(Finding a Trusted Counselor)
Back Story: Angela ,now in rehab, explains how a committed school teacher got addicted to heroin and cocaine.
OUTSIDE/INSIDE – ROOM 406 – DAY
Father Max unlocks the rehab door and enters.
Angela, head in hands, sits in a chair, shaking. Consoling, he puts a gentle hand on her shoulder.
ANGELA
I thought I was getting better.
FATHER MAX
It will happen. But they tell me you
won’t talk to anyone. Will you let
me in? Can you tell me what happened?
He takes a seat on the bed and motions for her to sit beside him.
ANGELA
Letting someone in is why I’m here. (gallows laugh)
Did you know I used to be a teacher?
Father Max shakes his head.
ANGELA (CONT’D)
Fifth grade. Loved the kids, the school, even the principal. Lost it all because —
(bitter)
I let someone in.
FATHER MAX
Who was that?
She smiles ruefully.
ANGELA
Met him at church.
FLASHBACK:
EXT. ESSEX SKY PARK – DAY
DAVE, ruggedly handsome, smiles at Angela as he assists her into his Piper Cub.
OVER CHESAPEAKE BAY – DAY
The Piper Cub flies above the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.
EXT. SMALL AIRFIELD – DAY
Dave lands the plane in a small airfield with Terry’s Malt Shop in view.
INT. TERRY’S MALT SHOP – DAY
At a long counter, visitors shop for souvenirs.
Angela and Dave sit on the same side of a private booth with a large picture window that faces the bay. Sailboats bob gently in the summer breeze. They hold hands and share a chocolate shake with two straws.
ANGELA (V.O.)
One milk-shake, five dollars. Round trip over the Chesapeake Bay-priceless.
FATHER MAX (V.O.)
Expensive way to impress somebody.
ANGELA (V.O.)
I was already impressed. Dave was handsome. I loved flying in his plane that is until I learned he wasn’t just using it for milk-shake runs.
EXT. LANDING STRIP ON CORNFIELD – DAY
Dave’s plane glides to a short airstrip at the edge of a cornfield. Cars approach from three directions and packages pass from Dave to three other men who each hand Dave a fat envelope. Dave returns to the plane and takes off.
BACK TO SCENE
ANGELA
And stupid weak me, I loved him even when he started me using heroin. I stayed with him much too long. I should have dumped him. Now he’s gone but my habit’s not.