BAYOU MAGIC. Written by. Keisha Kellee

Transcription

1 BAYOU MAGIC Written by Keisha Kellee

2 ii Script Title Written by Name of First Writer Based on, If Any Address Phone Number

3 TEASER INT. DINING ROOM - NIGHT BRUNEAU ASTIER, 27, a tall, muscular, black man, sits at a circular wooden table with ASTIER, 26, a slender Native American woman with straight, long, black hair, and PERRINE "" ASTIER, 5, who swings her feet while in her chair. BRUNEAU squeezes Meda's hand and she nods. He pats his lap and beckons Penny over. Penny jumps into Bruneau's lap and squeezes his neck with her arms. She frowns. Do you have to go, Daddy? BRUNEAU Be a good girl for your mom, Penny. Promise me, okay? Bruneau sticks out his pinky finger and Penny grabs it with hers. She squirms in his lap and giggles. Alright, Honey, give your daddy a kiss then get ready for bed. I'll be up to tuck you in. Penny holds on tight to Bruneau's neck. Read me a story before you go. Please, Daddy? BRUNEAU I wish I could baby, but I really have to go. Remember what you promised me. Be a good girl. Penny hops out of Bruneau's lap and stomps her way up the stairs. Tears run down Meda's cheeks. BRUNEAU (CONT D) I really wish I didn't have to go, but I don't want you two to get hurt because of me. Bruneau wipes the tears from Meda's cheeks and stares into her eyes.

4 2. BRUNEAU (CONT D) Remember what I told you. Keep her here and use the crystals and herbs. She can't know what she is yet. She's too young. I know. I know. Bruneau stands and pulls Meda in for an embrace. He kisses her and turns to the front door. He picks a black duffel bag and opens the door. BRUNEAU I will protect you at all costs. END OF TEASER

5 3. ACT ONE EXT. S HOUSE - FRONT PORCH - DAY - DREAM ASTIER, 23, mixed-race with loose, curly hair, stands in front of her easel. She dips her brush in red paint and applies it to her canvas. The figure of a beautiful woman in a red-hooded cloak that covers her face forms on Penny s canvas before her. Penny s body grows stiff, and her eyes glow white. The figure, ASTIER, 67, with curly gray hair similar to Penny s steps out of the canvas and holds Penny s hand. Gemma smiles at Penny. Hi, Baby. I m so glad to see you. Gemma cups Penny s face with her free hand. Who are you? My name is Gemma, and it s time for you to see me. Maybe, maybe not. I don t see why that would be necessary. You re in danger. Leave the Bayou now. I m not leaving my home or my mother. Tell Meda, that it is time. Gemma goes back into the painting. Penny s eyes return to normal, and she scratches at the canvas. Wait. Come back. Time for what? END OF DREAM

6 4. INT. S BEDROOM - DAY Penny sits up in her bed. She breathes heavy and rubs her temples. She hears a knock on the door. ASTIER, 46, a slender Native American with long dark hair, opens the door and pokes her head through. Rise and shine, Love. We have to open the store in twenty minutes. Mom, I really wish you would do better. What am I supposed to do with that? Get off the bed, wash your face, wash your butt, and get dressed. You can do it. I ll get your tea ready. Meda closes the door on Penny. Penny shakes her head from side to side and gets up. Thanks, Mom. Penny crosses the room and grabs the robe on the back of the door. She leans her head on the door and groans. INT. S KITCHEN - DAY The kettle whistles on the stove on the kitchen island. Meda picks a calendula flower from the window sill and takes it to the tea tray on the counter top. Penny walks in and pulls her hair into a ponytail. She goes up to Meda and squeezes her from behind. What would I do without you? A lot. Let s try it. What do you say? Not cool, Mom. The two laugh. Penny rubs at her temples again.

