Jasper County: All That's Buried

This is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to people or situations, living or dead, is unintentional and coincidental.



JASPER COUNTY
"All That's Buried"



FADE IN:
INT. JASPER SCHOOL DRAMA DEPARTMENT MORNING
ELLY DEWRIGHT is hanging a flyer on the wall offering dance classes. ALLISON REEVES sees Elly and the flyer and goes to her.

ALLISON REEVES
Hi Elly. Dance classes? That sounds like fun.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yeah, I thought this county could use a little culture.

ALLISON REEVES
Did you take dance class as a kid?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, honey, I was in dance class every chance I got. Loved it. Absolutely loved it. Wasn’t much of prodigy, but it was a great time. Made me feel artistic. Now, that mom of yours…

ALLISON REEVES
Mom?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, yeah, Allison, your mom was really something to see. Now she was the one with all the talent, the one I really thought would do something with dance, go pro or something, you know. Be on Broadway or something. You should ask her about it sometime. In the mean time, maybe you’ll like to learn to do a few steps. (Elly demonstrates a few ballet moves as she danceS away with the remaining flyers)

INT. OUTSIDE REEVES HOME AFTERNOON
WOODY REEVES and Allison Reeves walk down the drive toward the house. TOBY REEVES is playing with a truck in the dirt. DONNA REEVES is working nearby in a flowerbed.

WOODY REEVES AND ALLISON REEVES
Hi, mom.

DONNA REEVES
Hey, kids. How was school?

WOODY REEVES
It’s okay.

ALLISON REEVES
Good.

Woody pats Toby on the head and then heads toward the door and goes inside. Allison puts her books on the ground and kneels to help Donna.

WOODY REEVES
Hey, Tob.

DONNA REEVES
Woody, there’s some oatmeal raisin cookies on the counter. They should still be warm in you want a snack.

Woody walks in the house.

ALLISON REEVES
Hey, mom, did you know that Elly DeWright is going to offer dance lessons here in Jasper?

DONNA REEVES
Uh, she mentioned she was thinking about it.

ALLISON REEVES
She was putting up flyers in the drama department today. It sounds like fun. She said that you and her used to take dance classes when you were my age.

DONNA REEVES
Oh, yeah. It was Ms. Penny over in Calhoun that offered dance classes back then. We were there every Saturday morning like clockwork. And, there were a couple of summers when our families even had the money to send us to dance camp for a couple weeks. (stands) Let’s see what I remember? (she does a few simple ballet steps and laughs at herself) It’s been a long time.

ALLISON REEVES
How come you never told me?

DONNA REEVES
Oh, I don’t know. Things changed. Priorities changed. Life happened. (she sits beside Toby and plays with him) I guess I just grew up.

ALLISON REEVES
Don’t you miss it?

DONNA REEVES
Sometimes. But, dancing is not my life anymore, Allison. But, if you want to try a few classes, I’m sure we can splurge a little.

ALLISON REEVES
(excited) Really?

Allison jumps up, goes to her mom, hugs her, and heads inside the house.

DONNA REEVES
Don’t forget your books.

ALLISON REEVES
Oh!

Allison returns to her books, picks them up and heads inside.

DONNA REEVES
You already know how to dance, don’t you Toby?

Toby grins and laughs at Donna. Donna kisses him on the forehead.

INT. INSIDE LUNCH BOX CAFÉ AFTERNOON
CHRISTINA BANKS enters the Lunchbox Café and goes to the counter where Elly DeWright is wiping off the counter. The café is virtually empty, but DOC LUKE WATSON sits at a small table reading the paper and drinking coffee.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Afternoon, Elly.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Hey, honey, how’s that house coming along?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Slowly but surely. The Historical Society is coming out tomorrow to take another look at. They’ve been giving me a lot of advice on how to restore parts of the house so the house maintains it’s integrity. (smiles) That’s the word they use—integrity.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(laughs) Okay. Well it sure will be something when you’re done.

CHRISTINA BANKS
True.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I might get me a fixer-upper like that someday if I could ever get that Cooper Michaels to marry me.

CHRISTINA BANKS
No luck yet, huh?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, that mother of his can’t stand me.

Doc Luke Watson comes up from behind Christina.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Join the club. She can’t stand me either. (gives Christina a peck on the cheek)

CHRISTINA BANKS
Hi, Luke. And, speak of the devil, that’s why I’m here, Elly. I was hoping to pick up some of those famous apple fritters of yours to take over to Ms. Edna’s. I’m hoping it will improve her mood.

Luke looks to Christina, shakes his head no, and begins to say something but Christina stops him.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(with a smile) Please, don’t.

Luke raises his arms in humorous surrender.

DOC LUKE WATSON
I didn’t say a word. (hands Elly some cash) Thanks for the coffee, Elly.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(laughing) Sure.

CHRISTINA BANKS
She’s really not that bad.

Luke and Elly look to each other and shake their heads.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(to Elly) Have you ever known her to be in a good mood?

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM AFTERNOON
MS. EDNA reads the newspaper and sits in a chair in a living room decorated with expensive antiques.

MS. EDNA
(to herself) Thirty-five cents off. Ridiculous. I remember when the whole turkey only cost thirty-five cents. It’s highway robbery, I tell you. Highway robbery.

INT. OUTSIDE MS. EDNA’S HOUSE AFTERNOON
Christina uses the knocker to knock three times on the door. She is carrying a box of apple fritters.

MS. EDNA
(from within)
(gruffly) Hold your horses. I’m coming.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM AFTERNOON
Ms. Edna walks toward the door with a walker.

MS. EDNA
People think when you get to be my age you can still run around like a youngster. Disrespectful, I tell you. Just Disrespectful.

Ms. Edna opens the door and sees Christina.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
(happily) Christina, dear, come on in.

Christina walks into the house and Ms. Edna shuts the door behind her.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Hey, Ms. Edna. Thought you might like some apple fritters.

