"LOVE IN THE RUINS"

 

                           by

 

                     Charles Deemer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           cdeemer@yahoo.com


 

 

 

FADE IN:

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Two Muslim women approach the complex of buildings that was

the World Trade Center. They are HAYAAM and AREEBAH, both

early 20s, dressed in traditional Muslim attire (hijab).

 

Hayaam wears very bright colors, Areebah more subdued ones.

 

They head for the south World Trade Center tower.

 

SUPER: "8:30 a.m."

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STREET - DAY

 

A cab stops near the complex.

 

Getting out are WES HARDING, early 20s, and his brother,

MIKE, a little older. They are dressed casually in slacks,

sports coats.

 

They head for the entrance into the south tower.

 

                         WES

             How long you gonna be?

 

                         MIKE

             He has a meeting at nine. I'll

             meet you in the coffee shop.

 

                         WES

             How's he like being a stock broker?

 

                         MIKE

             Jimmy likes making money.

 

                         WES

             So do you, big brother.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - SOUTH TOWER - DAY

 

Wes and Mike enter the south tower building.

 

Wes heads for a coffee shop on the ground floor. Mike heads

for the elevator.

 

Standing at the elevator are Hayaam and Areebah.


                                                            2.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes brings a cup of coffee and donut to a table. A folded

newspaper is under his arm.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - ELEVATOR - DAY

 

On the crowded elevator are Mike, Hayaam and Areebah.

 

The elevator stops, the door opens, and Hayaam and Areebah

step off.

 

Mike continues up.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes is reading the paper.

 

Suddenly there is a loud sound, a great crash outside

somewhere.

 

Customers go to windows, looking outside to see what is

going on.

 

Wes looks up from the paper but stays at the table.

 

                         CUSTOMER

             My God, the north tower is on fire!

 

More people go to the windows to look outside. Wes joins them.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - OFFICE - DAY

 

Mike and JIMMY stand at the window of Jimmy's high office,

looking out at the flames consuming the north tower.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - INSURANCE COUNTER - DAY

 

Hayaam and Areebah stand at the counter of an insurance

company. They look frightened and confused as people rush

past them to see what has happened outside.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes comes back to his table. He seems uncertain what to do.

 

Around him, everyone is gawking out at the fire next door.

Everyone is talking at once.


                                                            3.

 

 

Wes looks at his watch.

 

Suddenly there is another loud crash, this one even louder

than before.

 

The room rocks, as if hit by an earthquake.

 

People scream. People start moving for the exits.

 

Wes abandons what is left of his coffee and the newspaper

and joins the rush to get out.

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - SOUTH TOWER - DAY

 

Wes comes outside. He sees the flames rising from the north

tower.

 

He looks straight up and sees flames rising from the south

tower as well. Dark smoke billows everywhere.

 

A look of realization on Wes' face: Mike is still in there.

 

Wes turns and fights the flow of people rushing outside,

trying to get back inside the building.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Wes manages to slip inside against the current. He sees a

stairway and heads for it.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STAIRS - DAY

 

People are rushing downstairs. Wes fights his way against

the flow, heading up.

 

A SECURITY GUARD meets Wes on the stairs.

 

                         SECURITY GUARD

             You can't go up, sir. We're

             evacuating the building.

 

                         WES

             My brother's up there!

 

                         SECURITY GUARD

             I'm sure he's on his way down.

             Come along, sir.

 

Wes gives in and heads down again. He lets the security

guard move ahead of him, then turns and heads up again.


                                                            4.

 

 

But it's hopeless, the stairway is too crowded, there's too

much chaos around him.

 

He stops and presses himself against a wall in a stairwell,

letting the crowd rush past him, gathering his thoughts,

catching his breath.

 

He looks up the stairs to find more and more people heading

down. Maybe Mike will be one of them.

 

He gives in and starts down again.

 

He passes an open doorway at a floor level and hears a

woman's cry for help. There's something in the tone of voice

that stops him.

 

He moves to the door and steps into a hallway.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Wes looks up and down the hallway. The cry for help comes

again. He moves in its direction.

 

He finds the two women in Muslim dress, Hayaam and Areebah.

Hayaam is sitting on the floor, Areebah bending over her.

(Their English is heavily accented.)

 

                         AREEBAH

             She can't walk! She twisted her

             ankle!

 

                         WES

             Okay, you'll be alright. Take my

             hand.

 

Hayaam grasps Wes' hand, and he pulls her to her feet.

 

                         WES

             Can you walk at all?

 

Hayaam takes a test step but falters. Wes holds her up.

 

                         WES

             Okay, here we go.

 

He lifts her up in his arms.

 

                         WES

             You okay?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.


                                                            5.

 

 

Wes carries her, heading for the stairs. Areebah follows.

 

 

INT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - STAIRS - DAY

 

Wes moves back into the stairwell. He turns to make sure

Areebah is behind him.

 

                         WES

             Grab my arm.

 

Areebah does.

 

Wes, carrying Hayaam, enters the rush of people heading down

the stairs.

 

People cough from heavy gasoline fumes. Some hold

handkerchiefs over their mouths.

 

Water flows down the stairs from broken pipes.

 

 

EXT. WORLD TRADE CENTER - DAY

 

Wes, Hayaam and Areebah come outside. Everyone gasps for air.

 

Areebah releases her grip.

 

Wes carefully sets Hayaam down. She supports herself on her

good leg.

 

                         WES

             I have to go back inside. Will

             you be okay?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. Thank you so much.

 

                         WES

             No problem.

 

Hayaam offers her hand.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am Hayaam. This is my cousin,

             Areebah.

 

                         WES

             I'm Wes. You work here?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Oh no, I'm a student. And you

             work here?


                                                            6.

 

 

                         WES

             I go to NYU.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Really? So do I.

 

                         WES

             I have to go. My brother's in

             there somewhere.

 

He heads back to the entrance.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (after him)

             Thank you!

 

Wes fights his way against the flow again.

 

 

EXT. CEMETERY - DAY

 

A GATHERING of people stands at a fresh grave. A casket is

lowered into the ground.

 

In the gathering are Wes, his father WALTER HARDING and his

mother EVELYN. And other FRIENDS and RELATIVES.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

A reception after the funeral. A long table filled with food.

An open bar.

 

In a circle of MEN, Wes' UNCLE FRANK is holding court.

 

                         UNCLE FRANK

             It's worse than Pearl Harbor

             because it's right here at home,

             right in our own back yard. This

             will change everything, see if

             I'm not right. This is a new kind

             of war, and we damn well better

             be ready to show the world we

             have another great generation.

 

Wes, listening at the edge of the circle, moves away.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - MIKE'S ROOM - DAY

 

Wes is alone in his brother's room. Signs that it hasn't

been lived in for a while -- boxes stored on the bed.


                                                            7.

 

 

Wes goes to a wall where there is an NYU pennant and a photo

of Mike in a football uniform from high school.

 

ROGER, 20s, appears in the doorway.

 

                         ROGER

             You okay?

 

                         WES

             Well as can be expected.

 

                         ROGER

             You want to get out of here? Go

             for a ride or something?

 

                         WES

             I'll be okay.

 

                         ROGER

             I could use some air.

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - DAY

 

Wes and Roger walk through the urban neighborhood.

 

                         WES

             You have any Arab friends?

 

                         ROGER

             That's an interesting question.

             You mean, do I think they're

             spies? Yeah, if I had any, I'd be

             worried about it.

 

                         WES

             When it happened, I went crazy,

             thinking I could find Mike

             somehow ... I didn't even know

             what floor his buddy's office was

             on ... anyway, I heard a call for

             help and followed it. There were

             two Arab women, and one of them

             had sprained her ankle. I carried

             her out.

 

They walk a moment in silence.

 

                         ROGER

             And ...?

 

                         WES

             And what?


                                                            8.

 

 

                         ROGER

             Is there a point to this story?

 

                         WES

             Not really. I was just wondering

             how she must be feeling.

 

Roger gives him a strange look.

 

                         WES

             What's wrong?

 

                         ROGER

             Thousands of people got killed.

             Your brother. Why are you bringing

             up an Arab woman with a sprained

             ankle?

 

Wes can't answer him.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes is walking across campus. Ahead he sees a woman in

traditional Muslim clothing.

 

He hesitates, then rushes up behind her. He clears his

throat, and she turns. It's not Hayaam.

 

                         ARAB WOMAN

             Yes?

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry. I thought you were

             someone else.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Wes is studying a book at a table.

 

Hayaam comes in on crutches, wearing her usual brightly

colored hijab.

 

Wes looks up and sees her. He smiles but she doesn't see him.

 

Hayaam disappears in the stacks.

 

Wes closes the book and gets up. He follows her.


                                                            9.

 

 

INT. LIBRARY - STACKS - DAY

 

Hayaam is having trouble maneuvering both her crutches and a

book she's trying to get high off the shelf.

 

Wes appears.

 

                         WES

             Let me.

 

He takes down the book for her.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you.

 

She recognizes him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello! I was wondering if I might

             run into you.

 

                         WES

             Same here. How's the ankle?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm supposed to let it rest. Not

             so easy when you have things to do.

 

Wes looks at the book, which he's still holding.

 

                         WES

             Immanuel Kant ... I'm impressed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Don't be. I'm only reading it

             because I have to. I'm a

             philosophy major. He's actually

             quite boring.

 

                         WES

             I think I remember that. Listen,

             if you're not busy, I was about

             to grab a cup of coffee.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Tea would be nice.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam sit at a table. Wes is telling his story.


                                                           10.

 

 

                         WES

             I shouldn't feel guilty, I know

             there's nothing I could've done.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course there wasn't.

 

                         WES

             It's just that ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             What?

 

                         WES

             I felt so helpless. So powerless.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You weren't helpless at all. You

             helped me. You probably saved my

             life. I could've still been in

             there when the tower fell.

 

Wes looks surprised. This never occurred to him.

 

                         WES

             You think so?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. I think you are my life saver.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

They move slowly across campus. Hayaam, of course, uses her

crutches.

 

                         WES

             Where are you from?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Indonesia.

 

                         WES

             Indonesia.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You thought I am Arab, right?

 

                         WES

             I guess I did.


                                                           11.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             There are more Muslims in

             Indonesia than in any other

             country.

 

                         WES

             I didn't know that.

 

Ahead a crowd of FRATERNITY BROTHERS have circled around a

foreign student. This is ABDUL-HAKEEM. They are taunting him.

 

Wes and Hayaam get close enough that she recognizes it's her

brother who is being taunted.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Abdul!

 

She gets the crutches into high gear.

 

                         WES

             What is it?

 

Wes hurries after her.

 

Abdul tries to move out of the circle around him but the

fraternity brothers keep blocking his way.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #1

             Foreign fuck.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Arab asshole.

 

Hayaam takes a crutch and holds it over her head, a gesture

of threat.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Let him go!

 

The fraternity boys find her gesture amusing.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Hey, sweetie pie. What do you

             plan to do with that?

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #3

             Why you got that scarf covering

             your hair? I bet you got pretty

             hair.

 

He reaches for the scarf and Hayaam  strikes his arm with a

crutch.

 

Wes intervenes.


                                                           12.

 

 

                         WES

             Hey, fellas, what's going on?

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #1

             You with her?

 

In the confusion, Abdul has slipped out of the circle.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Hayaam, this is not your fight.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #2

             Who said anything about a fight?

             We just want you to go the fuck

             home where you belong.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I study here, so today this is my

             home.

 

He grabs Hayaam and starts moving away.

 

Wes isn't sure what to do.

 

                         FRATERNITY BRO #3

             Something we can help you with?

 

                         WES

             No ... thanks, no ...

 

He follows Hayaam and catches up with her and Abdul.

 

                         WES

             What was that about?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (to Hayaam)

             Who is this?

 

                         HAYAAM

             He's the one I told you about,

             who saved my life.

