her a joke or a funny story. No real pickup line. Ballsy move.

GUY

(Sarcastic)

Well that’s me, Ballsy.

(Takes a drink of his soda)

…So you think I should have used a joke?

JOE

(Very stern)

No. Horseshit.

GUY

(Sarcasm again)

Of course not. What was I thinking?

Joe stops and looks at Guy for a moment.

JOE

What face did you use?

Guy’s caught off guard.

GUY

I’m sorry?

JOE

How did you carry yourself? What face did you use?

Guy nods, understanding.

GUY

Oh, I just kinda strutted over like this.

Guy cocks his shoulders back like a chicken, bobs his head and makes a cheeseball smile. He gets closer to Joe.

Joe SLAPS him in the face.

JOE

(Serious)

Don’t ever do that face again.

GUY

(Holding his cheek)

Bad?

JOE

(Shaking his head)

Terrible. When are you gonna call her?

GUY

Well, I already did when I got home from the bar.

JOE

(Flabbergasted)

You called her that night!? You’re not even supposed to call her!

GUY

What…?

Joe sweeps his arms out.

JOE

You don’t call.

GUY

(Shaking his head)

No call?

JOE

(Shaking his head)

No call.

GUY

(Shrugging)

Yeah but I think it went okay.

INT. SPLITSCREEN, TWO HOUSES - NIGHT

Guy - still in his clothes from earlier, excited - on the phone.

The woman’s beat – hair down and wet, no makeup, in a robe.

Guy is laser-focused while the phone rings.

She looks at the phone, confused.

WOMAN

Hello?

GUY

Hi, uh, Cherry?

CHERRY

Yes, who’s calling?

GUY

Well, you never got my name but you gave me your number at the bar earlier tonight.

CHERRY

(Towel drying her hair)

I gave my number out a lot tonight.

GUY

Ah, okay. Well I was the one that kinda just left after getting the number…?

CHERRY

(Stops drying)

Oh, the guy who didn’t buy me a drink.

GUY

(Wincing)

…Yes, that’s me. I’m so glad you remembered.

Cherry walks over to her bed.

CHERRY

I’m surprised you even called.  Guys usually don’t call; it just helps the self-esteem, the ego, getting the number.

GUY

Well of course I was gonna call. I’m…not…

Guy struggles finding his wording. He throws his arms up in confusion, grasping.

CHERRY

(Rolling her eyes)

Let me guess, you’re not like other guys.

GUY

(Mouthing silently, clenches fist)

Damn.

She yawns and waits.

GUY

Well I…

CHERRY

(Very serious)

Look, I gotta get up really early to take my kid to daycare so I’m gonna have to cut this short. I didn’t even catch your name, guy.

GUY

(Smiling)

Well it’s Guy, actually.

Cherry’s put off.

CHERRY

Your name is Guy?

GUY

(Still smiling)

Yeah.

She laughs and hangs up.

GUY

(Instantly straight-faced)

Uh, hello?

EXT. PARK - DAY

Done with their burgers, they throw their trash away. A soccer team practices behind them.

Guy steps away from Joe and faces the camera. Joe scratches himself.

GUY

(To the camera)

See that?

(Motioning to Joe)

Joe clears his throat and spits big into the trashcan. Random people pass by repulsed by him.

GUY (CONT’D)

Yeah, that. That’s my Uncle Joe.  Rough around the edges isn’t a good enough description. He was recently released from prison and found out I was going to school in the area so he decided to stop in for a few minutes to say hello… That was ten days ago.

Joe shrugs with his hands out.

JOE

Hey… We goin’?

Guy doesn’t look back.

GUY

(Frustrated)

Yeah, we’re going.

The two walk over to Guy’s car as two NUNS walk by – in full dress.

NUN 1

Oh, did you hear about Sister Shelly’s new plan to help the homeless?

Guy gives them a polite smile-and-nod. They respond kindly in return.

NUN 2

No. How does it look?

NUN 1

I really think it’s gonna work. She’s on to something…

Guy gets in the car. Joe takes notice of the Nuns.

His head nods back and he smiles crookedly.

JOE

Hey, honey! Yo, baby!

The nuns flinch a little before moving on faster.

Guy peaks his head out.

GUY

I thought we were going.

JOE

(Defeated)

Yeah, yeah.

Joe drags himself back to the passenger side with his head hung.