MS. EDNA
Oh, apple fritters. I do remember my grandma making some of the best apple fritters I ever tasted.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Shall I put these in the kitchen.

MS. EDNA
Yes, dear.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE KITCHEN AFTERNOON
Christina walks in, puts the box on the table. Ms. Edna soon follows into the kitchen.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Elly DeWright made these over at the Lunchbox.

MS. EDNA
(scoffs)Oh, her. Did you hear that that woman is offering dance classes? I just read it in the newspaper. Dance classes. At her age. Who does she think she is? Ridiculous, I tell you. Just ridiculous. People just don’t know how to behave anymore.

Christina begins placing the fritters on two saucers as Ms. Edna sits down.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Well, Ms. Edna, she’s just hoping to share her knowledge of dance with the young girls of Jasper. It’ll be a good thing. They need something else to do other than hang out at the river.

MS. EDNA
What the young girls of Jasper need is a good swift kick in the backside, if you ask me.

Christina sets the saucers before herself and Ms. Edna. Ms. Edna takes a bite of her fritter.

MS. EDNA
Dry as a bone!

Christina exhales slowly as she eats her fritter.

INT. REEVES HOME KITCHEN EVENING
Donna Reeves is turning off the stove and putting food into serving dishes. Woody Reeves takes his seat. Allison Reeves is dancing about the table and humming to herself as she sets out the utensils. EARL REEVES is putting Toby in his highchair, and laughs when he sees Allison. Then, Earl takes his seat.

EARL REEVES
What’s all that about?

ALLISON REEVES
Didn’t mama tell you? Elly is giving dancing lessons, and mama said I could take her class. My first class is Saturday.

EARL REEVES
Dance lessons? Well I’ll be.

ALLISON REEVES
Don’t worry, dad, I’ll still get my chores done.

WOODY REEVES
You can’t dance. You have two left feet, Allison.

Allison smirks at Woody. Donna begins setting the food on the table.

DONNA REEVES
She might like it. No harm in letting her try.

EARL REEVES
(to Donna) You used to take that ballet dance class for years, didn’t you?

WOODY REEVES
(surprised) Mom, you were a dancer?

DONNA REEVES
Sit down now, Allison.

Donna and Allison take their seats at the table.

DONNA REEVES
(continuing)
It was a long time ago, Woody, when I was your age.

Woody reaches for a biscuit. Earl taps his hand.

EARL REEVES
You know to wait till we say grace. And, she was very good.

DONNA REEVES
Yes, well… Woody, will you please say grace tonight.

The family takes hold of each other’s hands.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE DINING ROOM EVENING
Ms. Edna and SHERIFF COOPER MICHAELS and Christina Banks are having dinner.

MS. EDNA
(sarcastically) A dance recital. Well won’t that be fun. A bunch of local girls with no experience up there on stage trying to pretend like they belong in Swan Lake.

SHERIFF
Now mama.

MS. EDNA
Oh, I suppose we should be thankful. It may be the closest thing to an actual Broadway show that some of these girls ever see. Why, when I was young, my parents used to take us once a year to see the biggest hit of the season. The opera, the stage plays, the dancers. Oh, it was just delightful to see all of that talent that was shared with the world. (pause) Of course, we don’t have that kind of talent in Jasper.

Christina and Sheriff look toward each other with uncertainty. Sheriff then clears his throat.

SHERIFF
Mama, I was thinking maybe it might be nice to ask Elly over here for dinner one night.

MS. EDNA
What? Elly DeWright? Jim and Lilly’s daughter? (pause) No. I don’t want her in my house. If you want to have dinner with her, take her over there to that two-bit café she runs that she dares to call a restaurant. That’s not food she serves. Can’t be. Doesn’t taste like anything I’ve ever eaten. Elly DeWright is nothing but a wash-up who never has gotten anything right in her life. Jim and Lilly did all they could, I’m sure, but Elly was just a bad seed. Running around all hours of the night with the men in town and embarrassing her father in front of his church. And, drinking, whew, what used to be said about her. Well, I even heard that when she was seventeen and said that she was going to visit her grandma over in Calhoun County that summer that she really went to have an abortion of some illegitimate child. No. No. No. I don’t want her in my house. You shouldn’t be wasting your time on her anyway, Cooper Michaels. She’s full of nonsense, I tell you. Just nonsense.

Sheriff looks to Christina for help.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Ms. Edna, I wasn’t here when Elly was younger, but I know her now, and she’s a good person. She doesn’t drink anymore. And, she owns that café, and works hard too. Now she’s trying to keep other young girls out of trouble by offering these dance classes. And, the only man in town I’ve known her to run around with is Coop, here. Why don’t you give her a chance? You might like her.

MS. EDNA
Her?

Christina swallows hard and pauses.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(doubtful) Or, not.

INT. OUTSIDE OF JASPER SCHOOL MORNING
The Jasper School sign and building are seen.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(voice over)
Okay, girls, the superintendent was kind enough to let us borrow the gymnasium this morning. Let’s make good use of it.

INT. INSIDE THE GYM AT JASPER SCHOOL MORNING
Elly DeWright and TEN GIRLS are in the gym. Bars have been set up and the girls are stretching as Elly directs the class. In the class are Allison Reeves and LACY JONES.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
That’s right. One, and two. Static stretch now. No bouncing. Trust me, girls. Stretch now, and you’ll feel less sore after class.

Sheriff Cooper Michaels walks into the gym and up to Elly.

SHERIFF
How’s it going?

Sheriff waves to Allison who smiles back at him.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
We’re just getting started. But, so far, so good. The girls seem excited to be here. I know I am.

SHERIFF
Call me after class, will you. Let me know how it goes.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Sure.

Sheriff walks off.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(continuing)
Okay, girls let’s try some of the basics.

INT. INSIDE WATSON’S BARN AFTERNOON
Doc Luke Watson is giving a goat an injection in a stall.