                  (to Wes)

             My brother, Abdul-Hakeem.

 

                         WES

             Nice to meet you. I'm Wes.

 

He offers his hand. Abdul hesitates before taking it.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I give you my gratitude for

             helping my sister.


                                                           13.

 

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry for what happened back

             there.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Your countrymen decided I am a

             terrorist.

 

Wes can't find the words to reply.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Hayaam, we must go.

 

She smiles at Wes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you for the tea.

 

                         WES

             Maybe we can do it again soon.

 

Hayaam smiles.

 

Abdul quickly leads his sister away.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Seated at the dinner table are Wes, Walter and Evelyn.

Evelyn is just picking at her food.

 

Suddenly Evelyn starts sobbing.

 

                         EVELYN

             I'm sorry ...

 

She gets up from the table.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn, it's okay.

 

                         EVELYN

             Stop saying everything is okay!

 

She hurries off.

 

                         WALTER

             I meant crying is okay.

 

                         WES

             I know.

 

They go back to eating.


                                                           14.

 

 

                         WES

             Dad ... do you know any Muslims?

 

                         WALTER

             We used to have a lawyer in the

             firm who was Muslim. Why?

 

                         WES

             If he was still in the firm,

             would you suspect him of being a

             terrorist?

 

                         WALTER

             Of course not. Why do you ask?

 

                         WES

             There was a scuffle at school

             today, some jock types hassling a

             student from Indonesia.

 

                         WALTER

             There's going to be a lot of

             that, I'm afraid. Stupidity and

             patriotism make a volatile mix.

 

Wes nods and eats.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

 

There's a basketball hoop and makeshift court along the

driveway. Wes and Roger are shooting baskets.

 

                         WES

             I ran into Hayaam on campus.

 

Roger looks puzzled.

 

                         WES

             The girl I carried out of the

             tower before it collapsed.

 

Roger stops dribbling.

 

                         ROGER

             Don't tell me you're interested

             in an Arab girl.

 

                         WES

             She's from Indonesia. We had

             coffee. No big deal.

 

                         ROGER

             Then why are you talking about her?


                                                           15.

 

 

Good question. Wes grabs the ball and dribbles for a lay up.

Wes tosses Roger the ball.

 

                         ROGER

             Do me a favor. If you get involved

             with this girl, keep it to

             yourself.

 

He takes a shot.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - ART STUDIO - DAY

 

Wes is working on an abstract painting, full of bright colors.

 

Out the window, he sees Hayaam hobbling across campus on her

crutches.

 

He thinks a minute, then slams the book shut.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes catches up with Hayaam on the front steps just before

she enters a building.

 

                         WES

             Hey.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello.

 

                         WES

             You have a class?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes, that boring Mr. Kant.

 

                         WES

             And afterwards?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have three hours before my next

             class.

 

                         WES

             Time for tea?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Since when do you drink tea?

 

                         WES

             Tea for you, coffee for me. Meet

             you in the coffee shop?


                                                           16.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             That would be nice.

 

She gives him a big smile and enters the building.

 

Wes moves off.

 

From a distance, Abdul watches him go. He looks concerned.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes sits alone at a table. He looks at his watch. Thirty

minutes after the hour. She's very late.

 

He scoots back his chair, getting ready to go.

 

Hayaam rushes into the coffee shop as best she can on

crutches. She sees Wes and gets to the table just as he

steps away.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm sorry I'm late. You have a

             class?

 

                         WES

             No.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You're angry with me. I don't

             blame you.

 

                         WES

             No, I'm glad you made it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is it you say? Better late

             than never?

 

                         WES

             Yes, better late than never.

 

They sit down at the table. An awkward silence.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You're mad at me.

 

                         WES

             No.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You look upset.


                                                           17.

 

 

                         WES

             I still can't believe what

             happened.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know.

 

                         WES

             It's like a bad dream.

 

Hayaam offers an understanding smile but says nothing.

 

                         WES

             Do you want to take a walk? I

             guess it would be hard for you ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             No, I would like to.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS - WES & HAYAAM

 

Wes and Hayaam begin spending a lot of time together.

 

On campus:

 

-- They walk together between classes, Hayaam on her crutches.

 

-- They study in the library together.

 

-- They have lunch in the coffee shop.

 

-- Wes shows her his painting-in-progress in the art studio.

 

In the city:

 

-- They window shop.

 

-- They buy ice cream at a corner stand.

 

-- They walk in a city park.

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - SIDEWALK CAFE - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam are having lunch at a sidewalk cafe. The

crutches lean against the table.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I take my exam next week.

 

                         WES

             You have midterms already?


                                                           18.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not at University. For my

             citizenship.

 

This is news to Wes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know, I didn't tell you before.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I think that's great.

             Then you're staying here.

 

                         HAYAAM

             That's the plan, yes. My father

             will be joining Abdul and me next

             month, we hope. My mother died

             last year.

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I think my father doesn't approve

             of me becoming an American, but

             he knows how strong willed I am.

             I will be a citizen of two

             countries, Indonesia and United

             States.

 

She sees something in Wes' expression.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is that look?

 

                         WES

             What look?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Like you don't believe I'm strong

             willed.

 

                         WES

             I guess I haven't noticed that in

             you yet. I thought ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes?

 

                         WES

             Muslim women were more, you know,

             submissive to men than in the west.


                                                           19.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why do you think this?

 

                         WES

             Like how they walk behind the men

             ... like how you dress ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do I walk behind you?

 

                         WES

             No, you don't. But you do wear

             traditional dress.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Because it's liberating.

 

                         WES

             Liberating?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why does this amuse you? I dress

             like this because I refuse to be

             looked at as a sex object. I

             refuse to be a part of the sexism

             that is the basis of gender

             relations in the west. If you

             want a relationship with me, you

             must start by engaging my mind.

             There are no physical distractions.

             This is why the hijab is

             liberating.

 

Wes is at a loss for words.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What are you thinking?

 

                         WES

             I never thought about it that way.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - GYM - BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

 

Wes and Roger shooting baskets.

 

                         ROGER

             That is the biggest crock I've

             ever heard.

 

                         WES

             There's a logic to it. Put

             yourself in the shoes of a woman.


                                                           20.

 

 

                         ROGER

             Listen to you. You're thinking

             with your cock, white man.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LOCKER ROOM - DAY

 

They are dressing after their workout.

 

                         ROGER

             Have you nailed her yet?

 

                         WES

             We're just friends.

 

                         ROGER

             Bullshit. You can't talk about

             anyone else.

 

                         WES

             Okay, I find her fascinating. But

             we're just friends.

 

                         ROGER

             Do I detect a certain sadness in

             your tone?

 

                         WES

             She's a Muslim.

 

                         ROGER

             Exactly. You nail her, and they

             stone her in the street, right?

 

                         WES

             Roger, I just find her interesting.

             That's all that's going on.

 

 

INT. NEW YORK - BOOKSTORE - DAY

 

Wes looks for a book on the shelves. He finds it.

 

It's called "An Introduction to Islam." He takes it.

 

On his way to the cash register, he passes a table of books.

A title catches his eye: "The Rubiyat of Omar Khayam."

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes catches up with Hayaam, who is carefully stepping

across campus. She is finally off crutches.


                                                           21.

 

 

                         WES

             Hi.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello.

 

                         WES

             When did you get off crutches?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yesterday. If I am careful, I'm

             fine.

 

They walk a moment in silence.

 

                         WES

             I think I owe you an apology.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't understand.

 

                         WES

             I know we've never really been

             alone together ... I mean, we

             always spend time together in

             public places ... but I didn't

             realize it was against your

             religion to date. I thought we've

             been, you know, sort of dating. I

             didn't mean any disrespect.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You think I am forbidden to be

             alone with you?

 

                         WES

             I've been reading about Islam. It

             says you don't date or spend time

             alone with the opposite sex.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I see. This is like my hijab,

             another example of my repression.

             You must feel so sorry for me.

 

                         WES

             I'm not trying to make you angry.

             I'm trying to apologize.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You are making me angry! I

             consider myself a feminist. Yes,

             a Muslim feminist!

                         (MORE)


                                                           22.

 

 

                         HAYAAM (CONT'D)

             Whatever book you are reading, I

             think you are getting bad

             information.

 

She moves off, leaving Wes confused.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Hayaam is studying. Wes appears.

 

He sits down next to her and speaks in low tones.

 

                         WES

             How's the studying for citizenship

             coming?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Good.

 

                         WES

             I'd be glad to help. Quiz you,

             whatever you need.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You would do this?

 

                         WES

             I'd like to.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Even if we must be alone to do

             this?

 

                         WES

             I deserve that. Yes, even if we

             are alone.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Then yes, you can help me.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

The family at dinner. No one speaks.

 

Evelyn gets up and exits to the kitchen.

 

                         WES

             I've been seeing the Muslim woman

             I told you about. She's studying

             to become a citizen. I thought

             I'd help her study.


                                                           23.

 

 

                         WALTER

             Is that a question?

 

                         WES

             I was wondering if it would be

             okay to bring her here. I mean,

             the way mom feels and everything.

 

                         WALTER

             Of course you can bring her here.

 

                         WES

             Thanks, Dad.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam approach the house.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I think I'm nervous. I don't meet

             people well.

 

                         WES

             Trust me, my parents are great. A

             friend of mine is a friend of

             theirs.

 

They walk onto the porch.

 

A NEIGHBOR watering the lawn next door gets an eyeful of

Hayaam in her traditional clothing.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Walter looks out the front window, seeing Wes and Hayaam

reach the porch. Evelyn stands behind him.

 

                         WALTER

             Well, they're here.

 

                         EVELYN

             I'm not ready for this.

 

She hurries off. Walter starts to say something but doesn't.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - FOYER - DAY

 

The door opens, and Hayaam and Wes enter.

 

Walter is waiting to greet them.


                                                           24.

 

 

                         WES

             Dad, this is Hayaam.

 

                         WALTER

             I thought it must be. It's very

             nice to meet you, Hayaam.

 

                         HAYAAM

             It is a pleasure to meet you.

 

                         WES

             I'm helping her study for her

             citizenship exam.

 

                         WALTER

             I believe you mentioned that.

 

                         WES

             Is mom around?

 

                         WALTER

             She seems to have gone off on an

             errand.

 

                         WES

             We'll be in my room.

 

Wes gestures to the stairway, and they leave.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - KITCHEN - DAY

 

Walter comes into the kitchen.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn?

 

He sees her out the kitchen window. She's standing alone in

the back yard. Her back is to him. She appears to be crying.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam sits at Wes' desk. Wes sits on the edge of the bed.

He has a booklet in his hand.

 

                         WES

             "Give me liberty or give me

             death!"

 

                         HAYAAM

             Patrick Henry.

 

Wes smiles.


                                                           25.

 

 

                         WES

             "These are the times that try

             men's souls."

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thomas Paine.

 

                         WES

             You know this stuff better than I

             do.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Here's one that's not in the book.

             "No taxation without

             representation."

 

                         WES

             I know that one.

 

He thinks a minute.

 

                         WES

             Samuel Adams.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Samuel Adams was his law clerk.

 

                         WES

             Really? Hmm ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             John Adams called this man "the

             First Patriot."

 

                         WES

             My mind's gone blank.

 

                         HAYAAM

             James Otis.

 

                         WES

             James Otis?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. You remember now?

 

                         WES

             Otis. I'm not sure I ever heard

             the name!

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do you know what he meant by it?


                                                           26.

 

 

                         WES

             Of course. Since the American

             colonies couldn't vote, they

             shouldn't be taxed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             And what did he want to do about

             it?

 

                         WES

             They went to war for their

             independence over it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             But this is not what James Otis

             meant when he said, "No taxation

             without representation." He

             meant, therefore the colonies

             should be represented in the

             English Parliament so they could

             vote. He didn't want war. When

             war came, he went crazy. They had

             to carry him out of Boston in a

             strait jacket.

