Blood and Water
*A screenplay for a short film
FADE IN:
INT. SUBURBAN HOME - SUNSET
A group of mourners donned in black sit in chairs low to the ground as the last of the grievers share their condolences. Two young women in their mid and late twenties physically lean on each other for support.
The grandfather clock across the room chimes signaling sundown and the end of the seventh and final day of the traditional Jewish mourning period of shiva.
INT. KITCHEN - LATER
Family picks at the last of catering, listening as the last will and testament are read. Money and possessions are distributed with varying degrees of satisfaction.
As arguing ensues over the seemingly insignificant, BRIELLE COHEN (26) gets a tap on the shoulder from AUNT SHAYLA (55).
AUNT SHAYLA
Your mom wanted me to give you
this.
She produces a thick yellowed envelope.
Bri traces her name on the front written in her mom's loopy script. She looks at her aunt who bares a close resemblance to her mother. Shayla nods, encouraging. Bri opens the file and starts to read. The words appear on screen as she reads.
BRI (V.O.)
My beloved Brielle, whever you are
reading this letter, it is both too
soon and overdue. It is too soon in
that I have passed on and left you
behind. It is overdue in the news
you are about to recieve.
Bri casts a worried glance at Shayla and her sister MOLLY (29). Molly gives a bewildered shrug. Bri continues reading.
BRI
You are my daughter in all senses
of the word by one.
(a sharp inhale)
We are not blood. I did not birth
you nor did Dad father you
(under her breath)
What?
2.
BRI (V.O.)
A family friend in Kansas had a
daughter who had gotten pregnant as
a teenager. They didn't want you,
her child, to get caught in the
foster system. They wanted you to
go to people they knew and trusted.
We always wanted Molly to have a
sibling. We struggled to conceive
with her and the pregnancy was high
risk. It was seeming more and more
unlikely that our family would
grow. Then you came along. Bri you
may not have come from us but you
are a part of us now.
Tears roll down Bri's cheek and she wipes at them in frustration.
BRI
I agreed with your blood relatives
to not tell you this information
until both me and your dad have
passed. We figured it would give
your mom enough time to grow up and
build a life and for you to grow up
and formulate your own thoughts and
opinions upon hearing the news. I
promise this came from a good
place.
Bri laughs without humor.
BRI (CONT'D)
You'll always be my bubala. You've
never been any less of my heart. I
love you and I will never stop,
even from beyond the grave. Xoxo
mom.
Molly rubs her back in comfort.
MOLLY
What's going on Bri?
BRI
I'm adopted, apparently.
Molly's eyes widen.
MOLLY
What?
Bri looks at the envelope that still has some contents.
3.
BRI
What else is in here?
SHAYLA
A family tree. Contacts that should
be up to date in theory.
SHAYLA (CONT'D)
All of it is only there if you want
them, honey.
Bri looks at the letter and envelope for a beat. She shoves both into her bag on the counter quickly.
BRI
No. No, you guys are my family.
That will never change.
Shayla nods tentatively, kisses the top of Bri's head, and walks away.
MOLLY
Are you sure you're okay? This is a
lot and you're allowed to feel your
feelings.
BRI
Regardless of what I feel, I can't
change the past. Or my DNA. It's
fine really. I have so much love in
my life, I don't need these
complications.
MOLLY
Speaking of love, don't you want to
tell your girlfriend?
BRI
I do and I will. This is face to
face news, though. She'll be here
later, I'll tell her then.
MOLLY
I'm gonna hold you to that.
INT. LIVING ROOM - LATER
The Cohen's reminisce over the mother's life. Laughing, crying, telling stories and pouring over old photo albums. Bri sits to the side, uncharacteristically silent. Her behavior is being attributed to grief and is given space.
4.
Bri starts to catalogue the similarities between her family members. She also takes note of the now stark differences between herself and the family. Bri's girlfriend, REESE (25), grabs her hand.
Bri's heart starts to pound in her ears, her breathing becoming shallow. Her overstimulation comes a head and she shoots up from the wooden kitchen chair she was barely sitting in, knocking it over in the process.