DOC LUKE WATSON
There you go, girl. That ought to help you to feel better soon.

Luke pats the goat as Christina Banks walks up to him.

CHRISTINA BANKS
A sick goat, huh?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Oh, she’ll be back to normal pretty quick. To what do I owe a visit? Must be important to tear you away from fixing up that house of yours. Or, are you here to tell me things didn’t go so well when you presented your idea to Ms. Edna.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Luke, it’s like an impasse. Dinner with her would be like sending you off to war without any weapons. I don’t know what else to say to her.

DOC LUKE WATSON
I could have told you you’d meet up with that reaction.

Luke comes out of the stall. Luke and Christina walk out of the barn.

CHRISTINA BANKS
But, why?

DOC LUKE WATSON
That grandma of yours has had a chip on her shoulder and her nose in the air as far back as I remember.

Christina gives him a disapproving expression.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(continuing)
I’m sorry, Christina, but it’s the truth. No one was good enough for her daughter. No one will ever be good enough for Coop. And, no one will ever be good enough to you now that she’s found you. At least, nobody from Jasper County will ever be good enough.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Why is she like this?

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, from what I’ve heard, Edna changed a lot after her husband died. Vice President of the bank just couldn’t bring in the profits that Michaels did. And, then after Opal died, she just never was the same again. Bitter. She became really bitter, and blamed it all on Jasper County and everybody in it. It probably wasn’t that big of a jump for her. From what I’ve heard, she never much liked it here in Jasper anyway.

CHRISTINA BANKS
She told me that Opal, um, my mother, drown, she drown down there at Twin Forks one summer.

DOC LUKE WATSON
That’s what I heard, too. Of course, small towns being what they are, there’s always a story or two attached to it. Some say there was alcohol involved. Some say there was an affair. Some say her husband killed her for the money. It didn’t help that he left Jasper right after the funeral and never did come back. Long before all that, of course, everyone knew that she had given you up for adoption, but nobody really knew the story other than that Opal went up north for a few months.

CHRISTINA BANKS
What about him? Her husband? She never has said what happened to him.

DOC LUKE WATSON
My dad used to say that Old Man Michaels was a good man. Did a lot for Jasper. He ran the bank, kept a lot of the farmers around here in business by trusting them with risky loans when prices were low and the weather was bad. All I’ve heard is that his heart finally gave out on him. But, when folks round here get on the bandwagon for a hospital here in Jasper County, they always bring up Old Man Michaels, claiming that he died because there wasn’t a hospital closer than Calhoun County. Maybe Ms. Edna feels the same. I really couldn’t say.

INT. OUTSIDE REEVES HOME DAY
Elly DeWright drives up the Reeves drive. Allison Reeves is with her. The car comes to a stop. Allison gets out excitedly and goes inside. Elly gets out slowly as Donna comes outside.

ALLISON REEVES
(as she goes inside) Mama! Mama!

Donna comes outside. She speaks to Elly by the car.

DONNA REEVES
That must have been some class, Elly.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Oh, Donna, you should really come help me teach. It was so much fun to see the girls so excited. Reminded me of us in our younger days.

Donna’s excitement fades.

DONNA REEVES
Yeah, well…

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Won’t you change your mind, Donna?

DONNA REEVES
I don’t think so, Elly.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
You got the look of old plans and old dreams.

DONNA REEVES
Well, seeing Allison so excited about the class has reminded me of the old days. Made me sort of wonder what my life might have been like if I’d follow through on a few dreams, took a few chances.

INT. INSIDE REEVES HOUSE DAY
Allison Reeves overhears Donna from just inside the front door, in such a way so that Elly and Donna do not realize she’s there. Allison looks saddened.

INT. OUTSIDE REEVES HOUSE DAY
Elly DeWright and Donna Reeves continue talking.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Come to the class, Donna. Relive the past a little. It may help put things in perspective. (pause) I gotta go. I need to check on things at the café before I meet Coop later.

DONNA REEVES
Oh, have they found any more about Angela’s death?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
I heard that they’ve been checking all the vehicles in the county but they haven’t found anything yet. But, then, I heard that from Joe down at the café after the law checked the vehicles in his junk yard, not from Coop. I really don’t like to talk to Coop about sheriff’s business. See you later.

Elly gets in her car and drives off.

INT. JASPER TOWN SQUARE EVENING
Elly DeWright and Sheriff Cooper Michaels walk across the town square courtyard to the gazebo.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
But, she’s not even willing to sit down and talk to me.

SHERIFF
No. Not right now, anyway. We just need to keep working on it. She’ll come around eventually….I hope.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Coop, you’re a grown man. I just don’t understand why you need your mother’s approval.

SHERIFF
This is a small town, Elly. And, I can’t just abandon her or push her off on Christina. We’re going to have to find a way to deal with this. She’s still reeling from daddy’s passing and Opal.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Coop, those things happened years ago. How long does she need to process her grief?

SHERIFF
I’m just saying we need to take this slow. Mama seemed to be so embarrassed by it all, especially Opal’s death. She just needs time to come around. I think Christina being here will help.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
So, do you have a plan Sheriff?

INT. OUTSIDE REEVES HOUSE NIGHT
Earl Reeves and Donna Reeves sit on a porch swing. Donna seems preoccupied.

EARL REEVES
Beautiful night.

DONNA REEVES
Um-hum.

EARL REEVES
It’s supposed to rain every day this week. It’ll be good for the crops.

DONNA REEVES
Um-hum.

EARL REEVES
(pause) You were awful quiet at supper tonight. Actually, you’ve been quiet the last few days. You okay? Something wrong?

DONNA REEVES
No, everything’s fine.

EARL REEVES
How come you’re not helping out Elly with those dance classes for the girls?

DONNA REEVES
Oh, it just seems silly, I guess. Besides, I have plenty to keep me busy.

EARL REEVES
I know you miss it, Donna.

Earl catches Donna’s eyes and her attention.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
Dance. I know how you loved it. You were good. Real good. You always looked so pretty at your recitals.

