written by
Elizabeth Hunter

directed by
Rose Troche

INT. - S&M DUNGEON - DAY

[The room is dark, save for a red light overhead. The room is filled with various implements of torture. A woman - the slave - is chained, bound, and gagged against an X-shaped cross. Her mistress, Aimee, stands nearby with a whip.]

Aimee: Beg me.

[The slave moans.]

Aimee: Speak more clearly; I can't understand you!

[Aimee whips the slave across the stomach. The slave grunts loudly; she's whipped again. Aimee takes the gag from her mouth and kisses her. The slave moans. Aimee rubs her crotch with the hilt of the whip. The slave moans louder.]

Slave: (gasping) Fuck me! Please fuck me.

[Aimee puts the gag back in the slave's mouth.]

Aimee: I'm gonna give you a minute to think about how badly you want me to fuck you.

[Aimee grabs her jacket and walks out.]

EXT. - S&M DUNGEON - DAY

[Aimee steps outside into the sunlight.]

[Title card: Los Angeles, California, present day]

[She walks off. The sign on the door reads "PRIDE 2005 Celebrate Your Diversity"]

[Opening credits.]

INT. - HOSPITAL - DAY

[An elevator opens. Several people get out, including Tina. She's carrying a display of flowers. She walks down the hall, looking around.]

OUTSIDE MELVIN'S ROOM -

[Bette is in the hallway, talking to Melvin's doctor. She's still wearing the dress from the community service dinner.]

Doctor: I don't know what else to tell you.

Bette: Couldn't you try to convince him?

Doctor: I've spoken to your father's physician in Philadelphia. He tells me your father is adamant. I think that -

[The doctor's pager beeps.]

Doctor: - he's very aware that it would be an uphill battle with little hope of recovery. I'm sorry.

[The doctor walks off. Bette looks devastated. Tina walks up and touches her arm.]

Tina: Hey.

[Bette turns to her. She smiles sadly.]

Tina: How is he?

Bette: (voice wavering) He has advanced prostate cancer, and he's refusing any treatment.

Tina: Oh, my God.

[Tina hugs Bette. Bette cries.]

Tina: I'm so sorry. I'm so, so sorry. Look, it's going to be all right, okay? It's okay. We're going to get through this. (pulls back) Where's Kit?

Bette: (crying) She's in the - she's in the room, but she has to leave to go to The Planet to get ready for tomorrow.

Tina: Oh, I forgot tomorrow's the parade.

Bette: She thinks he's right to refuse treatment.

Kit: Well, maybe she's just trying to support his decision.

Bette: That's it - he just - he cannot make a decision right now. I mean, you should see him. He's not himself. He's so sick.

Tina: Come on.

[Tina takes Bette's hand and leads her to Melvin's room.]

MELVIN'S ROOM -

[Kit is helping Melvin walk to his bed. Bette and Tina enter.]

Kit: There you go. (to Bette/Tina) Hey. (to Melvin) Easy, easy. Easy, easy. Okay, okay.

[Melvin sits on the edge of the bed. Kit helps support him as he lays back.]

Bette: Let me help with the feet.

Kit: C'mon.

[Kit and Bette help get Melvin back in bed.]

Tina: (smiling) Hello, Melvin.

Melvin: Take those home. You can put flowers on my grave.

Bette: Aren't you going to say hello to Tina, daddy?

[Melvin doesn't look at Tina.]

Melvin: Hello, Ms. Kennard.

[Bette and Kit look at each other.]

Tina: How are you feeling?

Melvin: How do you think I'm feeling?

Bette: (smiling) Daddy, did you see how pregnant Tina is?

Tina: (to Melvin) Would you like to feel the baby?

Melvin: That would be highly... inappropriate.

[Bette stops. She looks frustrated. Tina looks at her. Melvin stares out the window.]

INT. - JENNY AND SHANE'S HOUSE - SHANE'S ROOM - DAY

[Shane sits and watches Mark's documentary.]

Carmen: (tape) Hi. Me right here. (clears throat) I... would make out with -

[Shane fast-forwards.]

Carmen: (tape) - they can sometimes be a little sexy.

Shane: (tape) They're not scary, they're just stupid.

Carmen: (tape) That's right, and stupid, Shane -

[Shane fast-forwards.]

DINING TABLE -

[Jenny is crying silently and cutting herself out of old family photos.]

Mark: (tape) Let me ask you this question: What... are you looking for... in a woman?

Shane: (tape) What are you looking for?

[Jenny takes the cut-out photo of her younger self, and sets it on a very terrifying pencil rendering of a clown with its jaws open wide. It has huge, pointed teeth. There's an opening in the paper where the mouth is. Jenny pushes the photo of her younger self through the opening so that it disappears.]

[Jenny then takes cut-out photos of a middle-aged man and woman, both in Orthodox Jewish dress, and puts them in another pencil rendering of another dark and gloomy scene. This scene is of a carnival at night, with a Ferris wheel looming in the distance. There's a large tent in the foreground. The tent is lit inside; there's a long table set with food. Jenny puts the couple in the tent, by the table. She begins to whisper the Sabbath blessing, in Hebrew.]

Jenny: (whispering) Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu Melech ha'olam. Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu Melech ha'olam. (Blessed are you oh Lord, our God, King of the universe)

[Jenny removes the couple from the tent. Footsteps are heard approaching.]

Jenny: (whispering) Baruch atah Adonai...

[She pushes the photo of herself into the open center of a drawing of a black body of water, ripples fanning out from the middle.]

Jenny: (whispering) ... eloheinu ha'olam...

[Jenny rocks back and forth, completely lost in the moment.]

Jenny: (whispering) ... borei pri hagafen. (who creates the fruit of the vine)

Shane: Jen?

[Jenny stops. She looks up, wipes her tears and smiles.]

Jenny: Hi.

[Shane leans against the doorway, watching her, looking a little worried.]

Shane: What are you doing?

[Jenny looks at the table and starts to clean up the photos and drawings.]

Jenny: Um... I just keep on having... these nightmares, and... I'm just trying to work it all out.

Shane: Well, um... can we talk for a second?

Jenny: (nodding) Yeah.

[After a moment, Jenny looks at Shane.]

