FADE UP:
We hear the HORN of a ferry boat as we see the view from the bow. Sean O'Riada comes into frame and stands on the rail. The wind whips through his hair.
SEAN
I'm the king of the world!
Paddy is leaning against the railing nearby, holding a cigarette.
PADDY
Jack!
SEAN
I'm the king of the world Rose!
PADDY
Jack!
SEAN
Rose! My heart will go on Rose! Woooo-hooooo!
PADDY
Jack! Jack!
SEAN
Rose!
PADDY
Get the fook down Jack!
Sean LAUGHS, clambers down and stands next to his brother.
SEAN
I'm freezing me cobblers off out here. Are you gonna smoke that or what?
Paddy considers, removes a cigarette case from his pocket and puts it back.
SEAN
A gold star for Mr. O'Riada.
CUT TO:
INT. FERRY RESTAURANT -DAY
Paddy and Sean are seated next to a window, Sean with a pint and Paddy with a sparkling water.
SEAN
This is really quite swank. Who knew a ferry boat would be so twee? Oh, I know! 'Cuz it's a "fairy" boat.
PADDY
Your maturity never fails to astound.
SEAN
Tell me again why you passed up an offer to stay in a villa on the Cote d'Azur and go to Dingle instead...
PADDY
I wanted to see dad.
SEAN
We just saw him on his birthday.
PADDY
I had this funny feeling...so's I want to see him. That's all.
SEAN
You've been getting a lot of funny feelings lately.
PADDY
Is that a statement; or a question?
SEAN
You tell me.
PADDY
Next question.
SEAN
So, Roddy wants to pair you up with Hank Notlad. Says he thinks you two could be the "super-stars" of Lani-Batali.
PADDY
I don't want to talk business Sean.
SEAN
No...it seems to me you don't want to talk about Henry Notlad. (Paddy doesn't answer). What's your problem with him?
PADDY
Drop it Sean.
SEAN
No, really, I mean...what is it?
PADDY
I guarantee you, you will not like the answer.
SEAN
I mean does he have B.O.? Does he fart? He has really nice teeth. And I think he smells Obie Trice. Good at darts. So, you see I just don't get--
PADDY
I'm telling you to let it go.
SEAN
But I can't, because this is a business, brother. Roddy Shannon is signing my paycheck too. I mean what is it? Why don't you like him?
PADDY
I'm in love with him.
We hear the HORN of a ferry boat as we see the view from the bow. Sean O'Riada comes into frame and stands on the rail. The wind whips through his hair.
SEAN
I'm the king of the world!
Paddy is leaning against the railing nearby, holding a cigarette.
PADDY
Jack!
SEAN
I'm the king of the world Rose!
PADDY
Jack!
SEAN
Rose! My heart will go on Rose! Woooo-hooooo!
PADDY
Jack! Jack!
SEAN
Rose!
PADDY
Get the fook down Jack!
Sean LAUGHS, clambers down and stands next to his brother.
SEAN
I'm freezing me cobblers off out here. Are you gonna smoke that or what?
Paddy considers, removes a cigarette case from his pocket and puts it back.
SEAN
A gold star for Mr. O'Riada.
CUT TO:
INT. FERRY RESTAURANT -DAY
Paddy and Sean are seated next to a window, Sean with a pint and Paddy with a sparkling water.
SEAN
This is really quite swank. Who knew a ferry boat would be so twee? Oh, I know! 'Cuz it's a "fairy" boat.
PADDY
Your maturity never fails to astound.
SEAN
Tell me again why you passed up an offer to stay in a villa on the Cote d'Azur and go to Dingle instead...
PADDY
I wanted to see dad.
SEAN
We just saw him on his birthday.
PADDY
I had this funny feeling...so's I want to see him. That's all.
SEAN
You've been getting a lot of funny feelings lately.
PADDY
Is that a statement; or a question?
SEAN
You tell me.
PADDY
Next question.
SEAN
So, Roddy wants to pair you up with Hank Notlad. Says he thinks you two could be the "super-stars" of Lani-Batali.
PADDY
I don't want to talk business Sean.
SEAN
No...it seems to me you don't want to talk about Henry Notlad. (Paddy doesn't answer). What's your problem with him?