 

Wes is amazed at how much she knows. This is all news to him.

He can't think of anything to say.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You should read the history of

             your country. It is very

             fascinating.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Walter is reading. Evelyn is not in the room.

 

Wes and Hayaam enter.

 

                         WES

             We're done. Is mom around?

 

                         WALTER

             She sends her regrets. She's not

             feeling well.

 

                         WES

             What's the matter?

 

                         WALTER

             She's not sure. Maybe the flu

             coming on.


                                                           27.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm very sorry.

 

                         WALTER

             Maybe next time. How did it go?

 

                         WES

             She knows American history better

             than I do.

 

Hayaam blushes.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam come out.

 

A car is parked out front, waiting for her. Wes is surprised

to see it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I told my brother to pick me up.

 

                         WES

             Oh.

 

                         HAYAAM

             He didn't want me to come. This

             is our compromise. He's afraid

             we're dating.

 

She studies Wes for a response. None comes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Are we dating?

 

                         WES

             It's allowed?

 

                         HAYAAM

             If I choose to, yes. Remember, I

             am a feminist.

 

                         WES

             I keep forgetting.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Are we dating?

 

                         WES

             Well ... what do you think?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Please answer the question.


                                                           28.

 

 

Wes takes a deep breath.

 

                         WES

             Yes. We're dating. I mean, I

             would like to think that we are.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Good. I like dating you.

 

She gives him a broad smile, turns and walks briskly to the

car. It's an old model used car.

 

Wes watches her get in. The car speeds off.

 

 

INT. ABDUL'S CAR - DAY

 

Hayaam's smile is gone. She looks nervous, like she's

waiting for something unpleasant.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Did you manage to get any studying

             done?

 

                         HAYAAM

             That's all we did. He asked

             questions from the book, and I

             gave the answers.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Seeing him will not lead to

             anything good.

 

                         HAYAAM

             This is my decision, not yours.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             And papa's decision?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Papa is not here.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             He will be here soon enough.

 

Hayaam's expression changes to expectation. She waits for

more.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             He sent a letter. His papers are

             finally approved.

 

                         HAYAAM

             How soon will he leave?


                                                           29.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Only a matter of weeks now.

 

Hayaam looks excited.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - MASTER BEDROOM - DAY

 

Wes stands at the door, which is cracked. He peeks in to see

Evelyn lying on the bedspread.

 

                         WES

             Mom, are you okay?

 

                         EVELYN

             Oh Wesley ...

 

He steps into the room.

 

                         WES

             What's the matter?

 

                         EVELYN

             Why couldn't you get interested

             in an American girl?

 

                         WES

             She's studying to become an

             American.

 

                         EVELYN

             You know what I mean. She's a

             Muslim, isn't she? And you know

             nothing about her past.

 

                         WES

             I know she's studying to become

             an American citizen.

 

                         EVELYN

             She still belongs to the same

             religion as ...

 

Evelyn can't finish.

 

                         EVELYN

             What would your brother think?

 

                         WES

             I can't believe you're saying

             this. It goes against everything

             Unitarians believe.


                                                           30.

 

 

                         EVELYN

             I'm a Baptist.

 

                         WES

             What?

 

                         EVELYN

             It's the only church I could get

             your father to go to. In my

             heart, I'm a Baptist.

 

 

EXT. NYC - PARK - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam sit on a blanket in a park. He reads to her

from "The Rubiyat."

 

                         WES

             "Here with a Loaf of Bread

             beneath the Bough, / A Flask of

             Wine, a Book of Verse---and Thou

             / Beside me singing in the

             Wilderness--- / And Wilderness is

             Paradise enow."

 

Hayaam takes the book.

 

She looks for a particular verse. And finds it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             "Ah, fill the Cup:---what boots

             it to repeat / How Time is

             slipping underneath our Feet: /

             Unborn tomorrow, and dead

             yesterday, / Why fret about them

             if TO-DAY be sweet!"

 

Their eyes are locked. It seems as if they might kiss.

 

Hayaam breaks it by holding out the book, returning it.

 

                         WES

             It's for you. You probably

             already have a copy.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't. Thank you. You must sign

             it.

 

Wes takes the book. He takes out a pen.

 

What to write?


                                                           31.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Sign it, "from your life saver."

 

Wes almost blushes. He signs: "To Hayaam, whom I'll never

forget, from your life saver, Wes."

 

He hands her the book. Hayaam is pleased with the inscription.

 

An awkward moment.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'd better go home.

 

                         WES

             You're sure?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.

 

                         WES

             You'll still come to church with

             me?

 

Now she looks straight at him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Wes comes out of the house. He is wearing a suit.

 

He gets into his car and heads out.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Evelyn comes into the room, dressed for church. Walter, in a

suit, is waiting for her.

 

                         EVELYN

             Where's Wesley?

 

                         WALTER

             He said he'd meet us there.

 

Evelyn is puzzled by this but too much in a rush to say

something.

 

 

EXT. UNITARIAN CHURCH - DAY

 

Congregants enter the church.


                                                           32.

 

 

INT. UNITARIAN CHURCH - SANCTUARY - DAY

 

Walter and Evelyn have taken their seats. Walter is saving

room beside him, enough for two.

 

Evelyn scans the back of the room.

 

                         EVELYN

             It's not like him to be late.

 

Wes appears -- with Hayaam. She is wearing her full Muslim

garb, of course, in bright colors.

 

                         EVELYN

                  (to Walter, hushed panic)

             My God, he brought her here!

 

Evelyn is tense as she waits.

 

Wes proudly walks down the aisle with Hayaam. She is quite

the center of attention. The Unitarians seem happy to see

her. Liberal smiles everywhere.

 

They reach the row where Walter has saved their seats.

 

                         WES

             Mother, this is Hayaam.

 

Evelyn puts on a good act.

 

                         EVELYN

             Oh, it's so wonderful to meet you

             at last.

 

                         HAYAAM

             It is a pleasure to meet you.

 

                         WALTER

             Let's scoot down for them, mother.

 

Walter and Evelyn make room, and Wes and Hayaam take their

seats.

 

 

INT. UNITARIAN CHURCH - SANCTUARY - DAY (LATER)

 

The congregation is on its feet, singing a hymn.

 

Wes holds a hymnal for himself and Hayaam. She tries to

follow along as best she can.

 

Evelyn glances their way. She tries to hide her concern.


                                                           33.

 

 

EXT. UNITARIAN CHURCH - DAY

 

The minister, REV. SALLY DOWNS, is greeting the congregants

as they exit.

 

Wes and Hayaam appear.

 

                         WES

             Rev. Downs, this is Hayaam.

 

                         REV. SALLY DOWNS

             Thank you so much for coming.

 

                         WES

             She's studying to become a citizen.

 

                         REV. SALLY DOWNS

             Well, this is an honor. I hope to

             see you again.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you.

 

They move on.

 

Walter and Evelyn are next.

 

                         REV. SALLY DOWNS

             Thank you for bringing Hayaam.

 

Evelyn gives her a frozen smile.

 

 

EXT. UNITARIAN CHURCH - SIDEWALK - DAY

 

Walter and Evelyn join Wes and Hayaam.

 

                         WALTER

             Will you join us for lunch?

 

Wes looks at Hayaam for a clue.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm sorry. I must get home.

 

                         WALTER

             Some other time then.

 

 

INT. WES' CAR - DAY

 

Wes is driving, Hayaam beside him.


                                                           34.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I said what you call "a white

             lie." I don't have to go home yet.

 

                         WES

             Why?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Your mother doesn't like me.

 

                         WES

             Of course she does.

 

He's not very convincing and sees that Hayaam knows this.

 

                         WES

             My mother is, well ... she was

             raised a Baptist. They aren't

             very liberal minded about

             religious matters. But she's come

             a long way, believe me.

 

                         HAYAAM

             If she is a Baptist, why is she

             going to a Unitarian church?

 

                         WES

             Because my father wants to.

 

Hayaam smiles knowingly.

 

                         WES

             What?

 

                         HAYAAM

             American women are so repressed.

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam stroll through a park.

 

They are silent but there is sense of growing togetherness.

Several times each appears about to speak but stops. Finally

...

 

                         WES

             I have this great desire to hold

             your hand.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I would like that.

 

He takes her hand. They smile and continue on.


                                                           35.

 

 

EXT. PARK - BENCH - DAY

 

They sit on a park bench.

 

                         WES

             Did you find church interesting?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. I find all religions

             interesting. But I was surprised,

             too.

 

                         WES

             In what way?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I heard nothing about God or

             Jesus Christ. Even in the prayer,

             it was to the Great Spirit. I

             thought only your American

             Indians prayed to the Great Spirit.

 

Wes can't help himself and smiles.

 

                         WES

             Most unitarians are refugees from

             other religions. God and Christ

             sometimes bring bad memories of

             how they were brought up.

 

                         HAYAAM

             This is a strange foundation for

             a religion.

 

                         WES

             Well, it's not the official

             doctrine or anything.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Would you like to come to a mosque?

 

                         WES

             I would, yes.

 

                         HAYAAM

             When?

 

                         WES

             Whenever would be appropriate.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't know what this means. How

             would it be appropriate?


                                                           36.

 

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I will come whenever you

             invite me.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Today at sunset then.

 

 

INT. MOSQUE - DAY (SUNSET)

 

Lines of Muslims in prayer in a large spacious room.

 

Near the rear is a line of women. Hayaam stands behind Wes

in the first line of men in front of her.

 

Wes tries to follow along as best he can. An Arabic prayer

is spoken. Everyone then gets to their knees. They lean

forward, their foreheads touching the ground.

 

 

EXT. MOSQUE - DAY (EVENING)

 

Everyone comes out after prayer.

 

Wes looks very much out of place. He glances around for

Hayaam.

 

Hayaam and Areebah come out together. Wes expectantly waits

for them.

 

But they pass by him without Hayaam even acknowledging his

presence.

 

Wes is stunned. He doesn't know what to do. Arab men are

staring at him.

 

He moves off, following Hayaam and Areebah from a distance.

 

 

EXT. STREET - SIDEWALK - DAY (EVENING)

 

Wes follows the women, keeping about a quarter block between

them. They continue down a sidewalk, away from the Mosque.

 

Suddenly Hayaam and Areebah stop. Wes stops.

 

Hayaam and Areebah exchange words, something Wes doesn't

hear. Then Areebah walks away.

 

Hayaam looks at Wes, waiting.

 

Wes cautiously approaches.


                                                           37.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm sorry. What I did will be

             controversial enough. I didn't

             want to cause a scene.

 

                         WES

             I wasn't supposed to be there?

 

                         HAYAAM

             A woman normally doesn't bring a

             male guest.

 

                         WES

             Will you get in trouble?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am used to being in trouble.

             Will you walk me home?

 

                         WES

             Of course.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - DAY (EVENING)

 

Wes and Hayaam approach Hayaam's apartment building. She

stops.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'll say goodbye here.

 

                         WES

             I feel like I got you in trouble.

 

                         HAYAAM

             No more than I would be in anyway.

             Not everyone understands women

             like me, especially most Muslim

             men.

 

                         WES

             How about your brother?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Will

             I see you on campus tomorrow?

 

                         WES

             I'd like that.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Tea after my class?


                                                           38.

 

 

                         WES

             Great.

 

She smiles and moves off.

 

                         WES

                  (after her)

             Thank you!

 

She stops and turns, looking puzzled.

 

                         WES

             For taking me to the mosque. It

             was very educational.

 

She starts to say something but thinks against it. She

smiles and continues on.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

The family at dinner.

 

                         WES

             I'd like to invite Hayaam for

             dinner.

 

Walter looks at Evelyn. She freezes.

 

                         WALTER

             Wes, it may be early for that.

 

                         EVELYN

             Why? He's determined to see her.

             Why will the situation be better

             later?

 

                         WALTER

             What I meant is, maybe you'll be

             able to accept her more graciously

             later.