BRI
I need to um...
(points vaguely in the
direction of the front
door)
Yeah.
EXT. COHEN HOUSE, FRONT PORCH - NIGHT
Bri bursts out the front door and onto the porch, grabbing the railing and attempting to catch her breath in the crisp autumn air. She feels a hand on her arm and slowly turns her head to see Reese wearing a gentle, but concerned smile.
Reese squeezes her arm and moves text to Bri, mimicking her pose.
REESE
Hey, what was that, B? And if you
say nothing, you're getting pinched
for lying.
BRI
My mom died of course I'm not ok.
Reese pinches her side.
BRI (CONT'D)
Hey! What was that for? I wasn't
lying.
REESE
No, but you're lying by omission.
There's more you're not saying.
BRI
(Narrows her eyes)
What did Molly say to you?
REESE
Only that you had to tell me
something important.
5.
Bri takes a deep breath and looks at the sky. Only thirty minutes from New York and the sky looks like a luxurious velvet carefully threaded with sequins. She misses this sometimes.
BRI
(still looking at the sky)
I'm adopted.
Reese pinches Bri again.
BRI (CONT'D)
I'm serious! Ask Molly. Shayla gave
me this letter from mom laying it
all out.
REESE
Oh, shit, you are telling the
truth. I'm so sorry!
(Kisses Bri on the cheek)
How are you feeling?
BRI
Confused. Angry. But I understand?
A lot is conflicting right now.
Especially my security in who I am
and my place in the world versus
the need quell the niggling and
nagging of the unknown.
REESE
Would you ever meet this other
family?
BRI
That's what I was thinking about
when I came out here. I mean they
are the literal building blocks of
me. Yet I don't have this nicely
laid out photo album and family
stories like Molly does. She can
look and listen in there and see
exactly where she came from. This
is my family and this is who raised
me, but it's not who I am to the
cellular level. I don't know. I
don't want to cause any weirdness
with either adopted family or blood
relatives.
REESE
I think you should do what you feel
is right. You can always change
your mind.
6.
Bri takes a calming breath.
BRI
I have to know.
EXT. COHEN HOUSE, DRIVEWAY - A FEW DAYS LATER
Bri leans against her car, talking to Molly, Reese, and Shayla.
MOLLY
And you're sure you have everything
BRI
Oh my god, yes! I might not have
any parents but I'm still an
adult.
MOLLY
And I'm still your older sister.
Bri rolls her eyes and Reese snickers.
REESE
So who is it that you're going to
see first again?
BRI
I have an Aunt Tracy and a younger
cousin called Nate. They live
somewhere in South Carolina. Tracy
responded pretty quickly and with
decent enthusiasm. Figured that's
as good a place to start as any.
SHAYLA
Keep us updated, ok kiddo?
MOLLY
And show us progress on your
project thing!
BRI
The photo album?
REESE
With the stories!
MOLLY
The full picture!
7.
BRI
(Laughs)
You guys seem more invested than
even I am sometimes.
MOLLY AND REESE
Because we loooove you!
Bri rolls her eyes and laughs pulling everyone into a group hug and then individual goodbyes before getting into her car and driving off into suburban New York and beyond
EXT. STRETCHES OF AMERICAN HIGHWAY-CONTINUOUS
Montage:
Bri driving and singing along to music
Bri stopping to stretch
Bri eating fast food while driving
Bri visiting a weird roadside attraction
Road signs with city names pass along with 'Welcome to x State'
INT. SHABBY MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Bri grabs the key for her room at the motel's front office, lit by flickering florescent lights
She walks down the row of rooms that are exposed to the night on the second floor. Bri unlocks her room with the physical key and enters, door closing behind her, the sign for the motel flickers behind her.
Bri lets out a sigh as she throws herself on top of the faded comforter, testing out the springs of the mattress. She takes her phone out of her back pocket, takes a brief look at the screen and groans, dropping her outstretched arm on the bed. She turns her head toward her clutched phone.
BRI
(under her breath)
Alright Bri, don't be a weenie.
Even if they're mad they're still
family and they love you. Ignoring
it will just make it worse
Bri takes a steadying breath with closed eyes. She sits up properly and looks at her phone.