PADDY
Drop it Sean.
SEAN
No, really, I mean...what is it?
PADDY
I guarantee you, you will not like the answer.
SEAN
I mean does he have B.O.? Does he fart? He has really nice teeth. And I think he smells Obie Trice. Good at darts. So, you see I just don't get--
PADDY
I'm telling you to let it go.
SEAN
But I can't, because this is a business, brother. Roddy Shannon is signing my paycheck too. I mean what is it? Why don't you like him?
PADDY
I'm in love with him.
Okay, Paddy has just confessed something to his brother that he's been hiding for his entire life. And he's emotional. It seems to me that he would start crying. Being a macho tough guy he's probably held back from crying most of his life, as most men do. I've had men crying a lot lately in my writing. In this story, I guess, thus far we've had Roddy cry; but his son was almost killed...wait a minute...am I defending men's refusal to cry? I guess I am. Nobody likes a cry-baby. There was this actor on General Hospital who was an excellent actor and he often broke down in tears. It happened so often, however, that it became somewhat annoying: "Oh, there he goes again!" He played neurosurgeon Dr. Patrick Drake. His name is Jason Thompson.He's Canadian. I think he's a hockey player. Let's watch him emote: Wait a sec. I can't find any clips of him getting all dramatic; but I did find this, which is interesting, as I want the first sex scene between Paddy and Henry to be in the back seat of a car (more on that later...)
He sings too!
So, I guess if a hockey playing, heterosexual he-man can cry at the drop of a hat, our kick-boxing-sky-fighting hero can too. And I suppose later, we'll have Paddy and Henry cry together.
So, I guess if a hockey playing, heterosexual he-man can cry at the drop of a hat, our kick-boxing-sky-fighting hero can too. And I suppose later, we'll have Paddy and Henry cry together.
SEAN
You're what now?
PADDY
...I'm in love...(he starts quietly sobbing, but he can't stop it)...and he's affianced and I don't...I don't want to hurt him. And I won't be a homewrecker, like Ma...
Sean gets up and sits on the banquette next to Paddy and puts his arm around him.
SEAN
It's all right Paddy.
PADDY
People are looking...
SEAN
Let 'em look. Paddy, I love you no matter what. But I'm a little confused...
PADDY
(Calming down) About what?
SEAN
Kate Sullivan.
PADDY
Who?
Before Sean can respond, a LADY and her nine-year-old SON approach the table.
LADY
Would it trouble Mr. O'Riada to sign an autograph for my son, here?
SEAN
Not a good time 'mam--
PADDY
No, it's fine...
LADY
Do you have a pen?
PADDY
Sean, do you have a pen?
SEAN
(Clearly annoyed) Sure and I do...
He gets a pen out of his jacket pocket and hands it to Paddy as the lady hands him a cocktail napkin.
PADDY
What's your name son?
BOY
Ryan.
PADDY
Right-o, lad!
As he begins to write, Ryan looks at Paddy's face with a look of concern.
RYAN
Why are you crying Paddy?
SEAN
(Fed up) They're tears of joy. We're going to have a baby!
LADY
(Nonplussed) Come on Ryan, let's leave the nice fellahs be--
RYAN
Congratulations Paddy!
Paddy hands Ryan the napkin as his mother literally yanks him away.
PADDY
Now you didn't need to do that...
There's a pause and they they both break out in LAUGHTER. After it diminishes, Paddy lets out a great exhale.
PADDY
Well, I suppose I got that off my chest. Should I tell Da?
SEAN
Paddy, one bombshell at a time, yeah?
Paddy grabs Sean and hugs him for dear life.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET IN DINGLE -DAY
Paddy's car pulls into a parking space in front of a bright green building. Lettering on the facade spells out: O'RIADA'S - CHEMISTS. Paddy and Sean get out of the car and enter the pharmacy.
CUT TO:
INT. PHARMACY -DAY
A bell JINGLES and a red-headed woman in a white lab-coat looks up from where she's arranging greeting cards. She does a double-take when she realizes who's just walked in. Her name is MAUREEN LONERGAN, mid 60's.
MAUREEN
Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph! It's a double-dose of original sin!
She runs to the two men and hugs and kisses them both.