 

                         EVELYN

             Graciously? Is that what I'm

             supposed to do?

 

She stands up.

 

                         EVELYN

             Those people killed my son. How

             can I be gracious about it.


                                                           39.

 

 

                         WES

             Mother, you make it sound like

             she's a terrorist. She's becoming

             an American citizen.

 

                         EVELYN

             How wonderful for her.

 

She leaves the room.

 

                         WALTER

             Wes, I don't think this is a good

             idea right now.

 

Wes doesn't respond. They continue eating silently.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam is studying.

 

Abdul appears in the doorway. He knocks on the door frame.

 

Hayaam looks up.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Come in.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Tell me it isn't true.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You want me to lie?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Why?

 

                         HAYAAM

             He is curious about Islam. He

             showed me his church, so I showed

             him mine.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You know what father would say

             about this. He arrives next week.

 

Hayaam is caught between joy and apprehension.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             He will tell you not to see this

             man. You know he will.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know.


                                                           40.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - BASKETBALL COURT - DAY

 

Wes and Roger shooting baskets.

 

                         ROGER

             You still seeing the Arab lady?

 

                         WES

             She's from Indonesia.

 

                         ROGER

             I take it that's a yes.

 

Wes ignores the question. He shoots a basket.

 

                         ROGER

             Why?

 

Wes still ignores him.

 

                         ROGER

             I just don't get it.

 

                         WES

             I'm trying to feel like life is

             normal again. What's wrong with

             that?

 

                         ROGER

             Life will never be normal again.

 

Wes, not responding, shoots a basket.

 

 

A SERIES OF SHOTS

 

Wes and Hayaam continue to see one another.

 

-- They have coffee and tea in the campus cafeteria.

 

-- They window shop in a mall.

 

-- They ride rental bikes through a park.

 

-- They ride in a horse and carriage.

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Wes tries to teach Hayaam how to throw a frisbee.

 

He demonstrates.


                                                           41.

 

 

He hands the frisbee to Hayaam. She doesn't get a good

trajectory on it.

 

He tries again. Failure again.

 

He hands her the frisbee. He stands behind her and reaches

around to guide her through the motion of throwing.

 

And this is when he realizes what he is doing. He freezes.

 

They are practically embraced. The moment is charged with

sexual energy.

 

Hayaam breaks it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Show me how.

 

Wes regains his composure. He guides her through the arm

motion of throwing it.

 

                         WES

             Like this and let go ... this and

             let go ... try it.

 

He steps back. She throws. Much better.

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY (LATER)

 

They are throwing the frisbee back and forth. Hayaam has the

hang of it.

 

The trouble is, the physical exercise keeps displacing her

head veil. Now and again it falls off her hair.

 

Frustrated, Hayaam lets the veil stay off. Wes sees her hair

for the first time.

 

He holds the frisbee, not returning it. He approaches her.

 

Hayaam keeps the veil off her head.

 

He arrives. They stand close.

 

Wes reaches out and touches her hair.

 

                         WES

             You have beautiful hair.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know.


                                                           42.

 

 

                         WES

             I don't know why you cover it up.

 

                         HAYAAM

             It is my choice who sees it. No

             one else's.

 

                         WES

             I'm glad you let me see it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             So am I.

 

The sexual energy between them is greater than ever. Wes

leans forward, slowly, an approach to kiss her.

 

At the last minute, Hayaam turns her head, offering her

cheek. Wes kisses her cheek.

 

He pulls back. She moves forward. He prepares for a kiss on

the lips but she kisses him on the cheek.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have never kissed a man before.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - STREET - DAY

 

Wes walks Hayaam home.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Abdul watches them from a window.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

They stop in front of the house.

 

                         WES

             I want to kiss you again.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I know. But not now, not here.

 

                         WES

             I know.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'll see you tomorrow.

 

                         WES

             You certainly will.


                                                           43.

 

 

They exchange smiles. Wes turns and goes.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Through the window, Abdul sees Hayaam approaching.

 

He hurries away. He moves through the house and goes out the

back door.

 

 

EXT. STREET - DAY

 

Wes is walking on the sidewalk when Abdul trots up and joins

him.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You must stop seeing her.

 

                         WES

             I don't want to do that.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You must, for her own good.

 

                         WES

             She doesn't want to do that either.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Our father arrives in this

             country next week. He is very

             traditional. You only cause

             family trouble.

 

                         WES

             I get the impression Hayaam does

             exactly what she wants to do. If

             she wants to see me, she will.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You are right. This is why I am

             asking you to do the honorable

             thing. Stop seeing her. Prevent

             our family from this trouble.

 

                         WES

             I can't.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Why do you do this? You think she

             will marry you? Even as radical

             as she is, she will only marry a

             Muslim.

                         (MORE)


                                                           44.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM (CONT'D)

             She will not sleep with a man

             before marriage. What is in this

             for you?

 

                         WES

             I love her.

 

Abdul laughs.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             What do Americans know about love?

 

                         WES

             I don't see any point in this

             conversation.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Then I will tell you the point. I

             have asked you to do the honorable

             thing, to honor our family. If

             you betray this request, then you

             will pay the consequences.

 

                         WES

             Are you threatening me?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Stop seeing her.

 

He turns and leaves. Wes looks tense as he watches him go.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes is studying.

 

His father appears in the doorway.

 

                         WALTER

             Hayaam is here to see you.

 

Wes looks surprised. He stands.

 

                         WALTER

             Wes ... maybe you'd better talk

             to her outside.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - PORCH - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam sit on the porch.


                                                           45.

 

 

                         WES

             I don't want to cause any problems

             for you. But I also want to keep

             seeing you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I want to keep seeing you, too.

 

                         WES

             Abdul said your father will be

             angry.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. He's been angry with me

             before.

 

                         WES

             I feel like I'm between a rock

             and a hard place.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is this?

 

                         WES

             A saying. I don't know what to do.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Father will always love me. Even

             when he is mad.

 

                         WES

             I think maybe you have to lead

             the way here. I don't want to

             force you to make your father

             angry.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You think you can force me to do

             something?

 

Wes has to smile.

 

                         WES

             Of course not. A slip of the

             tongue.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Kiss me.

 

He leans forward and kisses her on the cheek.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not there.


                                                           46.

 

 

She closes her eyes and puckers up. The moment has its comic

element, which Wes recognizes. But he goes along, moving

slowly forward.

 

A gentle kiss on the lips.

 

Hayaam opens her eyes. They are still very close, their lips

almost touching.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Again.

 

They kiss again, gently. And a third time, this time a tad

more passionately. Hayaam is a quick study.

 

Hayaam throws her arms around him. They kiss even more

passionately.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - NIGHT

 

Evelyn stands at a window, watching Wes and Hayamm kiss on

the porch.

 

Walter appears behind her. He takes her arm. He leads her

away.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - PORCH - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam finally stop kissing.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I will go now. No matter what

             happens, I will never forget

             tonight.

 

                         WES

             Neither will I.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I will see you on campus tomorrow.

 

                         WES

             Tomorrow's Saturday.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am studying in the library. I

             will be done at one.

 

                         WES

             I'll be there.


                                                           47.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I never understood why you would

             want to do that before.

 

                         WES

             Want to kiss?

 

                         HAYAAM

             That, too. But the other.

 

                         WES

             I'm not sure what you mean.

 

                         HAYAAM

             To sleep with a man before you

             were married.

 

A question visibly on her mind, troubling her. Having said

it, she rushes away.

 

Wes closes his eyes, treasuring the moment.

 

 

EXT. NEW YORK - AIRPORT - DAY

 

A jetliner lands.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - PASSENGER TERMINAL - DAY

 

Hayaam and Abdul wait for the passengers to enter.

 

And here they come, walking in from the tunnel.

 

Hayaam searches the crowd for her father. So does Abdul.

 

Their father, JAMAL, 50s, appears in the flow of entering

passengers. Abdul sees him first.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Papa! Papa!

 

Now Hayaam sees him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Papa!

 

Jamal waves, smiling.

 

Suddenly two FBI AGENTS, dressed in suits, step in front of

Jamal. They lead him off toward a door.

 

Hayaam and Abdul watch what is happening.


                                                           48.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Papa!

 

He starts toward them, with Hayaam in pursuit.

 

The agents reach the door. One opens it, and the other

pushes Jamal inside.

 

The door closes. Abdul reaches it and starts pounding on the

closed door. Hayaam arrives. Abdul keeps pounding on the door.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Open the door! Papa!

 

An AIRPORT OFFICIAL hears the commotion and runs up.

 

                         AIRPORT OFFICIAL

             What's the problem here?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Some men took my father in there.

             I demand to know what is going on.

 

                         AIRPORT OFFICIAL

             Come with me.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I demand--!

 

                         HAYAAM

             Abdul! Let's go with him. Please.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT - PRIVATE WAITING ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam and Abdul sit, waiting. They are anxious.

 

An FBI man enters. Hayaam and Abdul quickly get to their feet.

 

                         FBI MAN

             Your father is being detained for

             questioning.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Questioning for what?

 

                         FBI MAN

             That's all I know right now. You

             are free to go.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I'm not leaving without my father.


                                                           49.

 

 

                         FBI MAN

             Unless you want to be detained

             yourself, I suggest you go.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             No!

 

                         HAYAAM

             Abdul, we should go. We can't

             help father if you join him.

 

Abdul reluctantly gives in, and they leave.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

Walter is reading the morning paper when Wes passes through.

Evelyn is nowhere to be seen.

 

                         WALTER

             Having breakfast?

 

                         WES

             Running late. See you tonight.

 

Wes hurries out.

 

Walter continues reading. A headline on the front page

reads: "Suspected terrorist arrested at airport."

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes sits alone at a table. He looks at his watch.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - CLASSROOM - DAY

 

Wes comes into an empty classroom. He's too late.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - PHONE BOOTH - DAY

 

Wes is on the phone. It rings and rings. He hangs up.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes is on the phone, waiting for someone to answer.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (filtered)

             Hello?


                                                           50.

 

 

                         WES

             May I speak to Hayaam, please?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (filtered)

             Who is this?

 

Wes hesitates.

 

                         WES

             It's Wes.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (filtered)

             I told you to stop seeing her.

 

He hangs up.

 

Wes is stunned.

 

 

EXT.  HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Wes stands outside HAYAAM'S APARTMENT. He looks through the

lighted windows but fails to get a glimpse of her.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Wes walks across campus.

 

He sees a woman in Arab dress ahead. He rushes to her.

 

It's Areeba.

 

                         WES

             Hi. Where's Hayaam?

 

Areeba looks around nervously.

 

                         WES

             What's the matter?

 

Areeba almost speaks but changes her mind.

 

                         WES

             What's going on? Tell me ...

             please.

 

                         AREEBAH

             Her father was arrested. They

             think he's a terrorist.


                                                           51.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - UTILITY PORCH - DAY

 

Wes goes through a stack of old newspapers.

 

He finds the one with the headline about Jamal's arrest. He

starts reading.

 

 

EXT. NYC - BUSINESS AREA - DAY

 

Wes enters a skyscraper. He has the newspaper folded under

his arm.

 

 

INT. SKYSCRAPER - OFFICE RECEPTION - DAY

 

Wes approaches a SECRETARY. She smiles as soon as she seems

him.

 

                         SECRETARY

             Wesley! How nice to see you.

 

                         WES

             Is dad busy?

 

                         SECRETARY

             Go right in.

 

 

INT. WALTER'S OFFICE - DAY

 

Wes steps inside. Walter looks up from his desk.

 

                         WALTER

             This is a pleasant surprise.

 

                         WES

             Did you read this?

 

He shows his father the front page article about the arrest.

 

                         WALTER

             I did. A dangerous new world we

             live in.

 

                         WES

             This is Hayaam's father.

 

                         WALTER

             Are you sure?

