The Cider House Rules Page #13

Larch approaches Homer with a small bundle of clothes.

LARCH:

(gently, almost

reverently)

I think these will fit you.

Homer is grateful and ashamed. Before he can speak, Edna is

there--a wad of bills in her hand. She tries to put the money

in his pocket; when he refuses it, she simply puts the money

in his open suitcase, stuffing the bills under his clothes.

EDNA:

You'll need some money--just a little

something, until you find a job.

Larch and Edna retreat from him, humbly, as if they were his

servants.

EXT. DRIVEWAY - AFTERNOON

As Homer puts his stuff in the truck of Wally's car, Angela

can't resist touching his face. She is too upset to speak.

From a window, Larch is watching the departure. He sees Homer

saying goodbye to the children, embracing them.

From another window, Fuzzy just stares. (Of course he's

coughing.)

We see Wally carrying Candy to the car.

CANDY:

(groggy)

I'm okay--I can walk.

WALLY:

I don't want you to walk--I want to

carry you. Should I put the top up?

It might get cold.

CANDY:

No--keep it down. I want to feel the

air.

She speaks to Homer, touching his sleeve, like a sleepy

person, as Wally puts her gently in the backseat.

CANDY:

(still groggy)

Coming with us? It's always a good

idea to have a doctor along for the

ride.

Homer gets in the passenger seat beside Wally, who starts

the car; suddenly there is Curly. Homer can't look at Curly,

who looks betrayed. Edna picks up Curly and carries him to

the passenger-side window. Curly is sobbing.

HOMER:

I have to go, Curly. I'm sorry.

(to Edna)

I couldn't find Buster. Will you

tell him...

He can't finish what he has to say. Edna kisses him good-

bye.

From the window, Larch watches the car leave.

Buster, whittling a stick, isn't watching.

INT./EXT. WALLY'S CAR - ON THE ROAD - AFTERNOON

There is quiet as the journey gets underway. Wally keeps

glancing at Candy in the rear-view mirror; she seems distant,

lost in thought. Homer is taking everything in--the speed,

the road, the wind in his face.

INT. BOYS' DIVISION - NIGHT

Angela speaks to the boys.

ANGELA:

Let us be happy for Homer Wells...

INT. GIRLS' DIVISION - NIGHT

In the girls' washroom, in front of the mirror by the row of

sinks, Mary Agnes is repeatedly slapping her face. Angela's

benediction to the boys plays Over this scene of violent

self-abuse. Except for the sound of the slaps. Mary Agnes

doesn't make a sound.

ANGELA (O.S.)

Homer Wells has found a family. Good

night, Homer!

ALL THE BOYS (O.S.)

Good night, Homer!

INT. DISPENSARY - NIGHT

On his bed, Larch is taking ether. We hear the refrain from

the boys in the bunk room Over.

ALL THE BOYS (O.S.)

Good night, Homer! Good night, Homer!

Good night, Homer Wells!

INT. WALLY'S CAR - NIGHT

The radio is playing. Candy is lying down, her knees drawn

up, in the backseat; she appears to be asleep, oblivious to

Homer and Wally's conversation.

WALLY:

Actually, the Army has given me leave

twice. First when my father died,

and now I'm on leave to help my mother--

I'm just trying to get her ready for

the harvest. She's no farmer. Apples

were my dad's business. And with the

war on, she's short on pickers.

Candy's eyes are open but her voice is groggy.

CANDY:

(to Homer)

Wally thinks apples are boring.

WALLY:

(to Homer)

I never said they were boring.

CANDY:

You said, "Apples aren't exactly

flying."

WALLY:

Well, they aren't.

Homer looks back at Candy. Her eyes close.

HOMER:

I think I'd probably like the apple

business.

WALLY:

You're a little overqualified, aren't

you?

HOMER:

No, I'm not. I need a job.

WALLY:

The only jobs are picking jobs.

Picking apples is truly boring.

Candy's eyes snap open and she sits up a little.

CANDY:

There! You said it was boring.

WALLY:

Well, *picking* them is! It's about

as exciting as... walking!

Candy seems irritated with Wally. Homer tries to engage her.

HOMER:

Is your family in the apple business,

too?

CANDY:

No, but I work there--I like it. My

dad's a lobsterman.

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