Post by Mercedes Vargas on Dec 2, 2012 3:07:29 GMT -6
UCLA’s Buche Hall, Lecture Room 409
(Scene opens up in a dimly lit lecture hall where a young college professor, bearing a striking resemblance to John Keating's character from Dead Poets Society (portrayed by Robin Williams) is already passing out papers. Students aren't too enthused as notebooks are strewn about in the lecture hall. In some quarters, laptops and smart-phones give off a faint glow on eager youthful faces while at the same time casting off shadows on the walls.)
Professor: For lack of a better term, your essays this week were simply "dreadful". (receives a collective groan from the students) but there were some good ones.
(When the professor passes by Carmen, he flashes an encouraging smile in her direction as he drops her paper.)
Professor: Well done, Carmen. Well done. (as he addresses the rest of the class) It's nice to know that there is someone who is paying attention in class and I'm not speaking in vain. I've already admitted I don't like hearing the sound of my voice sometimes. You all can learn a lot from Miss Reyes here.
(As he turns his back and jogs down to the pitch floor, a male student behind Carmen leans into her ear.)
Male Student: You are such a teacher's pet.
Carmen: Am not.
Random Student #1 Hey, professor. Can we wrap this up? The weekend awaits.
(The professor chuckles and nods his head in agreement.)
Professor: That it does, that it does. But we still have... (checking his watch) five minutes left. I wandered lonely as a cloud. Who can tell me where this is from? Anyone? (Carmen looks around before hesitantly raising her hand) Anyone?
(When no one else raises their hand, he crosses his arms.)
Professor: How about I hold you back another five minutes?
(Now everyone raises their hand. The professor smiles in earnest.)
Professor: Now that's more like it.
(Carmen and Kyle are seen walking out of class.)
Kyle: So, you down for the social tomorrow night?
Carmen: You dare ask a teacher's pet such a question? Is the Pope Catholic?
Kyle: Haven't heard anything coming out of the Vatican lately.
(They walk down the hall together.)
Kyle: Hey, who is that?
(Mercedes is waiting for Carmen near the school grounds.)
Carmen: That would be my cousin, Mercedes.
Kyle: How about I go say "hi"?
Carmen: (pulling him back) Easy there, Cyrano.
Kyle: What? Is she anti-social or something?
Carmen: She's anything but anti-social, Kyle. She's just having some problems right now.
Kyle: Of the female kind.
Carmen: Can you be any more insensitive? No. Just take my foolish advice on this one. I gotta run. See you tomorrow?
Kyle: Yeah, sure.
(Kyle turns and leaves.)
(Mercedes looks up seeing Carmen coming towards her.)
Carmen: Hey, I thought you said you were leaving yesterday?
Mercedes: Missed my flight, can you believe it?
Carmen: At this point, I can't help not to.
Carmen: And you're sure you want to do this?
Mercedes: How many times are you going to keep asking me that?
(Carmen and Mercedes are in the same car and Carmen is driving. It's been mostly silence, save for the radio playing in the car.)
Carmen: We're up to four now.
Mercedes: I can't do this. I'm going back home.
Carmen: You sure?
Mercedes: Yeah, I've been a burden on everyone. I need to find myself, you know?
Carmen: Why do I have the feeling that there's more to this story? You still haven't gotten over that whole mess with the Conways?
Mercedes: What? You think I should?
Carmen: Yes! Life is too short to be holding grudges.
Mercedes: Sorry, but I'm not forgiving type. You wouldn't understand.
Carmen: Try me.
(Mercedes sighs as she stares out the window.)
Mercedes: I think we're clear to turn in.
(Taking the exit, the convertible merges onto World Way with Los Angeles International Airport in view.)
Carmen: You just don't get it, do you? Your friend may have lost your friendship. But you lost a whole lot more.
Mercedes: Whatever.
It was never going to be an ordinary day. In the end, it didn't matter. It was too late now. The point of no return, as they say. It's been a few weeks now since New York felt the wrath of that recent hurricane. I saw it with my own eyes five hours away.
