Tengukuri...Copyrighted in the US 2023 Page #8

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They laugh together.

MIKKI:

Ya. Do you think it’s true?

Mason takes a long pause. He seems to want to be very careful with his answer, looking at Mikki, as if anticipating her possible responses.

MASON:

No I don’t. But…part of me, between you and me, wants it to be true.

Mason quietly shakes his head in affirmation. Mikki is thinking.

MIKKI:

How did you get to be a writer?

Mason takes a deep breath.

MASON:

Uh, I started writing when I with Nicole. She really got behind me and pushed. Do you remember Nicole? You were pretty young.

MIKKI:

Yeah, I do. You were going to marry her, right?

Heartbreak becomes visible on Mason’s face. Nicole was Mason’s fiancé 6-7 years or so earlier.

MASON:

Ya. Once I started writing, she lost some of my focus, some of my attention, I guess. Then she kinda seemed like she hated me writing. Then reality got all wonky, I started to see she was quite a gaslighter, and that really spun me out. I’ve been thinking about her a lot lately. Realizing that every gaslighter was just raised by gaslighters, she didn’t even realize that hand she was dealt. I’m no cupcake either. Probably, totally in love with only myself. Did that all make sense?

Mason looks at Mikki, reminded that he is dumping slightly on a 12 year old.

MIKKI:

Not really.

She smiles innocently and they laugh together.

MIKKI:

What’s a gaslighter?

MASON:

That is…a conversation we don’t really need to be having right now. Sorry, stupid grown up stuff. Ask me again some time ok?

He begs slightly with eyes. She laughs and affirms.

MASON:

Get back to your movie squirt.

Mikki puts her headphones back in and bounces happily in her seat a bit. She seems unfazed by much. Just a curious and tender young lady, as sweet as they come. Mason appears quieted, all of his heartstrings plucked on in a matter of minutes. He returns his glasses to his face and looks down again at his maps. Tengukuri does not appear anywhere on the map. The scene closes as we watch the two, safe in each other’s presence do their own things. The airplane is full of sleeping people, darkness and quiet.

18 - EXT. - OUTRIGGER REEF HOTEL, WAIKIKI - DAY

Mason and Mikki pull up in the back of an airport shuttle. They get out, grab their bags and begin to walk in. Mason turns to look at Mikki who is all smiles.

MASON:

Your mom and I stayed here when we were kids. We got one night so we gotta have fun.

MIKKI:

What are we gonna do? (Excited)

MASON:

We’re gonna frickin party.

Mason opens the door for her. She walks in as he pauses and looks around outside.

MASON:

Ha-wee-wee…

He shakes his head and Mikki can be heard from inside, out of view.

MIKKI:

C’mon Uncle Mase!

MASON:

I’m comin’ I’m comin’

The door shuts slowly behind them. At the moment it shuts completely, we begin to hear the noise of the club while still looking at the front door of the hotel.

19 - INT. - UNDERAGE CLUB - NIGHT

Mason and Mikki walk through the front door. She is wowed by the club. All smiles. Most of what they say has to be spoken very loudly.

MIKKI:

Are you sure I can be in here!?

MASON:

Of course! This place is for kids! Meg and I used to come here! Lets go order some food!

Mikki is a little apprehensive and hanging on to Mason’s sleeve.

MIKKI:

Ok!

As they work their way through parents and kids, around gaming tables, we see kids playing games everywhere. There is a large open space between a bar counter and small dining tables.

They head to the bar counter and start looking at a large menu behind the bar.

MASON:

What do you wanna eat!?

MIKKI:

Uhhh…Nachos! And chicken strips! With bbq!

MASON:

You want bbq on your nachos!? Gross!

She laughs hard.

MIKKI:

No! For the chicken strips!

MASON:

Oh sure!

A large Hawaiian man walks to the counter. He’s incredibly jovial.

COUNTER MAN:

Mahalo! What can I get started?

MASON:

What’s up bra!? Hey we wanna grab nachos, loaded, only half meat, and some chicken strips! You got house bbq!?

He shakes his head yes.

COUNTER MAN:

You’re in Hawaii bra! Zat it!?

Mason nods. They flash each other a hang loose and the man heads back to the kitchen window. We hear him bark the order to the back. Mason and Mikki lean with their backs against the counter and look out at everything. The music stops for a moment.

MASON:

What do you wanna do first!?

MIKKI:

Lets do that dancing game!

She points to a Dance Off video game with a short line behind it. He nods, ready for the challenge. Mason points to the foosball table, then to her, then crosses his throat to suggest he’s gonna kick her butt. She smiles and laughs. She repeats the same throat move and points to him. They are two kids together. The music starts again, (MADE YOU LOOK, MT). Mason opens his eyes and mouth wide, he is now facing her. He begins clapping along with the beat of the song and is now starting to move his butt a little.

Motioning her out away from the counter, she is starting to look embarrassed, but is still smiling big. Mason decides he’s about to cut loose to this song. Mikki…reluctantly joins him as they begin to dance the night away. The dark figure with the Tengu mask can be seen sitting at the bar, perfectly still. After a few minutes, the scene fades.

20 - INT. - UNDERAGE CLUB - NIGHT

Our view fades in to their devoured food to their very full faces as they sit at the table and eat.

MIKKI:

That bbq sauce is so good!

MASON:

Ya they know how to do it here! Everything tastes better in Ha-wee-wee!

MIKKI:

I’m getting kinda tired!

MASON:

Me too! Did you have fun!?

MIKKI:

Yes! This has been a great night! Thank you Uncle Mason!

MASON:

I love you, honey! We can leave any time you want!

MIKKI:

I’m ready! I’m so full and so tired!

Mason shakes his head. They start to get up and get ready then head to the door. As they pass the Counter Man, they share another hang loose.

MASON:

Mahalo! Thank you bra!

The man nods. Mason and Mikki make their way to the door and the scene fades.

21 - INT. - HOTEL ROOM BALCONY - NIGHT

Mason and Mikki are sitting outside on the balcony in their pajamas. Mason is having a Corona. To the left we see Diamond Head in the distance, and the moon behind it. The waves can be heard hitting Waikiki Beach. They are silent and enjoying the scenery.

MASON:

Tomorrow night we’ll be in Japan. You ready?

MIKKI:

I’m getting kinda nervous. But ya.

MASON:

It’s gonna be great. I’m really glad you’re with me Mik.

He smiles at her with gentleness and sincerity. She smiles back.

MIKKI:

Me too. I think I’m going to lay down.

MASON:

Okay honey. I’ll be in there soon. You can turn the lights out. I just wanna chill out here for a few minutes. Warm Ha-wee-wee nights are my favorite.

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