PADDY
Hello Maureen!
SEAN
You're looking grand!
MAUREEN
Oh, no, my hair's in a state! What brings you by?
PADDY
We've come for a wee visit. Is Da here?
MAUREEN
He left a little early...does he know you're here?
PADDY
No...we wanted to surprise him.
SEAN
We did?
MAUREEN
He probably popped by Murphy's pub; there's a game of some note on the television.
PADDY
We'll stop by. Always good to see you Maureen!
MAUREEN
Likewise. You know, I never married but I always looked on you two as me own sons.
PADDY
That's probably why you never married!
MAUREEN
Men! Who needs 'em. Nothing but trouble.
SEAN
Say, Maureen, do you have any condoms? (He pronounces it "con-domes").
MAUREEN
This is a pharmacy Sean; what do you tink? And just what are you planning for this "wee visit"?
SEAN
They're for Paddy and I know he'd be too shy to ask--
An elbow in the ribs from Paddy cuts him off.
PADDY
Sean is such a kidder!
MAUREEN
Oh, don't I know it! Always up to some mischief. You should've gone to clown college boy-o!
(She LAUGHS) "Con-domes"!
Paddy shoots daggers at Sean. Sean CHUCKLES nervously.
You're what now?
PADDY
...I'm in love...(he starts quietly sobbing, but he can't stop it)...and he's affianced and I don't...I don't want to hurt him. And I won't be a homewrecker, like Ma...
Sean gets up and sits on the banquette next to Paddy and puts his arm around him.
SEAN
It's all right Paddy.
PADDY
People are looking...
SEAN
Let 'em look. Paddy, I love you no matter what. But I'm a little confused...
PADDY
(Calming down) About what?
SEAN
Kate Sullivan.
PADDY
Who?
Before Sean can respond, a LADY and her nine-year-old SON approach the table.
LADY
Would it trouble Mr. O'Riada to sign an autograph for my son, here?
SEAN
Not a good time 'mam--
PADDY
No, it's fine...
LADY
Do you have a pen?
PADDY
Sean, do you have a pen?
SEAN
(Clearly annoyed) Sure and I do...
He gets a pen out of his jacket pocket and hands it to Paddy as the lady hands him a cocktail napkin.
PADDY
What's your name son?
BOY
Ryan.
PADDY
Right-o, lad!
As he begins to write, Ryan looks at Paddy's face with a look of concern.
RYAN
Why are you crying Paddy?
SEAN
(Fed up) They're tears of joy. We're going to have a baby!
LADY
(Nonplussed) Come on Ryan, let's leave the nice fellahs be--
RYAN
Congratulations Paddy!
Paddy hands Ryan the napkin as his mother literally yanks him away.
PADDY
Now you didn't need to do that...
There's a pause and they they both break out in LAUGHTER. After it diminishes, Paddy lets out a great exhale.
PADDY
Well, I suppose I got that off my chest. Should I tell Da?
SEAN
Paddy, one bombshell at a time, yeah?
Paddy grabs Sean and hugs him for dear life.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET IN DINGLE -DAY
Paddy's car pulls into a parking space in front of a bright green building. Lettering on the facade spells out: O'RIADA'S - CHEMISTS. Paddy and Sean get out of the car and enter the pharmacy.
CUT TO:
INT. PHARMACY -DAY
A bell JINGLES and a red-headed woman in a white lab-coat looks up from where she's arranging greeting cards. She does a double-take when she realizes who's just walked in. Her name is MAUREEN LONERGAN, mid 60's.
MAUREEN
Jesus, Mary and Saint Joseph! It's a double-dose of original sin!
She runs to the two men and hugs and kisses them both.
PADDY
Hello Maureen!
SEAN
You're looking grand!
MAUREEN
Oh, no, my hair's in a state! What brings you by?
PADDY
We've come for a wee visit. Is Da here?
MAUREEN
He left a little early...does he know you're here?
PADDY
No...we wanted to surprise him.
SEAN
We did?
MAUREEN
He probably popped by Murphy's pub; there's a game of some note on the television.
PADDY
We'll stop by. Always good to see you Maureen!
MAUREEN
Likewise. You know, I never married but I always looked on you two as me own sons.
PADDY
That's probably why you never married!
