American Outlaws Page #12

JESSE:

Unfair. You are completely unfair.

They look at each other warmly. Frank DRIVES UP in a

carriage.

FRANK:

You ready to stop loafing around

with this young lady and get back to

farming?

JESSE:

What do you think?

FRANK:

Would you get in the carriage?

Until Ma has you home so she can

fuss over you herself, she's gonna

make me miserable.

Doc Mimms COMES OUT onto the porch.

JESSE:

What do you say, sir?

DOC MIMMS:

Go on. You're pretty much all

healed up.

Jesse and Zee exchange glances. Zee withdraws demurely into

the house. Jesse straightens up and hops easily into the

carriage.

FRANK:

You're looking a bit more spry now

that somebody --

JESSE:

(to Frank)

Shut up.

(to Doc Mimms)

Uh, Doc, I was wondering if, uh,

this evening, I could come by?

DOC MIMMS:

You know you're welcome any time!

JESSE:

(unusually awkward)

Yesss, but I was thinking, I could

come by, and then take Zee out. Some

place near. With other folk. Near.

Here.

(beat)

But out.

DOC MIMMS:

(bemused)

It's fine by me, Jesse.

FRANK:

Don't worry, sir, I'll make sure

they're always properly chaperoned.

Jesse slooooowly turns to glare at Frank.

DOC MIMMS:

(grinning)

Why, that hadn't even occurred to

me, Frank. I am deeply in your debt.

FRANK:

Army's leaving town, so Cole can

stop hiding up in the woods and come

back to his farm. Everybody's

getting together at the Younger

place for a to-do.

Frank tips his hat, and the carriage MOVES OFF.

EXT. BARNYARD - NIGHT

Dozens of people are milling about happily in the lantern

light of a Western party. Some are dancing to the small

banjo-led band. A small knot of men are comparing war

stories. Cole Younger is wandering among them, people

clapping his shoulder, shaking his hand.

Jesse -- formally accompanying Zee -- and Frank arrive at

the edge of the light. Immediately the entire group bursts

into applause and crowds Jesse. Cole cuts through and bear

hugs Jesse, making him wince.

COLE:

Here's Liberty's favorite son!

(quietly)

I'll never forget what you did,

cousin.

BOB:

Zee, I'm pleased you came.

ZEE:

Why thank you, Bob.

BOB:

I'm especially pleased you came

with Jesse.

(off her look)

Seeing as right now there's a

gaggle of girls hoping to dance with

Jesse who are just going to have to

settle for the many charms of Bob

Younger.

ANGLE ON:

A group of obviously disappointed, beautiful young women.

Bob runs a hand through his hair.

JESSE:

You have no shame.

BOB:

Not yet. But I'm hoping.

The party starts up again, and everyone is caught up in the

good times.

ANGLE ON:

Jesse SWINGING Zee into a group of dancers. They join in

the Two-Step, and Jesse's as smooth as silk.

EXT. HILLSIDE - NIGHT - A WHILE LATER

Jesse, carrying a lantern, and Zee are walking. We can hear

the party still going just a little ways away. They reach a

tree at the hilltop with a beautiful view of the stars and

the river. They sit down, their backs against the tree.

JESSE:

I used to come to this tree when I

was a kid and imagine what my life

would be like when I got older.

ZEE:

You didn't want to farm?

JESSE:

I was thinking more along the lines

of being a river pirate.

ZEE:

A river pirate.

JESSE:

Arr. Hand over your jewels, Missy.

ZEE:

Thank God you grew out of that.

(pause)

You did grow out of that, didn't

you?

JESSE:

Mostly. It would be an all right

life, for a bachelor.

ZEE:

You planning on being a bachelor

your whole life, Jesse James?

JESSE:

Not if I find the right girl.

ZEE:

And what's this right girl like?

JESSE:

Smart. Funny. Bossy. Always makes

me think she's two steps ahead of

me. And big buck teeth.

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