Ribbon of Sand

A marathon is 26.2 miles and a couch potato has a year to get in shape. His raucous, beach-front roommates, an aspiring love interest and a jealous neighbor can't stop him from his goal. Failure or success is his choice.

————

INT. CHEX's home - nIGHT

FADE IN:

CHEX (Charlie Sanchez) 25-year old, 5'11", brown hair, honest, real, launching his career as a Network Engineer that makes good money at SpaceX- Kennedy Space Center, and is in search of a family. A bad break-up with his girlfriend has landed him in raucous apartment roommate situation on the beach, with his High School buddy Duke. His Mother is very ill. Chex just finished his graduate degree.

***

CHEX walks up to the front door of a small home and looks through the window. He sees an empty living room, with a TV on. He turns the door knob and the door opens wide.

He motions for the people behind him to move quickly. One guy brings a round table for two, a woman quickly rolls a heated serving tray complete with a full-course of dinner, and a third guy brings in two chairs.

Within 30 seconds, the living room has a small table for two set-up complete with candles, plates and silverware and fine linens.

The coordinator of the mission motions for his fast moving SWAT team to evacuate and they leave in a synchronized military cadence as he arranges pillows on the couch and gets the mood right by telling Siri to put on romantic music.

The delivery van speeds away with the 3 helpers as CHEX hands them each a $100 bill.

CHEX runs back to the living room and checks his front pants pocket. The engagement ring is still there.

The shower continues to run and then it stops. CHEX is on his knees with a jewelry case open displaying a large diamond ring.

The door begins to open and his girlfriend Amy walks out and looks around, quite surprised. She has a towel wrapped around her and another on her hair.

CHEX is on his knee with the engagement ring case open and Amy almost trips over him as a second woman comes through the open door and bumps into Amy, and then a third woman.

CHEX

What the hell?

(his amazement transcends his ability to respond)

AmY

Oh my God, you're supposed to be in Houston at the home office!

CHEX

What the hell Amy? What the hell? Who are these people.

AMY

It's not what you think!

CHEX

And what do I think? Bridesmaids?

Amy looks around coming out of her shock and sees the dining room set-up with the hot table full of food and the engagement ring case CHEX just closed and put in his pocket.

CHEX

Who the hell are these people? You're taking a shower with 2 women?

CHEX stands up and just walks away as Amy follows. She starts to talk to him to calm him down and she sticks her finger in his eye accidentally as she points.

He goes down onto the floor in pain holding his eye.

A neighbor sticks his head in the door hearing the commotion.

Neighbor

Is everything okay here? Uhh oh, I think I need to call the cops.

AMY

No, don't do that, we're okay.

NEIGHBOR

Uhh, no... he's on the floor rolling around in pain.

FADE OUT.

Ext. CHEX'S HOME - night

FADE IN:

There are 3 police cars and an ambulance in front of CHEX's house. They have CHEX on a gurney and are taking him to the hospital and the cops have Amy in custody wearing handcuffs. A female police officer is trying to explain the situation to her as the other cop interviews CHEX.

CHEX

No, she didn't assault me.She accidentally poked me in the eye with her finger.

Policewoman

You know, you are a victim of a crime, but you're safe now, she can't hurt you anymore. We're taking you to the hospital.

CHEX

I've always been safe. It's an accident!

POLICEWOMAN

So you don't want to press charges?

CHEX

Like I said 14 times. What can you charge her with?

PoLICEWOMAN

I'll call my Sergeant and see!

CHEX

Noooo...

The ambulance takes him off to the hospital.

Int. Cape Canaveral Hospital - nIGHT

CHEX is on a bed in the emergency room as his ophthalmologist leaves the room. CHEX has a black eye patch on and is getting dressed to leave. A large black man walks in and stands in front of CHEX.

Sgt. Barks

Are you Mr. Charlie Sanchez? I'm Sergeant Barks with the Cocoa Beach Police Department, Domestic Violence section.

CHEX stands up and tries twice to shake his hand, but because he has depth perception problems due to the eye patch, he misses his hand both time. They just decide to fist bump.

CHEx

What can I do for you Sergeant?

SGT. BARKS

As you may know, we have Amy in custody on a domestic violence charge based on the testimony of your neighbor.

CHEx

Why? I told the other officer, the woman, I didn't want to press charges.

SGT. BARKS

There's no female cop in the domestic violence section.

CHEX

Yeah, I'm sure they're smarter than that. I don't want to press charges.

SGT. BARKS

Did you start the argument?

CHEX

No, I was just trying to marry her.

SGT. BARKS

Yeah, but did you start the fight? Did you engage in verbal abuse?

CHEX

There was no fight Sergeant. Did I yell at her when she came out of the bathroom with two other women? Wouldn't you?

SGT. BARKS

So you did start the verbal altercation!

CHEX

No!

SGT. BARKS

Look, this is a clear cut case of "he said, she said" and I think you need to just admit you started the fight and let's get this done.

CHEX

I'm not admitting shit. How do we stop this stupidity, right now?

SGT. BARKS

I see you have a short temper Charles. But because I like you, just sign a "Mutual Waiver of Prosecution" form and agree to move out in 24 hours.

ChEX

But it's my house! Are you serious?

SGT. BARKS

We can't let a man as angry as you are live there with her and these 2 other fine women! Do you see our point?

CHEX

Oh yeah. I'm starting to understand it- 100%.

FADE OUT.

Ext. Grant island Apartment - mORNING

FADE IN:

Duke (Duke Gilmore)- 26-years old, 6'3", blond surf dude, who is a pro-surfer and a beach stud. He has a good streak but uses women and pot to avoid growing up and compensate for the mother he never knew. He is not a deep thinker and takes each day as it comes. Physical sports ability comes naturally and he does not have to suffer to succeed.

Raj (Rajesh Barot)- comes from a wealthy family that immigrated to the USA. His dad is an executive at Micro Soft and Raj is doing residency at the hospital as an Internal Medicine physician. He doesn't play a significant role in the movie except to facilitate information from the hospital and to be a sense of normalcy between CHEX and Duke. His motivation is to become a doctor and try to be a good friend at the apartment.

***

CHEX has a dark blue 2000 Chevrolet Corvette that is 20+ years old but looks new. This car drives by the Cocoa Beach pier and along beach road and pulls up outside a well-maintained 2-story, 2-unit apartment facing the beach.

CHEX gets out of the car and walks around to the outside staircase that's on the ocean side of the apartment and townhouse property. He's still wearing the black eyepatch from the hospital.

In seconds he is knocking on the door, looking through the window, into the sunroom facing the beach. In the sunroom is a weight bench and several metal plates laying on the tile floor.

Next to the door is a sign that says "Welcome to Grant Island." He looks at it curiously.

A young man wearing blue hospital scrubs comes to the door. He is caramel colored with jet black hair and black eyes. He opens the door and smiles.

Raj

Oh, hello, you must be Charlie! I'm Raj.

(extending his right hand, but staring at the patch on Chex's eye.)

Chex

Yeah, I'm stuck with it for 4 more days. Makes driving interesting. Call me CHEX. Where's Duke?

Raj points towards the beach where a surfer is paddling out through the breakers.

Raj

Follow the girls. He's out there!

CHEX

Thanks. I'll be back in a few minutes. Are you coming or going?

RAJ

Just got home, I have nights at the hospital.

CHEX

You're a nurse or a tech?

RAJ

Nope, Doctor, I'm doing residency first year.

CHEX

Awesome, I just thought you were so young, you couldn't possibly have done that much school.

RAJ

I'm 25 but started college at 16. My parents wanted a doctor in the family. So, here I am. Just don't call me Doogie Howser, I hear it 10 times a day.

CHEX

Awesome! Let me shout at Duke, I'll be right back.

RAJ

I'll leave the door open. It's safe here.

CHEX

Oh, sorry, quick question. What's a Grant Island?

RAJ

That's what we call this place. We're at the end of Grant Avenue and he have our own little compound here, 3 bedrooms upstairs, 3 bedrooms downstairs and the owner, Carol lives in the townhouse next door.

FADE OUT.

EXT. on the beach in front of the apartment - mORNING

Chex walks across the yard and across the small wooden overpass to the beach. The sand is loose and he takes off his loafers and socks and sets them in the sand. Rolls his pants leg up and walks to the water's edge past the spot where Duke is set-up. There are 2 girls at Duke's spot laying on large beach towels reading glamour magazines and drinking something out of large plastic glasses.

CHEX

(shouting)

Yoa Duke, what's up bro'?

(Chex waves a few times and catches Duke's attention who waves back)

Duke catches the next wave but it's too small to surf and he just coasts in on the dying swell. He picks up his board and comes out of the water. A 6'3" blond, tanned and clearly no stranger to strength training, surfer dude, channeling Jeff Spicoli.

Duke

Aie Matey, so you are playing pirate these days? I haven't seen you since that Christmas party with Amy and you guys.

CHEX

Oh, the patch, yes, Amy poked me when she got excited.

DUKE

I heard one of her friends poked her too!

CHEX

There's a story man. I'll tell you sometime.