Shane: This is my home, Jenny. And... I don't know, it's... for the first time, I... I actually have a room of my own. That's a huge thing for me. And I'm sorry... I am, I am sorry about what you saw on that tape. But... I like living with you. I love it. I think we have a great time.

[Jenny smiles.]

Shane: Alright? It's just - I don't... I just don't want to lose it.

Jenny: (quietly) Yeah.

[They stare at each other a few moments.]

Jenny: What are you going to do about Carmen?

[Shane looks at the floor, and shakes her head.]

Shane: Nothin'.

Jenny: I think the two of you should be together.

Shane: What about you?

Jenny: I think, uh... I think that it was a very important step for me, and now... I'm on to other things.

Shane: Is that why you're pushing me and Carmen together?

Jenny: No. Because you're great together.

Shane: I wanna show you something.

[Jenny follows Shane.]

SHANE'S ROOM -

[Shane and Jenny watch Mark's documentary. On the tape, Shane sits at the kitchen table eating with a spoon.]

Shane: (tape) I'm looking for a good time.

Mark: (tape) Come on. Really?

Shane: (tape) Yeah. Why do you ask as if I'm not?

Mark: (tape) Because I want you to be truthful.

Shane: (tape) I am.

Mark: (tape) 'Kay.

[On the tape, Shane pokes the camera lens with her spoon. The scene changes: It is now black-and-white, and Shane lays on her bed, holding a lit match. She pinches the flame between her fingers, snuffing it out. She scrunches up her face as smoke rises from her fingertips.]

Shane: (tape) What are you looking for?

[On the tape, Shane and a woman are making out on the bed. Shane seems disconnected, staring blankly at the ceiling as the woman kisses her.]

Mark: (tape) Mark here, answering the question, "What are you looking for in a woman?" A little love. Happiness.

Shane: (tape) And a little Al Green.

Mark: (tape) (chuckles) Most definitely a little Al Green. No, really.

Shane: (tape) What?

Mark: (tape) What are you looking for?

[The tape ends. Jenny takes Shane's hand in hers and kisses it.]

Jenny: You're not scary.

[Shane looks down.]

Jenny: And Carmen is not going to get herself involved with something that she can't handle, okay?

[Shane looks at her and nods. Shane pulls Jenny to her. Jenny leans on her and they share a loving but sad embrace.]

INT. - ALICE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

[Old-timey tango music plays. We hear soft moaning and kissing as we pan up to the couch. Alice sits in Dana's lap, one leg thrown over Dana's shoulder. They're having sex. Dana is dressed in a buttoned-up shirt and tie, sweater, and glasses, with her hair pulled back. Alice is dressed in a little black-and-white maid's uniform. They kiss.]

Alice: I love you.

Dana: Camille, I told you not to fall in love with me.

Alice: N - no. This is me talking. I love you, Dana.

[Dana looks at Alice. She opens her mouth to speak, but the doorbell rings.]

Dana: Who is that?

Alice: I don't know.

MOMENTS LATER, HALLWAY -

[Alice looks through the peephole in the door.]

Alice: It's Howie.

Dana: (whispering) What?!

[Dana looks through the peephole. We see Howie standing outside Alice's door, waiting patiently for them to answer.]

Dana: (whispering) What's he doing here?

Howie: (leaning toward door) Hey. Hey, is that you guys?

[Alice and Dana make huge eyes at each other. The doorbell rings. Immediately, Alice and Dana start to try to get out of their costumes. Alice buttons up her blouse and Dana takes off her tie.]

Howie: (muffled through door) I can hear you...

[Howie bangs on the door. Dana gives her tie to Alice.]

Dana: Just take this.

Alice: Okay.

[Dana opens the door.]

Howie: Hey!

Dana: (surprised) Howie!

Howie: Big sis!

Dana: Hah!

Howie: Good to see you!

[They hug.]

Howie: (hugging) Ohh!

Dana: Yeah!

[Howie grins at Alice in her uniform. Alice is dusting the bookshelf in the hallway with Dana's tie.]

Howie: Oh, Alice... nice outfit.

Alice: Yeah, I'm cleaning.

Dana: How'd you, uh, find me, Howe?

[Howie picks up the suitcase he brought with him and walks in.]

Howie: Oh, pffpt! Are you kidding? Mom and dad love to talk about how you, uh... gave up your bright future with Tonya for a dead-end relationship with her. (snickers)

[Howie chuckles and heads into the living room. Alice stares after him, slack-jawed.]

Dana: (to Alice) Sorry.

INT. - THE PLANET - DAY

[Tina and Helena are finishing their food.]

Helena: You seem far away.

[Tina does. As she speaks, it seems like her mind is elsewhere.]

Tina: I'm not. I'm just thinking about Melvin.

Helena: Mm. (nodding) I thought that might be the case.

Tina: I don't know what Bette's going to do without him.

Helena: You know... (sighs) Tina... I don't mean to sound harsh, but that's not really any of your concern anymore. Is it?

Tina: (a little confused) Bette's still my family.

Helena: Yes. (sighs) I'm reminded of that often enough.

Server: Can I take your plates?

Tina: Mm. Sure.

[The server takes their plates.]

Helena: And, um, can we see the dessert menu, please?

Server: I'll bring it right over.

[The server walks off. Tina hesitates a small moment, then looks at Helena.]

Tina: I want to see other people.

Helena: (smiles, a little miffed) You mean you want to see Bette.

[Tina looks away, but she doesn't seem upset.]

Helena: Tina, it's fine. It's not as if... we're exclusive. You haven't dropped a bombshell. I mean... I just... feel bad that you were under the impression things were otherwise.

[The server brings the dessert menu.]

Server: Here you go.

Helena: Thank you.

[Tina smiles a little sadly as she watches Helena pretend she's okay.]

INT. - ALICE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

[Howie is unpacking his suitcase on Alice's couch. Alice and Dana stand nearby.]

Dana: Did you run away?

Howie: No, no, Mom and Dad were just way up in my grill, so... I needed some space.

Alice: So you came here?

Howie: Well, yeah, I thought it would be fun to surprise you guys.

Dana: Calling's fun, too.

Alice: Or an email's fun.

Howie: What, are you guys not happy to see me?

Dana: No, it's not - it's not that at all. It's just, you know... (motioning to suitcase) how long are you staying, Howie?

Howie: Well -

Alice: 'Cause it's Gay Pride weekend, and we're kind of all up in that "out and proud" thing.