MAUREEN
Men! Who needs 'em. Nothing but trouble.
SEAN
Say, Maureen, do you have any condoms? (He pronounces it "con-domes").
MAUREEN
This is a pharmacy Sean; what do you tink? And just what are you planning for this "wee visit"?
SEAN
They're for Paddy and I know he'd be too shy to ask--
An elbow in the ribs from Paddy cuts him off.
PADDY
Sean is such a kidder!
MAUREEN
Oh, don't I know it! Always up to some mischief. You should've gone to clown college boy-o!
(She LAUGHS) "Con-domes"!
Paddy shoots daggers at Sean. Sean CHUCKLES nervously.
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -DAY
Sean and Paddy are walking down the sidewalk.
PADDY
...Are you off your nut? Condoms! Why the hell do you think I'd want those for?
SEAN
If you're going to play that way, you're going to play safe!
PADDY
I'm a fighter ya eejit! I get tested regularly.
SEAN
Oh, roight. I forgot. Say, do you think Maureen's gay too?
PADDY
What the hell are you talking about?
SEAN
She's never been married...
PADDY
Of course she isn't! She's an ex nun!
He looks at Sean, who raises his eyebrows. Paddy considers this; but says nothing, as they've arrived at the pub. Paddy pulls the door open and pushes Sean through.
CUT TO:
INT. PUB -DAY
Several men are seated at the bar, watching a soccer game on a large screen TV.
PADDY
There he is...
Paddy puts his finger to his lips and they move towards the bar. They come up behind one of the men and Paddy puts his finger to his back.
PADDY
(Disguising his voice) Your money or your life...
The man puts his hands up. He is BRIAN O'RIADA, 60'S. He is a reserved and quiet man, bordering on shy. However, he's not averse to singing a song or two if he's had a couple of drinks. Or three or four.
BRIAN
My wife? You're out of luck there sir...
Paddy and Sean lean in and kiss their dad's cheek on either side.
The role of Mr. O'Riada would make a nice cameo for a famous actor; and although he's British, I'm sure Gary Oldman could do a killer brogue, 'cuz, he can do anything.
EXT. STREET -DAY
Sean and Paddy are walking down the sidewalk.
PADDY
...Are you off your nut? Condoms! Why the hell do you think I'd want those for?
SEAN
If you're going to play that way, you're going to play safe!
PADDY
I'm a fighter ya eejit! I get tested regularly.
SEAN
Oh, roight. I forgot. Say, do you think Maureen's gay too?
PADDY
What the hell are you talking about?
SEAN
She's never been married...
PADDY
Of course she isn't! She's an ex nun!
He looks at Sean, who raises his eyebrows. Paddy considers this; but says nothing, as they've arrived at the pub. Paddy pulls the door open and pushes Sean through.
CUT TO:
INT. PUB -DAY
Several men are seated at the bar, watching a soccer game on a large screen TV.
PADDY
There he is...
Paddy puts his finger to his lips and they move towards the bar. They come up behind one of the men and Paddy puts his finger to his back.
PADDY
(Disguising his voice) Your money or your life...
The man puts his hands up. He is BRIAN O'RIADA, 60'S. He is a reserved and quiet man, bordering on shy. However, he's not averse to singing a song or two if he's had a couple of drinks. Or three or four.
BRIAN
My wife? You're out of luck there sir...
Paddy and Sean lean in and kiss their dad's cheek on either side.
The role of Mr. O'Riada would make a nice cameo for a famous actor; and although he's British, I'm sure Gary Oldman could do a killer brogue, 'cuz, he can do anything.
BRIAN
Oh Lord! If it isn't the hallions of my loins!
SEAN
Geez dad, that doesn't sound right!
PADDY
Yeah, let's not talk about your loins Da...
BRIAN
Well, what on Earth has brought you two to County Kerry unannounced?
PADDY
We just wanted to see you...
BRIAN
Now you've seen me. What then?
PADDY
We could stay a while with you at the house; that is, if we wouldn't be imposing on you.
BRIAN
Imposing?
SEAN
We could stay here...(to BARTENDER) Are there any rooms available?
BRIAN
Are you daft? You're not staying here--
PADDY
But what if you have a lady friend over?
