"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