Howie: Oh, okay, well, uh... well, maybe I'll go with you, then.

Dana: Howie... how do I put this? Um...

Alice: Gay Pride, Howie, is for gay people.

Dana: Yes. Yeah. Okay, see...

[Dana walks over to Alice and puts her arm around her.]

Dana: Come here. (motioning to her and Alice) Gay.

Alice: Yeah.

Dana: (motioning to Howie) Not gay.

Howie: (chuckling) Right. Right.

[Dana smiles.]

INT. - JENNY AND SHANE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - NIGHT

[Jenny and Shane are at the counter, chopping up vegetables for salad. The back door is open. We can hear crickets outside and dogs barking in the distance.]

Shane: You want to come to Pride with me tomorrow?

Jenny: Yeah.

Shane: There's a party at The Planet afterwards.

[Mark comes to the back door and knocks.]

Mark: May I come in?

[Shane and Jenny turn around, none too happy to see him.]

Mark: Sorry. I was just wondering if it would be alright if I... if I just stayed here tonight and left first thing in the morning. I've almost got all the stuff in my car, but I just don't want to leave... my car full of shit while I unpack at night.

Jenny: Yeah, someone might steal your cameras.

Mark: I know that you hate me...

[Jenny looks away and raises a brow, as if hate isn't strong enough a word. Shane stares Mark down.]

Mark: And... while I would love to ask for your forgiveness... I probably wouldn't forgive myself, so... I don't know if you can... relate to this, but... it's like this... terrible thing that I was doing... suddenly became the best, truest thing that I had ever done.

Jenny: What?

[Shane looks a little torn.]

Mark: I'll get - I'll get the rest of my boxes. Sorry.

[Mark leaves. Shane goes after him.]

Shane: Hey. You can stay tonight.

[Jenny scrunches up her face.]

Mark: Thank you.

[Shane goes back in and goes back to cutting vegetables. Jenny looks at her.]

INT. - HOSPITAL - MELVIN'S ROOM - NIGHT

[Bette is reading Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn to her father.]

Bette: (reading) "Well, I was getting to feel that way myself, though I've always reckoned that looking at the new moon over your left shoulder is one of the carelessest and foolishest things a body could do. Old Hank Bunker done it once -"

[There's a knock at the door. Bette looks up. Tina comes in, carrying a duffle bag and a paper bag.]

Tina: Hi. (a beat) Hello, Melvin.

Melvin: Hello.

[Bette gets up and goes to her.]

Bette: Hey.

Tina: Hey. I brought you some food and a change of clothes.

Bette: Oh... thank you so much. As nice as it is, I don't know how much longer I could've worn this dress.

[Bette puts the things down in her chair and goes back to stand with her.]

Tina: Well, you look beautiful in it.

Bette: You looked beautiful. Radiant.

[Tina blushes and scoffs a little, playfully. Melvin pushes his nurse-call button. It dings.]

Tina: (to Bette) I was so mad at you for leaving the ceremony. I thought you did it to spite me.

Bette: No. No. I was so proud of you. You looked so confident.

[The nurse enters the room and goes to Melvin.]

Melvin: Would you please close that curtain?

Nurse: Of course.

[The nurse draws the privacy curtain around his bed, effectively blocking Bette and Tina from his view. Bette looks down, a little ashamed at her father's behavior. Tina seems uncomfortable.]

Tina: Well, I should go home -

Bette: Well, thank you for the food and the clothes.

[Tina nods. There's an awkward moment of silence.]

Bette: Will I see you tomorrow?

Tina: Um... I'm gonna go to the parade with Helena.

[Bette gives a forced smile, but she's hurt.]

Bette: Oh.

Tina: Look, I'm not going to stop seeing her. If you don't want to see me under those circumstances, I understand. One step at a time, okay?

Bette: Okay.

[Tina kisses Bette's cheek and leaves. Bette pushes back Melvin's privacy curtains and moves the items from her chair.]

Bette: She's gone now. You don't have to hide anymore.

Melvin: What have I done?

Bette: (irritated) What are talking about?

[Bette sits and starts to take off her earrings and fake eyelashes.]

Melvin: I've loved you. I have supported every endeavor you've ever undertaken. I've given you every opportunity to follow your every dream. I don't understand why you want to punish me.

Bette: I'm not punishing you.

Melvin: I do not understand. And you're such a beautiful woman.

Bette: (rolling eyes) Daddy.

Melvin: Don't you ever think about the day you're going to stand under judgment before God? What are you going to say to him when he opens the Book of Life and reads your sins?

Bette: I will say, "I am your creation, and I am proud."

[Bette is angry. Melvin pouts and turns away. Bette gathers her things and walks to the door, yanking the privacy curtains closed again.]

INT. - JENNY AND SHANE'S HOUSE - SHANE'S ROOM - NIGHT

[Shane reclines on her bed, watching one of Mark's tapes. She's crying.]

Carmen: (tape) "Now, I know how hard you work to distance yourself from everyone else on this planet, and I am sure that deep down, you've got some great reasons why, but it's not working for you anymore."

Shane: (tape) "It's working fine."

Carmen: (tape) "No, it's not. It's not, because of this."

[On the tape, Carmen puts her hand on Shane's heart, and Shane's hand on hers.]

Carmen: (tape) "Okay? Because of this right here. Do you feel this? Most people don't have this, Shane. This is rare. This kind of thing just doesn't happen, and I feel this because I see it and I know it."

INT. - ALICE'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

[Dana walks in, carrying pillows and blankets. Howie is in his underwear, getting ready to sleep on the couch.]

Dana: Uh, here's some sheets, and...

Howie: Wow, thank you.

Dana: Pillows and things. Uh, you need PJs?

Howie: Uh, no, I'm good.

Dana: Mm-hmm, mm-hmm.

Howie: Yeah.

Dana: Okay.

[Dana smiles warmly at her brother.]

Dana: I'm happy you're here.

Howie: It's good to see you too, Dane.

Dana: Alright.

[Dana heads to bed.]

Dana: Good night.

Howie: Good night.

INT. - ALICE'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

[Alice turns the light off in the bathroom and gets in bed. Dana enters, and follows her.]

Alice: He's going to ruin our Pride.

Dana: Maybe he can hang out with you.