DUKE

I already heard. The jungle drums beat that story out about 2 nights ago. It sucks.

CHEX

So everyone already knows?

DUKE

It's easier, you don't have to explain. Did you get any pictures?

CHEX

You're still an asshole. About 20 lbs pumped up. What do you do here Duke, wrestle cows?

DUKE

Pro-surfer bro. I made 60 large last year, drinking beer, lifting, screwing, traveling, smoking pot and surfing.

CHEX

Good old Duke, sounds like Fast Times on Grant Island!

DUKE

Even better! Raj keeps the house going and cooks when he's not working, which is all the time. I like him.

CHEX

You got it made.

The two girls come over to Duke and start to paw him and he pushes them off and slaps them on their butts and points to their towels in the sand and they patter off.

DUKE

Morning friends.

CHEX

I'm moving in today. Cool?

DUKE

Right on. The sooner you get here, the sooner I get paid.

FADE OUT.

INT. GRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - afTERNOON

FADE IN:

Lauren (Lauren Howard)- Going to the local Community College to continue her education. She works at the college in art productions and is a a graphic artist and a computer graphics designer. She has no obvious dark, deep issues and is just making her way through life, and has a very functional upbringing.. She does not like ego-driven jerks who constantly pressure her for anything. She loves to sail her Hobie sailboat and wants a Golden Retriever.

***

Chex is sitting on the floor screwing the side-boards of his bed together in his bedroom. The room is small, just 12' x 12', but it opens on to a large outside deck that has stairs leading down to the street-side of the property, and he has a private bathroom.

Clothes and miscellaneous personal items are on the deck awaiting the assembly of the bed and the dresser.

Raj is standing in the doorway.

RAJ

Duke says you work at the space center. What do you do?

CHEX

I'm a senior network engineer. I just got my Masters from UCF in Orlando.

RAJ

So you work for SpaceX?

CHEX

Yeah, don't sound so enthused.

RAJ

No, I'm great. But the downstairs drama will be riveting!

CHEX

What's up? Tell me. Network engineers like information.

RAJ

Uhh... your competition lives downstairs- Blue Origin.

CHEX

What? Who?

RAJ

Scott. He's an HR assistant director. Bezos hired him, it's his badge of honor.

CHEX

Is it polite so early in our Grant Island coalition to say I really don't give a shit?

RAJ

Nahh. Me neither. But until you meet Scott, you won't be able to get it.

CHEX

Sounds like a lovely fellow.

RAJ

He eats, breathes, smokes and dreams of Blue Origin. You'll see, he's Cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.

CHEX

Thanks for warning me. Let the games begin I guess.

RAJ

Looks like your done with that frame. Need a hand in getting the mattress on?

They lift the bedspring box on and then the mattress and Raj hears a timer go off in the kitchen and leaves. Chex is sitting on the mattress when he looks up and sees a young woman standing in front of the open sliding glass door.

CHEX

(He didn't see her walk up and is quite startled and actually jumps)

Oh shit.

Lauren

Oh, I'm so sorry. There's no doorbell and you were talking to Raj.

CHEX

(embarrassed)

Have you ever seen a cartoon character jump out of his skin? That's what you just saw!

LAUREN

Let's start over. I'm Lauren and you are... Charlie?

CHEX

Technically, my mother calls me Charles when she's pissed. But everyone else calls me Chex.

LAUREN

Like the Cereal?

CHEX

Just like. My last name is Sanchez, no I'm not Hispanic. Sanchez is an old Ohio name. I'm totally Heinz 57.

LAUREN

So why didn't they call you Chaz?

CHEX

They did, until Cher's son took the name and my Mom made me change to Chex.

LAUREN

That's a little homophobic isn't it?

CHEX

It may be. I just see it as efficient. I don't have to answer all the questions, usually, about why my name is the same as Cher's son.

Chex stops talking finally sees her- a beautiful 22-year-old, suntanned, walked-out-of-a-modeling-contest with a 1st place trophy lady that she is. He is gobsmacked.

CHEX

Ok. And you are Lauren, and why are you here, right now? I'm not complaining, just curious.

LAUREN

Oh my God. I'm so rude. I forgot my manners. I live right under you and I wanted to say 'hi'.

(She points to the floor.)

I'm part of this crazy Grant Island thing.

Chex stands up and walks over and tries to shake her hand but trips on a box in the crowded bedroom and pins her down on the bed accidentally.

CHEX

Oh Jesus. Are you okay? I'm so clumsy.

(Lifting himself off of her.)

LAUREN

(sitting up and then standing, smoothing her clothes off)

No, no, you're fine. I'm good.

CHEX

I'd better get back to moving in before I hurt someone.

LAUREN

Good idea Chex Sanchez. I enjoyed your... enthusiasm, shall we call it?

(She smiles and walks away, looking over her shoulder as Chex watches)

CHEX

Ok, let's go with that.

Chex continues to organize, and move his stuff into the bedroom. At the end of the day, he sits in one of the 2 chairs he setup along with a table on the deck, and cracks a Coors Light. He looks out at the beach smiling as the light fades.

FADE OUT.

INT. gRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - mORNING

FADE IN:

Chex is standing in front of a full-length mirror he has in his bedroom, dressed only in boxer shorts. He looks at himself, sideview, and flexes his stomach in and out and shakes his head and sighs. He shifts to a front view and then an attempt at a rear view. Then he steps on a scale and the needle pegs at 205.

CHEX

(writing it into a large blue spiral ring composition book and saying it out loud)

What is today? Entry 1, March 1st- FAT! 5'11" and 205 lbs. The program starts today.

He scribbles more notes and the camera shoots the page and shows an cartoon-like graphic he drew that says, Marathon.

It is a Saturday and everyone's at the apartment. Both upstairs and downstairs.

Raj has an apron on and is running the vacuum cleaner. Duke is in the sunroom lifting weights while 2 new girls watch and Chex is on the couch with his Apple tablet reading articles about "Running a marathon in one year". He's taking notes into his blue journal.

Raj runs the vacuum his way and he lifts his feet. Rah vacuums a bit and switches the machine off and pulls in the cord.

RAJ

My mother would turn in her saree is she saw this place. We left India because it was a very dirty country!

CHEX

Thanks Raj. I'll try to give you a hand once I get into the routines.

RAJ

No worries, I'm used to it. What are you learning?

CHEX

I'm going to run a marathon.

RAJ

Really? When?

CHEX

In one year, give or take.

RAJ

How long have you been running?

CHEX

Well, when I buy some shoes on Monday, that'll be day 1.

RAJ

One year huh? Pretty aggressive schedule.

ChEX

I'm 25 years old and I need to get in shape. I haven't worked out since High School and then it was just baseball in my Junior and Senior years.

CHEX

Can you give me some good medical advice?

RAJ

Don't do it? If you must, try long slow distance. Listen to your body and if your family has a history of heart problems get an EKG.

CHEX

No. My family usually dies of alcoholism.

RAJ

Seriously dude?

Duke walks in- shirt off, sweating with a towel around his neck.

DUKE

You gonna pump some iron too stud?

CHEX

Maybe, I don't know yet.

DUKE

Let's see how much you can bench.

CHEX

Okay, but you guys spot me.

Chex gets up and walks over to the bench and lies down.

CHEX

Start with 100.

CHEX

Add 20.

DUKE

Wuss.

CHEX

I said start.

Duke puts 100 lbs on the bar and Chex lifts one rep.

Then they add 20 lbs. 3 more three times, so the 4th lift is 160. He strains and barely gets that up.

CHEX

One more. Watch it though.

They add another 20 and he can't lift the 180 lbs. The bar comes down on his chest and he can't get it off. Duke grabs the bar and overhead presses it 10 times and sets it down.

CHEX

Damn son, you ready for some bull wrestling now? Very impressive.

DUKE

I'm a Pro, Bro. I told ya.

The two girls come over and each grabs a bicep and he puts his arm around their waist and walks off to the bedroom.

DUKE

(Over his shoulder looking back.)

By the way boys. We're getting a keg at noon today. Party on the beach bitches.

Raj and Chex nod at each other and the back bedroom door slams shut and some laughter can be heard.

Chex bites his lip and shakes his head.

FADE OUT.

Ext. oN THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THE APARTMENT - afternoon

100 feet from the apartment property, down on the beach next to the Blue Hobie 18' sailboat, resting on a set of Cat-Trax catamaran roller wheels, is the beer keg sitting in a large tub of ice. About a dozen guys and girls are laying out in chairs and throwing frisbees. A perfectly blue sky and a light breeze. One couple is smoking a joint discreetly and Chex walks down. Lauren is sitting in a short aluminum beach chair, wearing short shorts and a blouse.

CHEX

Hi Lauren, what's going on down here in the sand on this beau-t-ful Saturday?

LAUREN

The best Grant Island has to offer. We live for this sort of thing.

CHEX

Yeah, it's awesome down here and it's only March.

LAUREN

Yeah, not quite hot enough for bikinis but I can still get some pre-summer tanning.