Donna looks away quietly.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
I remember you always saying dance was going to take you far away from Jasper, away from all the prying eyes around here that always had something to say or some finger to point at you or Maggie or Smithy or your mom. (pause) You and Elly had plans for some big escape and dance was supposed to be your ticket.

DONNA REEVES
Life doesn’t always work out the way you plan it when you’re just a kid. I was young. We all had big dreams back then.

EARL REEVES
Big dreams then. Big regrets now?

DONNA REEVES
(uncertain if its truthful) No, no regrets.

Earl appears doubtful of his belief.

INT. OUTSIDE JASPER SCHOOL NOON
Lacy Jones and Allison Reeves sit at a picnic table eating lunch. Lacy is excited, but Allison seems a bit sad.

LACY JONES
And, it was so much fun. Did you see Melissa trying to do the splits after class? It was so funny.

ALLISON REEVES
Is Aunt Maggie gonna let you keep taking the classes, Lacy?

LACY JONES
Yeah. She’s happy that I’m having fun. Besides, she can’t wait for the recital Ms. DeWright has planned in a couple months. It’s all she’s been talking about. I think it helps her, you know, with the cancer. It gives her something to look forward to. You’ll be there won’t you?

ALLISON REEVES
Mom said I could take the classes as long as I want to.

LACY JONES
So, then, what’s up?

ALLISON REEVES
(pause) I don’t know. Just tired I guess.

INT. JASPER SCHOOL GYM MORNING
Elly DeWright leads the class of girls through a simple group routine.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
That’s good girls. Keep it up. Good.

INT. REEVES BARN DAY
Woody Reeves and Earl Reeves are heading into the barn. Once inside, Earl grabs a shovel and hands it to Woody. Earl grabs a rake. They both begin to clean the stalls. Their relationship is still strained.

EARL REEVES
Cleaning out this barn is long overdue. Once we get the fresh hay in here, we’ll get started on going through all that stuff we’ve got stored up in the loft and see what we can get rid of. We gotta be careful with it though. Your mom would kill us both if we threw out anything she loved. Some of the baby things you kids used are up there.

WOODY REEVES
We may be too old to use it, but don’t throw it away?

EARL REEVES
(laughs) Yeah, something like that. Still, I wanted to make sure we got this done when your mom was at work. There’s no way she can remember everything that’s up there. And, if she were here supervising this little project, she’d find a reason to keep everything. This way, we got a chance at getting rid of some of that stuff. Out with the old, in with the new.

WOODY REEVES
And, mom will only know that the loft looks neater should she ever go up there.

EARL REEVES
Exactly.

WOODY REEVES
And, you?

EARL REEVES
What do you mean?

WOODY REEVES
You’re not gonna go all sentimental on me and want to keep all that stuff?

EARL REEVES
Of course not. Why would I do that?

Woody chuckles and shakes his head in disbelief.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
What?

WOODY REEVES
(smiling) Nothing. Out with the old, in with the new.

INT. OUTSIDE JASPER SCHOOL DAY
Elly DeWright waits with Allison Reeves, sitting on the school steps and mouthing a happy conversation. Donna Reeves pulls up and honks her horn as she parks the car. Elly and Allison wave to Donna. Allison walks toward Donna’s car and gets in. Elly waves to Donna as she walks to her car.

DONNA REEVES
(yelling to Elly) Thanks for waiting Elly. Breakfast rush ran long this morning.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(yelling to Donna) No problem. Gotta get to the bank before they close. I’ll talk to you later.

INT. INSIDE DONNA REEVES’ CAR DAY
Allison Reeves and Donna Reeves sit inside the car. Allison is distant.

DONNA REEVES
Did Lacy get a ride to her babysitting job?

ALLISON REEVES
Yeah.

DONNA REEVES
How was class?

ALLISON REEVES
Fine.

DONNA REEVES
Just fine?

ALLISON REEVES
I said it was fine.

DONNA REEVES
What’s wrong, Allison? Did class not go as well as you’d hoped? I know you’re all rehearsing for the recital in a few weeks. Is it nerves?

ALLISON REEVES
Nothing. I said it was fine. What’s the big deal?

DONNA REEVES
(pause) Okay. We have to go pick up your baby brother at mama’s house. She’s expecting us.

Donna pulls out of the parking space.

INT. INSIDE THE REEVES HOUSE KITCHEN EVENING
Earl Reeves, Donna Reeves, Toby Reeves, Woody Reeves, and Allison Reeves are eating supper. Allison is distant and only pushing her food around.

DONNA REEVES
Oh, I’m sure there are plenty of old things out there that can be gotten rid of. We just have to sort through it.

WOODY REEVES
Oh, and there was some old stuff that people used to use in the kitchen. Can’t we get rid of that?

DONNA REEVES
No, that belonged to my grandmother. I can’t just throw that away.

WOODY REEVES
Well, what about some of the old, small farm equipment? Actually, it’s not so much the equipment as just the pieces.

EARL REEVES
Well, no, son those are antiques. We can’t get rid of them.

WOODY REEVES
Okay does anybody around here want to throw away anything from the past? All it is is old.

Donna and Earl look to each other with a scoff.

DONNA REEVES
What’s the matter, Allison, you’re not eating. Not hungry?

ALLISON REEVES
What do you care?

EARL REEVES
(overlapping Donna)
Allison! Don’t speak to your mother that way.

DONNA REEVES
Allison!

Allison stands and heads angrily toward the door.

ALLISON REEVES
I’m going to Tommy’s.

DONNA REEVES
Sit back down here.

ALLISON REEVES
(turns to Donna) Why?

DONNA REEVES
I don’t know what’s wrong with you, but I don’t appreciate that attitude, young lady.

ALLISON REEVES
I bet you don’t. (exits through front door)

INT. OUTSIDE REEVES HOUSE EVENING
Allison Reeves walks out of the house and down the drive. Donna Reeves and Earl Reeves both come out of the house and onto the porch.