 

                         WES

             Dad, he probably needs a lawyer.


                                                           52.

 

 

Walter takes a deep breath.

 

                         WALTER

             Let's get some coffee.

 

 

INT. SKYSCRAPER - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes and Walter sit at a table over coffee.

 

                         WES

             I know Hayaam. She doesn't come

             from a family of terrorists. Dad,

             please trust me on this.

 

                         WALTER

             How well do you know her? Or am I

             prying?

 

                         WES

             I like her a lot.

 

Walter studies him.

 

                         WES

             I know how complicated everything

             is. But that's another issue. Her

             father needs a lawyer, a damn

             good one under the circumstances.

             You've always been a champion of

             the underdog.

 

                         WALTER

             And what client would be more

             unpopular than this one?

 

                         WES

             Exactly.

 

                         WALTER

             I'll speak to him.

 

                         WES

             Thanks, Dad!

 

He reaches across the table and squeezes his father's hand.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Wes again stands outside her apartment.

 

Then he catches a glimpse of her in a ground-floor window,

her bedroom.


                                                           53.

 

 

He moves quickly to the window. He looks inside.

 

Hayaam is preparing to study.

 

He taps on the window pane. Hayaam looks to the window.

 

He taps lightly again.

 

Hayaam comes to the window and recognizes him. She looks

behind her, quickly steps across the room and closes the

bedroom door.

 

She hurries back and lifts open the window.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What are you doing here?

 

                         WES

             I heard about your father. I have

             to talk to you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Meet me at the corner.

 

Wes darts way.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Abdul is reading. Hayaam enters.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm going to the store. Do you

             need anything?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             No.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S NEIGHBORHOOD - CORNER - NIGHT

 

Wes waits for Hayaam. Then he sees her.

 

They spontaneously meet in an embrace.

 

Lost in the moment, Wes kisses her on the lips.

 

Hayaam doesn't resist for a moment. Then she breaks it.

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Don't apologize.


                                                           54.

 

 

                         WES

             I read about your father. My

             dad's a lawyer, one of the best

             in the city. He'd like to talk to

             him. Maybe he'll represent him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Your father would be his lawyer?

 

                         WES

             I think so. He has to talk to him

             first.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why does he care?

 

                         WES

             He cares because I care.

 

This touches Hayaam. She moves back into his embrace.

 

 

EXT. NYC - FEDERAL BUILDING - DAY

 

A cab stops. Getting out are Walter, Wes and Hayaam. Walter

carries a briefcase.

 

                         WALTER

             There's a coffee shop down the

             block. I'll meet you there in an

             hour.

 

 

INT. NYC - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam enter.

 

Several customers stare at Hayaam. She looks self-conscious.

 

                         WES

             Want to take a walk?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.

 

They leave.

 

 

INT. FEDERAL BUILDING - PRISONER VISITING AREA - DAY

 

Walter sits at a table, waiting.

 

A GUARD brings in Jamal. He legs and hands are shackled. The

guard sits him down across from Walter and moves back.


                                                           55.

 

 

                         WALTER

             I'm Walter Harding. I'm a lawyer.

 

Jamal stares at him.

 

                         WALTER

             My son told me about you. He's a

             friend of Hayaam's.

 

                         JAMAL

             Hayaam knows your son?

 

He doesn't look pleased at the prospect.

 

                         WALTER

             Yes. Do you know why you've been

             arrested?

 

                         JAMAL

             They say I am a terrorist. I am

             no terrorist.

 

                         WALTER

             That's a good place to start.

 

 

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam walk.

 

                         WES

             Dad's a great lawyer. He'll do

             what's best, believe me.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Everything is different now. The

             way people look at me, wondering

             if I'm a terrorist.

 

                         WES

             That's not true.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I see how they look at me.

 

                         WES

             Only a few. You saw how welcome

             you were at my church.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I still don't understand why you

             call this a church if there is no

             mention of God.


                                                           56.

 

 

                         WES

             We define God as spirit.

 

                         HAYAAM

             A God must be more than spirit.

 

 

EXT. NYC - FEDERAL BUILDING - DAY

 

Walter comes outside, carrying his briefcase.

 

 

INT. NYC - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Walter enters. He looks around for Wes and Hayaam.

 

 

EXT. NYC - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Walter comes back out just as Wes and Hayaam arrive.

 

                         WES

             How'd it go?

 

                         WALTER

             I'm going to represent him -- at

             least until he finds a Muslim

             lawyer.

 

                         WES

             That's great.

 

                         HAYAAM

             How is he?

 

                         WALTER

             Under the circumstances, he's

             doing better than I expected.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What will happen now?

 

                         WALTER

             My first task is to make an

             argument for getting him out on

             bail.

 

                         WES

             Will this be a problem?

 

                         WALTER

             Given the climate, it could be.


                                                           57.

 

 

EXT. NYC - PARK - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam stroll through a park. They are holding hands.

 

 

EXT. PARK - ANOTHER AREA - DAY

 

Watching them through binoculars is Abdul. With him are OMAR

and IMAD, both college age.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Here.

 

He hands the binoculars to Omar, who looks. Omar hands them

to Imad, who looks.

 

                         OMAR

             You want us to get him now?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             No. I will give my sister one

             more chance to stop seeing him.

             But I want you to stick to him

             like glue.

 

Abdul breaks into laughter.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Isn't this a wonderful expression?

             Stick to him like glue!

 

 

EXT. PARK - WALKWAY - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam still hold hands.

 

                         WES

             Will you come to church with me

             Sunday?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Are you trying to convert me?

 

                         WES

             No! I just want you to see that

             you have friends here.

 

She pulls away her hand.

 

                         HAYAAM

             This becomes very complicated.

 

                         WES

             It doesn't have to be. Does it?


                                                           58.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is our future?

 

                         WES

             I don't know. I'm too busy

             thinking about now, the present

             tense. I know I want to spend as

             much of it as possible with you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes, I know the feeling.

 

                         WES

             This can't be bad, can it?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't know what it is. It's too

             new to me.

 

Wes makes a move to kiss her.

 

                         HAYAAM

             No. I think I should go home.

 

 

EXT. NYC - STREET - DAY

 

Wes hails a cab for Hayaam. It swerves to the curb.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you for everything.

 

                         WES

             See you at school tomorrow?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.

 

She smiles, though there is a touch of sadness in it. She

gets into the cab.

 

Wes hands the cabbie some money. He steps back and watches

the cab pull away. Then he starts down the street.

 

Some distance behind, Omar and Imad follow him.

 

 

INT. NYC - BAR - DAY

 

Wes enters a bar. He takes a stool.


                                                           59.

 

 

EXT. NYC - BAR - DAY

 

Omar and Imad stand outside the bar. They look confused

about entering or not.

 

 

INT. NYC - BAR - DAY

 

Wes sips a beer.

 

Omar and Imad enter. They sit down the bar from Wes.

 

Farther down the bar, a DRUNK CUSTOMER sees them take stools.

 

                         DRUNK CUSTOMER

             Since when is this a watering

             hole for fucking A-rabs?

 

The BARTENDER rushes forward, a reluctant peacemaker.

 

                         BARTENDER

             Hold you tongue, Charlie.

                  (to Omar and Imad)

             I gotta serve you, but you might

             want to think about it. Charlie's

             got a bad temper.

 

Omar and Imad exchange a glance.

 

                         WES

             You go to NYU? I think I've seen

             you on campus.

 

                         OMAR

             Yes.

 

                         WES

             Can I buy you a beer?

 

This takes them completely aback. Imad stands up.

 

                         IMAD

             We don't want to cause trouble.

 

He gestures to Omar to leave.

 

                         WES

             Get them two beers.

 

                         OMAR

             No, please. Thank you very much.

 

Omar and Imad get the hell out of there.


                                                           60.

 

 

The bartender comes over and stares at Wes.

 

                         BARTENDER

             Aren't you something.

 

Wes gulps down his beer and stands.

 

                         BARTENDER

             You got something to say to me?

 

                         WES

             No, sir, I don't.

 

 

EXT. NYC - BAR - DAY

 

Omar and Imad, looking through the window, see Wes coming

for the door. They hurry down the street and duck into a

doorway.

 

Wes comes out and heads up the sidewalk.

 

Omar and Imad follow him.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

The family at dinner.

 

                         WES

             How's the argument for bail

             coming, Dad?

 

                         WALTER

             Ask me in a few days.

 

Evelyn glares at Walter. He notices it.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn, don't.

 

                         EVELYN

             I don't understand why you're

             doing this.

 

                         WALTER

             Even if he's guilty, he deserves

             a lawyer.

 

                         EVELYN

             Does it have to be you?

 

They eat on in silence.


                                                           61.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam having coffee. They hold hands across the

table.

 

Across the room sit Abdul, Omar and Imad, watching them.

 

Hayaam looks at her watch.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I don't want to be late.

 

                         WES

             You're sure you don't want me to

             go with you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             This is something I must do myself.

 

Hayaam gets up. Wes gets up to embrace her. Then Hayaam

walks away.

 

                         WES

                  (after her)

             Good luck!

 

Hayaam waves.

 

Abdul watches her go.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Stay here.

 

Abdul leaves after Hayaam.

 

Omar and Imad stay at the table. They watch Wes, who sits

back down.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Abdul catches up with Hayaam as she walks across campus.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You are still seeing him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Are you spying on me?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I'm a terrorist. That's what we

             do, spy on people.

 

She ignores the remark.


                                                           62.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You will break father's heart

             when he learns this.

 

                         HAYAAM

             His father is helping us.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             We don't need his help.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course we do. He's a very

             important lawyer.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I'm asking you again, stop seeing

             him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I will not stop seeing him.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Don't say I didn't warn you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What is that supposed to mean?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             How can you break father's heart?

             Especially now, with what he is

             going through.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm in a hurry. I have my

             citizenship exam.

 

She walks on alone.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Abdul returns to the table. Omar and Imad are still watching

Wes.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Tonight.

 

Omar and Imad nod.

 

 

INT. FEDERAL BUILDING - TESTING ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam takes her test. She looks pensive but is moving right

along, answering multiple choice questions.


                                                           63.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes on phone, waiting for someone to answer. Nothing. He

hangs up.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - LIVING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Walter reads the newspaper. Evelyn files her nails.

 

Wes comes into the room.

 

                         WES

             Anyone need anything at the store?

 

                         EVELYN

             Are we out of half-and-half?

 

                         WES

             I'll look. Dad?

 

Walter doesn't look up.

 

                         WALTER

             Fine.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Wes looks into the refrigerator.

 

                         WES

                  (calling to mother)

             I'll get half-and-=half!

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - NIGHT

 

Wes comes out. He heads up the street, a pleasant night for

a walk.

 

Across the street Omar and Imad come out of the shadows.

 

 

EXT. HARDING NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - NIGHT

 

Wes walks along at a brisk gait.

 

Omar and Imad are behind him.

 

 

EXT. CONVENIENCE MARKET - NIGHT

 

Wes enters the market.


                                                           64.

 

 

Omar and Imad wait outside, a short distance away.

 

 

INT. CONVENIENCE MARKET - NIGHT

 

At the counter Wes buys half-and-half and a six-pack of pop.

 

 

EXT. HARDING NEIGHBORHOOD - STREET - NIGHT

 

Wes on his way home.

 

He passes a line of bushes. Suddenly Omar and Imad come from

nowhere, jumping him.

 

They quickly knock him down. They start kicking him in the

face and ribs.

 

Wes tries to defend himself with his arms. He's not doing a

good job of it.

 

Omar and Imad keep kicking him.

 

A car turns onto the street, its headlights catching Wes on

the ground.

 

Omar and Imad immediately flee.

 

The car stops and the DRIVER hurries out.

 

                         DRIVER

                  (after Omar and Imad)

             Hey!

 

He stoops to Wes on the ground.

 

 

EXT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT

 

An ambulance pulls into a hospital.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Evelyn is putting away dishes when the phone rings.