Alice: What? What - where are you going to be?

Dana: I sort of got asked to be on the Gay and Lesbian Center float.

Alice: Oh. Were you going to tell me that?

Dana: Well, yes. Yes?

Alice: Great.

[Alice turns over away from Dana.]

Dana: Al...

[Dana scoots up to her.]

Dana: Be with me. No, seriously... be with me on the float. I mean, you're a celebrity, and (smiling) you're Alice Pieszecki of The Chart, Pieszecki!

[Dana kisses Alice's shoulder.]

Alice: Really? (turning to Dana) Be on the float? Well, do you think... would they want that, or... ?

Dana: Yeah. Come be with me on the float. Come on, let's be known and gay together.

[Dana kisses Alice's arm.]

Alice: That sounds kind of fun.

Dana: Yeah?

Alice: Well, alright. Well, what about Howie?

Dana: Um, we'll leave before he gets up.

Alice: Oh, my God, I love the way you think.

[Alice puts her arms around Dana. They giggle. Alice looks serious for a moment.]

Alice: I love you.

[They kiss.]

Dana: I'm going to set the alarm, okay?

Alice: Yeah.

Dana: Okay.

[Dana rolls over and sets the alarm. Alice looks sad.]

INT. - JENNY AND SHANE'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - MORNING

[Birds are chirping outside. A lawn mower is heard somewhere in the distance. Shane is pouring herself a cup of coffee. Jenny walks in.]

Jenny: Morning.

Shane: You want one?

Jenny: Sure.

[Jenny peers out the window at the garage.]

Shane: He's not there.

Jenny: Did he leave?

Shane: I don't know.

[A car is heard approaching. Shane hands Jenny a cup of coffee.]

Jenny: Thank you.

[A car door opens, shuts. We see Mark walk up to the back of the house.]

Shane: We should get to the parade early.

[Jenny sits at the kitchen table with her notebook and pen.]

Jenny: Yeah? Is it going to be really big?

[Mark knocks at the back door.]

Shane: Probably.

[Shane opens the door. Mark stands there, bearing a tray full of breakfast items.]

Mark: Hey.

Shane: Hey.

Mark: I brought coffee, and, uh... those little organic scone things you guys like. (smiling) I'm fucking lost, man. Can you just take this, please?

[Shane takes the items.]

Mark: Um... (whispering) can I talk to Jenny?

Shane: You've got to ask her, not me.

Mark: (whispering) Now?

[Shane turns and walks to the kitchen counter. Mark sees Jenny sitting at the table.]

Mark: Could I talk to you?

Jenny: Yeah.

[Mark steps in and sits at the table.]

Mark: I wish so much that there was something I could do.

Jenny: No, I don't think there's anything that you can do. I think you did it.

Mark: When I moved in here, I was the type of guy who was capable of doing shit like this, but I am not that guy anymore. I know that I've said it before, but you and Shane have made me a better man.

Jenny: Oh, fuck off, Mark. It's not my job to make you a better man, and I don't give a shit if I've made you a better man. It's not a fucking woman's job to be consumed and invaded and spat out so that some fucking man can evolve.

Mark: That's not what I meant.

Jenny: What the fuck are you talking about, then, Mark? You give me one reason why you think that I should forgive you.

Mark: Because, Jenny, I made a big, big mistake. But from that, I have learned how difficult it is to be a woman.

Jenny: (scoffing) Please.

[Jenny tosses her notebook on the table, gets up, and walks through the living room. Mark jumps up and goes after her.]

Mark: Wait, Jenny! Hey!

[Jenny stops and turns. Mark takes off his sweater.]

Mark: Hey. Look at this.

[Mark whips off his t-shirt, then immediately unzips his pants and pushes them down. He pulls his boxers down.]

Jenny: What are you doing?

[Mark kicks his clothes off and stands there, completely naked.]

Mark: Is this what you want?

Jenny: No.

[Jenny angrily hurls her ink pen at him. He recoils when it hits him.]

Jenny: What I want is for you to write "fuck me" on your chest.

[Mark covers himself with his hands. He stares at the floor.]

Jenny: (shouting) Write it! Do it! And then I want you to walk out that door, and I want you to walk down the street, and anybody that wants to fuck you, say, "Sure, sure, no problem." And when they do, you have to say, "Thank you very, very much," and make sure that you have a smile on your face, and then, you stupid fucking coward, you're going to know what it feels like to be a woman!

[Jenny heads into her bedroom and slams the door. Mark stands there naked and stunned, then starts to pull his clothes back on. Shane walks in and stops in her tracks when she sees him. Mark looks completely embarrassed and turns away a little, hurrying to dress.]

Mark: Shane, I'm just...

[Shane looks disgusted. She rolls her eyes, sighs, and goes back into her room.]

EXT. - L.A. STREETS - GAY PRIDE PARADE - DAY

[Dance music plays as we see various shots of people queuing up and enjoying the festivities during the parade. Rainbow flags and balloons are tied to everything. Thousands of people cheer and watch from the sidewalks and street curbs as hundreds of paraders and marchers go by.]

[Alice and Dana walk through a small sea of floats that have yet to take to the parade route. Howie follows them, watching and enjoying everything around him.]

Dana: I don't know. He must have heard our alarm this morning. There's no reason why he'd be up so early.

[The Gay and Lesbian Center float organizer walks up as they near the float.]

Float organizer: Dana Fairbanks? (to people on float) Hey, guys, it's Dana Fairbanks. She's here!

Dana: (smiling) Hi!

[The organizer sees Alice and Howie.]

Float organizer: Oh, I'm sorry, can I get your names?

Alice: Um, yeah, Alice Pieszecki.

[The organizer checks her clipboard.]

Float organizer: Could you spell that, please?

Alice: Uh, P-I- I'm not on that list, I'm...

Dana: (hugging Alice) She's - this is my girlfriend.

Alice: Yeah, we're together.

Dana: Yeah, Alice Pieszecki of The Chart, KCRW?

[The organizer seems to draw a blank.]

Dana: Okay, anyway, this is my brother, and I thought they could be on the float with me.

Float organizer: Oh, I'm really sorry, Dana. Only the people whose names are on this list get to go on the float. They can watch you from the crowd. That'll be fun for them!

[Dana and the organizer head for the float.]