A text bubble appears on screen with a ping from a contact named Uncle Joel that reads: "I'm very disappointed in you Brielle, after all this family has done for you."
Bri takes a sharp inhale and swipes up to a message on her phone from Zayde: "Brielle, even with this little rebellion of yours, I hope you come to realize how much we've done for you. As much as I am not thrilled about this trip, please do take care."
2.
She keeps scrolling and more messages pop up on screen at an increasing pace Each message expresses anger or
disappointment in Bri.
The sound of message notifications ramps up as Bri's breathing speeds up, chest heaving in panic.
BRI (CONT'D)
Fuck!
She throws her phone to the opposite corner of the bed and smacks her head into her hands with a groan.
BRI (CONT'D)
I may have made a massive mistake.
Scrubbing her hands down her face, Bri lets out a resigned sigh.
BRI (CONT'D)
Welp. Too late now I guess.
CUT TO:
INT. MOTEL ROOM - EARLY MORNING
A ray of light shines onto Bri's face through through a crack between the smoke and age yellowed motel curtains. She blinks awake, taking stock of her surroundings.
She sits up slowly, rubbing her eyes. She grabs for her phone at the end of the bed and sits back against the wooden headboard.
Bri lets out a sigh of relief and a small laugh when she open her phone.
A text bubble pops on screen from Aunt Shayla reading: "Everyone processes differently. Do what you need to do kid, I support you <3"
Bri scrolls, revealing Molly's message: "Have I told you lately that I love you? You are so strong and brave, always have been, always will be. Be safe!"
One more from Reese: "I am proud of you for doing what you believe in constantly in awe of my bold and ever curious girlfriend. I love you my dear, keep me updated!"
One or two stray tears fall as Bri aggressively wipes them away with a sniffle.
CUT TO:
3.
EXT. SMALL YELLOW HOUSE - DAY
Bri's old car rumbles into the driveway. She turns the key in the ignition, cutting the engine. For a few beats, she sits frozen, hand still on the key. A knock on her window jolts her back to life.
A woman no older than 50, with dark hair streaked with gray, waves at Bri with a waggle of her fingers. Bri exits the car and stands awkwardly in front of the woman.
BRI
Um...hi. I'm Bri. Cohen. I-are you
Tracy?
WOMAN
Yes! Yes! It's so good to finally
meet you.
(She hugs Bri)
God, you're like a carbon copy of
your mom.
BRI
I look like my mom?
TRACY
Exactly. I pulled out some photos
for you to look through, and some
to take if you'd like. Most of them
are scanned or are duplicates.
Tracy puts her hand in between Bri's shoulder blades, guiding her to the house. When they step inside, they are greeted by two ancient but very excited golden retrievers. After giving the beasts some love the women push deeper into the house.
The entryway opens into a small living room that has a plush rug boasting fresh vacuum tracks. Floorboards creak as someone makes their way down the hall. A teenage boy (17) carrying an empty glass appears from the shadows.
TRACY (CONT'D)
Perfect timing! Bri this is my son
Nate. Nate, this is Bri, your first
cousin.
Bri and Nate exchange awkward greeting.
BRI
It's nice to meet you. Both of you.
I was actually really worried that
nobody would respond to me when I
reached out.
4.
Tracy and Nate exchange a worried glance. Bri misses the exchange while she is digging through her bag. She pulls out a Polaroid camera and a notebook.
BRI (CONT'D)
Do you mind if I take a picture of
the two of you? I'm trying to put
together a photo album for myself.
TRACY
Of course, of course!
Bri directs the mother and son, flash bright in the dim living room. The camera spits out the photo and Bri stashes it in her notebook.
CUT TO:
INT. TRACY'S LIVING ROOM - LATER
Tracy and Bri sit on the floor pouring over old photos. Nate sits on the couch behind them, futzing around on his phone and chiming in every once in a while with a story if his own, or more often, to correct Tracy.
Bri studies an image with intensity.
BRI
We really do look alike, my mom and
I. How old do you think she was
here?