 

                         EVELYN

             Hello?

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Walter and Evelyn hurry down a hallway at the hospital.


                                                           65.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

They enter Wes' private room.

 

Wes is in bed. His face is black-and-blue, one eye swollen

shut. His ribs are wrapped.

 

                         EVELYN

             Oh my God ...

 

                         WES

             You should see the other guy.

 

The joke falls flat.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT

 

Walter and Evelyn step out of an elevator into a parking

garage.

 

                         EVELYN

             See where it all leads? Will you

             stop now?

 

                         WALTER

             Pardon me?

 

                         EVELYN

             Representing that man. Wes seeing

             that girl. Look what comes of it.

 

                         WALTER

             I won't dignify that with a

             response.

 

The ice gets thick between them.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - DAY

 

Students cross campus between classes.

 

One of them is Hayaam.

 

Areebah joins her.

 

                         AREEBAH

             Well?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I passed!

 

She is all smiles.


                                                           66.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

She enters the coffee shop. She looks around for Wes but

can't find him.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - ART STUDIO - DAY

 

Hayaam looks for Wes in his art studio.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - LIBRARY - DAY

 

Hayaam enters the area where Wes often studies. He isn't

there.

 

 

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

 

Walter enters the hospital.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - DAY

 

Wes is sitting up in bed when Walter enters.

 

                         WALTER

             How are we feeling today?

 

                         WES

             I'm good. How are you?

 

                         WALTER

             Busy. And challenged. It's not

             looking good for Hayaam's father.

 

                         WES

             Has she called?

 

                         WALTER

             You'd have to ask your mother.

 

                         WES

             Where is she?

 

                         WALTER

             She'll come by tonight. She

             thinks we asked for all this. You

             seeing Hayaam, me helping her

             father.

 

                         WES

             She may be right.


                                                           67.

 

 

                         WALTER

             Not you, too.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam's brother warned me not to

             keep seeing her.

 

                         WALTER

             You think he was behind this?

 

                         WES

             I don't know. I'd like to talk to

             Hayaam. She probably doesn't even

             know I'm here.

 

                         WALTER

             I was going to call and update

             her on the situation. I'll let

             her know.

 

                         WES

             Thanks, Dad.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Hayaam is on the phone.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you, Mr. Harding. Please

             tell Wes I'll see him tonight. ...

             Goodbye.

 

She hangs up the phone. She looks furious.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - ABDUL'S ROOM - DAY

 

Abdul is reading. Hayaam barges in.

 

                         HAYAAM

             How could you!

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             How could I what?

 

                         HAYAAM

             You have no right to interfere in

             my life this way!

 

She storms out.


                                                           68.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

                  (after her)

             You have no right to destroy our

             family!

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam starts to enter just as a NURSE exits.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Is he all right?

 

The nurse is visibly uncomfortable with Hayaam, who as usual

is in her traditional hijab.

 

                         NURSE

             Are you family?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do I look like family?

 

The nurse glares at her.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm a friend.

 

                         WES

                  (O.S.)

             Hayaam, is that you? Come on in.

 

Hayaam's turn to glare -- and she steps into the room.

 

She clearly is shocked by his appearance.

 

                         WES

             I look worse than I feel, believe

             me. They're sending me home soon.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm so sorry. I feel like it's my

             fault.

 

                         WES

             Don't be ridiculous. Sit down,

             please.

 

She takes a chair near the bed.

 

 

EXT. HOSPITAL - PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT

 

Evelyn gets out of her car and heads for the elevator.


                                                           69.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam continue.

 

                         WES

             How did you do on your exam?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I passed it.

 

                         WES

             Fantastic. What's next?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I take my oath as a citizen.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Evelyn comes down the hallway, looking for a room. A nurse

appears.

 

                         NURSE

             May I help you find someone?

 

                         EVELYN

             Wesley Harding.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam are holding hands, silent a moment.

 

Evelyn appears in the doorway. No one sees her.

 

She's shocked by what she sees. She steps back, out of sight.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

Outside her son's room, Evelyn has a hard time controlling

her emotions. She rushes down the hallway to get away.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - PARKING GARAGE - NIGHT

 

Evelyn heads for her car when she meets Roger coming the

other way.

 

                         ROGER

             Hi, Mrs. Harding. How's he doing

             today?


                                                           70.

 

 

                         EVELYN

             That girl's with him.

 

She hurries on. Roger is dumbfounded, not sure what to say.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam are still holding hands when Roger enters.

 

                         ROGER

             Knock, knock.

 

                         WES

             Hey! Good to see you.

 

                         ROGER

             Man, you don't look ready for

             one-on-one at all.

 

                         WES

             Give me a few days.

 

                         ROGER

             Weeks, I'd say.

 

Hayaam stands up.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I will leave now.

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry. Roger, this is Hayaam.

                  (to Hayaam)

             Roger.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello.

 

                         ROGER

             Nice to meet you.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (to Wes)

             I'll see you again soon.

 

She leaves.

 

                         ROGER

             Your mom looked upset.

 

                         WES

             She was here?


                                                           71.

 

 

                         ROGER

             I ran into her in the parking

             garage.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WALTER'S OFFICE - NIGHT

 

Walter is working at his desk.

 

Evelyn enters. Walter looks up.

 

                         WALTER

             How's he doing?

 

                         EVELYN

             That girl was there.

 

                         WALTER

             And...?

 

                         EVELYN

             They were holding hands. I didn't

             stay.

 

                         WALTER

             Evelyn, you're going to have to

             learn how to accept this. I think

             he's very interested in her.

 

                         EVELYN

             How can he ... ?

 

She can't finish.

 

                         WALTER

             You can't wrap everyone in the

             same blanket just because they're

             from the Middle East.

 

                         EVELYN

             I know that in theory. I suppose

             I do. But I lost my son, Walter.

 

                         WALTER

             My son, too.

 

                         EVELYN

             The city will never be the same

             again. I don't see how you can

             represent one of them.

 

                         WALTER

             I'm a lawyer. Even if he were

             guilty--


                                                           72.

 

 

                         EVELYN

             I know the speech. I'm sorry. I

             just don't know how to get

             closure. I'm going to bed.

 

She leaves.

 

Walter takes a deep breath, then goes back to work.

 

 

INT.  HOSPITAL - WES' ROOM - DAY

 

Wes sits on the edge of the bed. A NURSE watches him.

 

Wes gets to his feet. He keeps his balance.

 

                         NURSE

             Very good.

 

Wes takes a step forward. Then another.

 

                         NURSE

             You're doing great.

 

Wes slowly walks across the room.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - STUDENT UNION - DAY

 

Hayaam enters the Student Union building.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

She takes a cup of tea to a table and sits down.

 

She takes out the "Rubiyat" and begins reading from it.

 

Across the way sit Abdul, Omar and Imad.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Excuse me.

 

Abdul joins Hayaam at her table.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I found a lawyer for father.

 

                         HAYAAM

             He has a lawyer.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             A Muslim. He's Pakistani.


                                                           73.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Wes' father is doing this for

             nothing.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             So will he. He's Muslim, he knows

             what we are going through now.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Mr. Harding has a very good

             reputation.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             It's up to father. I'm giving him

             a choice.

 

Hayaam doesn't reply. She looks away.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You saw him in the hospital,

             didn't you?

 

                         HAYAAM

             And if I did?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Why do you persist in doing this?

             The longer you see him, the worse

             everything will turn out.

 

Hayaam gathers her things to leave.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You aren't as stupid as you act.

             You know what you're doing has no

             future.

 

Hayaam hurries away.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - COUNTER - DAY

 

Wes stands at a counter, signing papers. Walter and Evelyn

wait nearby.

 

Wes is done. He turns to his parents. He has a walking cane.

 

                         WES

             Ready.


                                                           74.

 

 

EXT. HOSPITAL - DAY

 

Wes, Walter and Evelyn come out of the hospital. Wes moves

one careful step at a time, the parents slowing down to stay

with him.

 

Evelyn's car is parked nearby.

 

                         WALTER

             I'll see you two tonight.

 

He gives his son an awkward hug and moves off.

 

Evelyn opens the door for Wes.

 

 

INT. EVELYN'S CAR - DAY

 

Evelyn is driving.

 

                         WES

             It's nothing serious, mom.

 

                         EVELYN

             What?

 

                         WES

             Between Hayaam and me. Relax

             about it.

 

Evelyn forces a smile and drives on.

 

 

EXT. FEDERAL BUILDING - DAY

 

Walter enters the building.

 

 

INT. FEDERAL BUILDING - PRISONER VISITING AREA - DAY

 

Walter approaches the check-in desk. An OFFICER of the court

is there.

 

                         WALTER

             Hello again.

 

                         OFFICER

             He's not here.

 

                         WALTER

             I beg your pardon?

 

                         OFFICER

             He was released last night.


                                                           75.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Abdul embraces his father, Jamal. They stand just inside the

front doorway.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I was so worried about you.

 

                         JAMAL

             Where is Hayaam?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             He's at the University until this

             afternoon.

 

                         JAMAL

             How is she?

 

Abdul hesitates.

 

                         JAMAL

             What is it? What is wrong?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Nothing is wrong. You are free!

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Hayaam sits at a table with Areebah. They speak in hushed

tones.

 

                         AREEBAH

             I haven't told you what I think.

             But I worry about you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not you, too.

 

                         AREEBAH

             We are so different from people

             here. Especially now. I have to

             tell you, I'm thinking of going

             home.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Before you graduate?

 

                         AREEBAH

             Yes. I can get my degree in

             Jakarta.


                                                           76.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             But to get an American degree,

             it's so prestigious. If you took

             this home, you could do anything.

 

                         AREEBAH

             I've never been comfortable here.

             Now, of course, it is so much

             worse.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Your parents wrote you, didn't

             they? They asked you to come home.

 

                         AREEBAH

             They are right.

 

Hayaam looks around. Tables are crowded with American

students, ignoring them.

 

                         HAYAAM

             They get used to us.

 

                         AREEBAH

             Not everyone. The people who beat

             up your friend -- don't you think

             there are Americans who would do

             the same to you?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I've not met these Americans.

             Tomorrow I will be an American

             myself.

 

                         AREEBAH

             Hayaam, you are so naive.

 

Hayaam looks away. She looks worried.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Hayaam approaches the house.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Hayaam comes inside. She takes off her back pack before she

sees her father standing nearby. She screams for joy and

rushes into his arms.


                                                           77.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes, Walter and Evelyn at dinner.

 

Evelyn gets up.

 

                         EVELYN

             I bought an apple pie from Rose's.

             Who wants ice cream on it?

 

                         WES

             I do.

 

                         WALTER

             Two.

 

She goes into the kitchen.

 

                         WALTER

             Her father was released last

             night. Apparently all charges

             were dropped.

 

                         WES

             Fantastic. Thanks, Dad.

 

                         WALTER

             Actually I hadn't even filed yet.

             I didn't do a thing.

 

                         WES

             Your reputation probably scared

             them.

 

                         WALTER

             I won't flatter myself.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes is reading. He stops and goes to the phone.

 

He dials a number.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - KITCHEN - NIGHT

 

Hayaam is putting away dishes when the phone rings.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'll get it!

 

She picks up the receiver.


                                                           78.

 

 

INTERCUT

 

                         HAYAAM

             Hello?

 

                         WES

             Hi. It's me.

 

Hayaam lowers her voice.

 

                         HAYAAM

             How are you?

 

                         WES

             I'm home.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm glad.

 

                         WES

             I want to see you.

 

Abdul walks into the kitchen.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'll see you at school tomorrow,

             okay?

 

                         WES

             Sure.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Goodnight.

 

She abruptly hangs up.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (to Abdul)

             Areebah needed an assignment.

 

Abdul regards her suspiciously. Hayaam goes back to putting

away dishes.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - WES' ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes sits with the dead phone in his hand. He lowers it into

the cradle.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - DAY

 

Early morning. Walter comes out and fetches the morning paper.