CHEX

Yes you can. I mean, it looks... well, yes you can!

LAUREN

Did you get your disaster zone under control?

CHEX

My room hazardous area is now almost ready for human habitation.

LAUREN

You ever sail?

CHEX

A friend had a Hunter '33 and I've sailed Hobie 16's before. Someone has a great rig here, this looks new.

LAUREN

Why thank you! It's a 1979 model.

CHEX

(Reaching out and touching the hull of the Hobie.)

Really? This is yours? Wow. She's a beauty.

LAUREN

It's a "he" and yes he is. Meet my Davey Jones, named after the Captain of The Flying Dutchman in Pirate lore.

Chex

(laughing)

Really? That's cool. I just knew he had a locker.

LAUREN

The locker was the bottom of the sea where all the dead sailors rest.

CHEX

You have a very good imagination. That's a sign of a higher IQ.

LAUREN

Hey. You want to take him out?

CHEX

I'm really not much of an ocean sailor. I've done it, but I need a lot of practice.

LAUREN

So, let's practice. Trish and Jim have sailed before. Hey, you guys want to sail for a 1/2 hour or so, just up and down the beach?

They were sitting near the keg too and they nod.

Lauren goes back up to the apartment and comes back with 4 life vests and gloves for her and Jim.

LAUREN

Ok guys, grab a hull and let's roll this bad boy to the water's edge.

Chex and Jim push and roll the cat and soon the Hobie cat is floating at the edge of the surf.

LAUREN

Ok, Chex and Trish, get on, Jim and I will float it out about 15 feet, and jump on. Once I'm on, I'll point it and it tighten the main. It should launch in this breeze.

Exactly done as stated. The sail "pops" tight and slips towards the East, quickly picking up speed. Lauren and Jim are clipped in to the harnesses and Chex and Trish just hang on.

The cat sails several hundred yards and Lauren announces to get ready for a port Tac and when she starts to tac, Jim and her trade places. The boat is sailing rapidly towards the North now and is slicing through waves starting to break offshore.

LaUREN

It didn't look this choppy on the beach. We are starting to move.

Lauren continues her course and trades places with Jim and gives him the tiller. He executes the same sailing technique as Lauren. As they get closer to the jetty he announces "coming about" and they reverse course sailing south as the cat cuts a bit closer to the shore.

LAUREN

Watch those breakers Jim. I'd move back out about 100 yards...

Just then a wave breaks onto the front of the tramp pushing a hull down as Chex loses his grip and slips forward off the tramp and onto the hull. The weight drives the hull underwater and the boat pitch poles forward throwing everyone into the water.

The water was not deep enough for the mast to turtle but the sudden forward roll of the boat was shocking and Chex was the 1st to surface.

CHEX

(shouting with urgency)

Lauren, Jim, Trish... where..

Jim and Trish pop up. But no Lauren. Chex looks around frantically but doesn't see her.

He dives under the sail and bodies can be seen pressing against the back of the sail, under the water and Chex pops up with Lauren. He has his forearm under her chin and around her neck and she is unconscious.

CHEX

Here Jim.

(floating Lauren over to Jim.)

She looks ok and is breathing. Just bumped her head. Hold her and I'll try to right this thing.

Chex lets the sail slack out and grabs a sheet(rope) draping it around the hull and stands on the other hull and the boat pops up. They load Lauren on the boat and she wakes up as Chex starts to sail the boat back to the beach.

LAUREN

(groggy, a little dazed)

What happened? How'd I get here?

CHEX

We pitched it and you whacked your head. We got you up after I righted it. You're okay I think.

Jim

This guys saved your life girl. You were out, under the sail we thought you were a goner.

CHEX

Aww... she was okay. No big deal.

LAUREN

Well, it's a great big deal to me. Thank you Chex.

Chex smiles as Lauren sits up and looks out at the horizon. The apartment comes into view and everyone is at the water's edge. The cat runs up into the surf and skids forward in the sand.

RAJ

We saw the accident. Duke had his binoculars. Here let me look you over.

Raj does a quick once-over and checks the bump on her head and looks at her eyes.

RAJ

I think you're okay. But come upstairs and I'll get you some ice and keep an eye on you for awhile.

They help her off the boat and Chex carries her to the upstairs couch and lays her down with an ice pack.

FADE OUT.

INT. gRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

Scott (Scott Randal)- A very class-sensitive, ego-driven, materialistic person. For Scott, stuff defines worth. He parents are divorced and he spent his youth at boarding schools away from home and never had the love he needed to be complete. He continues to look for love in status, appearance, jobs and winning. He has an increasing drug habit because he can't resolve the need for love and acceptance versus his results. Is attracted to Lauren, but the attraction is not shared.

Tractor (John Kellog)- A seldom referenced downstairs roommate. He has no fondness for the beach- it's just a room. He works construction 6 days a week and parties with the guys for free beer. He is building a construction business and is not really into sand, sailing or surfer dudes. Tractor comes and goes and the others just ask, who is that guy?

***

Lauren is resting with an ice-pack on her head. Duke is in the sunroom smoking pot from a bong with his 2 girlfriends. Chex is sitting on the end of the couch near Lauren's feet, using his tablet as the TV is on CNN.

Suddenly the sunroom door bursts open and in storms Scott Randall another of the downstairs crew.

DUKE

Whoa, whoa, whoa Kemosabe, what the hell, your apartment is downstairs, remember, puddin' head? Just kick the damn door down next time.

Scott

Where's Lauren? Is she okay?

DUKE

Hey, did you not hear me or are you deaf? Knock on the God Damned door, don't just barge in- Capisce?

Scott

Yeah, whatever.

DUKE

No "whatever" man. We'll lock the deadbolt if we have to. We don't kick your front door down. Chill dude.

ScOTT

(Finally seeing Duke getting up and walking towards him)

Okay, sorry Duke.

DUKE

She's fine. Over on the couch. The new guy is Chex. He's the hero, don't give him shit, just because you're a jealous twit.

Scott walks over to the couch and Lauren sits up. Scott makes a cumbersome attempt to hug her and she pulls back.

LAUREN

Where were you? You missed the party.

ScOTT

We had a Saturday meeting. Bezos was in and we had to give him a dog and pony show.

LAUREN

We pitch poled the cat. It's okay and no one was hurt. Except me. Got a bump on the head when I hit the mast.

Chex is watching the conversation as if he was invisible.

CHEX

Oh, sorry... I'm Chex. How's it going?

Scott looks at Chex, makes no effort to shake his hand.

SCOTT

So, Chex, you're the hero. What'd you do?

CHEX

Hero status is way overblow. We just righted the boat and helped Lauren get back to shore for an ice pack.

ScOTT

Ok then. Thanks Chanx.

CHEX

Chex. Chex, like the cereal- I make it.

(knowing he was not listening)

Scott does not look back and continues to try and comfort Lauren. He fails and Lauren shakes her head a few times to his requests. Scott finally leaves, striding past Duke with a finger on his nose.

DUKE

No snorting dude. You're going to have Cocoa Beach vice down here- I know how you are.

Scott smiles and looks back and gently closes the front door for effect.

LAUREN

Sorry Chex, he can be a real dick. We're not dating, but no one told Scott. In his head he's my imaginary lover, brother, and father.

CHEX

He acts like you're engaged.

LAUREN

Some people have nothing and are happy while others have everything and still have a hole in their heart that they try and fill with stuff.

CHEX

I assume he has the hole?

LAUREN

Yes, but is it in his head or in his heart? And, I'm not a drug counselor either. He likes coke, and not the cola variety.

CHEX

Too bad. Hey, who's the 3rd person that lives downstairs?

LAUREN

His name is John Kellog, but he's called Tractor. He owns a construction company and works about 80 hours a week. He's a ghost who drinks beer sometimes on Sundays with us but is just renting a room. He's not a beach guy.

CHEX

Oh, I saw him. He looks like a Mountain Man with a beard and a baseball hat and drives an old F-150? I thought he was the plumber or something.

LAUREN

Welcome to Grant Island. Do not pass go and don't over-think it.

FADE OUT.

INT. Merritt ISLAND Central Mall - eVENING

FADE IN:

Chex arrives at the Mall and parks in-close, he puts the removable top back on the Vette and locks the car with the remote. The parking lot is not very full and Chex walks straight in using the East Entrance and directly into a Dick's Sporting Goods Store.

He walks to the shoe department and is picking up shoes and looking at the price tags and trying to read the description.

A young man walks his way.

Sales Guy

Nike, Nike, Nike- you can't go wrong.

CHEX

Brooks, Brooks, Brooks. And they are in Runner's World Magazine this month! I read their model 11 has a good shoe for cross training with a pronation arch built in.

SaLES GUY

Nike crushes Brooks. Brooks... that's all I've heard this month.

CHEX

Hey, I have no problem walking over to Foot Locker. They're probably cheaper anyway. What you say Shoe dude?

SaLES GUY

What size?

CHEX

Good answer, 10-D or medium width.