Alice: Well, it's not like it's the HRC or the GLAAD float or anything, anyway.

Float organizer: What?

Alice: You heard me.

Dana: Alice.

Float organizer: Dana, if you'd like to ride on the float, we'd be happy to have you... alone.

Dana: I'm sorry, you guys.

Alice: Uh-huh.

Dana: I'll see you after.

Alice: Yeah.

Dana: Sorry.

[Dana and the organizer head for the float.]

Alice: Oh. Sweet of her.

[Alice and Howie walk off. Dana gets on the float and smiles and waves at everybody.]

Howie: People really love her, huh?

Alice: Yeah...

[A guy walks past and checks out Howie.]

Alice: Alright, keep it moving, he's straight. Come on. (to Howie) I'm sorry. It's a little bit of a meat market. Are you okay?

Howie: I'm good, yeah.

[Shane and Jenny run through the crowd, up to Alice and Howie.]

Shane: Al, come with me.

Alice: What?

Shane: Well she won't come with me, so you have to do it.

Jenny: Because Shane wants me to ride with her and the motorcycle lesbians.

Alice: The Dykes on Bikes, and you're not going?

Jenny: No, I want to be an observer.

Alice: Oh, I so want to go, yeah, um... Howie. What about Howie?

Howie: Yeah, I'll be fine.

Jenny: I'll look after him.

Shane: You're okay? You're good? You're good?

Howie: I'm good.

Alice: Oh, cool. 'Kay.

[Shane drags Alice off in another direction.]

Jenny: (to Howie) Hi.

Howie: Hey, I'm Howie.

Jenny: I'm Jenny. Nice to meet you.

[They shake hands.]

Jenny: Want to walk around?

Howie: Yeah, sure.

Jenny: Okay.

ELSEWHERE -

[Alice goes to Dana's float, to tell Dana where she's going. The float organizer is busy writing something on her clipboard.]

Alice: (to Dana) I'm going to go with the Dykes on Bikes, so, uh...

Dana: Okay, well I'll see you later.

Alice: (to organizer) You can write that on your clipboard.

[Alice thumps the clipboard so that it sails up and pops the organizer in the nose.]

Alice: Ooh! Heh.

[Alice runs away.]

Dana: See ya!

[Alice and Shane run off.]

Alice: Um, Shane...

Shane: What?

Alice: Um...

[Alice stops and faces Shane.]

Alice: I told Dana I loved her. Twice.

Shane: That's good.

Alice: Yeah, but she didn't say anything back, and, um... that's bad, right?

[Shane is distracted by something in the distance over Alice's shoulder. Alice turns. Several feet away, Carmen stands in the back of a pickup truck, helping others prepare for the parade.]

Alice: (turning back to Shane) Okay, why am I even talking to you about love? Serious.

Shane: Look, at least I can see she loves you.

Alice: You can?

Shane: Yeah. You can't? Come on.

[Shane grabs Alice's hand and they head off.]

ELSEWHERE -

[Legions of gathered women - Dykes on Bikes - mount their motorcycles and throttle the engines. Shane and Alice find a couple of bikes without passengers yet and get on. They giggle and laugh at each other.]

LATER -

[Scores of the Dykes On Bikes cruise slowly down an L.A. boulevard. Hundreds of people line the sidewalks to wave at them as they pass.]

[The bikes carrying Alice and Shane pass Jenny. Alice and Shane hoot and clap.]

Jenny: (laughing) Oh, my God. Shane!

[Jenny walks down the street, laughing and watching the dozens of roaring motorcycles go past.]

LATER -

[Gay marriage floats go past, carrying men embracing and making 'thumbs-up' signs.]

ELSEWHERE -

[A float laden with big rainbow flags goes past.]

ELSEWHERE -

[The Bud Light float passes, carrying scantily-clad guys dancing next to giant beer bottles.]

ELSEWHERE -

[The Leather Pride float passes, covered in blue, white, and black balloons. Men wave to the parade-watchers.]

ELSEWHERE -

[The Hollywood Fantasy Tours trolley bus goes by. A drag queen dressed like Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz goes by, waving at the crowds.]

ELSEWHERE -

[Men and women in cowboy boots and cowboy hats march down the street, proudly carrying state flags.]

ELSEWHERE -

[The rainbow-flag-laden float goes past.]

ELSEWHERE -

[A drag queen wears a dress with a sash that reads "NO WAR".]

ELSEWHERE -

[Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, dressed in wedding gowns and wearing their trademark white face paint, walk down the street.]

ELSEWHERE -

[Men in red briefs and red top hats dance on a float.]

ELSEWHERE -

[The Gay and Lesbian Center float passes, with throngs of people marching alongside. A sign posted to it reads, "We all deserve the freedom to marry". Dana shouts something at Jenny, motioning that she should get on the float with her. Jenny watches her pass with a big smile. Dana makes a peace sign with her fingers and waves to the crowds.]

ELSEWHERE -

[Helena and Tina are walking down the crowded sidewalks when they see Dana's float pass.]

Helena: Hi, Dana!

Tina: Hi, Dana!

[Dana waves excitedly from the float as it passes. Helena and Tina continue.]

Helena: I have a secret!

Tina: What?

Helena: I've never actually attended a Pride parade before. I mean, I've had parties around it, I've rented rooftops with amazing views of it, but I've never actually been in it.

Tina: Well, welcome. We're happy to have you.

[They hug. Tina gives Helena a kiss.]

Helena: Thank you... and how about you?

Tina: Oh, this is... my seventh.

Helena: Such a political being you are, fighting for gay rights.

Tina: (chuckling) No, not really. Bette and I used to come every year. It was just an excuse to have a margarita before three o'clock.

[More floats go past. The people around them shout and wave.]

Helena: Do you miss that?

Tina: I like being here with you. Seeing it through your eyes.

[Helena puts her arm around Tina. They watch the Leather Pride float pass.]

Guy on float: Come on girlfriend!

Tina: She needs to be spanked.

[They giggle.]

Guy on float: Come on, everybody, let's jump on board!

ELSEWHERE -

[Jenny is at the HRC booth, reading a pamphlet.]

Dana: Jenny.

Alice: Hey.

Jenny: Hi!

Dana: Hi, have you seen Howie?

Jenny: Um, he said that he'd meet up with you later.