And now the calm before the storm was approaching. In only a few short hours, I was set to face my former best friend at pay-per-view. The end of Opportunity was official. For me, though, I wasn't planning on waiting on opportunity...
I was planning on making my own.
(Above the roaring car traffic, Mercedes is walking the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge.)
You could have fired me. As a matter of fact, maybe you should have fired me, Kathleen. You should have made it into a public spectacle by calling me out to that ring, have your say, rip up my contract into tiny pieces and throw in my face, but you didn’t. If what I did was such a cardinal sin then you would have cut ties with me and be done with it, but, again, you didn’t. And you think I’m supposed to owe you a debt of gratitude? You think I should be thanking you? Sure, OK. Thanks…for nothing. The last thing I need is to be “saved” by anyone, especially you. If saving your marriage was that important to you, you wouldn't be content by keeping me here. See, because, you have trouble admitting the one thing you won't let on to the general public. You didn't "save me" because of you and Jake. No, that's a lie, and you know it. Let's face it. You like having me around, I think you both do.
(People riding bicycles are in the background. They pass by on the left of Mercedes, looking back at her before going about their daily business.)
You like having me around to serve as a constant reminder to the rest of the girls that you’re both untouchable. Because if you didn’t stop Jake from carrying out the deed, you both would have lost the last bit of credibility this women’s division had, that’s what really needs saving. Of course, you have a backup plan, right? There’s Alyss- Oh, wait. You fired her. Emma Danie – Oh, wait. She’s in therapy. So, riddle me this: Who else is there that you see that are constant title challengers, hmm? Kelly Knite, our loving and gracious owner, seems to be enjoying herself, and I doubt she would be interested in putting on the boots again and joining the active roster – but then, you never know with her. Crystal Hilton? It doesn’t matter what moniker she goes by nowadays, it still doesn’t change the fact that her career has been nothing more than a joke, especially in NCW. And as far as everyone else goes...Well, there isn’t anyone else. Anyone who isn’t Sydney Knite, that is. See, that's kind of how it works. I don’t know if you know this, maybe you do, but there’s a hierarchy in the Starlets Division. Obviously, there’s “The Fluke”, you and Jake fall somewhere in the middle, and then there’s everyone else.
(The sun sets on the Brooklyn skyline as Mercedes spots the Statue of Liberty, admiring the iconic landmark before she continues walking.)
I don’t know about sacrifice?
(Mercedes stops to offer a sarcastic applause and shakes her head.)
Kathleen Conway, ladies and gentlemen, with the understatement of the year. Congratulations on that, by the way. Because we all know that if there is anyone who has sacrificed more than anyone in this company it’s your number one contender, right? Right. I happen to know that heart and sacrifice go hand in hand. How do you think I managed to accomplish everything I set out to do in my career? Say what you want about me racking up wins and accolades, but to me, this business isn’t a hobby that you can drop and pick up again whenever you feel like it. It’s either you want it, or you don’t. But if you do, then you better be ready to put 100% into it. That’s something a certain Kane on the roster should be lectured on, not me.
(A strong wind picks up and tousles her hair, with strands of it ending up in her mouth. Mercedes brushes them aside as she continues down the walkway..)
Ever since day one when I walked into this company, I sacrificed everything to be one of the best "Starlets" this company ever had. I didn't have a legacy like the Knites. "Destiny" didn't guide me to the top of the totem pole. That same heart and desire that Rayne and Ayla and other girls who came and went through that door lacked, I had. Where are they now? That's right, the unemployment line. Day after day, weekend after weekend, for almost two years in this company, I have proven to be more than just another name on the roster, I have proven to be a lot more than just another face, and you know as well as I do that I have proven to be a dangerous opponent on any given night in that ring. Nobody in this company - past, present or future - can say the same. Nobody. If that isn't sacrifice, then I don't know what else will convince you. But then, that's not what this match is about now, is it?
Gone are the days where I used to make fun of you at your expense. It's nice to see that at least one of us still has a sharp sense of humor. Sunday at Breaking Away, I think our little story is going to haven an alternate ending.
There will be flowers and music, but not from a lullaby...
it will be a funeral march.
(With her back towards the camera, Mercedes walks off into the night as our scene fades.)