The shoes comes out and he buys them after trying them on and walking the store. He also buys a heart-rate monitor device, a backpack water reservoir, suntan oil, zinc oxide nose cream, a package of runner's toilet paper, sunglasses, shoe orthotics, shirts, shorts, 3 hats and 6 pairs of extra thick running socks.

Chex is standing at check-out when the register displays $597 on the reader.

CHEX

Jesus Christ, why can't I just drink like everyone else?

He walks out carrying two large bags of running gear. Coming out of the Victoria Secret's across the walkway is Lauren. She sees Chex and waves and comes over.

CHEX

What'd you buy me?

LAUREN

You first, what'd you buy me?

Chex pulls out the backpack water reservoir and hands it to her.

CHEX

A Frozen Margarita storage device for the next time we sail. If we get drunk enough and you hit your head on the mast, it won't hurt as much.

LAUREN

Haha smart-ass... I got you a bra, from Victoria's Secret, you want to see it?

CHEX

I was just thinking I needed an "over the shoulder boulder holder". I'll need to inspect it, if I'm going to put my man boobs in.

They laugh and she pulls out a sexy black bra with red lacing on it.

CHEX

Nice, I'm going to feel real special with this on.

He holds the bra up across his chest.

CHEX

Perfect, the support should suffice.

Just then Scott walks out of the Hair Stylist shop and looks up to see Chex and Lauren sharing shopping stories and laughing. The bra across Chex's chest was just too much and he storms out of the mall.

LAUREN

Oh shit, there goes Scott. His nose is definitely out of joint, you can tell by his angry-man stride!

CHEX

So? Is he like stalking you you?

LAUREN

Probably on some days. No, I don't think so, but he is paranoid and I'm sure he thinks we are here together.

CHEX

Wow. Sorry about that. Since the man is your roomie, husband, father, and brother I guess keeping up appearances is important.

LAUREN

Yeah, but that's his problem- right? Screw him. What else did you buy me?

(laughing and rummaging through Chex's bags)

Chex

I got you a hat, a heart rate monitor, sunglasses...

LAUREN

Oh my God, and they say chicks over accessorize!

CHEX

Hey, I'm going to run a marathon next year. This is the start. I need stuff.

LAUREN

Wow, that's awesome!

CHEX

Well, I don't want to have to wear a bra, no matter how sexy it is. So, I need to get in shape.

LAUREN

You go boy, I'm impressed. Nice car too. You gonna take me for a ride?

CHEX

That 20-year old thing? It'll go 180, by the way. It's been on the track at Daytona.

(smiling)

LAUREN

Not with me in it! Just take me cruising with the top off.

CHEX

Ok, that'd be great! Maybe Saturday?

FaDE OUT.

I/E. grANT ISLAND APARTMENT - eVENING

FADE IN:

Tuesday's workday is done and Chex pulls into his parking spot at the apartment and walks up the side stairs to his bedroom. He walks in and the clock radio on the night stand displays 6:05.

He ditches his work clothes, hangs his tie up and changes into his running gear.

Chex stands in front of the mirror and stares at his running get-up.

He walks out into the living room and Duke looks at him curiously.

DUKE

'sup man? What in God's name are you still doing in town? The circus left last Tuesday.

CHEX

Getting ready to run. I'm going to start out slow.

DUKE

Not with that hot mess on. Some kid will kick you in the nuts just on principal alone. Come here and trust me.

Duke looks at the gear and picks up a pair of scissors laying on a table. He cuts the straps on the water back pack and it falls onto the floor.

DUKE

You don't need water for short runs and all that water is heavy.

He takes the heart rate monitor off his arm and steps on it with a crack.

DUKE

What are you, 25 going on 90?

Duke grabs the pack of running toilet paper and throws it in the trash.

DUKE

You don't need these.

(taking the sunglasses off)

You have shade on the beach. No suntan oil or zinc oxide required. No cellphone, put that away.

CHEX

Well I feel lighter. About $200 lighter.

DUKE

You don't need that shit. You need shoes and pants and a beach. There they are- go run.

(pointing to the beach)

Keep is simple stupid and go run!

CHEX

Thanks. I think.

DUKE

Here. Put your sunglasses back on. You need something to make you look cool.

Chex walks down the stairs through the sugar sand and down to the water's edge where the sand was packed hard. He had about a 3 foot strip of hard-packed sand and it looked like it went all the way to Miami.

CHEX

Wow, a ribbon of sand. Very cool.

Chex starts to run, one foot in front of the other. Immediately he stops with a leg cramp, he rubs it and starts again. He jogs ahead.

There are a few late-day condo commandoes on the beach and they ignore him. He's breathing hard and sweating and stops.

CHEX

(Out loud, breathing hard)

That's pretty good, musta' been about 10 minutes?

He looks at his watch.

CHEX

Nope, only 2 minutes, this isn't as easy as I thought.

He starts again, walking, jogging, walking, jogging and slowly makes his way to the pier. He looks at his watch again.

CHEX

(muttering to himself)

14 minutes of jog, walk, jog and by the time I get home it'll be close enough to half an hour.

He turns around at the pier and begins working his way home.

Duke is in the sunroom of the 2nd story of their apartment watching him with binoculars.

DUKE

Oh my God. He's jogging about 20 minutes miles. He could make better time if he just walked and didn't try to run.

Chex walks back into the apartment, soaking wet.

DUKE

Did you jog or backstroke to the pier?

CHEX

(gasping and wiping sweat off)

I made it. I walked and jogged for 1/2 hour. It's a lot harder than it was in High School.

DUKE

Good job dude. Now, the hard part comes- you gotta keep doing it.

CHEX

Thanks buddy and thanks for getting all that crap off of me.

DUKE

That backpack- perfect for frozen Margaritas. Oh yea!

CHEX

(sarcastically)

Oh, that's wonderful news. Very original!

FADE OUT.

I/E. gRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - morning

FADE IN:

The next day, and the alarm goes off at 6AM. Chex tries to sit up in bed but flops backward.

CHEX

Ohhhh... my back hurts, no, my head. Oh man, everything hurts.

He gets up and goes into his bathroom and soon the toilet flushes and he's popping aspirin. Chex walks into the kitchen and pours a to-go cup of coffee, showers and gets ready to leave.

The calendar on the wall, next to his bed has big red "X" drawn through Tuesday, his first day of running. But on Wednesday, running is scheduled again for 6:15PM.

CHEX

Well, I guess this will take a lot of Tylenol and coffee until I get used to it.

He hobbles down the stairs and drives off to work.

The Corvette returns to the parking spot after work and Chex is feeling better and springs up the stairs. He changes clothes and walks past Duke whose watching TV.

DUKE

Hey, it must be Groundhog Day! Two days in a row and only 364 days to the Marathon.

CHEX

Gotta make it a habit. Look, no extra crap today!

Duke nods and returns to his SpongeBob Square Pants cartoon.

Chex walks down to the beach and tries a few stretching exercises, toe-touching, bends, ankle and calf raises. He starts to run and finds it better. He looks around and realizes he's in the moment and he looks ahead and runs a couple hundred feet. Stops and walks, runs some more and reaches yesterday's turnaround point and looks at his watch. It's at 13:02, a little quicker than the prior day.

Chex runs a little past the pier and turns around at 16:05 and walks a bit and then jogs toward the house. He's breathing easier and has a smile by the time he gets home.

As he walks onto the apartment lawn he seens Lauren looking out the window of the downstairs sunroom. She gives him a thumbs-up and he waves and walks upstairs.

CHEX

(To Duke as he enters the apartment)

A little better today, I can breathe easier.

DUKE

Cool Dude, the human body is a remarkable machine. Just keep doing it.

CHEX

I will. I'm into it.

Begin brief running montage:

Each of the next 2 running days for the remainder of the work week is shown:

* Thursday, it's raining and Chex gets a taste of Florida liquid sunshine, coming home soaked. A day gets crossed off his calendar.

* Friday, Chex is running well and is chased home by a poodle who paces him back from the Jetty for a 40 minutes work-out. A third day is crossed off the calendar

End running montage.

After the Friday run, Chex is updating his blue composition running journal. The camera shows the pages of the current week as he chronicles his times and distances. The last line for Friday is shown- "Lauren and I- 1PM, Saturday drive to Sebastian Inlet!!!! Can't Wait."

FADE OUT.

ExT. A1A on the road to Sebastian Inlet - moRNING

FADE IN:

The Corvette is on A1A, driving along the beach, headed south, through small towns. Chex and Lauren's 1st stop was Starbucks and they have their to-go coffees and muffins and Margaritaville is playing on Sirius-XM. The top roof panel is off and the sun is streaming in.

LaUREN

How do you like your job? Are you into it?

CHEX

I am. Been doing tech since 10th grade, I'm a geek computer and network guy. I even thought about getting my doctorate.

LAUREN

Wow, a runner and a doctor.

CHEX

You never know what nightmare tomorrow might bring. What do you do?

LAUREN

I'm a Digital Designer- graphic design, computer and you-name-it. I'm a Photoshop girl. Great, if I may be allowed to flatter myself.

CHEX

You are! My Mom is an artist- the regular kind.