Dana: Was he freakin'?

Jenny: No.

Dana: Did he say where he was going, or...?

[Jenny shrugs.]

Alice: (to Dana) Maybe he went to a sports bar or something.

Dana: Yeah, probably, right?

[They all crack up.]

Dana: Oh, my God.

Alice: (laughing) Can you imagine?

Dana: Howie -

[A woman in black, with a rainbow-colored chain around her neck, walks up and gives them all fliers. It's the same woman from the opening 'random act'.]

Alice: What? Thanks. Thank you.

Dana: Maybe there's a good game on.

[Dana looks at the flier. It has a woman, scantily clad in leather, on her knees, ass facing the camera. It reads "The Seven Signs of the Cross. An SM seminar from A to Z."]

Dana: Ohh...

[The woman in black hands a flier to Jenny.]

Aimee: Will I see you there?

Jenny: Maybe.

Aimee: Well... I love to punish a tease.

[The woman in black gives a parting glance to Dana and Alice, who look a little flustered. They look at the flier, then at each other curiously. Jenny smiles, watching the woman go.]

INT. - HOSPITAL - MELVIN'S ROOM - DAY

[The curtains are drawn against the daylight. Melvin is sleeping. The heart monitor beeps steadily. Bette quietly opens the bedside drawers and pulls out her dad's wallet, then pushes the drawers closed. She tip toes back to her seat, looking back at Melvin to make sure he's asleep. She opens the wallet, and then sits. ]

[Bette reaches into one of the compartments in the wallet and pulls out a tattered, old photograph, taken sometime in the 60s judging from the style of clothing. In it, Melvin stands with an attractive, dark-haired woman - Bette's mom. Between them, they hold a little wide-eyed baby Bette.]

[Bette touches the photo, looking on sadly.]

Bette: (quietly): I wish you were here, mom.

[The room door opens. Kit enters. Before she sees, Bette tucks the photo into the wallet, then tucks the wallet under her leg.]

Kit: Hey... I brought you something nice to eat.

[Kit sets a paper bag down next to Bette.]

Kit: How is he?

Bette: The same.

[Bette looks a little guilty. Kit doesn't notice.]

Kit: Why don't you go home?

Bette: If I go home, all I'm going to do is think about being here.

Kit: Well, you can't just stay here -

Bette: I can. It's my decision.

Melvin: Is that my Katie?

Kit: Yeah, Daddy.

Melvin: Come here, Katie.

Kit: I brought your pajamas.

[Bette crosses her arms and rolls her eyes, shaking her head. Kit takes her dad's hand.]

Melvin: (to Kit) Ah. Oh, Katie, I'm so sorry. All these years... such foolishness.

[Melvin pulls Katie to him for a hug.]

Melvin: Oh, Katie, Katie...

Kit: It's okay. It's okay.

[Bette, arms still folded, looks guilty again, and trying not to cry. Kit leans up from the hug.]

Melvin: Is my baby here?

Kit: Yeah, she's here.

[Kit looks at Bette. Bette struggles with her emotions for a moment, then gets up and walks to her father's other side. She takes his hand.]

Melvin: I... I love you both.

Bette: We love you too, Daddy.

[Kit and Bette look at each other.]

EXT. - S&M DUNGEON - DAY

[Alice and Dana walk up to the building. Outside, people in leather mill around, making Dana and Alice - dressed in sensible, colorful summer fashions - stick out like sore thumbs. Alice leads Dana by the hand toward the entrance.]

Dana: I don't think I can do this.

Alice: Oh, God, sure you can. Come on.

[They take a few steps and look around.]

Alice: Okay, maybe it's not a great idea. Alright, let's just look at the pros and cons.

Dana: Okay.

[Alice reads the back of the pamphlet. The top reads "The Seven Stations of the Cross, An SM Seminar from A to Z, July 9, 2005, 3-6PM". Below that is a short paragraph, reading: "Please join us for an introductory visit into the realm of the Seven Stations of the Cross. In this 3 hour journey, you will be taken through each station, shown techniques step by step, and given an opportunity to experience the delights and mysteries of each level. There's nothing to fear; we're gentle with novices."]

Alice: Okay. Um... okay, okay. "Gentle with novices." This is good.

Dana: Okay, great, so we can just tell them it's our first time.

Alice: I think they might know that, Dana. But, um...

Dana: Oh. Okay.

[Alice continues to read. Dana looks over her shoulder.]

Alice: Alright, there's seven stations of the cross.

Dana: Okay.

Alice: Uh, let's see, whipping, temporary piercing...

Dana: ... public humiliation, anal penetration...

Alice/Dana: Torching?

[They look at each other, confused.]

Alice: Oy. (looking at pamphlet) Okay, um, spanking, and oh! Specialty arts! That's nice.

[Dana is looking around, a little afraid.]

Dana: Uh-huh. (looking at pamphlet) Ooh, there's a free buffet till 6:00! Chicken wings and tofu.

Alice: (exhales) Okay, what do you think?

[They make big eyes at each other, shrugging.]

Dana: I don't know. We'll sneak a peek, and...

Alice: Yeah. Great. Yeah.

Dana: Okay!

Alice: Let's do it. C'mon.

Dana: Okay!

[Alice marches forward with determination toward the entrance. Dana follows, resolute and excited. Alice greets people as they are leaving the club.]

Alice: Hey. Hi.

[The leather-clad guy at the front door opens the door for them.]

Alice: Oh, so polite.

[Alice goes in. Dana follows. We immediately hear the sounds of whipping and shouting.]

Dana: Ooh, what do you want your safe word to be?

Alice: I don't know. "Tuna fish?"

Dana: (to door man) Thank you.

[We stop at the door as Dana and Alice disappear inside. The door closes behind them. More sounds of whipping. About ten seconds later, Dana and Alice exit the club, walking quickly away.]

Alice: Okay.

Dana: Alright. Great. Planet?

Alice: Uh, great. Yeah.

Dana: Fantastic. Okay. (to leather-clad bystanders) Bye.

Alice: Thank you.

Dana: Thanks.

EXT. - THE PLANET - NIGHT

[Busy night. Lots of people are walking in and out, having drinks on the patio, etc.]