EARL REEVES
What was that about?

DONNA REEVES
I don’t know. She’s been acting to strange lately. Distant. Angry. Maybe you could talk to her. Maybe she’ll tell you what’s wrong.

EARL REEVES
I’m not even sure I want to try. Woody’s still barely speaking to me ‘cause he thinks I was accusing him of having something to do with Angela’s accident. I don’t want two kids hardly talking to me. (pause) Ally will come around. It’s probably just a phase or something.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE DINING ROOM EVENING
Sheriff Cooper Michaels and Christina Banks are in the dining room with Ms. Edna. Ms. Edna and Sheriff sit at the table. Christina is setting the table.

MS. EDNA
Oh, Christina, dinner smells wonderful this evening. (looks toward the window) My roses are so beautiful this year. The gardener truly outdid himself. Of course, only after I told him how to properly tend to roses. They are a delicate flower, I tell you.(to Christina) Dear, I don’t know why you’ve cooked so much food. There will be tons of leftovers and they’ll lose their flavor before they are ever eaten. And, you know I don’t believe in wasting food. Just ridiculous to waste food. Just ridiculous.

The doorbell rings. Sheriff gets up to get the door.

SHERIFF
Excuse me.

MS. EDNA
Who could be at this hour? No one with any decency would disturb someone when they’re having their dinner. It’s positively (pause) indecent.

Christina suddenly sets two additional place settings as Sheriff walks in with Doc Luke Watson and Elly DeWright. Luke is carrying roses.

SHERIFF
Mama, we invited Elly and Luke to join us for dinner tonight.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(overlapping Luke)
Hi everybody.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(overlapping Elly)
Good evening.

MS. EDNA
I just lost my appetite.

Luke extends the roses to Ms. Edna. She does not take them.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Ms. Edna, Christina told me how much you love roses, so I thought you might like these. Marcy over at the nursery said they were imported from England.

MS. EDNA
(sarcastically) Roses? I bet she didn’t bother to remove the thorns. (more quietly) Probably cut them right out of my garden.

CHRISTINA BANKS
What was that, Ms. Edna?

Christina takes the roses from Luke.

MS. EDNA
Nothing dear.

CHRISTINA BANKS
They’re beautiful, Luke. I’ll put them in some water.

Christina leaves for the kitchen. Luke follows Christina.

MS. EDNA
Well, you’re here. I suppose you may as well sit down. Not like I could stop you. Even though this is my house.

Sheriff holds out a seat for Elly.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE KITCHEN EVENING
Luke and Christina are in the kitchen. Christina retrieves a vase and puts the roses in it.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Well, she’s in rare form, isn’t she?

CHRISTINA BANKS
I know this won’t be easy.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE DINING ROOM EVENING
Luke and Christina place the last of the food on the table and take their seats. Ms. Edna, Sheriff Cooper Michaels, and Elly DeWright are already seated. Serving bowls begin to be passed, beginning with Sheriff.

SHERIFF
Mama, Elly was saying how pretty your flower gardens are this year.

MS. EDNA
Oh, yes, well, flowers are difficult to maintain. It takes a keen eye to know what a particular flower needs, fertilizer or water, sunlight or shade. Every flower is different, you know. Each one is unique. And, at the end of the season, you have to know which ones to let go and which ones to prepare to replant in the spring, and then you have to protect them throughout the winter. Yes, a great deal of knowledge is necessary to grow beautiful flowers, I tell you. A great deal of knowledge.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Well, you’ve certainly done a wonderful job, Ms. Edna.

MS. EDNA
Yes, well, I’ve had a great deal of help this season by my granddaughter. (motions to Christina) Christina works for a museum, you know. Did you know that, Mr. Watson? Only the most intelligent people can work at a museum…

Christina nearly chokes when she hears Ms. Edna.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
…and I’m sure, as much as I’ll miss her, that she’ll soon return to the city for her work. So, I wouldn’t be expecting her to hang around Jasper for long if I were you.

DOC LUKE WATSON
Oh, Christina, do you have plans to return to the city?

CHRISTINA BANKS
No, but I’m sure someone will tell me if I do. Coop, do you have plans to work law enforcement in a big city?

MS. EDNA
Oh, don’t be ridiculous. Cooper is safer being the Sheriff here in Jasper where nothing ever happens. If he were to go to a big city he’d always have people shooting at him. The level of violence these days is shameful, I tell you. Just shameful. However, I do expect that he’ll eventually marry a respectable woman and finally settle down. Perhaps, somewhere other than Jasper.

SHERIFF
Mama, I thought you said I wasn’t ready to get married.

Ms. Edna looks at Sheriff disapprovingly.

MS. EDNA
So, Elly, I hear you’ve opened a dance studio.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Well, it’s not exactly a studio. We’re practicing in the gymnasium over at the high school. But, yeah, I’m teaching dance to a few of the young girls around Jasper.

MS. EDNA
I see. I hope that’s all you’re teaching them.

Sheriff has a very displeased expression.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Ms. Edna!

MS. EDNA
And, you, Mr. Watson, are you still pretending to be a doctor?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Luke is a veterinarian, Ms. Edna.

MS. EDNA
Same thing.

SHERIFF
Now, mama.

DOC LUKE WATSON
(laughs) It’s okay. Ms. Edna is right, sort of. I’m not licensed to practice on humans. Although, now that I think of it, some humans aren’t that different from some animals.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
The farmers around here sure do appreciate you, Luke. You make as many house calls as Doctor Hamilton. People depend on their animals, the cows, the goats, the mules, that’s part of their livelihood, Ms. Edna.

MS. EDNA
Is that right? Well. Who would have thought such a thing in a rural county like Jasper?

INT. JASPER COUNTY MORNING
The town square and the rural fields and roads are quiet as the congregation within the church is heard singing Amazing Grace.