LAUREN

That's fascinating, what type of artist?

CHEX

Historic Florida painting, seascapes, sunrises, water, birds, hippies, beer cans... you name it.

LAUREN

Does she still paint?

CHEX

Not so much, she's been very sick the past few years. I mean really bad. She has some advanced liver issues that may get her on a transplant list.

LAUREN

I'm so sorry Chex.

CHEX

No, don't be too sorry. Most of it was her fault. She's struggled with addiction for the past 20 years. Just when she really stopped drinking, wham, the residual liver damage caught up with her.

LaUREN

That's terrible.

CHEX

It is, and I'm not trying to minimize it, but we're all grieved out. She's been really bad at times and has rebounded. So, we are ready for anything.

LAUREN

Does she live in this area?

CheX

Yeah- Melbourne Beach, we just passed her subdivision as a matter of fact.

They arrive at the Sebastian Inlet and walk out on the jetty and watch the surfers and the fisherman. They stop at the snack bar and get a fish sandwich and a beer and walk back to the car.

LAUREN

This is really a cool place. It's like old Florida, very much like the Keys.

ChEX

It is. I used to fish here a lot as a kid.

LAUREN

How's the running going? I see you did it all week.

CHEX

It's good and getting better. I've lost 7 pounds in one week and can run for 15 minutes without stopping. I'm going to run 6 days a week and see how it goes.

LAUREN

Well, that's great, I'm proud of you.

CHEX

You're 'proud' of me? No one has ever said that before. Thanks.

They are back at the car and he starts to open the passenger door and Lauren steps forward and twists her ankle and stumbles forward and Chex grabs her.

LAUREN

This is the 3rd time we've been pushed together, you know what that means, right?

(not pulling back)

CHEX

I guess not.

LaUREN

In the ancient tradition of the Sebastian Inlet Natives, it either means we're engaged or you have to kiss me.

And Chex wastes no more time thinking, pushing her chin back and meeting her lips with his. With no objection he continues to kiss her for several seconds.

LAUREN

(pulling back finally)

Mmmmm... I like this place, good choice Chex!

FADE OUT.

I/E. GRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

4th of July, a picnic on Saturday at Grant Island apartment and the entire team is hanging out on the lawn in front of the beach. There is a keg and a BBQ grille with Duke spinning hotdogs and hamburgers.

The traffic from passersby from the beach drive a ton of women and some surfers into the yard looking for a free beer or maybe a hit from a bong- on the patio of the sunroom downstairs.

One of the surfers ask a guy wearing cowboy boots and shorts what he's doing there and is told he lives there- Tractor is in the house.

The Hobie Cat sails in and Chex and Lauren come up from the beach, hand-in-hand. She's wearing a bikini and looks great and Chex has lost 20 lbs and has toned-up in the 3 months that have passed.

LauREN

(to Chex)

Hey Baby, I'm going to change into shorts. I'll be right back.

She walks into her apartment and Scott is there with Duke smoking pot.

ScOTT

(to Lauren)

Hey Honey, that bikini is smoking. Wanna get high with us?

LAUREN

No thanks Scott, you know I don't smoke. And I'm not your Honey.

ScOTT

Aww, come on what are you afraid of? Can't you control yourself with us?

LAUREN

Yeah, that must be it. I'll be right back.

She walks away and looks through her closet for something dry to change into and she hears an intoxicated Scott running his mouth.

ScOTT

All she cares about is that asshole Chanx. What's she see in him? He's got a 20-year old car and works for SuckX.

DuKE

Hey man. You need to take it down about 10 levels.

ScOTT

She's white trash too. Her Mom works for Walmart so, it's a match made in a single-wide.

DUKE

Ok. Get out bitch, go.

ScOTT

This is my apartment.

DUKE

I don't give a shit, go for a walk. Now.

Scott stands up and Duke grabs him with both hands by the sides of his head and spins him onto the floor. Scott stands up and raises his hands to fight.

DUKE

Yeah, come on asshole and you'll wake up in the ICU, sometime tomorrow. Do it... jump.

Just then Chex walks in the door and sees them.

ScOTT

Wait, Mr. Wonderful is here. Look everyone, it's Mr. Wonderful.

DUKE

Last warning.

CHEX

What's his problem?

DUKE

He's a dick and he's drunk and high. So he's a mega dick.

ScOTT

How's the jogging going Mr. Wonderful?

DUKE

He's looking for trouble.

CHEX

No, that's ok. I'm up to 25 miles per week, Mega Dick. Doing great. Let's run to the jetty and back in the morning? See how good you are?

ScOTT

I'd kill ya. I ran in college.

CHEX

Your hangover may balance us out. $100 says you don't kill me.

ScOTT

It's taking money from a moron.

CHEX

Scared Scott? Put your money where your Nikes are. And, leave Lauren the hell alone too, you hear me?

ScOTT

Tomorrow morning at 8AM. $200.

CHEX

Ok, I'm good. $200 hotshot.

Lauren walks into the sunroom and Chex takes her arm and they walk outside.

CHEX

I just lost $200. He's going to slaughter me.

LAUREN

We'll see about that.

FADE OUT.

EXT. gRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - moRNING

FADE IN:

Shortly after sunrise, on the beach, are 4 people- Chex, Duke, Scott and Lauren. They each have their coffee and Chex and Scott are dressed to run with shorts and shirts with the sleeves hacked off.

Scott and Chex are stretching, trying to warm up and Duke is talking to Lauren out of ear shot of the runners.

DUKE

Okay, gimme your money. We're not playing, I'll pay you later for a hamburger today.

Scott hands him 2, $100 bills and Chex has a pile of $20s.

DUKE

Ok, gents, the money's in the bank. Rules are simple- run to the jetty and touch the rocks and come back here.

(He digs a line in the sand with his foot.)

This here is the official finish line.

Chex and Scott nod.

DUKE

Ready, on your mark, get set, run your asses off... go!

LAUREN

How long with this take?

DUKE

It's about 4 1/2 miles, about 35 minutes. Duke looks pretty shaky but he can still run a 6-7 minute mile.

The runners take off, and Scott is out front and despite looking a little green and already sweating hard is in the lead. Chex is trying to pace himself and is running steady but he was pushing himself already.

They run past a TV camera crew with one technician filming the waves and the beach as the other employee is flying a drone taking aerial shots of the beach.

CaMERA GUY

Go get 'em guys, a beautiful morning for a run.

They each nod at him as they pass.

The run for 10 minutes about half way to the jetty and Scott is only about 50 feet ahead. He had looked over his shoulder several times and is coasting.

They run on and Chex decides to push up on him and closes the gap to about 10 feet.

ScOTT

Oh no, Mr. Wonderful is closing in on me! What, oh what will I do?

He does nothing and let's Chex pass him. They reach the rock jetties and both touch and turn and Chex is still in the lead.

Chex is breathing well and is running his best 2 mile time he's ever done, looking at his watch. He speeds up a bit and at about the 1/2 way mark he's about 30 feet ahead.

Lauren and Duke are about 1/2 mile in the distance and Lauren is jumping up and down and cheering him on.

Scott turns and burns and passes Chex like the Flash. They run on and the finish line is about 200 yards ahead with Scott 100 feet in the lead.

Chex can do nothing except run. About 100 feet from the finish line, Scott looks up at a shadow just as a local TV station camera drone smashes against the side of his head.

He tumbles into the sand and is unconscious.

Chex runs up to the where Scott is, as he begins to recover holding the side of his head. He is bleeding a bit and Chex looks down, as the TV camera drone crew run towards him.

Chex shrugs his shoulders and keeps running.

CHEX

Ehh... What the hell, $200 is $200. Karma is a bitch.

He passes the finish line and bends over breathing hard. Duke hands him the money.

DUKE

We don't have accident rules. Too bad.

The camera crew is walking a battered Scott back to the apartment as Lauren and Chex sit in the sand. Scott as usual is compelled to run his mouth.

SCOTT

Oh you're the man, Mr. Wonderful, the big winner. I would have beat you.

CHEX

Then why didn't you Mr. Lame Excuses? The only thing bigger than your ego is your mouth.

SCOTT

We'll try it again.

CHEX

Yeah, how about a Marathon? You don't need a straw for that finish line.

Scott walks on and doesn't answer.

The TV station camera crew walk back out to the beach.

LAUREN

(To Chex)

Excuse me hon, I wanna ask them how the dick with ears is doing.

Lauren stands up and walks over to the TV film crew.

Camera guy

Hey Sis, is that what you wanted?

LAUREN

You are my favorite brother.

CAMERA GUY

I'm your only brother!

(laughing)

LAUREN

Oh yeah.

(Slipping him a $100 bill)

Lauren returns to Chex and sits back down.

CHEX

That guy looks a lot like the young man in your family photo on your dresser?

LAUREN

Nahh... all blond guys look alike. He said Scott would live.

CHEX

Uhh huh... the wonderful news continues.

FADE OUT.