TRACY
Hmm. I think she was in college, so
I'd wager 20 or thereabouts.
BRI
To think she had a four year old
running around somewhere.
TRACY
She never forgot about you, you
know. She always wondered.
BRI
Really?
TRACY
Absolutely. She knew giving you up was best for both of you but in a perfect world, I know that wouldn't have been her choice.
5.
TRACY (CONT'D)
One of her requests was to pick
your name, so you'd carry a piece
of her.
BRI
Wow. I- yeah wow.
(she clears her throat)
Anyway, how much do you know about
my father's parents? Jack and Lucy?
Nate stiffens on the couch behind them.
TRACY
Why? Have you reached out?
BRI
Uh yeah I have. They're my next
stop.
TRACY
Huh. Interesting.
BRI
Interesting? Interesting how?
TRACY
They're....persnickety.
NATE
That's one word to describe them.
Tracy lightly smacks his leg for being snarky. Bri just looks quizzically at Tracy.
TRACY
(with a sigh)
Well, after your parents told
everyone that your mom was
pregnant, Jack and Lucy got so mad
that they essentially disowned him.
We ended up taking him in.
BRI
Jesus
TRACY
Yeah that was kind of the problem,
or I guess the lack thereof. It
wasn't your dad's recklessness so
much as his broken promise to God
to abstain until marriage.
Bri subconsciously rolls her eyes and Tracy laughs.
6.
BRI
(smacks her lips and
laughs, shaking her head)
They are going to hate me.
Tracy tilts her head with interest
BRI (CONT'D)
I was raised Jewish, I've had
premarital sex, oh and I'm a
lesbian.
NATE
(dryly)
The trifecta
Tracy gives her son a look while clearly trying to conceal a laugh.
TRACY
Are you still going to go?
BRI
Yeah, I figure if they're assholes
I haven't really lost much since I
didn't know them to begin with.
NATE
(sarcastically)
Yeah, IF.
TRACY
Nathaniel!
NATE
You were thinking it.
CUT TO:
EXT. LARGE WHITE HOUSE, FRONT DOOR - DAY
Bri nervously adjusts her clothes and smooths down her hair. She lifts her hand, hesitant, and knocks. Almost instantly a stern looking woman, 60s,opens the door.
BRI
Hi! Um, I'm Bri I-
STERN WOMAN
I know who you are. I'm Lucy.
Follow me.
7.
Bri is led to a den where a man who looks chronically unhappy sits on a small sofa. Lucy squeezes in beside him and motions for Bri to sit on the large armchair across from them. Bri's point of view is eerily American Gothic
LUCY
This is my husband Jack. We thought
it would have been a lot longer
until we heard from you.
JACK
If it's money you want, we're not
about to hand some out to a bastard
child we never met.
BRI
(taken aback)
I-what? No, no. I'm just here to
learn about my family.
LUCY
I have questions about you first.
Lucy and Jack tag team the interrogation until the dreaded question comes up
LUCY (CONT'D)
Relationships. Husband? Fiancé?
BRI
Girlfriend
LUCY
As if God hasn't punished us
enough.
JACK
(tone frighteningly calm)
You need to leave. We don't
tolerate your kind in our home.
BRI
Just as well. I don't need bigots
for grandparents.
Leaving the couple's jaws on the perfectly polished floor, Bri gets up and leaves.
CUT TO:
8.
INT. BRI'S CAR - THE NEXT MORNING
REESE
(over cellphone speaker)
They really said that? Are you ok?
BRI
I'm fine actually. It's mostly
overshadowed by the excitement of
meeting my parents next.
REESE
I can't wait to hear all about it
and see the pictures!
Bri's eyes widen
BRI
Shit
REESE
Shit?
BRI
Shit shit shit
REESE
Bri, what is going on?
Bri pulls off at a nearby exit and rummages through her things frantically, all the while cursing like a sailor.
REESE (CONT'D)
Bri!
BRI
I left my notebook at Jack and Lucy's.
REESE
Wait what?
BRI
I took it out of my bag when I sat down and I must have forgotten to grab it in my hurry to leave. Of all the fucking places!