INT. OUTSIDE OF JASPER CHURCH MORNING
JIM DEWRIGHT is shaking hands with the congregation just outside the door as the congregation leaves. Christina Banks and Doc Luke Watson reach Jim DeWright.

JIM DEWRIGHT
I noticed Ms. Edna wasn’t here this morning. How is she?

CHRISTINA BANKS
She said she didn’t feel up to getting out this morning. But, I’ll be over there this afternoon, so she won’t be alone.

JIM DEWRIGHT
I’ll pay her a little visit this week. Maybe there’s something I can do to help.

INT. INSIDE THE JASPER CHURCH MORNING
Lacy Jones sits beside Allison Reeves. The service has ended and the congregation is getting up to leave.

LACY JONES
Do you want to get together and practice our routine this afternoon?

ALLISON REEVES
I don’t know. I’m thinking about just giving up the class. It’s not like it’s gonna do me any good.

LACY JONES
But, you love the class? What’s up with you, Allison?

ALLISON REEVES
Oh, Lacy, you just wouldn’t understand.

LACY JONES
We’re cousins. Try me.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM AFTERNOON
Christina Banks and Ms. Edna walk into the living room and sit down.

MS. EDNA
That was a very good lunch Christina. You cook like your mother.

CHRISTINA BANKS
(helping Ms. Edna sit) Oh, here, be careful Ms. Edna. You seem to be feeling better.

MS. EDNA
At my age, dear, things come and go. You just take it day by day. That’s all you can do I guess.

CHRISTINA BANKS
The museum called. They’ve got a lead on an old Egyptian tomb. Nothing at this point other than rumor and innuendo, but I’ll be going up there soon to be on the team. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find something!

MS. EDNA
Oh, the Egyptian artifacts were always some of my favorites when my parents would take us to museums. Particularly the mummies. They buried the dead with such respect and admiration, even gratitude. It was beautiful. I can only hope for such.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Oh, Ms. Edna, don’t talk like that. You have plenty of years left. But, when the time does come, I’m sure you’ll be buried with great respect.

MS. EDNA
(scoffs) According to some people around here I’m likely to live forever, like a vampire or some other ungodly creature. The stories of this county get back to me. I know what people say. (pause) How long do you think you’ll be gone?

CHRISTINA BANKS
Considering the season, probably only a few weeks.

MS. EDNA
Well, good. That’ll give that old dirt farmer who thinks he’s a doctor to get his talons out of you. He can find some other prey around Jasper, I’m sure. And, maybe you’ll meet a nice young professor or scientist at the museum. Yes, that would do quite nicely.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Ms. Edna, Luke is a very kind person and you’d know that if you’d only give him half and chance and get to know him. Besides, he is a doctor.

MS. EDNA
For animals! He probably got his degree through the mail. Some How-to-deliver-a-cow-that-can-deliver-itself correspondence course.

CHRISTINA BANKS
That’s enough, Ms. Edna. More than enough. I don’t want to hear any more insults about Luke.

MS. EDNA
I am allowed to my opinion. And, this is my house, is it not?

CHRISTINA BANKS
So it is.

Christina stands and walks towards the door.

MS. EDNA
(regretfully) Oh, I don’t know why you have to be so huffy about it. Please, sit down, Christina. You’re the only grandchild I have. (pause) It’s just that I want what’s the best for you, that’s all. I don’t want you wasting away in Jasper County, wasting your life, and then when you get to be my age you’ll regret it all. (sorrowfully) All of it, I tell you. All of it.

INT. JASPER COUNTY ROAD AFTERNOON
Sheriff Cooper Michaels is traveling in one direction and SMITHY JONES is traveling in the other. As they approach, they slow and stop to chat through the windows.

SHERIFF
Hey, Smithy. How’s it going?

SMITHY JONES
It’s a good day. Got a tackle box and fishing pole and a river full of fish just calling my name. And, I guess congratulations are in order, you old rascal. How come you didn’t come over to the garage and tell me yourself? I had to hear it from old Jim Watson over there at the chicken farm, you know.

SHERIFF
Hear what? What are you talking about?

SMITHY JONES
Well about you and Elly DeWright getting hitched. That’s what. So, when’s the big day.

SHERIFF
(startled) The Jasper grapevine’s done got all their information mixed up again, Smithy. We’re not getting married. Not even close. We’ve talked about it a time or two but… Besides, mama says I’m not ready. (laughs)

SMITHY JONES
Oh, well. I guess Ms. Edna’ll be sure and tell you when it is time and who the bride will be, too. I don’t reckon she likes old Elly too much.

SHERIFF
No, she doesn’t. But, Elly can hold her own with mama. And, listen, Smithy, next time you hear that rumor, put an end to it, will you?

SMITHY JONES
Sure thing, Sheriff.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM AFTERNOON
Ms. Edna is sitting in her living room reading the newspaper when Elly DeWright knocks on the door.

MS. EDNA
Nothing of any use in this newspaper. I don’t know why they bother to print it. Story about raising a cow for the county fair and an egg hatching twins. Ridiculous. None of the people in Jasper County got no more sense than a cow.

A knock is heard at the door.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
Hold your horses. I’m coming. I don’t know why someone would be bothering me in the middle of the day anyway. In the old days, people would call before they called on a person. Manners, that’s what it was. No one has manners today. It’s just a disgrace.

Ms. Edna answers the door and sees Elly.

MS. EDNA
(continuing)
Speaking of which.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Ms. Edna, I was hoping we could have a little talk.

MS. EDNA
What do we possibly have to talk about? I don’t like your little café, the meatloaf tastes like dog food, and your mode of dance is, I’m quite certain, nothing more than filth.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(clears her throat and straightens her back) Well, there is one thing, or perhaps I should say one person, that we have in common. And, for his sake, I was hoping we could, uh, come to terms.

Ms. Edna opens the door wider and motions Elly in. They both sit in the living room.