INT. - THE PLANET - NIGHT

[Inside is super busy. Men and women celebrating Pride are everywhere, dancing to throbbing techno. The place is decorated with all kinds of streamers and balloons of all the colors of the rainbow. Colorful club lights flash over the crowd.]

[Helena, followed by Tina and Shane, walks through the crowd toward some seats. On the way, they pass Carmen, at her turntables, spinning music for the event. Tina stops to say hello; Shane stays back a few feet.]

Tina: Hey!

Carmen: (to Tina) Hey, hey. Happy Pride! Oh, my God, you are huge!

[Jenny makes her way through the crowd. She stops by a door, and watches Carmen through the panes of glass.]

Carmen: (to Tina) Oh, my God. You are so pregnant. Wow. (to someone else) Hi. How are you? Good to see you.

Shane: Hey.

Carmen: Hey!

[Carmen shoves her hands in her pockets nervously as Shane and the others head off into the club. Carmen is left at her turntables, looking a little bowled over. She glances over and sees Jenny looking through the glass. They look at each other sadly for an uncomfortable moment, then Jenny looks down, and Carmen goes back to spinning.]

[A woman, in her 50s or 60s, sees Jenny through the glass. She walks up to and taps on the window, getting her attention, then walks around to talk to her. She's tipsy, and is carrying a glass of something. When she speaks, her words are slurred.]

Jenny: Hi.

Woman: (slurred) Hi. What are you doing here?

Jenny: (smiling) I'm celebrating Gay Pride, I guess. I don't know.

Woman: You mean... gay shame. That's what it really is.

Jenny: Why?

Woman: 'Cause... most of us have more shame than pride.

Jenny: (thinking) I think that you might be right.

Woman: Do you want to dance?

[Jenny shakes her head, smiles sadly, and answers kindly.]

Jenny: No.

Woman: What's the matter? Am I too old or too suburban or something?

Jenny: (smiling) No. You're perfect.

[The woman, despite being tipsy, seems sincere and perhaps as sad and lonely as Jenny is.]

Woman: Do you want to kiss me?

[Jenny smiles at her, takes her face in her hands, and gives her a sweet kiss on the cheek.]

Jenny: Happy Pride.

[Jenny walks away. The woman watches her go, looking shaken and even more lonely.]

ELSEWHERE -

[Helena leads Tina to a group of chairs.]

Helena: Why don't, um... why don't you take... (stopping) Leigh?

[Leigh Ostin is sitting in a chair, talking to someone. She gets up and hugs Helena.]

Helena: Hey!

Leigh: How are you?

Helena: I'm good.

Leigh: Good to see you!

Helena: So you made it!

Leigh: Yeah, it's a great party. Did you enjoy the parade?

Helena: Oh, yeah, I had a great time!

Leigh: Yeah?

Helena: Tina, this is Leigh. Leigh, this is my friend Tina.

[Leigh and Tina shake hands.]

Leigh: Hi! Very pregnant friend!

[Tina looks at her belly and laughs.]

Helena: She and her ex are having a baby.

Leigh: Oh, I'm sorry. Uh, not about the baby, about the ex. I'm just going through a breakup myself, so...

Helena: Oh, you know, I heard, but I wasn't sure about that.

[Tina looks uncomfortable, as Helena seems to be very into Leigh.]

Leigh: Well, the rumors are true. Valerie moved back to New York, and we just weren't ready for a long-distance relationship, so...

Helena: Oh, you know, maybe it's wise.

[Helena and Leigh smile warmly at each other.]

Helena: (to Leigh) So... do you want to dance?

Leigh: (looking at Tina) Um...

Tina: (smiling) Oh, dance. Please do. I - I need to sit down.

Leigh: Okay.

Helena: Great. Okay, okay.

[Helena kisses Tina on the cheek.]

Leigh: We'll see you in a bit?

Tina: Okay.

[Helena leads Leigh away to the dance floor and they begin to dance. Tina stands alone now, looking as if she might be wondering why she's there. She walks through the crowds, and runs into Dana and Alice.]

Alice: Hey! Where are you going? We just got here.

Tina: (smiling) It's hot in here. I need to step out.

Dana: Okay.

Alice: Alright. Hurry back, though, okay?

Tina: Okay.

[Tina heads off in another direction. We follow Dana and Alice through the crowd. Something hits her on the cheek. She rubs it.]

Alice: Ow! Ooh. Got me.

Dana: I'm worried about Howie.

Alice: Well, he's got the keys. He knows the address. He's fine.

[A bubble machine nearby blows bubbles. As they walk, Dana grabs the bubbles playfully, and even lunges forward to pop one in her mouth.]

Dana: Yeah, but he's my little brother. I should have spent more time with him.

[Alice gawps.]

Alice: Holy shit.

Dana: What?

[Dana looks toward the dance floor. Her jaw hits the floor. It's Howie, dancing without a shirt on, with a shirtless guy. It's the same guy that was checking Howie out earlier. Howie has a drink in one hand. Dana immediately goes over and takes the drink from Howie, then leads him away by the arm.]

Dana: Excuse me. I'm sorry. (to guy) Just one second. I'll be right back.

Guy: (grinning) I'll be waiting.

[Dana parks her little brother by the bar. Alice walks up.]

Dana: Okay... (snifs drink) A Cosmo, Howie?

Howie: Yeah.

Dana: That's alcoholic.

Alice: That's gay.

[Alice takes the drink from Dana.]

Dana: What's going on?

Howie: I'm celebrating Pride!

Dana: But - Howie, what do you have to be proud of?

[Howie grabs his dancing partner and hugs him, smiling.]

Dana: Hokay. (to guy) Excuse us for just one second. (pushes guy away) Howie, that man is gay.

Howie: I know, Dana.

Dana: Are you - are you - are you imitating me? Is that what this - it's not funny! If that's what you're doing.

Howie: No. I'm not.

Dana: So you just... (tossing up hands) just decide that you're gay. You know...

Alice: (to guy) Do you wanna dance?

[Alice and the guy head to the dance floor.]

Dana: (to Howie) You're too young! I mean - it takes time!

Howie: Dane, I've known since I was four.

Dana: And you made that much fun of me?

Howie: (chuckling) Well, it was because you were scared! I mean, (yelling) be gay! Be proud, everybody!

[A couple dozen people nearby shout and cheer. Soon, the whole club is cheering. Howie dances back onto the dance floor, to dance with the guy. Alice dances over to Dana.]