BRIAN
I'll worry about my own love life. (To the other MEN) Would you fellahs mind scooting down?
Seats are vacated on either side of Brian and Sean and Paddy take them.
BRIAN
Well this calls for a toast. Mr. Murphy, three shots of your finest whiskey.
PADDY
Just the one now Da...
BRIAN
Just the one!
MURPHY the bartender puts three glasses of whiskey in front of them. They raise their glasses.
BRIAN
Always remember to forget the things that made you sad!
They CLINK glasses and drink.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. MURPHY'S PUB -NIGHT
It's dark now. There is a rousing sing-a-long to "The Wild Rover" and it's pretty clear there was more than "just the one."
BRIAN, PADDY, SEAN, ET. AL (singing)
"...and it's no, nay never! No, nay, never no more! Will I play the wild rover, no never no more...!"
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -NIGHT
A taxi pulls up in front of a quaint house overlooking the ocean and Brian, Paddy and Sean still singing and carrying on, climb out and then weave towards the front door.
Oh Lord! If it isn't the hallions of my loins!
SEAN
Geez dad, that doesn't sound right!
PADDY
Yeah, let's not talk about your loins Da...
BRIAN
Well, what on Earth has brought you two to County Kerry unannounced?
PADDY
We just wanted to see you...
BRIAN
Now you've seen me. What then?
PADDY
We could stay a while with you at the house; that is, if we wouldn't be imposing on you.
BRIAN
Imposing?
SEAN
We could stay here...(to BARTENDER) Are there any rooms available?
BRIAN
Are you daft? You're not staying here--
PADDY
But what if you have a lady friend over?
BRIAN
I'll worry about my own love life. (To the other MEN) Would you fellahs mind scooting down?
Seats are vacated on either side of Brian and Sean and Paddy take them.
BRIAN
Well this calls for a toast. Mr. Murphy, three shots of your finest whiskey.
PADDY
Just the one now Da...
BRIAN
Just the one!
MURPHY the bartender puts three glasses of whiskey in front of them. They raise their glasses.
BRIAN
Always remember to forget the things that made you sad!
They CLINK glasses and drink.
SMASH CUT TO:
INT. MURPHY'S PUB -NIGHT
It's dark now. There is a rousing sing-a-long to "The Wild Rover" and it's pretty clear there was more than "just the one."
BRIAN, PADDY, SEAN, ET. AL (singing)
"...and it's no, nay never! No, nay, never no more! Will I play the wild rover, no never no more...!"
CUT TO:
EXT. STREET -NIGHT
A taxi pulls up in front of a quaint house overlooking the ocean and Brian, Paddy and Sean still singing and carrying on, climb out and then weave towards the front door.
CUT TO:
INT. BRIAN'S BEDROOM -NIGHT
The boys have laid their father down on the bed, where he's already asleep. They take his shoes off. Paddy notices a pamphlet on the night table and picks it up.
PADDY
(Reading) "Understanding Stroke" Do you suppose he's had a stroke and didn't tell us?
SEAN
I don't know...he seems fine.
PADDY
I knew something was going on.
CUT TO:
INT. GUEST ROOM -NIGHT
Paddy and Sean are in the double bed. A night-light in the shape of Jesus casts the room in a soft glow.
SEAN
...so, you're telling me you've never had sex before?
PADDY
...Sean, give it a rest...I'm tired...
SEAN
We may never have this conversation again.
PADDY
Sure and I've had plenty of sex...with myself...
SEAN
That's sounds a wee bit lonely. Never with anyone else.
PADDY
I messed around with a few girls here and there but it was usually a disaster; so I gave up trying.
SEAN
And, with fellahs?
PADDY
There was this one time in school when a boy made a pass at me in the locker room; but we both chickened out.
I saw his stiffy though...
SEAN
Anybody I know?
PADDY
David Caplice--
SEAN
You're joking! The captain of the soccer team? That David Caplice?
PADDY
Yes.
SEAN
Well I'll be goddamned.
PADDY
Can I go to sleep now?
SEAN
So, you're like The 40 Year Old Virgin...
PADDY
I'm not forty yet...
SEAN
Close enough.
PADDY
Shut up...
SEAN
(After a pause) How big was it?