MS. EDNA
Well, come in if you must. May as well since you’re here anyway. Cooper isn’t here. He’s out doing an honorable job of protecting the fine upstanding citizens of Jasper County.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Dad said that you didn’t make Sunday morning church service. I hope you’re not ill.

MS. EDNA
Like you would know if I were there or not. You haven’t darkened the door of the church building in years. And, furthermore, I hate to disappoint you, but I am in fine health and don’t expect to by dead any time soon. So, what are you here for, Elly?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yes, ma’am. Look I’ll get right to the point.

MS. EDNA
I’d appreciate that. It’ll shorten your visit considerably.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
What is it that you dislike so much about me?

MS. EDNA
How would you like that list? Alphabetical or chronological order?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Okay, I admit that I haven’t exactly led the same type of spotless life as my parents. But, I’ve changed, Ms. Edna. And, I think if you’d just give me a chance, you’d see that.

MS. EDNA
People never change that much, Elly DeWright. Still waters, you know. My son will always be too good for you. You just need to go back to the water rats down at the boondocks that you hung out with as a kid. I’m sure they remember you. I’m sure they all got to know you very well, if you know what I mean.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Yes, I do. I can’t go back and change the past, Ms. Edna. But, (near tears) I can’t tell you how sorry I am for some of the things I’ve done. But, I’m different now. And, Coop and I are talking about getting married. Now, that may happen with or without your blessing, but we’d prefer it if it was with your blessing.

MS. EDNA
That will never happen. Never. I will never give my blessing to a union of my son and (pause) you.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Jasper County is a small place, Ms. Edna. Before you go around throwing stones, you might want to review your own life story. Nobody’s perfect. Even you’ve made mistakes. We all do. You’re so ashamed of me, but why don’t we talk about your daughter, Opal. How about that? Did you forget Opal and I were best friends? We talked a lot about you and this family. How about we talk about how and why Christina came to be put up for adoption?

MS. EDNA
Yes, we all make mistakes, but you better leave my Opal out of this. I won’t stand for it.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Perhaps you’re right. I know what it’s like not to be able to defend yourself in the court of public opinion. But, you lost Opal. If you don’t want to lose Coop, too, then I suggest you think about all the things we have in common. Maybe it’ll give you a new perspective on people, about how good or bad you think they are.

INT. TWIN FORKS AFTERNOON
Smithy Jones drives across a field up to the riverside. He then grabs his pole from the back of his truck and goes toward the water. He casts a line, and then leans back and pulls his baseball cap over his eyes. Out in the water is seen, though Smithy doesn’t see it, the very top edge of a corner of a white pick-up truck.

INT. SWING IN BACK OF CHURCH DAY
Donna Reeves sits talking with Jim DeWright.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Well, I’ve been expecting you Donna. You just haven’t been yourself lately. And Allison, well, I’ve never seen that child so out of sorts.

DONNA REEVES
When Elly was young, Jim, did you ever feel jealous of her? Back when she had her whole life ahead of her?

JIM DEWRIGHT
Time passes by, Donna. We can’t get it back. It’s a waste of life to pine after the past. If you do, you not only lose the past but you lose the present as well. (pause) You know, as the spiritual advisor for Jasper, I think people sometimes think I have all the answers. I really don’t. But, God does. Have you prayed about whatever is bothering you?

DONNA DEWRIGHT
No, Jim, actually, I think I may have left God out of this one. Guilt, I guess.

JIM DEWRIGHT
Can you tell me what you feel guilty about, Donna?

DONNA DEWRIGHT
Wondering what could have been.

JIM DEWRIGHT
That begs the question, Donna, if you’re wondering what could have been, do you regret what is? Because those are two very different problems.

Donna sits quietly for a moment in contemplation. Then, she smiles and begins to cry.

DONNA REEVES
Thank you, Jim. Sometimes you have more answers than you realize.

INT. REEVES HOME ALLISON’S BEDROOM EVENING
Allison Reeves is sitting at her dresser, brushing her hair when Donna Reeves knocks at the door. Allison begins distantly.

ALLISON REEVES
Come in.

Donna comes in and shuts the door behind her.

DONNA REEVES
I was hoping we could talk for a few moments.

Donna walks to Allison, takes her brush and begins brushing Allison’s hair.

DONNA REEVES
(continuing)
I remember when you were just a little girl and I’d brush your hair.

ALLISON REEVES
I’m not a little girl anymore, mom.

DONNA REEVES
No. You’re growing up fast. Sometimes it feels like you’re growing up too fast. You leave for school in the morning, and by night time you’ve grown and I’ve missed it. (pause) If you love the class, Allison, don’t give it up.

ALLISON REEVES
What’s the difference?

DONNA REEVES
It’s something you’ll only really understand when you’re older. This is your youth. Your time. Don’t trade it for anything. Because there’ll come a time when you’ll make a choice and your life will follow one path or another. Maybe that will have something to do with dance and maybe it won’t. But, there’s no reason to give it up now.

ALLISON REEVES
You gave it up.

DONNA REEVES
Yes, I did. I gave it up. That was my choice. I chose something I thought was more important. I chose to get married and have a family. And, I don’t regret that choice, Allison. I haven’t regretted it for a single moment. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without your father and you kids.

Allison begins to soften.

ALLISON REEVES
Really?

DONNA REEVES
When you’re older, Allison you’ll realize the difference between missing something from your past and regretting the present. I gave up dance because I wanted to. I gave up dance because there was something I wanted more. That doesn’t mean I don’t miss dance. Doesn’t mean I never wonder where that road might have taken me. It means I don’t regret the decision I made or the life I chose. And, I certainly don’t regret you or the boys or your dad.

Allison begins crying.

ALLISON REEVES
But, I heard your say…

DONNA REEVES
Sometimes what you think you hear isn’t what it means. Don’t ever think that I regret you, Allison. I don’t. I couldn’t.

Donna bends down and looks into Allison’s face.