(Scene opens up in a dimly lit lecture hall where a young college professor, bearing a striking resemblance to John Keating's character from Dead Poets Society (portrayed by Robin Williams) is already passing out papers. Students aren't too enthused as notebooks are strewn about in the lecture hall. In some quarters, laptops and smart-phones give off a faint glow on eager youthful faces while at the same time casting off shadows on the walls.)
Professor: For lack of a better term, your essays this week were simply "dreadful". (receives a collective groan from the students) but there were some good ones.
(When the professor passes by Carmen, he flashes an encouraging smile in her direction as he drops her paper.)
Professor: Well done, Carmen. Well done. (as he addresses the rest of the class) It's nice to know that there is someone who is paying attention in class and I'm not speaking in vain. I've already admitted I don't like hearing the sound of my voice sometimes. You all can learn a lot from Miss Reyes here.
(As he turns his back and jogs down to the pitch floor, a male student behind Carmen leans into her ear.)
Male Student: You are such a teacher's pet.
Carmen: Am not.
Random Student #1 Hey, professor. Can we wrap this up? The weekend awaits.
(The professor chuckles and nods his head in agreement.)
Professor: That it does, that it does. But we still have... (checking his watch) five minutes left. I wandered lonely as a cloud. Who can tell me where this is from? Anyone? (Carmen looks around before hesitantly raising her hand) Anyone?
(When no one else raises their hand, he crosses his arms.)
Professor: How about I hold you back another five minutes?
(Now everyone raises their hand. The professor smiles in earnest.)
Professor: Now that's more like it.
* * * * *
(Carmen and Kyle are seen walking out of class.)
Kyle: So, you down for the social tomorrow night?
Carmen: You dare ask a teacher's pet such a question? Is the Pope Catholic?
Kyle: Haven't heard anything coming out of the Vatican lately.
(They walk down the hall together.)
Kyle: Hey, who is that?
(Mercedes is waiting for Carmen near the school grounds.)
Carmen: That would be my cousin, Mercedes.
Kyle: How about I go say "hi"?
Carmen: (pulling him back) Easy there, Cyrano.
Kyle: What? Is she anti-social or something?
Carmen: She's anything but anti-social, Kyle. She's just having some problems right now.
Kyle: Of the female kind.
Carmen: Can you be any more insensitive? No. Just take my foolish advice on this one. I gotta run. See you tomorrow?
Kyle: Yeah, sure.
(Kyle turns and leaves.)
(Mercedes looks up seeing Carmen coming towards her.)
Carmen: Hey, I thought you said you were leaving yesterday?
Mercedes: Missed my flight, can you believe it?
Carmen: At this point, I can't help not to.
* * * * *
Carmen: And you're sure you want to do this?
Mercedes: How many times are you going to keep asking me that?
(Carmen and Mercedes are in the same car and Carmen is driving. It's been mostly silence, save for the radio playing in the car.)
Carmen: We're up to four now.
Mercedes: I can't do this. I'm going back home.
Carmen: You sure?
Mercedes: Yeah, I've been a burden on everyone. I need to find myself, you know?
Carmen: Why do I have the feeling that there's more to this story? You still haven't gotten over that whole mess with the Conways?
Mercedes: What? You think I should?
Carmen: Yes! Life is too short to be holding grudges.
Mercedes: Sorry, but I'm not forgiving type. You wouldn't understand.
Carmen: Try me.
(Mercedes sighs as she stares out the window.)
Mercedes: I think we're clear to turn in.
(Taking the exit, the convertible merges onto World Way with Los Angeles International Airport in view.)
Carmen: You just don't get it, do you? Your friend may have lost your friendship. But you lost a whole lot more.
Mercedes: Whatever.
It was never going to be an ordinary day. In the end, it didn't matter. It was too late now. The point of no return, as they say. It's been a few weeks now since New York felt the wrath of that recent hurricane. I saw it with my own eyes five hours away.
And now the calm before the storm was approaching. In only a few short hours, I was set to face my former best friend at pay-per-view. The end of Opportunity was official. For me, though, I wasn't planning on waiting on opportunity...