JOE

(To himself)

Eh…

Guy starts the car and back out.

Other people in the park are picnicking and playing Frisbee.

The car exits the park.

GUY (O.S.)

So, nuns, huh? You were in a long time.

JOE (O.S.)

(Dry)

Shut it.

CUT

END

Also read!

http://beavertownproductions.blogspot.com/2018/01/breakfast-with-brown.html
http://beavertownproductions.blogspot.com/2018/01/hot-twin-death-match.html
http://beavertownproductions.blogspot.com/2018/01/twenty-minutes-in.html

Recent Reads

I love shopping for books in thrift stores, Good Wills, what have you. Sometimes I'm on the hunt for something I've been interested in or heard about and other times I just look for something that piques my interest. My wife will hunt for books for me too, just things she thinks might be up my alley. Here's just a few recent things I've read. You might wanna check them out.

The Turn of the Screw and Other Stories by Henry James - this was a wife pick but I'd always heard about it. It's one of those 'could be a ghost story but maybe not'. It's about a governess caring for two children who seem a little off. There's a running theme of questions throughout about "are the ghosts being seen real or are the children just crazy." I gotta be honest, it was kind of a hard read. It builds mystery but doesn't really do much else. Due to its style and wording this novella seemed a hell of a lot longer than what it is. It left me thinking about it so that's always good. It's weird, it's like I enjoy what it is but not really the experience reading it. I haven't read the short stories included but I'm sure to fo so soon.

Childhood's End by Arthur C. Clarke - I had heard about this for so long. I had seen the miniseries adaptation a while back and enjoyed it but had forgotten most of it when finally reading the book. I loved the book. Just wonderful. The jumps in time were actually really fun and it makes it unpredictable. Aliens dubbed The Overlords come to Earth and slowly make it a peaceful planet. However with all conflict gone, all creativity and yearning for further knowledge is gone. The utopia for some is a hinderence to others. It takes place over a lengthy periods of time jumping decades to the next part. It left me thinking about it and smiling back thinking 'damn that's genius.' I can't wait to read more of Clarke's work.

You Will Pay by Lisa Jackson - this is another one my wife picked up for me on a recent outing. It's a mystery involving something sinister that had taken place 20 years ago at a camp, as all the counselors have to deal with the case coming to light again. I'd never heard of Jackson before but after reading You Will Pay I'm definitely interested in checking more out. It focuses on many characters, going back and forth between now and 20 years ago. It's sharply written. It takes a couple of chapters to get the hang of it because of all the moving parts but once in, you're along for the ride. Great mystery novel.

Currently I'm reading The Giver by Lois Lowry. Another one where I'd seen the movie adaptation some time ago but didn't think much of it. Only a little bit in and I'm thoroughly enjoying the book. I think it's richly textured with great world-building. It's a lot of fun but also has this great scifi technical side to it.

So there you go. What have you guys been reading? I'd love to hear some recommendations.

Let's catch up

Been working a lot, as you know because I've been spamming and bothering you all with it haha. It's been weird. It's almost like the closer I get, the further away I get, and vice versa - if that makes sense.

As everyone surely knows, writing can often be a lonely thing. You can get kinda trapped in a cycle where you inadvertently and subconsciously shut everything and everyone out. A lot of writers have weird quirks or rituals in order to do what they do. I honestly just require solitude. But in that desire for solitude and a focused nature, I end up trapped in this funk. Sometimes I'll only leave the house when I need to or speak to people when I need to - this has nothing to do with writing or the nature of a writer (I don't believe so anyway) but just my own issues.

And dealing with these issues interrupts a lot whether that be work-rlated or personal and social. It's a strange feeling that the thing you need is also the thing that could be potentially bad for you. It's a balancing act we all have to master to our own degree.

I'll write in spurts and other times I don't want to think about it. Anxiety issues go through the roof at times. I'v been trying to get into shape but my health likes to derail that when possible. I'll be doing well and seeing results and then my spine will 'act up'. Just last Saturday I woke up to find myself paralyzed from the waist down. I could neither feel my legs nor move them - redundant, I know, but I wanted to be clear. It took me a while to will them back to functional and, even after that, had a shaky unsure feeling like they might go again soon. That afternoon my wife and I went to lunch and I had to stop mid-meal because of sharp back pain. Since then my structure - mainly spine and spreading out - has felt weak and unstable. It continues to interrupt workout, walking, and of course living in general. I'm currently trying to get it all back up to strength.

