The Fisher King Page #23

JACK:

No. But that's not the only reason

people get together or..stay together.

PARRY:

What are the other reasons?

JACK thinks a moment, then answers plainly:

JACK:

Survival.

PARRY puts his arm on JACK'S shoulder and speaks very sincerely.

PARRY:

You love her alot Jack. You're ...

crazy about her... I know it.

It's just that, sometimes -

(whispers)

you're a little bit of jerk.

JACK is surprised by the remark and abruptly focuses on PARRY.

JACK:

Come here...you're all crooked.

JACK adjusts PARRY'S tie, then undoes it and re-ties.

...Do you have my wallet to pay

for dinner?

PARRY nods, keeping his eyes on JACK, as JACK primps him.

PARRY:

...You're a nice man, Jack.

Doing all this for me...

JACK doesn't pay attention as PARRY'S expression grows pale and

frightened. HE suddenly raps his arms around JACK and whispers;

PARRY:

I'm scared Jack.

JACK, uncomfortable at the intimacy, tries to comfort him.

...I feel so much for her...I

feel like something awful is going to happen.

JACK:

No. Nothing bad's going to happen.

Anne'll be there. I'll be there.

Nothing bad will happen.

CUT BACK TO:

INT. ANNE'S APARTMENT - LATER

LYDIA is a little more loose and talkative now as ANNE refills

her glass, then takes LYDIA'S other hand to apply the stars.

LYDIA:

(deadpan)

...My mother calls every week.

Like a recurring nightmare.

"So, have you met anyone?"..."No mom"..

"So what's going to happen?"...

"I don't know Mom"...

I only thank God I moved out.

ANNE:

I can't believe you lived with

her for that long. If I had to live

with my mother, I'd stab myself six times.

LYDIA:

Maybe I'm meant to be alone.

Maybe I was a man in a former life

and I used women for pleasure so

now I'm paying for it.

ANNE:

You have to not try so hard.

LYDIA:

(sipping her drink)

I don't feel like I have any effect

on people. At parties I usually

spend my time re-arranging the hors

d'oeuvres as people eat them, so

the platters will always look full. I don't

start conversations because I have

no idea how to end them.....

I think some people are just born to

live in the background of things.

ANNE:

Don't say that...I think you have a very

(searching)

effecting personality...we're having

a lovely conversation.

LYDIA:

I'm paying you.

ANNE drops her hand. SHE's pissed.

ANNE:

You know, let me tell you something!

I'm not that kind of person. I don't

do people favors. If I talk to you

it's because I want to.

O.K., you're a little plain -

but we can't all be..uh...Jerri Hall.

You do the best you can.

You're not so helpless and desparate....

You want a personality. Try this;

(whispers)

you can be a real b*tch.

LYDIA:

(her face lights up)

Really?

ANNE:

Yeah!

SHE grabs her hand back. LYDIA feels oddly exhilarated at the

thought of her having a strong enough effect to be a b*tch.

ANNE:

Now, you have to sit for at least a

half hour or, I'm telling you...

Ya want another drink?

Before she can answer, JACK knocks on the door and enters with

PARRY.

JACK:

(to LYDIA)

Oh hi? How's it going?

LYDIA:

Hello..

JACK:

Parry, it's Lydia Sinclair - our membership winner.

PARRY:

(not understanding the game)

I know!

(to LYDIA, with deep sincerity)

Hi.

LYDIA:

(not knowing what to make of him)

Hi.

ANNE:

(lighting a cigarette)

What are you two up to?

JACK:

Well..everything's closed up.

We thought we'd get some dinner.

(overplaying it)

Say!....

(to LYDIA)

Have you eaten? Would you

like to come along?

LYDIA:

(rises, uncomfortable)

Oh, no..I have to get home...

ANNE:

The nails!! Watch the nails!!...

(LYDIA sits back down)

Listen, you still have to eat.

PARRY stands by hoping against hope.

LYDIA:

No really..I don't want to impose.

ANNE:

Hey? What did I tell you?

(she leans in confidentially)

Why don't you come? It's just dinner.

You'll have something to tell

your mother next time she calls.

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