Guest Room
By
Mariah Williams
Copyright © 2011 by Mariah Williams Mariah Williams
806 Coriander DR. Unit L
Torrance, CA
310 738 8381
INT. HANSON HIGH-DETINTION OFFICE-AFTERNOON
The teacher is wearing a black pencil shirt a bright red top and yellow heels. She is angry, and her eyes narrowed. She takes off her glasses.
TEACHER
This is your third warning this week.
You’re done.
The teacher stomps away. Jordyn has an annoyed look on her face. She walks out of office and goes to locker. Then, she puts hair in a ponytail.
STUDENT
Looks like you’re gone for good?
JORDYN HAYDEN
Thank god.
Jordyn stomps out of school, and starts walking home.
(V.O) Hi. My name is Jordyn. Jordyn Hayden. I hate school, and I hate where I live. All I want to do is be happy, which is ironic. I am sixteen years old, and all I want to do in life is get a job, and make money. They say money can’t by happiness. Whoever said that, didn’t know what to buy.
INT. HAYDEN RESIDENCE- AFTERNOON
Jordyn walks to house and opens the door with key,
JORDYN
Mom, I’m home!
MOM
Good, how was school?
JORDYN
I was expelled. (Happy voice)
MOM
What!
(Mom gives Jordyn a stern look.)
MOM
What did I tell you about acting up?
JORDYN
You said to never do it again but you know I’m a horrible listener.
Jordyn pulls out an apple from her backpack and takes a big bite out of it. She then marches upstairs and tosses backpack on the floor.
Mom walks up to Jordyn’s room.
INT. JORDYN’S ROOM- AFTERNOON
MOM
Why can’t you just try harder?
JORDYN
Mom, stop. I am horrible at school and you need help with the bills. So, I will find a job. I will drop out of school and get a job to support us.
Mom’s eyes soften. Jordyn takes of her jacket and her shoes and sits up on her bed.
MOM
I don’t know about this…
Mom looks away toward window. Jordyn is rolling her eyes.
JORDYN
Mom just let me do this. Trust me.
Jordyn cocks her head to the side and looks her mom straight in the eyes.
Mom then walks out of the room full of anger and misunderstanding.
Jordyn sighs, and turns on her bedroom tv. She then reaches of newspaper and the end of the bed and goes through the Jobs section. She scans paper and notices a dishwashing/ dog walking job.
Ad: Looking for dishwasher/dog walker in Laguna Beach area. 2187 Silver Pine Rd. Age 16+ Call 555-211-3356
JORDYN
Hmmm, maybe I should call.
Jordyn reaches in her backpack for her phone and dials the number. After three rings, a lady picks up.
LADY
Hello?
JORDYN
Ummm, hi. I read your ad in the paper
LADY
I’m sorry, huh?
The phone starts breaking up and dogs start barking
JORDYN
I read your job searching article in the paper. The one for the dog walking and dish cleaning?
Jordyn gets nervous and starts playing with her hair.
LADY
Oh, yes yes yes! We could use you! How does $12 an hour sound?
JORDYN
That sounds wonderful!
Jordyn is very shocked to hear the news.
LADY
Good, I’m Mrs. Hopkins by the way!
JORDYN
I’m Jordyn, when do you need me?
LADY
Well, my husband and I actually have a meeting later tonight at 8pm. It’s only 3:25. Can you come over and we can get to know each other?
JORDYN
Yeah, I will let my mom know.
LADY
Okay, see you later!
She then hangs up and Jordyn runs downstairs to tell mom the good news.
INT. HAYDEN LIVING ROOM- AFTERNOON
JORDYN
Mom! I got a job!
Mom is lying on the couch, propped up painting her toenails.
MOM
Huh? What?
JORDYN
I got a job! I’m meeting the later tonight. She and her husband need me for dishwashing and dog walking.
Mom looks skeptical as she brushes her hair back.
MOM
Hmmm, I don’t know. You don’t even know them.
Mom starts thumbing through the TV channels.
JORDYN
Mom, why do you always do this? Every time I have good news, you gotta be a buzz kill.
Jordyn turns around getting ready to go back to her room.
MOM
I’m not being a buzz kill, I’m being a protective parent. Does that bug you?
Mom gives Jordyn astern look.
JORDYN
Very much so, Madame (French Accent)
MOM
(sighs)
Here we go
Mom gets up from the couch and moves into the kitchen.
JORDYN
I am helping you! Since you can’t pay the bills yourself!