All that aside, I'm hoping I can get more done and out soon. Books are still available of course and I think Last Rites of the Capacitance is finally picking up steam. I've been posting little short scripts on here and have more to put up. I hope you give them a read. I've got some different kinds of things to self publish soon. I really can't wait to get back to writing for 52 Weeks of Horror but time has been an issue as of late. Just taking on more and more without giving myself much breathing room. I had to step away from the slew of articles I was working on for them due to personal issues but they've been really wonderful and supportive. I've been using all this other work to work through those issues and I think I should be getting back to it shortly.

So yeah, it's late and I'm done rambling. I hope you have a peaceful night.

Capacitance reviews

It's slowly growing and I'm hoping more people will pick up a copy but here are a couple of reviews for Last Rites of the Capacitance.

Via Amazon:

Brenda M.

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars

December 30, 2017

Format: Kindle Edition

Change of pace and great suspense!

Via Midwest Book Review:

Critique: All the more impressive when considering that "Last Rites of the Capacitance" is novelist 
Christopher Michael Carter's debut as a science fiction writer. Blending drama, horror, and science into a 
truly riveting and original science fiction saga from first page to last, "Last Rites of the Capacitance" is 
unreservedly recommended, especially for community library Science Fiction & Fantasy collections. 
It should be noted for the personal reading lists of dedicated science fiction fans that "Last Rites of the 
Capacitance" is also available in a digital book format (Kindle, $8.99).

Breakfast With Brown

BREAKFAST WITH BROWN

Written by Christopher Michael Carter

EXT. GAS STATION - MORNING

Not too busy. Customers come and go casually.

A pickup truck’s parked at the pump.

JACK pumps gas. BROWN sits on the back of the truck. Both thirty-something males. Old friends.

INT. GAS STATION

A truck driver buys a coffee at the register and exits.

An old lady steps up next, setting a 40oz of liquor down on the counter.

The young cashier looks at her.

She smiles back, toothless.

INT. GAS STATION – ALT.

To the side of the convenience store is a dining area. Customers eat the gas station grub.

Old men drink coffee while reading the paper.

Jack & Brown sit at one of the makeshift booths.

Jack watches Brown readjust the napkin holder and the jar of sweeteners.

JACK

So, when’d you get in?

BROWN

Tuesday.

JACK

Ah, Tuesday.

Brown continues to readjust and organize.

BROWN

Good ol’ Tuesday.

A WAITRESS approaches – young, chipper.

WAITRESS

What can I get you guys today?

JACK

Scrambled eggs and a bagel.

BROWN

Just hash browns.

WAITRESS

(Smacking gum)

And to drink?

JACK

I’ll have a coke.

BROWN

You’re getting soda?

JACK

I know it’s breakfast and all but I want a soda.

The waitress watches them – pen poised, awaiting a decision.

BROWN

Ya know what soda does to your insides?

Jack and the waitress look at each other and shrug before looking back to Brown.

BROWN

No? Let me just say this – you can put a nail in a bowl of cola and it would eat it like acid within a week or so.

Brown looks back and forth at the two.

JACK

…Why would you put a nail in cola?

BROWN

It’s just the point. It’s really bad for you, you should stop.

JACK

Alright, alright. Just some coffee please.

(To Brown)

That should be okay. Hm?

BROWN

 (Rolling his eyes)

Orange juice.

                    

WAITRESS

Alrighty.

Brown reaches out and stops her.

BROWN

Oh, and please… no pulp.

She eyes him and pops her gum.

WAITRESS

I’ll see what I can do.

Waitress exits.

JACK

Not a pulp fan?

BROWN

Fuck pulp.

Jack nods and sighs slightly.

CUT

CAPTION - MOMENTS LATER.

INT/EXT. JACK’S TRUCK

Jack drives – baffled/furious. Brown’s calm and oblivious.

BROWN

Man, how rude. I can’t believe they kicked us out.

JACK

Damn it! Why can’t you just let shit go!?

BROWN

What? I said no pulp. I even said please.

JACK

You didn’t have to do THAT! You scared the hell out of that woman! Why do you have a gun, anyway?

BROWN

(Shrugs)

I need it for work.

Jack’s eyes widen and he stammers.

JACK

Work? You? You’re unemployed!

BROWN

Exactly. Can’t be too safe.