7 5. You had another dream? Yes. It was crazy. Meda takes a stool from under the island and sits. She directs Penny to sit too. (CONT D) I was painting on the porch. It wasn t anything too elaborate, just an old woman wearing a red-hooded cloak dress thing. Okay, what happened? Your face looks paler than usual. The woman stepped out of the painting and told me her name was Gemma. She said to tell you that it is time. I suppose we ve put this off long enough. Did she say anything else? Yeah, that I m in danger and need to leave the Bayou, ASAP. Meda shifted back and forth in her stool. She gets up and goes into the pantry. Penny watches her as she comes back with a travel bag and an old, leather book. (CONT D) You all right? You re giving me the crazy eyes right now. Meda opens her mouth and closes it. She clears her throat. I need you to be a good girl and listen to me, Baby. You have to pack your bags and find Gemma in Cassadaga. I don t think so. I m not leaving you or my home. I don t even know that woman. It was just a dream.

8 6. You and I both know that s not true. You have to go, Baby. Hurry, drink your tea and pack. I ll get the jeep ready. I ll pack, but I m not leaving you. I have my own journey to take. We ll meet again soon. I promise. Just be a good girl and listen to Mom, okay? Where are you going? I m coming with you. We don t have time for this Penny. The people who killed your father are coming after you. Meda breathes in deep and lowers her voice. (CONT D) The only one who can protect you now is Gemma. I don t want to hear anything else. Meet me outside in fifteen minutes. Penny stares in Meda s face. Meda slaps the counter hard. Penny jumps and the teacup rattles on the saucer. (CONT D) Now, damn it. Penny stands, knocks her stool over, and runs. EXT. S HOUSE - DRIVEWAY - DAY Penny and Meda throw her bags in the back of a dark green Jeep. Meda drags Penny to the driver s side door, opens it, and pushes her in. Mom. Stop for a minute. How can I leave you alone when there s danger coming? Be for real. At least come with me.

9 7. Perrine Astier, I have never cursed at you in my life, but you are really testing my patience today. Meda rubs Penny s shoulders. (CONT D) We wouldn t be doing this if it wasn t necessary. I love you. A mysterious figure in black appears at the entrance to the property. Meda watches it and gives Penny a big hug. A finger reaches out to test the white translucent barrier. It reddens and retreats into a black sleeve. Gemma appears in the passenger seat. She tosses Meda a small velvet pouch. Meda, pin it on now. Penny, drive. Penny squeezes the steering wheel. Her knuckles go white. A second figure in black appears next to the first. Go, Baby. Hit the gas. Penny steps on the gas and peels down the driveway. RENSAN SANTIAGO, 26, handsome, fashionable, in an all black suit, and RENA SANTIAGO, 49, in a long black dress and dreadlocks, stare at Gemma. Gemma blows Rensan and Rena a kiss when the Jeep gets close to the barrier. (Screaming) Mom. The Jeep disappears. RENA I ve got the Grand Dame. You make sure and take care of the spirit walker. RENSAN With pleasure, Mother.

10 8. EXT. S HOUSE - DAY The Jeep appears in front of a two-story, white, countrystyle mansion with a massive staircase. A servant runs down the stairs grabs Penny s bags and bows. Gemma jumps out of the Jeep and walks to its rear. The servant runs up the stairs. Come on, Dear. We have company. What the hell just happened? And, how could you leave my mom like that? I want to go home. Your mom will be fine, and you are home. Welcome to Cassadaga. Penny walks a few steps away from the house. She spots Rena and runs back to Gemma. Rena saunters toward them. RENA You ve grown into a beautiful young woman, Bayou Witch. I m not a witch, but thanks. RENA Funny. My son prefers his women silent. You think we can make that happen? Let s try it now. I don t know who the hell you think you are but I couldn't care less about your son, so you can miss me the long way. Rena raises her hand to strike Penny s face, but Gemma catches her wrist. The two women stare at each other. RENA You should teach her to shut her mouth since she doesn t know who I am or what I m capable of. I think she did just fine. Rena shakes her hand free from Gemma.

