The Parent Trap Page #13

Annie

Nothing. it's nothing... Just... Just...

(lets it all out)

Dad, you can't get married! It'll totally ruin completely everything!!!

Annie storms out. Nick notices Chessy standing in the doorway, biting her nails.

CHESSY:

Don't look at me, I know nothing.

A HORN HONKS O.S. Nick looks out the window and SEES Meredith getting out of her red Mercedes convertible. Nick sinks into a chair, as, he hears Hallie's DOOR SLAM upstairs.

NICK:

Maybe I am too old for this.

Meredith sweeps into the room, wearing sunglasses.

7 3

MEREDITH:

(to Nick)

Hi, doll.

She sits on Nick's lap, wraps her arms around him. Kisses him. Kisses him again.

MEREDITH:

(running her fingers thru his

hair)

You look stressed, baby. How about a Martini?

NICK:

How about a double?

Meredith snaps open her purse and takes out a Tiffany box.

She removes a small SILVER BELL which she holds up and RINGS.

MEREDIITH:

Chessy?

She RINGS it again. Nick gives her a curious look.

MEREDIITH:

Don't you love it? it's just what we need. It's such a big house.

-She RINGS again. Chessy appears, not too wild about the bell.

. CHESSY

You rang?

MEREDITH:

Two martinis, please. And make Mr. Parker's a double.

Chessy just stands there.

NICK:

Please, Chess. I'm getting a migraine...

Chessy holds her shirt-tails out as if they were a skirt and curtseys.

(watching her leave)

I don't )mow if a uniform will make her look better or worse.

NICK:

(rubbing his temples)

I told Hallie.

74.

MEREDITH:

You did? And?

NICK:

She went ballistic. Started yelling in

French, which I didn't even know she spoke,

I just don't get her lately...

MEREDIITH:

Nicky, this reaction is totally classic. It's 'Daddy's Getting Remarried - 101'. I'd worry if she didn't react this way. Look, why don't I talk to her... woman to woman.

NICK:

She's a little sensitive about you right now.

MEREDIITH:

(kisses him)-

That's why I need to do it. We've got to break the ice sometime.

(unbuttons Nick's shirt button)

Wear your shirt like this... I like when

I can see a little chest hair.

INT. HALLIE'S ROOM - MOMENTS LATER

Hallie sits on her deck, feet propped-up on the bannister, shuffling a deck of cards. Meredith appears behind her, knocking on the open door.

MEREDITH:

Knock-knock.

(Annie turns)

Can I join you?

Annie

(shrugs)

Sure.

MEREDITH:

Guess the news of the engagement came as a bit of a shock, huh?

Annie

Basically.

MEREDITH:

You know, I remember what it was like to be eleven. I had my first beau at eleven. It's a wonderful age. You're starting to feel like a woman and believe it or not soon You'll understand what it's like to be in love.

Annie

Me? I don't think so. I don't even have my twelve year-old molars yet.

MEREDITH:

Well, take it from someone who got their molars very early in life... being in love is a fantastic mystery that takes a man and woman on a magical journey to a place...

Annie

-- I don't mean to be jerky when you're trying to be all mushy and everything but I think I know what mystery my Dad sees in you.

MEREDITH:

You do?

Annie

You're young and beautiful and sexy and hey, the guy's only human. But if you ask me, marriage is supposed to be based on something more than just sex, right?

ITH:

Boy, your father underestimates you.

Annie

But you won't, will you, Meredith?

They study each other carefully.

MEREDITH:

So what if I'm young and beautiful? That's not a crime, you know. And for your information, I adore your father. He's exactly-the kind of man I always planned on marrying. This is the real deal, honey and nothing you do is going to come between as. The reality is, angel, you are no longer the only girl in Nick Parker's life. Get over it.

Annie

.If this is the real deal, then my Dad's money has nothing do with you wanting to marry him, right?

'7 6

MEREDITH:

I hope you're not suggesting I'm marrying your father for his money.

Annie

All I know is, I've seen Cinderella a few zillion times and I'd rather not end up scrubbing the floors and befriending all the birds in the neighborhood while you're having breakfast in bed... if you get my drift?,

MEREDITH:

You are unbelievably out of line, young lady.

(rising)

Now you listen and listen good. I'm marrying your father in two weeks whether you like it or not. So I suggest you do not tangle with me anymore. You're in way over your-head. is that clear?

Annie

Crystal.

CLOSE ANGLE - A RINGING FAX MACHINE

as a FAX slithers out. A HAND reaches for the FAX. ANGLE BACK -to see Martin, standing in ELIZABETH'S KITCHEN in LONDON. He looks at the FAX quizzically, then carries it into:

THE DINING ROOM:

where Hallie is eating dinner with her Mother and Grandfather. Martin refills the adults' wine glasses, holding the FAX behind his back as he pours.

ELIZABETH:

This is fantastic wine by the way Martin.

Hallie

May I have a-sip?

ELIZABETH:

(offering her a sip)

I don't think you're going like it.

Hallie swirls the wine confidently, passes it under her nose, then takes a healthy sip.

77.

Hallie

If you ask me, the bouquet is a little too robust for a Merlot. But then again, I'm partial to the softer California grape.

Elizabeth and Grandfather laugh, as Martin moves next to Hallie, holding the FAX behind his back. Hallie c*cks her head to read it.

CLOSE - THE FAX

It's a drawing of SAMMY, Hallie's dog, laying on the front porch of Hallie's house. A CARTOON BUBBLE coming out of his mouth says 911!

Hallie bends over so far to read the FAX she FALLS OFF HER CHAIR and RIGHT OUT OF FRAME.

ELIZABETH:

Honey, are you okay?

Hallie

Had one sip too many, I guess.

(getting up)

You know, Mother, I feel like I could use a bit of fresh air. Would it be okay if I stepped outside for a moment?

ELIZABETH:

of course. Are you okay? Would you like me to come with you?

Hallie

No, no. I'll be fine... Just got a touch woozy, that's all.

Hallie wipes her mouth with her napkin and excuses herself. Her Grandfather watches her closely as she EXITS.

EXT. SHEPHERD'S MARKET - LONDON - EARLY NG

Hallie hurries down the picturesque street, turns a corner, spots a phone and rushes to it. She pulls the door closed and dials the Operator.

Hallie

Yes, I'd like to make a collect-call to

California, please. Area code 707 ...

78.

INT. HALLIE'S ROOM NAPA - SAME TIME

Annie paces, biting her nails for real now. The PHONE RINGS. She pounces on it in mid-ring.

Annie

Hello? Yes, I'll accept the charges.

Hallie, thank goodness you got my fax.

I'm absolutely desperate.

Hallie (O.S.)

What's up? Why the 911?

INTERCUT Annie AND Hallie

Annie

Dad's getting married.

Hallie

(laughs)

Whaddya mean, getting married?

Annie

I mean black tie, white gown, the whole enchilada. The wedding's in two weeks so, if there's any hope of getting Mom and Dad back together, we've got to do it fast.

outside the Phone Booth, a MAN reads the evening paper, waiting to use the-phone.

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