INT. Cape CanaverAL HOSPITAL - afTERNOON

FADE IN:

Grace Sanchez, Chex's Mother: 45-yrs old, nature artist, has been very ill for the past decade with Liver Disease and is not doing well. She loves her son, and does not want to trouble him with her medical problems, but wants to see him happy and moving forward, regardless.

***

The emergency room was busy but not overflowing as Chex walks in and to the front desk. A young clerk is checking patients in and she nods at him.

CHEX

Hello, Grace Sanchez, my Mother is being looked at. She called me. Can I go back?

CLERK

Do you have your driver's license or other photo ID?

He takes his driver's license out of his wallet and hands it to her.

ClERK

Mr. Charles Sanchez, please wear this ID tag. She is in treatment room #3. Just walk through that door.

She motions over her shoulder towards the automatic door. Chex stands and pushes the large flat button and the door swings open.

He walks to room #3 and knocks and the nurse answers.

Nurse

Hey, you must be Chex. Give us 5 minutes. We're getting her cleaned up now.

CHEX

Ok, how is she?

NuRSE

She had a rough morning but is stable. Stand by for a minute and we'll get you in.

Chex stands by the door at first, then paces the general area as nurses and doctors walk around and do their jobs.

NuRSE

Come on in.

Chex walks in and sees his mother on the narrow ER treatment room bed. The side rails are raised and the sheet is tucked in and a white blanket covers her. She is very frail-looking, at 45-yrs old, she looks much older. Her hair is gray and she is very skinny with a unhealthy pallor to her skin tone.

CHEX

Mom. I got here as fast as I could, I was at work at the Space Center.

Grace

Well, here we are again. Sorry about this.

CHEX

Are you kidding me? Don't talk like that? It's okay.

GRACE

I've been weak, and it turns out I'm anemic, nothing unusual there, but when I started seeing blood, I called 911. It could've been worse.

CHEX

What did they do?

GrACE

Blood- 2 units, some fluids and they're going to admit me. Lovely.

CHEX

Better here than at home by yourself.

GRACE

I suppose.

CHEX

You look okay?

GRACE

Just okay?

CHEX

Yeah Mom. Just okay, you just had a transfusion and an ambulance right. Just okay, ain't too shabby.

GRACE

Ok, so amuse me. What are you and your hot chick doing these days?

CHEX

Yeah, Lauren. She is pretty hot actually. We're enjoying the beach, the sun and each other. She's great.

GRACE

When can I meet her?

CHEX

I have some pictures. Wanna see them?

Grace nods and Chex breaks out his iPhone and starts thumbing through pictures giving dialogue.

GRACE

She's pretty. Better than what's-her-name.

CHEX

What's-her-name was okay too, she just forgot to mention she was bi-sexual. That small thing.

GRACE

Hey, what's this picture? Is that your underwear?

CHEX

Uhh, no! Those are running shorts. Can't you tell? I've lost 25-lbs. I can run for an hour.

GRACE

Non-stop?

CHEX

Yeah, non-stop. And pretty quick too- 8 minute miles.

GRACE

Why are you doing this?

CHEX

I'm going to run a Marathon in March- the annual Space Coast Marathon at the port.

GRACE

Set a goal and go for it, come hell or high water.

CHEX

I'm already locked and loaded!

GrACE

You've always accomplished whatever you're committed to- school, grad school, you name it!

ChEX

Thanks Mom. How long are they keeping you this time?

GRACE

About 2 days I think unless something else comes up.

CHEX

Good, get the heck out of here. I can help you escape. I'll bring a ladder by later.

GRACE

Okay, deal. But you know this hospital only has one floor right?

They chat a bit longer before the doctor comes in and wants to move her into a room. Chex says he'll call and maybe come by later, but leaves and goes home to his apartment.

Chex is nearly out the door and Raj comes out of a backroom and stops him.

RAJ

Chex, hold up a minute! Come on back here.

Raj and Chex huddle in an empty exam room. Chex sits on a stool and Raj stands.

RAJ

What'd she tell you?

CHEX

Kinda of the same old story- anemia and nausea and blah, blah, blah.

RAJ

Chex it's the blah, blah, blah I want to tell you about.

CHEX

Shoot.

RAJ

Forgive me if you already know this but she seems like the sort who'd protect her only son.

CHEX

I suppose, yeah.

RAJ

Well, she'd pretty sick. Not just like take a pill and call me in the morning sick. She has end-stage liver disease.

CHEX

I knew she had liver disease, the end-stage, not so much.

RAJ

I understand she hasn't had a drink in 2 years and that's very commendable. But she needs a new liver.

CHEX

She's on a transplant list.

RAJ

She is on some list somewhere, and the average wait time is 361 days. She said she's been on it for 18 months already.

CHEX

True again.

RAJ

We can change her status to extremely urgent, that puts her into a higher response category.

CHEX

Is she? Extremely urgent?

RAJ

Her blood chemistry is so far out, I'm surprise she can hold a coherent conversation. I've seen patients in hepatic comas with test results better than hers.

CHEX

Ok, do it.

RAJ

I have some forms you can sign and sponsor the transplant prioritization.

FADE OUT.

I/E. on the beacH IN FRONT OF THE APARTMENT - cONTINUOUS

This stage of the story, Chex focuses on building distance and stepping up his running.

Begin 4 part running montage, each montage ends with a journal update that records his run and his feeling for Lauren.

Run 1. A perfect early morning and Chex is running on his hard-packed, ribbon of sand as the sunrays break the horizon. He hears the seagulls and runs through Port Canaveral where he sees tourists boarding cruise ships and fisherman preparing for a day on the water. He returns home and updates his journal:

CHEX

A remarkable run, 8 miles through the Port checking out the tourist and fishing industry. Took under 1 hour, never been happier. That is under 8 minute miles. Weight- 176. Had a fantastic evening with Lauren, she is a beautiful and special woman, I've never been happier.

Run 2. A late-afternoon run where the surf is gentle and there is that magical ribbon of sand outside the apartment that goes to eternity. Chex runs through beach-goers, children, girls, retirees. He runs past hotels and past bars with full decks of people smoking and partying and returns smiling with a runner's high. And a journal update:

Journal

A 7 1/2 miler headed south to the Minuteman Causeway. I think I'll hit a 40 mile week. Lauren is going to ride her bike with me tomorrow as I try to run 10 miles. Couldn't be happier- a fantastic graphic artist and she makes great spaghetti!

Run 3. An early evening run as daylight is beginning to fade a bit. Lauren has her bike and rides as Chex runs. They run on the back street and across the Causeway to the big bridge. Lauren has her camera and rides ahead and takes pictures of Chex running with the water behind him. They also have music and the run is relaxed and fun for the couple. They return to the apartment and Duke is cooking hamburgers outside and they pop a couple beers and relax. Journal update:

Journal

The best run ever and actually had fun. Lauren rode her bike and took some great running shots. Broke the 10 mile barrier, not the fastest time but as Dr. George Sheehan says, LSD, long slow distance. I love Lauren. I figured it out- Duh, what took me so long?

Run 4. Chex gets a late start and heads south down that ribbon of sand. There are a lot of people on the sand and Chex gets tired of dodging kids with frisbees. He cuts up and runs through some neighborhood, waving at people and enjoying a side of the beach similar to his old neighborhood. Journal update:

Journal

Tried to run my fastest mile, just for the hell of it. I ran a 6:33 and busted a gut. I'm not a speedster and I don't really want to be. I ran 8 miles down to Cocoa Beach, got off the beach and run through some subdivisions just for distraction. Came back just before dark. Lauren is like a favorite song that I never want to stop listening to. She likes her work and is low drama and that keeps the BS level low and we can just focus on being together rather than solving every insecurity. She needs to meet my Mom, I hope they like each other.The best run ever and actually had fun.

End 4 part running montage.

FADE OUT.

Int. GRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - eVENING

FADE IN:

Chex comes back from a regular evening run. He has a towel over his shoulder and opens the refrigerator for a beer and goes to the deck outside his bedroom.

He opens his Blue Composition journal and starts to write.

Chex's phone rings and he picks it up.

CHEX

Oh, hey Babe. 15 minutes, okay, drive safe. I'll jump in the shower.

He leaves his journal and beer on the deck and hops in the shower.

Chex finishes toweling off and slips shorts and t-shirt on and walks out onto the deck. Lauren is there with her drink and she is sitting and reading his running journal.

CHEX

Hey girl, that's my PRIVATE and PERSONAL journal.

(smiling)

LAUREN

Not any more mister. You are so busted.

She stands up and walks over to him and hugs him and deeply kisses him.

LaUREN

You need to tell me some of this stuff. I'm not a good guesser.

CHEX

Uhh oh. So you've read it all.

LAUREN

I stopped after hearing you loved me. It can't get any better so I thought I'd stop while I was ahead.

CHEX

I do love you. How could I not? You're awesome.

LAUREN

Surprise, surprise... Me too, I love you also. I'm so lucky to have you.

They sit together and watch the light fade across the sky as the sun sets and the stars pop out.

FADE OUT.

INT. Florida SNook Grille Restaurant - NIGHT

FADE IN:

A nice seafood restaurant and a private room shows an active birthday party underway. The decorations are in place and the Banner "CHEX, King Scorpio" hangs prominently to advertise his November birthday.