(She takes a deep breath)
This has got to be a sign right?
REESE
Hey, breathe. It's not like you got
too far, and from what you said
Tracy and Nate were great! So if
you need to go back that wouldn't
be so bad.
BRI
I know I know but-
(groans)
Too many things are working against
me. Maybe this just wasn't meant to
be.
REESE
I said it at the start but it's up
to you what the next move is, babe.
Only you know what is right for you
and I'll be here cheering you on.
Bri lets out an anguished sound. A long stretch of silence follows.
REESE (CONT'D)
I can practically hear the gears
turning in your brain, B.
BRI
Maybe if they're meant to know me,
they will.
A beat.
REESE
Elaborate.
BRI
I'll tell Tracy to let everyone know that they're allowed to be in contact with me now and if they want to meet me and have me in their lives, they can feel free to reach out. It's on them since clearly not everyone was so keen about me existing.
REESE
Ok, I like that. Not totally giving up but putting the ball in their court.(a thoughtful pause)
Are you still going to see your parents?
2.
BRI
I mean eventually, yeah. I was just
excited to do this road trip, see
the country. I'm not ready to give
up on that, I don't think.
REESE
So what does that mean?
BRI
I need to know myself outside of my
family. Both of them. It's a lot of
time and space to write and create
art just for myself for once.
REESE
Classic Bri activities.
BRI
(laughs softly)
Exactly! Then on my way back I
could see my parents?
REESE
I think that sounds great. Just
keep your location shared, ok?
CUT TO:
INT./EXT. VARIOUS SITES AND CITIES OF THE UNITED STATES Montage:
We see Bri in many US national parks taking pictures and writing in shady nooks.
We see her soundlessly conversing with people she meets on trails and scenic viewing locations.
She collects mementos she can put in her journal along with her photographs.
We also see Bri explore many major cities, taking more photos, gathering more mementos, exploring museums, and writing in coffee shops.
She talks to more people at tourist locations. She has the most meaningful conversation with another solo traveler staying at the same hotel as her in Pittsburgh.
3.
The traveler was a woman in her early 70s called Roz. She a mane of curly gray hair of different hues, funky colorful earrings, and was wearing overalls covered in decades of paint.
The pair sit at the hotel bar.
Roz tells Bri about her late husband, how they traveled the country in their youth, and how she is redoing their trip to celebrate his life.
In turn, Bri tells Roz her story, and her reasons for travel.
BRI
My biological parents live in
Philly, so I'm nearing the end of
my trip. I had a lot of time to
reflect but I still don't know if
I'm ready to meet them, or if I'll
ever be.
(she sighs)
I don't know what's stopping me
from meeting my true flesh and
blood.
Roz looks at Bri thoughtfully.
ROZ
You've heard of the phrase "blood
is thicker than water", yes?
BRI
Yeah, of course.
ROZ
Well, the phrase has actually
changed over time, completely
altering its meaning.
Bri sits up, curious.
ROZ (CONT'D)
The full phrase is "the blood of
the covenant is thicker than the
water of the womb".
BRI
So...the true meaning is the
complete opposite?
4.
ROZ
Precisely. Bri from what you've
told me, you seem to be caught in
the assumption that the shortened
phrase is hard truth. You are
operating under the thought that
you must know and bond with this
"new" blood family, when really,
you have a very strong covenant
waiting for you in New York.
Bri nods, thinking on Roz's wisdom.
BRI
(quietly)
Yeah. Yeah, I do and I am so lucky
to have them.
(a sigh)
I still want to meet my parents
though. I want them to know how I
turned out, that I am doing well.
My aunt told me how much my mom
wanted to keep me even though she
was young, so I feel like I owe
this to her.
ROZ
I think you have a stronger
understanding of your wants and
needs than you think.
Roz puts some cash on the bar and stands up, scraping the barstool on the tile as she does so.
ROZ (CONT'D)
Good luck, Bri.
CUT TO:
EXT. SMALL GRAY HOUSE ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PHILADELPHIA - DAY
Bri rings the doorbell and proceeds to shift back and forth on her feet nervously, adding the drumming of her fingers on her thigh the longer she waits.
