Locking Her Father Out

Scene 1 – Sky Apartment

(Memory Sequence)

An apartment structured like a tiny house. The glow of the neon sky gave the glass scattered reflections. Inside, Nadine, at thirteen, is sitting with her mother at the couch.

NADINE: What do you I need a baby sitter? I’m thirteen.

MOTHER: I know that, but you always matured slower than other boys.

NADINE: I’m a girl for one thing.

MOTHER: You know, your uncle will never consider you female.

cut to

Nadine is taking a screw driver to adjust the tightness of her robotic arms and legs.

NADINE: I’m a grown thirteen year old. I can feel it in my limbs.

SCENE 2 – Under City Apartment Flat

(Present)

A run down apartment, Ellen is locked inside the basement trying to keep her alcoholic father outside.

FATHER: Banging on the door.

Ellen, let me in, I need to talk to you. It’s about your grades.

ELLEN: (Not feeling like breaking away from her favorite message board.) I know exactly what will happen if I do as well. So let’s cut to the chase, what do you want?

SCENE 3 – Under City Neighborhood

Ellen is exiting her apartment through the basement window she cracked open. On her she carries the clothes that she could carry, and her toiletries. Also a thumb drive with images she found online.

She reaches a dark alleyway, and she recognized the silhouette of the figure of a boy her age.

ELLEN: What are you doing around here Slephner?

SLEPHNER: I’m just dropping by, why are you out so late?

ELLEN: What’s it to you?

SLEPHNER: (Seeing the bruise that was on her legs.) Oh, I see. Want to come over to my place?

A “war dog”, a remnant of an old military robot canine from the two civil wars, attempts to attack them. The figure is rusty, and in need of repairs.

Slephner shoots a shotgun at it.

SLEPHNER: Besides, it’s dangerous out her so late.