[Mister Saint]: 79.Contest Entries.Screenwriting Negotiation

Martha and Sam are the parents of Hunter, who is widely known as the smartest kid in his elementary school. Lately Hunter's grades have been slacking, and his parents have been called into the principal's (Bob's) office.


Int. Principal's office -- noon

BOB sits comfortably in his chair, his suit and tie-combo a bit too tight, his glasses a bit too thick; he is the all-purpose anal-retentive educator. As SAM and MARTHA enter, dressed in the day clothes of the ultra-typical American suburbia, Bob rises to greet them.


Bob
Mr. and Mrs. Tanner, thank you for coming on such short notice.

Sam
It's no problem. Do you mind if we skip pleasantries and get right to it? I've gotta get back to work by one.


Sam and Martha sit; Martha remains relatively quiet, dark eyes low as if watching something engaging on the floor. She plays with her wedding ring.


Bob
Of course. The reason I've called you in is that your son Hunter hasn't been performing up to his usual standards the last four weeks or so. We've tried talking to him directly but he seems unwilling to cooperate about it.

Sam
That's it? I thought he did something wrong.

Bob
When a student known for inattention and poor grades slides, it doesn't usually get our attention, honestly. But Hunter's been a straight-A student since he arrived and statistics say sudden changes in a child's behavior might indicate problems at home.

Sam
What kinda problems?

Bob
I was hoping you'd tell me.

Sam
There aren't any problems.

Bob
No bullies following him home, no new video game addiction, no late night TV?

Sam
Nah. He's in bed by ten, and he's only allowed to play his Xbox two hours a day.

Bob
May I ask some personal questions about the two of you?


Martha doesn't look up, just fiddles with her wedding ring.


Sam
Knock yourself out.

Bob
Do either or both of you spend time with Hunter?

Sam
I work a lot, but I try to do stuff with him when I'm around. We play checkers and tease the cat.

Bob
And you, Mrs. Tanner?

Sam
She's a homebody, spends lots of time with Hunter.

Bob
What kind of activities do you engage in, Mrs. Tanner?

Sam
Mom stuff. She sews and stuff.

Bob (quizzically)
Can't she talk?


Sam's face reddens a little bit.


Martha
I play games with him.

Bob
What kind of games?

Martha (nervously)
Games. We play house.

Bob
I'm afraid I have to ask both of you this. Have either you ever beaten or sexually molested your son?

Sam (furiously)
Hell no! Hell no!


Martha looks away again.


Bob
Hunter's become withdrawn, shy, nervous around his teachers and the staff.

Sam
I said no.

Bob (continuing)
His change in behavior is typical of abused children. If something like that is going on, we need to know about it.

Sam
Look, I'm telling you...

Bob
Mrs. Tanner?


Sam looks at his wife, who is still looking at the floor.


Bob
Do you know why Hunter might be having problems?


Martha doesn't answer.


Bob
When you play house, who do you and your son play as?


Martha looks at Sam, whose eyes fill with questions.


Sam
It's okay, tell him. Tell him nothing's going on, baby.

Martha (hesitantly)
I play the mommy and Hunter plays the... the daddy.


Sam's lips work as if he has something to say, but can't.


Martha
I didn't think it was hurting him, I swear to God, Sam, I swear to God.

Bob (quietly)
Mrs. Tanner, I'm afraid we need to call your lawyer...


As the scene FADES OUT, Sam is still staring at Martha, who avoids his gaze.