Just as she's about to ring the bell again, the door swings open, revealing a girl about 13 years old.
The two girls stare at each other moment. Bri breaks the silence.
BRI
Hi. Um. Are your parents here?
5.
The younger girl snaps out of it.
GIRL
Oh. Right, yeah. I'll go get them.
The girl runs off, leaving Bri at the still open door. A minute later a couple, both 42, appear in the doorway.
WOMAN
Bri?
BRI
(emotional)
That's me.
(laughs)
The woman engulfs Bri in a big hug.
WOMAN
(still hugging, she
whispers)
I can't believe you're here.
The woman lets go, sniffling and wiping away tears. Bri notices a small tattoo on the side of her wrist that is simply 12.20.97-Bri's birthday.
The Man gives the woman's shoulder a squeeze before also giving Bri a hug, though not as tight.
MAN
It's nice to meet you, kiddo. We
don't expect to be called mom and
dad since we're basically
strangers. But I'm Wes, and that's
Shelby.
Wes gestures for Bri to follow the pair inside, to the colorful and eclectic living room.
BRI
While I have so many questions and
things I want to talk about, I have
a burning question that I probably
should have thought of before.
SHELBY
Please, we'd love to answer it.
BRI
This is more of a statement now,
but, I have a sister?
6.
WES
And a brother.
BRI
Wow.
SHELBY
Maeve is 13 and Oliver is 10.
BRI
This is bonkers. Good bonkers, but
bonkers.
SHELBY
I can imagine how strange all of
this is for you. We want to get to
know you, but we don't want to
crowd you with, so we're giving you
the reins.
BRI
I appreciate that, thank you.
WES
You look so much like Shelby it's
almost scary.
They all laugh at the interjection.
BRI
Tracy said the same thing.
The trio continues to talk, as the sun sets behind the blinds. They sit down to dinner at a round wooden table with the addition of Maeve and Oliver. Afterward they play card games, enjoying each other's company.
FADE OUT.
CUT TO:
EXT. COHEN FAMILY HOME - DAY
Bri's car pulls into the driveway. Reese, Shayla and Molly sit on the front porch awaiting her arrival.
As Bri exits her car, the women get up and hurry to greet her. They wrap her up in a giant group hug. Laughing, they all release her.
7.
MOLLY
How was the rest of your trip? And
your parents? I want to know
everything!
BRI
In due time. I need a bit to
decompress.
REESE
You're no fun. I thought you were a
storyteller!
Bri tilts her head to the side, looking up as her girlfriend's words spark an idea.
BRI
Read my journal.
MOLLY
What?
BRI
Yeah! It's the story of the trip,
of the literal and emotional
journey. There's pictures,
postcards, stickers. It would tell
the story better anyway since it
was written in real time and not me
just trying to remember it.
SHAYLA
If you're sure?
BRI
Yes please. After all of that, I
need to think about something else
for a while.
CUT TO:
INT. BRI AND REESE'S NYC APARTMENT - WEEKS LATER
REESE
(Holding Bri's journal up
in the air)
Bri this is incredible. I really
think you should try to get it
published.
BRI
(unimpressed)
So you've been saying.
8.
REESE
I'm serious! Molly and Shayla are
saying the same thing.
BRI
You guys are biased though.
REESE
Ok, maybe, but I've read a lot of
your stuff that I've enjoyed
without pushing for publication.
This is the one, B. At least try.
The worst that could happen is they
say no and we're right back here.
BRI
Alright, alright. But only because
I know you're not going to let it
go.
CUT TO:
INT. BOOKSTORE - A YEAR LATER
Bri walks into the shop, the bell on the door ringing above her. She smiles at the woman behind the counter.
STORE CLERK
Just in time, Bri. We just finished
unpacking them.
The clerk leads Bri to a table where her book, Blood and Water, is displayed proudly. She picks up a copy and quickly flips through the pages. She smiles and laughs with disbelief.
STORE CLERK (CONT'D)
(Smiling softly at Bri)
Congratulations on officially
becoming a published author.
FADE TO BLACK.