I was planning on making my own.
_______≈₪≈______
(Above the roaring car traffic, Mercedes is walking the pedestrian walkway on the Brooklyn Bridge.)
You could have fired me. As a matter of fact, maybe you should have fired me, Kathleen. You should have made it into a public spectacle by calling me out to that ring, have your say, rip up my contract into tiny pieces and throw in my face, but you didn’t. If what I did was such a cardinal sin then you would have cut ties with me and be done with it, but, again, you didn’t. And you think I’m supposed to owe you a debt of gratitude? You think I should be thanking you? Sure, OK. Thanks…for nothing. The last thing I need is to be “saved” by anyone, especially you. If saving your marriage was that important to you, you wouldn't be content by keeping me here. See, because, you have trouble admitting the one thing you won't let on to the general public. You didn't "save me" because of you and Jake. No, that's a lie, and you know it. Let's face it. You like having me around, I think you both do.
(People riding bicycles are in the background. They pass by on the left of Mercedes, looking back at her before going about their daily business.)
You like having me around to serve as a constant reminder to the rest of the girls that you’re both untouchable. Because if you didn’t stop Jake from carrying out the deed, you both would have lost the last bit of credibility this women’s division had, that’s what really needs saving. Of course, you have a backup plan, right? There’s Alyss- Oh, wait. You fired her. Emma Danie – Oh, wait. She’s in therapy. So, riddle me this: Who else is there that you see that are constant title challengers, hmm? Kelly Knite, our loving and gracious owner, seems to be enjoying herself, and I doubt she would be interested in putting on the boots again and joining the active roster – but then, you never know with her. Crystal Hilton? It doesn’t matter what moniker she goes by nowadays, it still doesn’t change the fact that her career has been nothing more than a joke, especially in NCW. And as far as everyone else goes...Well, there isn’t anyone else. Anyone who isn’t Sydney Knite, that is. See, that's kind of how it works. I don’t know if you know this, maybe you do, but there’s a hierarchy in the Starlets Division. Obviously, there’s “The Fluke”, you and Jake fall somewhere in the middle, and then there’s everyone else.
(The sun sets on the Brooklyn skyline as Mercedes spots the Statue of Liberty, admiring the iconic landmark before she continues walking.)
I don’t know about sacrifice?
(Mercedes stops to offer a sarcastic applause and shakes her head.)
Kathleen Conway, ladies and gentlemen, with the understatement of the year. Congratulations on that, by the way. Because we all know that if there is anyone who has sacrificed more than anyone in this company it’s your number one contender, right? Right. I happen to know that heart and sacrifice go hand in hand. How do you think I managed to accomplish everything I set out to do in my career? Say what you want about me racking up wins and accolades, but to me, this business isn’t a hobby that you can drop and pick up again whenever you feel like it. It’s either you want it, or you don’t. But if you do, then you better be ready to put 100% into it. That’s something a certain Kane on the roster should be lectured on, not me.
(A strong wind picks up and tousles her hair, with strands of it ending up in her mouth. Mercedes brushes them aside as she continues down the walkway..)
Ever since day one when I walked into this company, I sacrificed everything to be one of the best "Starlets" this company ever had. I didn't have a legacy like the Knites. "Destiny" didn't guide me to the top of the totem pole. That same heart and desire that Rayne and Ayla and other girls who came and went through that door lacked, I had. Where are they now? That's right, the unemployment line. Day after day, weekend after weekend, for almost two years in this company, I have proven to be more than just another name on the roster, I have proven to be a lot more than just another face, and you know as well as I do that I have proven to be a dangerous opponent on any given night in that ring. Nobody in this company - past, present or future - can say the same. Nobody. If that isn't sacrifice, then I don't know what else will convince you. But then, that's not what this match is about now, is it?
Gone are the days where I used to make fun of you at your expense. It's nice to see that at least one of us still has a sharp sense of humor. Sunday at Breaking Away, I think our little story is going to haven an alternate ending.
There will be flowers and music, but not from a lullaby...
it will be a funeral march.
(With her back towards the camera, Mercedes walks off into the night as our scene fades.)