PADDY
I didn't measure it Sean.
SEAN
Was it attractive, as far as those things go?
PADDY
I'm not answering that.
SEAN
Oh, come on...I'm curious...you know, 'cuz he was quite the ladies man...
PADDY
(LAUGHS) Was he now. Well, I'll tell you: it was a huge, fat, ugly monster!
SEAN
Was it really?
PADDY
Actually, it was one of the most aesthetically pleasing penises I've ever seen. Now let me go to sleep.
SEAN
(Another pause)...David Caplice. Boy, just when you think you know the world...
Paddy starts to gently SNORE.
INT. BRIAN'S BEDROOM -NIGHT
The boys have laid their father down on the bed, where he's already asleep. They take his shoes off. Paddy notices a pamphlet on the night table and picks it up.
PADDY
(Reading) "Understanding Stroke" Do you suppose he's had a stroke and didn't tell us?
SEAN
I don't know...he seems fine.
PADDY
I knew something was going on.
CUT TO:
INT. GUEST ROOM -NIGHT
Paddy and Sean are in the double bed. A night-light in the shape of Jesus casts the room in a soft glow.
SEAN
...so, you're telling me you've never had sex before?
PADDY
...Sean, give it a rest...I'm tired...
SEAN
We may never have this conversation again.
PADDY
Sure and I've had plenty of sex...with myself...
SEAN
That's sounds a wee bit lonely. Never with anyone else.
PADDY
I messed around with a few girls here and there but it was usually a disaster; so I gave up trying.
SEAN
And, with fellahs?
PADDY
There was this one time in school when a boy made a pass at me in the locker room; but we both chickened out.
I saw his stiffy though...
SEAN
Anybody I know?
PADDY
David Caplice--
SEAN
You're joking! The captain of the soccer team? That David Caplice?
PADDY
Yes.
SEAN
Well I'll be goddamned.
PADDY
Can I go to sleep now?
SEAN
So, you're like The 40 Year Old Virgin...
PADDY
I'm not forty yet...
SEAN
Close enough.
PADDY
Shut up...
SEAN
(After a pause) How big was it?
PADDY
I didn't measure it Sean.
SEAN
Was it attractive, as far as those things go?
PADDY
I'm not answering that.
SEAN
Oh, come on...I'm curious...you know, 'cuz he was quite the ladies man...
PADDY
(LAUGHS) Was he now. Well, I'll tell you: it was a huge, fat, ugly monster!
SEAN
Was it really?
PADDY
Actually, it was one of the most aesthetically pleasing penises I've ever seen. Now let me go to sleep.
SEAN
(Another pause)...David Caplice. Boy, just when you think you know the world...
Paddy starts to gently SNORE.
CUT TO:
INT. O'RIADA LIVING ROOM -DAY
It is the next morning. Paddy comes in to the room from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, to find his dad watching TV as his brother flips through some photo albums.
PADDY
What ya watching there dad?
BRIAN
It's an American serial, General Hospital.
PADDY
(Sitting in an easy chair) I believe the Yanks call them "soap operas." (Pointing) Is that the gal from Staying Alive?
BRIAN
I don't know what that is Paddy.
PADDY
It was the sequel to Saturday Night Fever...the disco picture? Travolta in the white suit?
BRIAN
Oh right!
SEAN
Yeah, that's her...
PADDY
Speaking of hospitals, da. I saw that pamphlet on your bedside table...did something happen?
BRIAN
Oh, nothing to worry about.
PADDY
What happened?
BRIAN
I had a little incident, that's all. A "tia," they call it.
PADDY
What the hell is that?
SEAN
Transient Ischaemic Attack. He had a mini stroke. He volunteered me the information.
PADDY
Why didn't you tell us?
BRIAN
It was nothing. I didn't want to worry you. It only lasted a half hour or so...
PADDY
Did you go to see the doctor?
BRIAN
Where do you think that pamphlet came from?
SEAN
Doesn't having a "mini-stroke" mean you're more likely to have a...maxi-stroke?
BRIAN
I need to make some lifestyle changes.
PADDY
But da--
BRIAN
And some subject changes. I can take care of myself.
Paddy stands and crosses to the sofa and sits next to Sean. He picks up a box of loose photographs and starts looking through them.