11 9. RENA Let s see if you do a better job protecting your granddaughter than you did your son. Don t worry about me and mine. She s grown now. I m sure Rensan will face the same rejection his mother did. RENA We ll see about that. You should know, we always get what we want eventually. I guess my family is your exception. I don t have time for any of this. You, people, are crazy. I m going home. Rensan appears behind his mother and walks up to the group of women. RENSAN That will be kind of hard to do since your house is a pile of ash right now. What did you just say? Penny drops to her knees and wails. RENA What happened to the spirit walker? RENSAN She got away. Rena slaps Rensan with the back of her hand across his face. Rensan touches his cheek, and his eyes fill with red flames. RENSAN (CONT D) That s how you want to play this? Rensan disappears. Rena looks around, her eyes wide. She looks at the back of her hand.

12 10. RENA We ll continue this later. I m looking forward to it. Gemma helps Penny to her feet. (CONT D) Come on, Penny. Your mom is safe. Don t worry. She s stronger than you think. Penny raises her face to the sun. She looks around at the green palm trees, the sand and gravel at her feet, and Gemma s back as she climbs the stairs. (to herself) Grandmother. Gemma raises her hand and Penny s feet ascends. She floats to the front door where Gemma stands. END OF ACT ONE

13 11. ACT TWO INT. S HOUSE - FOYER - DAY Penny looks around. She trails behind Gemma down a long hallway. Gemma stops in front of the -- INT. 'S HOUSE - ATRIUM - DAY Gemma opens the door and steps inside. Penny enters. Come on in, Dear. I don t bite. Are you sure this is a house? I have never been in one so big. This is our family house, so it is yours as much as it is mine. So what should I call you? Grandma? Gemma? Both? Is that really what you want to ask me? Time is precious, you shouldn t waste it. Penny walks her fingers around the atrium. She pets the various plants. Gemma grabs her wrist. (CONT D) I wouldn t touch that one if I were you. He has a taste for blood. Interesting. Now can you please tell me why I m here? And where exactly is my mother? Better questions. You re here because you are the Astier heir. My only grandchild, and depending on your actions...

14 12. Gemma flitters to the other side of the room. (CONT D) You will either save this place or suck it into a dark evil abyss. No pressure, though. Wait, what? Every time you open your mouth, I get more confused. Life is funny that way. You don t know who you are, do you? Come. Gemma exits the atrium and Penny runs after her. INT. S HOUSE - DAY Gemma gives Penny a tour of the house INT. 'S HOUSE - UPSTAIRS HALLWAY - DAY Gemma stands in front of a door and opens it. INT. 'S HOUSE - S ROOM - DAY Gemma enters and Penny follows. This will be your room. I ve been preparing it for some time now. Thanks, but I can t stay here. I have to go find my mom. She s not answering my calls. She s busy with her own task. I thought you were a smart girl. Maybe you stayed hidden in the bayou for too long. That wasn t my choice, and neither is this. Excuse me. Penny brushes past Gemma. She runs down the stairs and through the front door.

15 13. EXT. 'S HOUSE - DAY Penny takes a deep breath, walks down the stairs, and past her truck. She looks around and spots a path. Her feet drags and kicks up dirt along the path. EXT. CASSADAGA TRAIL - DAY Rensan spies her and makes his way to the trail and stands in front of Penny. Penny s bumps into Rensan. He laughs. RENSAN You tired of the old bad already? I don t blame you. She s no fun. I didn t get a chance to properly introduce myself I-m -- I don t care who you are. Burning down my house and trying to kill my mother is enough of an introduction for me. RENSAN Don t be that way baby. You shouldn t let politics get between us. I promise I will not try to kill your mother again. Penny looks Rensan up and down. She turn away from him and takes a step in the other direction. Rensan blocks her. Get out of my way. RENSAN Don t be so unpleasant. We ll be seeing a lot of each other so we should try and be good friends. Penny spits at Rensan s feet. She pushes him aside and huffs back to Gemma s house. Rensan s eyes flame red. He watches her and smirks. RENSAN (CONT D) This is going to be more fun than I thought. Welcome home Astier heir.