Dana: (drowned out by cheering) Stop! Stop! Stop! All of you, stop!

[Dana grabs Howie back off the dance floor. She looks at him.]

Howie: Dana, um... could you... tell mom and dad for me?

[Dana smiles and touches Howie's face. Howie chuckles. They hug.]

Howie: Oh, thank you!

INT. - JENNY AND SHANE'S HOUSE - DINING ROOM TABLE - NIGHT

[Jenny sits at the table, looking at old, pre-WWII photos of her family. Mournful klezmer music plays. In the kitchen a few feet away, Mark enters the back door. He doesn't see that Jenny is in the next room. He quietly sets his apartment keys on the table and turns to leave. Jenny gets up.]

Jenny: Mark.

Mark: (startled) Oh, fuck. I'm sorry. I was just returning the keys.

Jenny: You've opened up...

[Jenny looks like she wants to say so much, but doesn't know how. Her eyes begin to water. She looks scared, and angry.]

Jenny: (crying) Well, you've opened up this Pandora's box. And now you're just running away.

[Mark stares at her for a long moment. Jenny looks down. He finally just turns to go.]

Jenny: (voice wavering) So... I dare you to stay here and deal with this.

[Mark turns around, picks up his apartment keys, and again turns to leave.]

Jenny: We're not friends.

[Mark looks back. He stands in the doorway, looks back for a moment, then leaves. Jenny puts on her coat.]

INT. - HOSPITAL - MELVIN'S ROOM - NIGHT

[Kit sits by Melvin's bedside, watching him sleep. The heart monitor beeps nearby. She speaks quietly, with tears in her eyes.]

Kit: Daddy... remember when I was a little girl? And on Sundays, we'd go to church... and you would wear your three-piece suit and pointy-toed shoes. I looked over at you... and I would say, "That's my dad." You were the handsomest man in the world. You were everything... everything I thought a man should be.

Melvin: Is that right?

Kit: Oh... Dad - I - I'm... I'm sorry. I didn't know you were listening to me.

Melvin: I'm not dead yet.

Kit: I'm sorry I woke you up.

Melvin: Where's Benjamin?

[Kit looks frustrated about what to say.]

Kit: He's - with his - wife and - and kids.

Melvin: You shouldn't have let him go.

[Melvin finally opens his eyes and looks at her.]

Melvin: If he's the man you want to be with, then you should be with him, whatever the cost.

[Melvin looks at him, shakes her head a little.]

Kit: Like you did with mom?

Melvin: I did what I had to do to ensure my happiness. Sometimes it comes at a price.

[Kit wipes her tears away.]

Kit: Yeah. Yeah. It does.

[Kit looks at her father and shakes her head. After a moment, she lets go of his hand, stands, and walks away. He reaches out for her, but she ignores him.]

INT. - THE PLANET - NIGHT

[The dance party rages. Carmen is DJ'ing. Dozens of people mill around and dance as the music plays.]

[Nearby on the dance floor, Dana and Alice dance together, giggling and smiling. After a moment, Dana stops and grins at Alice warmly. Alice stops.]

Alice: (giggling) What?

[Dana nuzzles Alice's ear.]

Dana: I love you.

[They hug. Alice looks elated, and relieved.]

Alice: I love you, too.

INT. - S&M DUNGEON - NIGHT

[Somber strings play as Jenny enters the club. Several people dressed in leather stand around visiting with each other. We hear the cracking of a whip somewhere in the background, and low groaning. Jenny strides through the club and stops to watch some of the play going on. However, she looks more detached and sad than she does curious or interested. Aimee, who earlier gave Jenny the pamphlet, sees Jenny and follows her.]

[A stage in the club is set up with several large torture devices. Various people are strapped/tied/hanging on them; a couple of people crack whips at them. Some people sit in the audience and watch. The whole scene is lit with eerie red lights.]

MOMENTS LATER -

[Jenny lies on a leather-padded cross while Aimee starts to fasten her wrists down with leather straps. Jenny stares up at the ceiling, breathing quickly, a little scared, but her eyes seem far away. A tear falls from one of her eyes.]

[Somewhere nearby, a whip cracks.]

JENNY'S FLASHBACK -

[Darkness. Jenny sees her present self in her younger self's place. Several laughing boys shout and hold her down in the dirt. She screams. One of the boys wears a t-shirt with a bizarre clown face on it.]

DUNGEON -

[ Jenny immediately sits up, gasping. Aimee quickly walks to her, lays a hand on her shoulder. Jenny throws it off.]

Jenny: Don't touch me!

JENNY'S FLASHBACK -

[Scene of a carnival. A nearly full blood moon hangs in the dark sky just over the carnival lights and Ferris wheel. In the near distance, in a field, several large tents are set up. We can see inside one of them, as people sit at a table.]

Jenny: (whispering prayers in Hebrew)

[There are also several people in the tent dancing and singing. They are dressed as Orthodox Jews and gypsies, and are singing in Yiddish.]

[Young Jenny stands in the field looking toward the tents. Her clothes are ripped and dirty and her face is tear-stained. She stands there unmoving, staring blankly. In the distance behind her, one of the boys flees into the woods.]

DUNGEON -

[Aimee stands by, watching Jenny. Jenny breaks down.]

Jenny: (sobbing) Fuck...

INT. - THE PLANET - NIGHT

[The dance music has stopped; the party seems to be winding down. Carmen stands to the side of her DJ equipment, drinking a beer.]

[Music begins - Jane Siberry "Love Is Everything".]

[Shane walks up to her. There's a tense moment of silence between them.]

Shane: I never had a hamster... but I had a dog, and her name was Remy. I... I - have a brother, but... I never met him, because we... never grew up together. And... my mom put me in foster care when I was nine... but I still love her very much.

[Carmen looks overwhelmed with emotion. Her eyes fill with tears. She gently cups Shane's face in her hand.]

Carmen: (whispering) Thank you.

[Carmen walks away.]

EXT. - HOSPITAL - MELVIN'S ROOM - NIGHT

[Both Kit and Bette stare silently out of separate windows, into the night.]

EXT. - CARNIVAL - NIGHT

[Jenny, no longer the little girl, stands in the field in torn and dirty clothes, with tears in her eyes.]

-END-

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