JACK

(Groans)

I don’t believe this.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET

The truck stops curbside in front of Brown’s house.

INT/EXT. JACK’S TRUCK

Brown unbuckles his seatbelt. Jack shakes his head, can’t even look at him.

BROWN

I, for one, don’t feel I was out of line. What’s the old saying about the customer being right?

JACK

Whatever, man. I’ll call you tomorrow.

BROWN

Alright, later.

Brown exits. Jack exhales exhaustedly before driving off.

CUT

END

Hot Twin Death Match

HOT TWIN DEATH MATCH

Written by Christopher Michael Carter

FADE IN

INT/EXT. CAR – DAY (CONTINUOUS)

PAQ drives while her fiancé, KIRK, is in the passenger seat.

KIRK

Well, we’re about to get married.

PAQ

You sound thrilled.

She shoots him a look, furrowed eyebrows.

KIRK

What? I am. Totally; I can’t wait to call you my wife.

PAQ

Yeah, I bet. Me and who else?

KIRK

Nobody. I’m a one woman man; you know that.

PAQ

That’s what they all say.

KIRK

Who’s “they all”?

They laugh together.

Paq watches the road. Kirk watches from the passenger side window.

PAQ

I was watching a show last night about a guy who has umpteen wives.

KIRK

(Shaking his head)

Yeah, see I don’t get that.

PAQ

I’m not even gonna comment on it. I don’t want to get to ranting and raving.

KIRK

I don’t see how it’s desirable at all. You got one person nagging at you enough about the trash and the dishes; do you really need or want four or five more of that? It’s hard to keep one person happy and off your back; imagine like an office of people to do that with. Why would you want such a hassle? And what if they’re all menstruating simultaneously? I just think it’s dumb. It’s like the threesome thing.

PAQ

Excuse me?

She shoots him another look.

KIRK

I’ve always heard that every man’s dream is a three-way.

PAQ

That what you want? ‘Cause it’s not gonna happen.

KIRK

No, I’m just saying, that’s the standard fantasy that you hear. It’s not my fantasy. I’m way too awkward for that. It’s hard enough to keep one person fully entertained and then you dream of doing it for two people? No. To me it’s like the multiple wives concept. They think it sounds like this grand thing but in reality it’s just a lot of work and who needs that?

PAQ

Spoken like a true man.

KIRK

Hey, you said yes to my proposal.

PAQ

(Rolling her eyes)

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Silence. Kirk thinks to himself, knocking on the dashboard.

KIRK

You know what I want to do?

PAQ

I can only imagine.

KIRK

Well, you’re the hottest woman in the world to me.

PAQ

And you’re blind.

KIRK

So I’d like to clone you and have a threesome with both of you.

Her eyes widen briefly as she takes it in.

PAQ

I don’t know about that.

KIRK

Hell yeah. That would be hot.

PAQ

Nah, it wouldn’t work.

KIRK

How?

PAQ

Her and I would be too busy fighting for you to enjoy any of it.

KIRK

Fighting? How do you figure?

PAQ

I may or may not be a jealous person.

KIRK

Let’s go with “may”. Definitely jealous.

PAQ

Whatever. I’m just saying I’m perhaps a little jealous and if there happened to be two of me that could be a problem. The whole time I’m looking at her thinking how I want to stab her eyes out and she’s going to be looking at me wanting to slit my throat. The moment you touch her I’m going to go berserk on both of you and then when I touch you she’ll be coming at me. You won’t get any because we’ll be fighting the whole time.

KIRK

Hot twin death match. Nice.

PAQ

No, not nice. Neither of us will really be paying attention to you and there’ll be blood everywhere. Yet…at the same time we’d both have to keep an eye on you, making sure you’re not looking at the other. And you’d sit back because you don’t want to get caught in the flurry… You’ll get no action.

Kirk’s expression – saddened, borderline freaked out.

KIRK

No action…

PAQ

See? Bad idea.

KIRK

Yeah, let’s go ahead and skip the cloning idea.

Paq leans her ear towards him.

PAQ

And?

KIRK

(Nodding)

And the three-way idea altogether.

PAQ

That’s right.

(Smiles)

I love you, baby.

KIRK

Love you too…

She places her hand on his lap. He jumps slightly.

KIRK

Just don’t hurt me.

She laughs. He puts his hand on hers and they continue down the road.

FADE OUT

END