(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.