                                                           79.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Early morning. Abdul comes out and gets the paper.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DINING ROOM - DAY

 

Jamal sits at the table. Abdul joins him with the paper.

 

                         JAMAL

             Abdul, I've been thinking. How

             are you treated here?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             How do you mean?

 

                         JAMAL

             In this place where they arrest

             an innocent man. Do you feel like

             a free man here?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I have learned to look over my

             shoulder. Especially now.

 

                         JAMAL

             That's what I mean. I could not

             sleep last night. I kept waiting

             for a knock on the door, the

             police have changed their mind,

             they haul me away into the night.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Father, what is it?

 

                         JAMAL

             I'm going home. I should never

             have come.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Then I will come with you.

 

                         JAMAL

             That's what I prayed for you to

             say. And Hayaam must come, too.

 

Abdul doesn't reply.

 

                         JAMAL

             She is so adventurous. Does she

             like it here?


                                                           80.

 

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             She feels the same hatred, I am

             sure.

 

                         JAMAL

             Good. Will you tell her we are

             going home?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Of course. When?

 

                         JAMAL

             As soon as possible. Is there a

             problem?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             No. I will tell her today.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - ART STUDIO - DAY

 

Wes is working on his abstract of bright colors. It isn't

going well.

 

Suddenly he paints black streaks over it. An act of

destruction.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes enters the coffee shop. He looks around. No Hayaam.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - CLASSROOM - DAY

 

Wes sits in class, listening to a lecture.

 

He stares out the window, lost in private thoughts.

 

 

INT. NYU CAMPUS - COFFEE SHOP - DAY

 

Wes comes into the coffee shop again. He sees Areebah

sitting alone.

 

He goes to her table.

 

                         WES

             Have you seen Hayaam?

 

                         AREEBAH

             She wasn't in class today.


                                                           81.

 

 

                         WES

             Is she ill?

 

                         AREEBAH

             Her father's home.

 

                         WES

             I heard. Great news.

 

Something in Areebah's expression alerts him.

 

                         WES

             What is it?

 

                         AREEBAH

             They are returning to Indonesia.

 

Wes is shocked to hear this.

 

                         WES

             When?

 

                         AREEBAH

             Right away.

 

 

EXT. NYU CAMPUS - PAY PHONE - DAY

 

Wes stands at a pay phone, waiting for an answer. Nothing.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - DAY

 

Wes strolls along the outskirts of Ground Zero. The long

cleanup process continues.

 

He is lost in his thoughts.

 

 

INT. FEDERAL BUILDING - TESTING ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam, with a group of other immigrants, all take an

allegiance to the United States.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - DAY

 

Wes sketches the scene in a small artist's notebook.

 

 

EXT. FEDERAL BUILDING - DAY

 

Hayaam comes out. She is carrying a small American flag.


                                                           82.

 

 

Abdul is waiting for her.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Areebah told me you would be here.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm an American.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Father wants to go home.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Home?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Back to Jakarta. All of us.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You have to ask? They treated him

             like a terrorist. He wants

             nothing to do with a country like

             this. I'm going home with him,

             and I think you should as well.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm in school.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             So am I. We both can continue in

             Jakarta.

 

Hayaam is speechless.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             If you are not going, you have to

             tell father yourself.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY

 

Jamal is reading. Hayaam enters.

 

Jamal sees her and lights up.

 

                         JAMAL

             Hayaam. You look more like your

             mother every day.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Father, I must tell you something.

             I became an American citizen today.


                                                           83.

 

 

Jamal looks surprised.

 

                         JAMAL

             I had no idea.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I wrote you about it.

 

                         JAMAL

             That was last year. I thought it

             was a passing fancy.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I took the oath today.

 

                         JAMAL

             What does this mean?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have the rights of an American

             citizen.

 

                         JAMAL

             But you are born in Jakarta. This

             is your home.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am a citizen of both countries

             now.

 

                         JAMAL

             And you want to live here?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I'm sorry what they did to you.

 

                         JAMAL

             It is the greatest humiliation of

             my life.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I understand. The Americans,

             after what happened, they are not

             always thinking clearly before

             they act.

 

                         JAMAL

             I cannot stay here.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I understand.

 

                         JAMAL

             I want us all to go home.


                                                           84.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have two homes now.

 

                         JAMAL

             No, this is not true. Not yet.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Father ...

 

                         JAMAL

             What would your mother say?

 

Hayaam looks off.

 

                         JAMAL

             Look at me. Tell me you will not

             return home. Tell me you will

             break up our family.

 

Hayaam thinks before replying, softly.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You know I can't do this.

 

 

INT. HARDING HOME - DINING ROOM - NIGHT

 

Evelyn enters carrying a casserole. Only Walter sits at the

table.

 

                         EVELYN

             Where's Wesley?

 

                         WALTER

             I haven't seen him.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - NIGHT

 

Wes stands outside Hayaam's apartment. Lights are on,

movement inside, but no glimpse of her.

 

Wes slowly approaches the house.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam has clothes spread everywhere. She is trying to pack

but not doing a very good job of it.

 

She hears something at the window. She turns.

 

Waits, listens. Nothing.


                                                           85.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM (WINDOW) - NIGHT

 

Wes picks up a pebble and throws it against the window.

 

This time Hayaam comes forward -- and sees him. She lifts

open the window.

 

                         WES

             Areebah told me you are leaving.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Wait a minute.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam looks around, grabs a jacket. She goes to the window

and opens it wider.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM (WINDOW) - NIGHT

 

Wes helps her come out the window.

 

They embrace.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Where can we go?

 

                         WES

             I don't know.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Anywhere but here.

 

 

EXT. NYC - NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - NIGHT

 

They walk, holding hands. No one speaks.

 

 

EXT. NYC - COFFEE SHOP - NIGHT

 

They sit at a booth in a coffee shop. Wes has coffee, Hayaam

tea.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I could not say no to him. Once

             he is settled again, I will come

             back. I want to live in America.

 

                         WES

             I'll wait for you.


                                                           86.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             Please don't say this.

 

                         WES

             I mean it.

 

                         HAYAAM

             We don't know what the future

             brings.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I love you.

 

This almost brings her to tears. She looks away.

 

She regains her composure and looks back to him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             In my country, a bride is expected

             to be a virgin. I have never

             questioned this before.

 

She stops, as if waiting for Wes to say something.

 

                         WES

             I'm not sure what to say.

 

                         HAYAAM

             This is something that only

             happens once, with only one man.

             You understand what I am saying?

 

                         WES

             I don't think so.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I want this man to be you.

 

Wes reaches across the table and takes her hand.

 

                         WES

             You're sure?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. Tonight.

 

Wes is speechless.

 

                         HAYAAM

             We are leaving tomorrow.

 

                         WES

             But your classes ... ?


                                                           87.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             When father makes up his mind,

             there is no waiting. So we must

             do this tonight. Unless you don't

             want me.

 

                         WES

             Of course I want you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Then you are in charge. I have no

             such experience.

 

                         WES

             I don't have all that much myself.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You don't know what to do?

 

                         WES

             I know what to do.

 

 

EXT. NYC - HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam stop outside a hotel.

 

                         WES

             Let me do all the talking.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I would have no idea what to say.

 

They enter.

 

 

INT. NYC - HOTEL - FRONT DESK - NIGHT

 

Wes approaches the front desk. Hayaam waits behind.

 

                         WES

             A double for my wife and I, please.

 

                         DESK CLERK

             Certainly, sir.

 

He glances quickly at Hayaam, then gets down to business.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - NIGHT

 

An elevator door opens. Hayaam steps out first, then Wes.

 

Wes looks at a sign on the wall.


                                                           88.

 

 

                         WES

             This way.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

They come into their hotel room. A small, clean room with a

large King-sized bed.

 

Hayaam giggles nervously.

 

                         WES

             What's wrong?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I've never seen a bed this large.

 

Wes walks to a table where there's information on the hotel.

 

                         WES

             They have room service. Are you

             hungry?

 

                         HAYAAM

             A little, yes.

 

                         WES

             Do you drink champagne?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not normally. Tonight, I think so.

 

                         WES

             Are you going to sit down?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course.

 

She sits on the edge of the bed.

 

                         WES

             Here's the menu.

 

He brings it to her.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM - NIGHT

 

Abdul steps into the doorway of Hayaam's room. He immediately

sees the open window. He rushes to it.


                                                           89.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam sit at a table over dinner. They're also

sharing a bottle of champagne.

 

Hayaam sips.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I like this.

 

                         WES

             It can sneak up on you.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What does this mean?

 

                         WES

             You can feel tipsy without

             getting any warning that it's

             coming.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Then I will have a new experience!

 

She sips some more.

 

 

INT. HOSPITAL - ROOM - NIGHT (LATER)

 

Hayaam is on her feet. Her shoes are off. Her hijab is off,

revealing a modest dress.

 

She is doing some kind of dance, on the ballet side.

 

Wes sits watching, grinning.

 

On the table, the champagne bottle is empty. The dinner

plates are gone.

 

Hayaam loses her balance and steers herself to fall on the

bed. Then she gets up and does a quick curtsy.

 

Wes applauds.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I am very ... what is it, tipsy?

 

                         WES

             Tipsy, indeed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             How long does it last?


                                                           90.

 

 

                         WES

             Probably until you go to bed.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Maybe we should get some more

             champagne.

 

                         WES

             Maybe we should take a walk.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes! What a good idea. Where are

             my shoes?

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - NIGHT

 

Wes and Hayaam enter the night. The street is quiet. It is

late.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Where shall we go?

 

                         WES

             Maybe just walk a while.

 

They start off. Hayaam steadies herself against Wes, leaning

against him.

 

 

EXT. NYC - STREET - NIGHT

 

They walk along. Hayaam still leans close against Wes. They

move along together like lovers.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - NIGHT

 

Suddenly they are within sight of Ground Zero. Even from

this distance, activity is in full force as men go through

the rubble, cleaning up.

 

Hayaam sees what is ahead and stops.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why did we come here?

 

                         WES

             I'm sorry. I wasn't paying

             attention where we were going. We

             can go back.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not yet.


                                                           91.

 

 

She takes his hand and leads the way closer to Ground Zero.

 

They come to a fence and stop.

 

                         HAYAAM

             My father says he was never so

             humiliated.

 

                         WES

             I'm so sorry that happened. At

             least they let him go.

 

                         HAYAAM

             They had to. He was innocent.

 

Wes doesn't comment.

 

                         HAYAAM

             You understand why I have to go

             back, don't you?

 

                         WES

             Yes.

 

He doesn't sound convincing.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I will continue school in Jakarta.

             Then in two years, I will come to

             America for graduate school.

 

                         WES

             What will you study?

 

                         HAYAAM

             I used to think Philosophy. Maybe

             I will change my mind. Maybe I

             will become a translator at the

             United Nations.

 

They are silent a moment.

 

                         HAYAAM

             People from many nations died

             here. People from Indonesia, too.

             Not just Americans.

 

                         WES

             I know.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Some Americans forget this, I

             think. They think they are the

             only ones who suffer.


                                                           92.

 

 

                         WES

             A minority, I think.

 

A silence.

 

                         WES

             Shall we head back?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes. I haven't forgotten.

 

                         WES

             That's not what I meant.

 

                         HAYAAM

             But it's what I meant.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - BATHROOM - NIGHT

 

Wes is brushing his teeth. He finishes.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - NIGHT

 

He comes into the room in his shorts.

 

In bed, Hayaam is asleep, wearing bra and panties.

 

Wes crawls in beside her. He studies her.

 

He reaches over her to turn out the light.

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

 

Wes buys a newspaper.

 

He steps to the elevator and presses the button.

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Wes lets himself into the room.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Wes enters. The bed is empty. The bathroom door is closed.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - BATHROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam is in the shower.