DONNA REEVES
(continuing)
I love you Allison. (smiling) More than dance.

Allison laughs.

DONNA REEVES
(continuing)
And, you know what?

ALLISON REEVES
Yeah. Lacy still can’t keep a secret.

DONNA REEVES
(smiles) Well, this time I’m rather thankful for that. But, you have a recital scheduled. And, you still have time to prepare (pause) if you want to. I’ll leave that up to you.

Donna hugs Allison as they both cry.

DONNA REEVES
(continuing)
Whatever you decide will be fine. Just remember I love you.

ALLISON REEVES
I love you too, mom.

INT. REEVES BARN DAY
Woody Reeves stands up in the loft looking out of the loft door of the barn. Earl Reeves stands on the ground below. Allison Reeves and Donna Reeves are beside the truck that is parked nearby. Toby sits in a toddler swing nearby. The family is excited to be cleaning out.

EARL REEVES
Alright, Woody. Let’s get this stuff out of here. Let it go.

Woody hollers with delight as the box drops. Earl stands back and Woody tosses down a box of stuff. Earl picks it up, hands it to Donna and Allison who put it in the truck.

WOODY REEVES
Ready for another one?

EARL REEVES
Ready.

Woody drops another box. This time, an old toaster falls out. Earl picks it up and looks at it.

EARL REEVES
(continuing)
I can’t imagine why we ever kept something that was broken.

Earl hands the box to Allison and Donna.

DONNA REEVES
Oh, I’m sure we thought we could fix it later.

ALLISON REEVES
But, we never did.

Donna and Allison carry the box to the truck.

DONNA REEVES
No.

INT. INSIDE LUNCHBOX CAFÉ DAY
MAGGIE JONES and Elly DeWright are in the café with a few customers. Both women are cleaning the windows of the café.

MAGGIE JONES
I don’t understand it, though, Elly. The café is always clean.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(smiling) This place could use a really thorough spring cleaning type of cleaning. A cleansing, so to speak.

INT. JASPER SCHOOL GYM BACKSTAGE EVENING
The dance class girls (including Lacy Jones, Allison Reeves, and JESSICA) are stretching and warming up. Elly DeWright is going to each one checking their postures and encouraging them.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
That’s good Lacy. Keep it up. Make sure to extend the fingers as well when your arms go out.

LACY JONES
Yes, ma’am.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Good posturing, Jessica. Good. (pause as she goes to Allison) Allison, everything okay now?

ALLISON REEVES
(smiling) Yeah. Everything’s good.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Good.

INT. JASPER SCHOOL GYM BLEACHERS EVENING
Jim DeWright and Lilly DeWright walk in and make their way to the front row, waving to people and saying hello as they walk. As people enter the gym PLAYBILL PERSON #1 hands them a playbill at the gymnasium door.

INT. MS. EDNA’S HOUSE LIVING ROOM EVENING
Doc Luke Watson and Christina Banks are talking to Ms. Edna.

CHRISTINA BANKS
Then don’t think about this as being about Elly. Think of it as doing something for Coop. Elly means a lot to him. So, this recital means a lot to him too. You’re gonna do a lot of damage if you don’t go.

MS. EDNA
It’s still a free country, as of the last time I checked, anyway. And, I’m not going to, to, her recital.

Luke looks to Christina with an expression of defeat.

INT. JASPER SCHOOL GYM BACKSTAGE EVENING
Sheriff Cooper Michaels walks in as Elly DeWright and the dance class girls are preparing.

SHERIFF
How’s it going? Everybody ready?

DANCE CLASS GIRLS
(together)
(cheering) Yeah.

SHERIFF
(to Elly) And, you?

ELLY DEWRIGHT
(smiling nervously) Yeah. I’m ready.

SHERIFF
Well, you know girls, every time we’re about to play a big game, I always tell the team just do your best and everything else will work itself out. So there’s no reason to be nervous.

LACY JONES
Who’s nervous?

The girls laugh.

JESSICA
We’re ready!

The girls cheer.
Sheriff and Elly look to each other and laugh.

INT. JASPER SCHOOL GYM BLEACHERS EVENING
Maggie Jones walks in and takes a seat, saying hello to Jim and Lilly DeWright as she passes them. As Maggie sits, Sheriff Cooper Michaels then comes from the backstage and sits by Maggie.

SHERIFF
Hey, Maggie, how you feeling?

MAGGIE JONES
Much better, Sheriff.

Earl Reeves (carrying Toby Reeves), Donna Reeves, and Woody Reeves come and sit front and center, waving and saying hello as they enter.

Tommy Hernnadez, Jesse Pyle, and Emily Pyle then enter and take their seats, waving and saying hello to people.

Slowly, through the door, enter Doc Luke Watson, Christina Banks and Ms. Edna (assisted by Christina). They take a seat near the door. Ms. Edna has an expression of displeasure, but Christina and Luke are waving to people as they see them.

The lights dim and Elly DeWright comes out onto the stage. The audience applauds.

ELLY DEWRIGHT
Whew. Thank you for that, everybody. I’d like to welcome you to the first recital of the Jasper County Dance Troupe. Tonight you’re going to see ten girls who have only been taking lessons for a few weeks show you how incredibly talented they are and how hard they’ve been working to learn the art of dance and their routines for tonight’s presentation. So, without further ado, let us begin.

Elly walks off stage and stands in the shadows of the stage, looking proudly upon the dance class troupe.
The dance class girls take their places on stage, the music to Swan Lake begins, and they begin their routine.
Donna Reeves sees Allison, smiles proudly, and begins to cry. Allison smiles back at Donna. Maggie Jones gives a thumbs up to Lacy. Lacy winks back at Maggie. Luke looks to Christina with a surprise of the talent on stage. Ms. Edna’s frown and gloom ease and expressions of enjoyment and a fond memory come over her face. When the routine ends, the audience stands and cheers for the girls who take a bow together.

THE END



written by Debra Phillips

This is a work of fiction.