16 14. INT. 'S HOUSE - KITCHEN - DAY Penny stomps in. Gemma sits at the table with two cups of tea. She motions for Penny to join her. Penny throws herself into a seat. Gemma slides a cup of tea to her. Penny glares at Gemma. Gemma sips her tea. He could be your future. Just one of the many choices you will have to make here. If that s the case, my answer now and always will be, no. I won t hold you to that just yet. Why am I here now? I m grown. 23. I can make my own choices. Yes, you can. Keep in mind you are an Astier and you have a responsibility to this family. What has this family ever done for me? This is my first time meeting you. I don t owe you anything. Gemma slaps the table. Gemma stands. You owe me my son s life. He died so you could live. Don t owe me anything? You should be glad you are my granddaughter. (CONT D) If you were anyone else, the Santiagos can have you and do what they want. Gemma exits the kitchen. Penny sighs and slouches in her chair. She drinks her tea.

17 15. I m going crazy. Or maybe this is all a dream. Penny slaps her face. She rubs her cheek. (CONT D) Ouch. This is not a dream. Penny whimpers and gets up from the table. INT. 'S HOUSE - 'S ROOM - DAY Penny enters and closes the door behind her. She throws herself on the bed. Penny grabs a pillow, puts it to her face and screams. Penny hops off the bed, mumbles to herself and saunters to the bathroom. INT. 'S HOUSE - S BATHROOM - DAY Penny stands in front of the sink. She washes her face and stares in the mirror. (V.O.) I have my own journey to take. Be a good girl and find Gemma. She s the only one that can protect you now. We ll meet again soon. I promise. I m going to hold you to that mom. Penny dries her face. INT. 'S HOUSE - STUDY - DAY Gemma sits in front of an alter. She chants. There is a KNOCK on the door. Come in, Dear. It s open. Penny saunters in the room and sits on the long couch. (CONT D) That was faster than I expected. Good girl.

18 16. I m sorry for being a brat. This is just a lot to process. You haven t even begun to process. Come sit beside me. A little meditation always improves the spirit, don t you think? Penny rolls off the couch and crawls over to the altar. She holds Gemma s hand, closes her eyes, and chants. Penny falls into a trance. Her eyes glow white and her head tosses back. WHAT SHE SEES Meda kneels outside of a camp with fire dancers, fire pits, and natives singing. COTCHEE, 70s, with long white hear and traditional Seminole Native dress, puts a hand on Meda s shoulder. BACK TO SCENE COTCHEE Until she awakens, she is doomed. You cannot help her. Penny straightens her head and her eyes return to normal. I just saw my mom. She was praying for me. Anything else happen? An elder told her if I don t wake up, I m doomed. Penny drops Gemma s hand and shakes her head. She mumbles to herself and stands. Gemma stands too. He s right you know. If you are ready to become the grown woman you say you are, I can help you. The sooner the better.

19 17. I don t think that s much of a choice. Do you? Of course, I want you to know who I am, what I am? Who wouldn t. Alright, Dear. Hand me that dagger on my desk. The one with the large crystal head. Gemma picks up a white candle from the altar. Drops of wax make a large pentagram. Gemma and Penny stand in the center of it. (CONT D) Close your eyes and hum for me. Take a deep breath and don t move. Gemma circles Penny. She takes the tip of the dagger and drags it across Penny s neck. Blood trickles from the smooth cut. Gemma circles Penny again and rubs the crystal of the dagger over the cut. (CONT D) Stay with me. This is gonna hurt. Penny s eyes fly open. Gemma stands in front of her. Gemma covers Penny s eyes with one hand and plunges the dagger with the other. Penny s chest caves. Gemma lowers Penny to a horizontal position. Two servants enter the room. They wrap Penny in beige bandages from head to foot. Gemma retrieves a glass bottle from a high shelf. She opens the top of the crystal and fill it with blood. Gemma pulls the blade out of Penny s chest. Blood stains the bandage. Gemma chants over Penny and the bandages glow white. The bandages return to beige. Gemma punches Penny hard in the chest. Penny groans and Gemma removes the bandage from over her mouth and nose. Penny gasps for air and wiggles in the cocoon she s in. END OF ACT TWO