                                                           93.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Wes is reading the paper when Hayaam enters from the bathroom.

She is dressed.

 

                         WES

             Good morning. How do you feel?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Terrible. Why do people drink if

             this is how they feel?

 

                         WES

             They like how they feel when

             they're drinking. We'll get you

             an aspirin in the restaurant.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - RESTAURANT - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam over breakfast. Hayaam only picks at her food.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Wes ...

 

                         WES

             Yes?

 

                         HAYAAM

             This morning ... there wasn't any

             blood.

 

                         WES

             I know.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Then we didn't ... ?

 

                         WES

             No.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Why didn't you ... ?

 

                         WES

             If it happened, I wanted you to

             remember it.

 

They eat in silence for a moment.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Thank you.


                                                           94.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - LOBBY - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam come out of the restaurant into the lobby.

 

                         WES

             I'll check out.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Not yet. I want to show you

             something.

 

                         WES

             What?

 

                         HAYAAM

             It's a secret.

 

She takes his hand and leads him toward the elevators.

 

                         WES

             Where are we going?

 

                         HAYAAM

             To the room for a minute.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

They come down the hallway to their room.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Let me in. Then you wait here for

             five minutes. Then you can come in.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam ... ?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Please. This is very important to

             me. You will do this?

 

                         WES

             Okay.

 

Hayaam giggles like a school girl, almost blushing, and

hurries into the room.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Hayaam closes the door behind her.

 

She walks to the mirror and looks at herself. She takes a

deep breath.


                                                           95.

 

 

She removes the bright hijab.

 

 

INT. HOTEL - HALLWAY - DAY

 

Wes waits. He looks at his watch.

 

He knocks on the door.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (O.S.)

             Come in!

 

 

INT. HOTEL - ROOM - DAY

 

Wes enters. His expression changes dramatically. He is

shocked by what he sees.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Please close the door.

 

He does.

 

Hayaam stands across the room, completely naked.

 

                         HAYAAM

             No man has ever seen me naked

             before. You are the first.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Do you think I am beautiful?

 

                         WES

             More than I can find words to say

             ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             Good. Now you can go, so I can

             dress. I'll meet you in the lobby.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam, I ... right, I'll meet

             you in the lobby ...

 

 

EXT. HOTEL - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam come outside.


                                                           96.

 

 

                         HAYAAM

             What time is it?

 

Wes looks at his watch.

 

                         WES

             Almost nine.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have to get home. I still have

             to pack.

 

                         WES

             When's your plane leave?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Seven p.m.

 

                         WES

             I'll get a cab.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

A cab pulls up in front of the apartment.

 

 

INT. CAB - DAY

 

Wes and Hayaam are in the back seat.

 

                         WES

             I wish I could see you off at the

             airport.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Of course you can.

 

                         WES

             I thought your father and brother

             ...

 

                         HAYAAM

             I would like you to meet my father.

 

                         WES

             You're sure?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes.

 

She starts to get out. Wes stops her.


                                                           97.

 

 

                         WES

             Thank you. I'll never forget last

             night and this morning.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Neither will I.

 

She kisses him. A quick goodbye kiss becomes something longer.

 

 

EXT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Hayaam gets out.

 

The front door opens and Abdul stands in the doorway.

 

Wes looks out the back window of the cab as it pulls away.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             You spent the night with him.

 

                         HAYAAM

             What if I did?

 

Abdul slaps her, hard. He grabs her arm and pulls her into

the apartment.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - DAY

 

Abdul pushes Hayaam into the living room. Her father stands

waiting.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             She spent the night with her

             American boyfriend.

 

                         JAMAL

             Is this true?

 

Hayaam doesn't respond. Abdul slaps her again. Hayaam falls

to the floor.

 

                         JAMAL

             Is it true?

 

                         HAYAAM

             Yes!

 

Jamal moves over her. He glares at her. Then he spits on her.

 

                         JAMAL

                  (to Abdul)

             Cut her hair.


                                                           98.

 

 

Abdul tries to pull Hayaam to her feet. She resists.

 

He starts dragging her across the floor, toward the bathroom.

She screams in protest.

 

Jamal watches coldly.

 

 

EXT. PARK - DAY

 

Wes strolls through the park, lost in his thoughts.

 

 

EXT. NYC - FREEWAY - NIGHT (EVENING)

 

A cab is stalled in traffic. Blinking police and ambulance

lights are in the distance.

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT (EVENING)

 

In the back seat sit Hayaam and Abdul. Jamal is in the front

seat beside the CABBIE.

 

Hayaam wears a black hijab instead of her usual bright

colors. She also wears dark glasses.

 

                         CABBIE

             Shit. Nothing I can do, folks.

 

Abdul looks at his watch. Jamal turns and gives him a

worried look.

 

 

EXT. HARDING HOME - NIGHT (EVENING)

 

Wes comes out and gets into a cab waiting in front of the

house.

 

 

INT. CAB - NIGHT (EVENING)

 

Wes climbs in.

 

                         WES

             The airport.

 

 

INT. NYC - AIRPORT TERMINAL - NIGHT

 

Wes enters the crowded airport. He gets his bearings and

heads out.


                                                           99.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - ANOTHER AREA - NIGHT

 

Hayaam, Abdul and Jamal walk briskly toward their passenger

gate. They clearly are running late.

 

Abdul sees their gate.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             There!

 

At this moment, they pass a Women's restroom and Hayaam

suddenly darts inside.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             Hayaam!

 

Abdul and Jamal exchange a worried look.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I'll wait for her and meet you at

             the gate.

 

Jamal hurries off. Abdul waits outside the restroom.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - GATE - NIGHT

 

Jamal and Wes arrive at the passenger gate waiting area at

the same time. They don't recognize one another.

 

Jamal gets in line to board.

 

Wes looks around for Hayaam.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - WOMEN'S RESTROOM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam pulls out a long section of paper towel. She takes it

into a booth, closing the door behind her.

 

She looks determined, a woman with a plan. She picks up a

full roll of toilet paper and sets it on the top of the

basin behind the toilet. She starts wrapping the roll in the

paper towels.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - OUTSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOM - NIGHT

 

Abdul continues to wait for Hayaam to come out. He looks at

his watch impatiently.


                                                          100.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - GATE - NIGHT

 

Wes wanders through the waiting passengers, getting impatient.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - OUTSIDE WOMEN'S RESTROOM - NIGHT

 

Abdul looks at his watch again. He moves away toward the

boarding gate.

 

Behind him, Hayaam comes out of the women's restroom. She

holds the wrapped roll of toilet paper high above her head.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have a bomb!

 

Abdul turns and sees her.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Keep away! I have a bomb!

 

A woman screams. People begin to scatter in panic. More

screams.

 

Hayaam moves, looking around in panic, like a trapped wild

animal, the "bomb" held high for everyone to see.

 

                         HAYAAM

             Don't come near me!

 

Abdul makes a decision: he runs off toward the boarding gate.

 

Hayaam begins to make her way back the way she came, toward

the exit, looking around wildly.

 

People give her room, some running off, others screaming.

The situation is quickly getting out of hand.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - GATE - NIGHT

 

Abdul runs up to Jamal. He whispers to him.

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             We have to board without her.

 

                         JAMAL

             What's wrong?

 

                         ABDUL-HAKEEM

             I'll explain later.


                                                          101.

 

 

Wes has noticed this. He looks back in the direction from

which Abdul came. He sees a commotion there and heads toward

it.

 

 

INT. AIRPORT TERMINAL - HAYAAM - NIGHT

 

Hayaam continues making a circular, panicked itinerary

toward the exit. People scatter at her approach.

 

                         HAYAAM

             I have a bomb!

 

Wes approaches and sees her.

 

                         WES

             Hayaam!

 

                         HAYAAM

             Stay away!

 

A SECURITY GUARD arrives, his gun drawn. He takes aim.

 

                         SECURITY GUARD

             Set it down!

 

                         WES

             Hayaam!

 

A second security guard arrives, also with his gun drawn.

 

                         SECURITY GUARD #2

             Down! Now!

 

Hayaam sees the gun and panics. She lowers the "bomb," held

high until now, and starts running off.

 

A security guard takes aim -- and fires.

 

One gunshot, two, three, and Hayaam falls.

 

Wes runs to her. SECURITY GUARD #2 holds him off.

 

The first security guard reaches Hayaam and kneels at her

side. She is dead.

 

He removes her sunglasses. One eye is black.

 

He removes her veil. She is bald, her head nicked with cuts

and splotches of hair.

 

Wes is grief-stricken at the sight -- and the reality.


                                                          102.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - NIGHT

 

Wes watches the night activity at Ground Zero.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - DAY (SUNRISE)

 

Wes has fallen asleep on the ground near Ground Zero. He

stirs, wakes.

 

He gets up and stretches.

 

 

EXT. NYC - "GROUND ZERO" - DAY

 

Wes sketches at Ground Zero.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (V.O.)

             Dear Wesley. I am writing this on

             the day I am leaving. I will give

             it to Areebah to deliver to you.

             I need to explain so you will

             understand what is going to

             happen, what I've decided to do.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - HAYAAM'S ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

 

Hayaam wears the black hijab. She is packing as Areebah

watches.

 

Hayaam picks up "The Rubiyat." She reads the inscription

from Wes. Tears swell up in her eyes.

 

Then she carefully hides "The Rubiyat" under clothing in her

suitcase.

 

Hayaam and Areebah embrace. Hayaam breaks it.

 

She fetches an envelope and hands it to Areebah.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (V.O.)

             I cannot go back after all. My

             brother has changed. My father

             has changed. I understand now

             that my life has gone places not

             acceptable to my family, and I

             have to choose between them. I

             choose my life.

 

Abdul enters the room.


                                                          103.

 

 

Hayaam and Areebah immediately embrace. Abdul pulls Hayaam

away.

 

 

INT. HAYAAM'S APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM - DAY (FLASHBACK)

 

Abdul drags Hayaam into the living room, where Jamal is

waiting. Many suitcases are on the floor.

 

Areebah enters the room, fighting back tears.

 

Jamal nods to Abdul.

 

Abdul pulls Hayaam toward the door.

 

 

INT. NYC - ART STUDIO - DAY

 

Wes is working on a new painting from his sketches at Ground

Zero.

 

Full of dark colors, blacks and grays. Suggestive shapes of

death and destruction.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (V.O.)

             They will try and force me to go

             with them, but I have a plan. I

             know it will keep me off the

             airplane but that is all I know.

             I will be arrested. If you are at

             the airport, you will see this

             happen. When you read this, I

             will be in jail.

 

Wes paints with focus and energy, working toward his vision.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (V.O.)

             I will understand if you don't

             want to visit me. I have caused

             your family enough trouble

             already. But if you did choose to

             visit me in jail, of course I

             would want to see you. I can

             never forget you, Wesley, no

             matter what happens now.

 

In a lower corner, under the dark shapes of destruction, he

begins painting a new theme, less abstract than the rest,

and what takes shape is ...

 

--the small figure of a woman in a brightly colored hijab,


                                                          104.

 

 

--the figure of Hayaam, her back to us,

 

--overlooking the rising dark swirls and shapes of

destruction like a misplaced flower,

 

--an oddity of brightness in the overwhelming dark presence

of the canvas.

 

                         HAYAAM

                  (V.O.)

             I will tell you something I could

             never tell anyone else. I am

             sorry I drank too much champagne.

             Do you understand what I am

             saying? I am sorry the first man

             was not you. Maybe one day it

             will be you if this is too much

             to hope for. I try not to think

             too far into the future but this

             is hard sometimes. For now I am

             here in jail when you read this.

             I am wondering if you would want

             to see me. It seems to be the

             only thing I wonder about.

 

Wes stops. The painting looks done.

 

But there's one more thing to add.

 

He adds his signature at the bottom.

 

And above it: "For Hayaam"

 

FADE OUT