Chex and Lauren are at the head of the table, Duke and Raj are present, Grace (Chex's Mother) is there and other assorted friends and co-workers.

The presents have been opened and dinner is done, several drinks have been consumed and a feeling of smiling, carefree happiness pervades.

LaUREN

(to a waiter)

Bring the cake out. We need sugar!

The cake comes out shortly and the candles are lit.

DUKE

Ok, we have to sing happy birthday to the birthday boy, quickly before the cake burns down!

They sing Happy Birthday and Chex grabs a knife.

LAUREN

No, blow out the candles, silly and make a wish.

CHEX

Oh yeah. Sorry...

He concentrates, blows out the candle, kisses Lauren and gets ready to cut the cake.

His phone rings. Grace's phone rings. Raj's phone rings.

CHEX

Hello Chex... uhh huh. I see. Okay. We'll be right there.

Grace and Raj also have a similar call.

LAUREN

Work. What's going on?

CHEX

It's Mom. A liver is available at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, we gotta go.

RAJ

They want to Life Flight her up there and prep her on the chopper. I got the Attending Flight Medic assignment. They have a reduced time, the liver was meant for another person but not used. So we gotta go, right now.

Everyone stands up and Grace goes with Raj.

CHEX

Mom. We'll meet you there in 3 hours. It's about 140 miles. We'll be there and Raj will take good care of you. I love you.

(hugging her)

GRACE

I love you too. See you up there. Cross your fingers and we'll get through this.

FADE OUT.

Int. Mayo CLinic hospital - nIGHT

FADE IN:

The Corvette has raced I-95 North from the Space Coast to the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville and pulls into the parking lot of the Surgery Center.

Lauren and Chex walk in to the reception area and the Admin briefs them.

Admin

She got here about 2 hours ago and was immediately taken in to surgery and the procedure is underway. She is stable, but it's early and we like to be cautious. Dr. Raj flew back on the chopper but he asked us to tell you she did well.

LAUREN

Thank you, that's good news. I know you'll keep us posted.

AdMIN

Of course we will.

CHEX

Thank you, she's my Mom and she's been sick for a long time.

AdMIN

She has Dr. Adamo. He's one of the best surgeons in the country. He has done over 30 transplants.

CHEX

That's good to hear.

AdMIN

Would you like coffee? Just go down the hall, the cafeteria doors are open and they have good coffee. It's free at night.

Chex and Lauren walk to the cafeteria and grab coffees and return to the waiting area.

Chex and Lauren are being woken up by the admin. They realize they've slept for hours because the sun is up and people are coming into the waiting area.

AdMIN

Hey Folks, good morning. Dr. Adamo is waiting in consult room #2 for you.

CHEX

Oh boy, thanks.

They walk across the waiting room and through an outer door and knock on the door of consultation room #2.

Dr. Adamo

Come in guys. I'm your Mom's doctor, Dr. Adamo. Call me Frank, please.

CHEX

Chex and Lauren. How is she?

Dr. ADAMO

Stable. She's a fighter. The donor liver was a little stressed and almost at the end of it's viability. She got here just in time.

CHEX

What's the prognosis.

Dr. ADAMO

We always say "guarded" for older patients but she's doing well. I think in 6 months, you'll never know she was sick. Well, except for a handful of pills she'll take forever.

CHEX

That's awesome. When can we see her?

DR. ADAMO

I think you two need to go get some sleep. You look like I feel. She's sedated in SICU and we'll keep her that way until later today.

CHEX

Thanks for the Birthday present.

Dr. ADAMO

What do you mean?

CHEX

The hospital called in the middle of my birthday dinner last night. What a great gift!

Dr. ADAMO

That's fantastic.

CHEX

What's her future like?

Dr. ADAMO

The next few days will be rough. But, it's pretty typical recovery. She'll be here for a week, barring complications. Then she'll be discharged.

CHEX

Thanks Dr. Adamo.

LAUREN

Yes, thank you.

Dr. ADAMO

Frank, please, I'm not a surgeon to the stars. You're welcome. It's what we do.

Lauren and Chex walk out of the Mayo Clinic, arm-in-arm and leave the hospital. They find the Holiday Inn, Sun Spree Resort, oceanfront on Atlantic Beach, check-in and pass out.

FADE OUT.

InT. grANT ISLAND APARTMENT - mORNING

FADE IN:

CHRISTMAS DAY

Chex and Lauren wake up to light streaming in through the sliding glass door. He sits up and stumbles off to the kitchen and returns with 2 cups of coffee and a bagel on a serving tray.

Lauren is standing on the outside deck looking out at the ocean.

CHEX

Coffee is served my lady! Bagel if you're so desirous.

LAUREN

Ahh, that's a good idea too.

They sit on the deck chairs.

CHEX

What time did my Mom say she's coming over?

LAUREN

Dinner's at 5 o'clock, so she will come by around 3 to open her presents and hang out a bit.

CHEX

Good. Her endurance is much better and she isn't that jaundice color. Zombification did not suit her.

LAUREN

I'm going to tell her you said that.

CheX

You do and I'll spank you sensless.

LAUREN

Promise?

CHEX

Well, maybe. I'm not running today. I thought I'd take today off and make tomorrow the longest run of the year.

LAUREN

Why don't you run down to Patrick Air Force Base on the beach and I'll pick you up in the Hobie?

CHEX

The weather is good. Should be warmish. You don't mind ocean sailing that far by yourself?

LAUREN

I won't sail offshore, just out from the breakers. If I had a problems, I could swim to shore in 5 minutes.

CHEX

So, I'll leave about 8, and you can leave about 9. We'll look at where on Google Maps later.

LAUREN

Okay. Let's do it. All I need is help rolling him to the surf.

CHEX

We can set it up before I run.

LAUREN

You're on track for this race right?

CHEX

Yeah, you know- I've had 35 mile weeks, one long-run per week, then two 20-milers before the race, in February. The race is March 15th.

LAUREN

Yep, you're almost ready.

CHEX

Bar hell or high water, I should at least be at the starting line! You wanna ride your bike the last half of the race?

LAUREN

That sounds like fun.

CHEX

Running solo that long gets old. I figure I'll do about 3 hours and 45 minutes. The real racers will finish in 2 hours and 20 minutes. They'll pass me on their way back.

LAUREN

It's what they do. They're 7 foot tall and weigh 80 pounds.

FADE OUT.

ExT. oN THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THE APARTMENT - mORNING

FADE IN:

The sun is up but it's early. Lauren and Chex walk to the beach and they roll "Davey Jones", the Hobie Cat, to the water's edge so Lauren can launch it later by herself.

They sit on the hull and drink coffee together watching the ocean and listening to the seagull squawking. Lauren snaps a few pictures with her iPhone and Chex stretches out for a few minutes and gets ready to run.

CHEX

Ok Hon, you got the location mapped on an instant message. Gimme an hour and then you head out. Call me if you want.

LAUREN

Ok Chex, be safe and take your time. No personal record setting here- 15 miles due south.

CHEX

It's not too cold to sail is it?

LAUREN

Nahh, I'll wear a wetsuit and bring yours with me. We should be good. Don't worry.

CHEX

Well it is the end of December. Be safe out there, I love you.

LAUREN

Love you too, have fun on your "magical ribbon of sand" as you say.

CHEX

That's the zone I get into when I run the beach. It's like Stairway to Heaven! It's a great name for the hardpack!

LAUREN

(reassuring and smiling)

It's very endearing, I like it a lot.

Chex sets out running, an even pace, trying to enjoy the mellow, cool morning. He breathes smoothly and the camera pulls out, into a drone shot, above him and pulls back even more, showing the enormity of the beach and the ocean and the narrow ribbon of sand he is running.

Lauren goes back up to the house for a second cup of coffee and comes back down in an hour with Tractor, the mystery roommate, to launch the Hobie.

LAUREN

Just push it out until it floats. Don't get your cowboy boots wet. They go well with those pajamas by the way.

Tractor grunts and pushes and the sailboat begins to float. Lauren jumps on and yells a "thank you". He grunts again and walks back to the house.

She pops the sail and the Hobie slides to the SouthEast cutting through the surf and leveling off just outside the breakers. She zips up her windbreaker and lays back a bit and sails her boat.

The sailboat catches up to Chex after some time and he can see Lauren as they both head South. She has throttled the power of her sails back and stays even with Chex.

At the 2-hr mark Chex waves to Lauren and motions her to come in.

She calls and he answers.

LaUREN

You're a little short. Everything okay?

CHEX

How far off, about a mile?

LAUREN

Mile or mile and a half.

CHEX

Close enough, come on in. Anyplace safe. I'm bored.

Lauren turns the boat and the breakers are small and cooperative. She runs up into the shallows and Chex jumps on, not even letting the boat hull touch the sand.

LAUREN

Good jump!

CHEX

Perfect landing and great re-launch.

LAUREN

How was it?