PADDY
You looked so handsome on your wedding day. (He shows the photo to his father).
BRIAN
I was happy.
PADDY
Ma was so beautiful.
BRIAN
She still is.
SEAN
Have you seen her?
BRIAN
She's on the Book-Face pages.
PADDY
(Holds up another picture. It's of two young men in their teens or twenties, hanging out). Dad, this is Uncle Mike, idn't it?
BRIAN
Sure and it is. He was the baby.
PADDY
Who's he with here? He seems to be in all the pictures with Mike...
BRIAN
That was his dear friend Thomas. They were inseparable. And when Tom died...well...did I ever tell you Paddy that you've always reminded me of Mike?
PADDY
I don't know...maybe.
BRIAN
(Noticing Paddy's heart tattoo) Oh, that's a new one, isn't it?
PADDY
Yeah...you like it?
BRIAN
Well son, as you know, I've never been a fan of the art of the tattoo; but it is rather pretty, as those things go.
PADDY
Tanks, da.
BRIAN
It seems like a rather unusual place to have put it...
PADDY
What do you mean?
BRIAN
Well Paddy, you've never been one to wear your heart on your sleeve.
Paddy considers this as he looks at the picture again.
FADE OUT
INT. O'RIADA LIVING ROOM -DAY
It is the next morning. Paddy comes in to the room from the kitchen with a cup of coffee, to find his dad watching TV as his brother flips through some photo albums.
PADDY
What ya watching there dad?
BRIAN
It's an American serial, General Hospital.
PADDY
(Sitting in an easy chair) I believe the Yanks call them "soap operas." (Pointing) Is that the gal from Staying Alive?
BRIAN
I don't know what that is Paddy.
PADDY
It was the sequel to Saturday Night Fever...the disco picture? Travolta in the white suit?
BRIAN
Oh right!
SEAN
Yeah, that's her...
PADDY
Speaking of hospitals, da. I saw that pamphlet on your bedside table...did something happen?
BRIAN
Oh, nothing to worry about.
PADDY
What happened?
BRIAN
I had a little incident, that's all. A "tia," they call it.
PADDY
What the hell is that?
SEAN
Transient Ischaemic Attack. He had a mini stroke. He volunteered me the information.
PADDY
Why didn't you tell us?
BRIAN
It was nothing. I didn't want to worry you. It only lasted a half hour or so...
PADDY
Did you go to see the doctor?
BRIAN
Where do you think that pamphlet came from?
SEAN
Doesn't having a "mini-stroke" mean you're more likely to have a...maxi-stroke?
BRIAN
I need to make some lifestyle changes.
PADDY
But da--
BRIAN
And some subject changes. I can take care of myself.
Paddy stands and crosses to the sofa and sits next to Sean. He picks up a box of loose photographs and starts looking through them.
PADDY
You looked so handsome on your wedding day. (He shows the photo to his father).
BRIAN
I was happy.
PADDY
Ma was so beautiful.
BRIAN
She still is.
SEAN
Have you seen her?
BRIAN
She's on the Book-Face pages.
PADDY
(Holds up another picture. It's of two young men in their teens or twenties, hanging out). Dad, this is Uncle Mike, idn't it?
BRIAN
Sure and it is. He was the baby.
PADDY
Who's he with here? He seems to be in all the pictures with Mike...
BRIAN
That was his dear friend Thomas. They were inseparable. And when Tom died...well...did I ever tell you Paddy that you've always reminded me of Mike?
PADDY
I don't know...maybe.
BRIAN
(Noticing Paddy's heart tattoo) Oh, that's a new one, isn't it?
PADDY
Yeah...you like it?
BRIAN
Well son, as you know, I've never been a fan of the art of the tattoo; but it is rather pretty, as those things go.
PADDY
Tanks, da.
BRIAN
It seems like a rather unusual place to have put it...
PADDY
What do you mean?
BRIAN
Well Paddy, you've never been one to wear your heart on your sleeve.
Paddy considers this as he looks at the picture again.
FADE OUT
Please see the blog entitled HEARTFIGHT: A Screenplay / Part 10 for the next installment.
CFR 5/25/23
CFR 5/25/23
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