CHEX

It was okay. I lose interest over about 8 miles. It just gets monotonous. It becomes hard to focus for me.

LAUREN

You did great, let's get out of here.

She executes a perfect jibe and heads north towards the pier and the apartment. The surf is at 2-feet and the wind is blowing light. The Hobie Cat slips through the waves, surfing a bit on small swells and then the hulls dig into the sand and the boat slows.

Chex jumps off the boat on the stern side and grabs the hull as a swell lifts the boat and his left foot sinks deep into the sand. The symmetrical, "V" shaped, right-hull comes down on his bare right foot and digs his toes into the sand. He cries out as the boat lifts and glides past him.

The water is shallow and when he grabs his foot and sits down he is about bathtub deep.

Lauren pushes the boat into the sand and rushes to his side.

FADE OUT.

INT. GrANT ISLAND APARTMENT - afTERNOON

Chex is on the couch in the living room. Raj has just looked at his foot and sewed 6 stitches on the cut after numbing him up.

RaJ

Well, it's a nasty, little cut. And you definitely broke a couple toes too. But, you're lucky.

CHEX

I suppose.

RAJ

I can tape a broken toe to a good toe and ice them. Rice- rest, ice, compression and elevation and Tylenol.

RAJ

Give it about 2-3 weeks. You should be able to walk by then. I would say 6 weeks before running again.

CHEX

Yeah, I suspected such. That sucks, I'm peaking now.

RAJ

Keep your endurance up- lift, go to a gym for a month and use something that doesn't involve a foot, tape it well and try to swim!

LAUREN

You'll have time to get back on track for the race.

CHEX

Some, not a comfortable amount. I wanted to glide into it.

LAUREN

Yeah, that ship has sailed, sorry for the pun.

CHEX

It's my own fault. If I can't walk a straight line, I sure as hell need to plan a marathon better.

Lauren walks over and sits down and hugs him.

LAUREN

You will be fine, babe. This is just drama and a setback.

CHEX

Yeah I guess you're right. You usually are!

Raj

(to Lauren, smiling)

That's very impressive- he's already housebroken and trained.

FADE OUT.

INT. Cocoa Beach Health and Aqua Center - aFTERNOON

FADE IN:

Chex is swimming laps and Lauren is sitting in a reclining chair readiong a Photoshop tech manual.

Chex swims to the pool edge and steps onto the ladder and out of the pool. His right foot still has a white bandage on it, and a plastic bag taped over the bandage.

LauREN

That looked pretty good.

(tossing him a towel)

Not bad for only 4 weeks of swimming.

CHEX

Have I said lately I hate swimming?

LAUREN

Yeah, about an hour ago.

CHEX

I'm surprised I lasted that long. I am learning to control my emotions.

LAUREN

You need to start walking I think. Have Raj look at it.

ChEX

I'm ready.

LAUREN

You wanna know something else? Don't get mad.

CHEX

Lay it on me.

LAUREN

Numb nuts is running in your marathon.

CHEX

Oh no. Not Scott. I wanted it to be fun and have you ride your bike on the backside.

LAUREN

He said it'd be cool.

CHEX

Nothing about Scott is cool.

LAUREN

He used to be a lot cooler. He is just so jealous of you, he can't see straight.

CHEX

Why don't you just move in with me and tell him to suck it?

LAUREN

Seriously? I'll think about that if you are for real.

CHEX

I am. Why not? We are together 24/7 anyway on the weekend and you stay with me most nights. Just get away from Mr. Toxic.

LAUREN

Let's get you well, through your marathon- 8 weeks and then we'll circle back and revisit this. I like the idea.

CHEX

Cool. I know it'd work.

LAUREN

Have you ever lived with a woman before.

CHEX

Oh yea, I have tons of experience with that one.

LAUREN

What?

CHEX

I told you- I have a mother... you know, that lady who calls herself Grace?

Lauren laughs and shakes her head.

LAUREN

You are a dork, Mister.

CHEX

Scott... I haven't forgotten him. Where's he been? It's been nice.

LAUREN

He's been hanging out with some girl in Titusville for the past couple months and has been training up there.

CHEX

I'll just do my thing, walk for week, see how I do, then try to start running if my poor toes can take it. The cut is healed.

LAUREN

Yeah, you have to get those 20 milers under your belt. You don't want to try a marathon without at least one.

CHEX

Yeah, I know. But you know the good news? That was the last lap I'm ever swimming in a pool unless I'm on a duckie float with a 6-pack!

FADE OUT.

I/E. oN THE BEACH IN FRONT OF THE APARTMENT - mORNING

FADE IN:

Lauren and Chex are sitting on the hull of the Hobie drinking their early morning coffee and talking.

CHEX

This is the first Saturday in a year where I haven't had to run. As the song goes- it's my "I don't have to run day."

LAUREN

You'll more than make up for it tomorrow. You ready?

CHEX

Yeah. I guess I am. I have low expectations, and if I just finish it's a win.

LAUREN

How could you not finish?

CHEX

Break my leg, this boat flops over on me right now, lightning.

LAUREN

Ok smart guy. You know what I mean.

CHEX

I think I'll finish. I have the miles, I've run the long-distance 20 milers. Didn't like it- did it anyway. My toes feel good.

LAUREN

You're as ready as you can be. As long as you don't get in a fight with Scott you'll be okay.

CHEX

Scott who? Ahhh yes, the dick. No worries.

LAUREN

Raj asked if he can ride his bike too. Do you mind?

CHEX

No, that's fine. The more the merrier I suppose. It starts at 7AM and that comes very early. I want to be in bed early.

LAUREN

There is a big party here today. We need to take it easy.

CHEX

Good for them. There's no way I'm running with a hangover. Been there, done that, already puked my brains out.

Duke comes down the stairs and waves at them. He comes out to the Hobie.

DUKE

What's up pumpkins? You ready to race, bro'?

CHEX

Yeah man. As ready as I can be.

DUKE

Don't let Scott play games with your mojo. He's taking this race too personally. Typical Scott.

CHEX

Nahh, I'm not racing him. Hell, I'm not racing anyone except for myself. It's just another long run. If I can finish in the top 50% I'll be stoked.

DUKE

Stoked? Wait, what's that sound. Oh yeah, the 90's... calling you sport-o.

CHEX

Yeah, I can't talk like a Pro-surfer, board dawgs. Thank Jesus!

DUKE

You going to party with us? No pain, no gain. Party 'til Death- Whooo Hooo!

CHEX

Sure, I'll chug a 5th of Southern Comfort to see it that improves my time tomorrow! Maybe smoke a Camel ciggy or two with Tractor Beam.

DUKE

(Channeling the Bugs Bunny Cartoon)

That must mean "no". Does that mean "No" George? Just what I always wanted. My own little bunny rabbit. I will name him George, and I will hug him and pet him and squeeze him. Derr...

CHEX

It's hard to see my high school buds lose their minds, George...

DuKE

Let's ask George if that meant "No"... I go now to find George and ask him!

Duke stumbles off, still in his cartoon impression.

LaUREN

Who the hell is George?

CHEX

Have you ever seen the Bugs Bunny cartoon where the Abominable Snow Man picks up Bugs... never mind. It's a joke from when we were kids.

LAUREN

Derr... whatever you say George. Let's go eat somewhere and get outta this nut house.

CHEX

Blueberry pancakes and syrup. You know I'm down 35 pounds? Need carbs George. I will squeeze them and hold them and eat them and make them mine. At least for awhile.

LAUREN

Gross.

He goes after Lauren squeezing her, she squeals, and they walk away arm in arm having fun.

FADE OUT.

INT. gRANT ISLAND APARTMENT - eVENING

FADE IN:

The apartment is crowded. There are at least 25 people visible in various places. The living room couch is packed, the sunroom has several people standing around drinking and talking. Raj and Duke's bedrooms are locked but Chex's room is a thruway to his outside deck.

Chex and Lauren laid claim to the deck chairs just after dusk but others are finding places to sit, stand and party. Music is on and people are coming and going to the beach.

Chex walks to his bathroom and sniffs Duke's door on the way back.

He comes back and sits.

CHEX

I'm no prude, but their smoking hash in Duke's corral. I think that is a little extreme.

LAUREN

I tried it once and it made me feel like I was having an out-of-body experience. I'll stick with a glass of Pinot Noir. If I want a headache, I can drink 3.

CHEX

I'm going to grab a couple Coors Lights, and by couple I mean two. That's it. Somehow we are closing this deck by 10 o'clock tonight.

LAUREN

Party Pooper.

CHEX

Everyone will thank me tomorrow, especially me thanking me!

LAUREN

No, that's really a good idea. We're not 17-years old and we have a big day tomorrow.

Duke comes out onto the deck, through the sliding glass door.

DUKE

Hey Shrimpers, you want to try a little ash-hish? You know.

CHEX

Thanks Palamino, but I have this need to breathe. You know, marathon running in the morning and all of that stuff.

DUKE

Ok, I have to ask, or I'm a bad host, you know. Martha Stewart says so!

LAUREN

And you and Martha are like this?

(holding up two fingers)

CHEX

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