Mom gets aggravated and starts yelling.
MOM
Hey! You know we need help!
JORDYN
-Then I should be on my way.
Jordyn runs upstairs and grabs jacket off the back of the chair and makes a run for the door.
EXT. – LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA-EVENING
Jordyn starts walking fast, furiously. She then realizes that she has left the newspaper with the address on it in her room. A red Jaguar pulls up beside her.
MAN IN JAGUAR
Can I help you look for something?
JORDYN
Ummm, actually I left the address at home by accident.
MAN IN JAGUAR
Well, do you remember any of it? Maybe I can help you look.
JORDYN
Hmmm, it was something like 2187 Silver something…
MAN IN JAGUAR
2187 Silver Pine Rd?
Jordyn’s eyes light up.
MAN IN JAGUAR
Believe it or not, I live there! You’re the one who called about the dishwashing/dog walking jobs! I am Mrs. Hopkins’s husband. Call me Ralph.
They shake hands.
JORDYN
I’m Jordyn. Pleased to meet you.
RALPH
We live just a few blocks up ahead and to the right. I can give you a lift.
Jordyn opens up the back door and gets in. They soon arrive to the Hopkins’s Residence.
EXT. HOPKIN’S RESIDENCE- LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA
The residence is a big, light yellow house.
Jordyn and Ralph walks up to doorstep and rings doorbell.
MRS. HOPKINS
Hello! It is so nice to see you Jordyn!
JORDYN
Nice to meet you too!
Mrs. Hopkins puts out her hand in introduce herself to Jordyn.
MRS. HOPKINS
Please! Come in!
INT. HOPKIN’S WALKWAY- AFTERNOON
Jordyn steps into the house and is amazed by what she sees. The house is huge and has a chandelier hanging near the hallway. Vintage pictures are posted on
the walls.
JORDYN
Woah, this place is decked out!
MRS. HOPKINS!
Do you like it? I will have the painters redo the walls this weekend.
JORDYN
No, it’s perfect.
RALPH
Well, is there anything I can get you? Would you like a snack?
JORDYN
Umm, no. Its ok, I’m like a really picky eater.
Jordyn makes her way to the couch and plops down. She then tucks her hair behind her ear.
RALPH
No, no. We have everything from pretzel sticks to tuna sandwiches. I am certain we have something you would like.
JORDYN
How bout an orange soda and a turkey sandwich with pickle and mustard.
MRS. HOPKINS
Commin’ right up!
Mrs. Hopkins runs to the kitchen to make Jordyn’s food.
RALPH
So, we will wait for my wife to get back, and then we will get to know each other better.
JORDYN
Sure.
Both Ralph and Jordyn head to the living room. Mrs. Hopkins emerges out of the kitchen with a tray holding Jordan’s food. She sits it on the coffee table right in the middle of the living room.
INT. HOPKINS LIVING ROOM-AFTERNOON
JORDYN
Thank you, this looks great!
Jordyn reaches for her orange soda and pops it open and takes a long drink.
MRS. HOPKINS
So, let’s get to know you.
Mrs. Hopkins and her husband have a huge smile on their faces with their hands relaxed on their knees.
JORDYN
Umm, what would you two like to know?
Ralph
Well, what school are you attending?
Jordyn gets nervous and starts to glance around the house.
JORDYN
Ummm, H-Hanson
MRS. HOPKIN’S
Very nice! How are your grades?
JORDYN
Good.
Jordyn gets nervous since she is lying and takes a bite out of her sandwich.
RALPH
What do you want to major in College?
JORDYN
Umm, I am still deciding. Maybe illustration. I like tattoos.
MRS. HOPKINS
Great, perfect!
How is your relationship with your parents?
JORDYN
Pretty good.
RALPH
Ok, do you live with both parents?
JORDYN
No, just my mom.
RALPH
How would you describe yourself in three words?
JORDYN
Laid back, care free, and confident
MRS. HOPKINS
Good! You passed!
Jordyn rolls her eyes and slouches in the couch.
JORDYN
That was a test?
MRS. HOPKINS
Well, not exactly. But that doesn’t matter. Let me show you the dogs that need walking! They are very excited to see out new visitor! Come!
EXT. HOPKIN’S BACKYARD- EVENING
Mrs. Hopkins and her husband Ralph leads Jordyn to the backyard where the dogs are. One is a cocker spaniel and the other is a Labrador.
MRS. HOPKINS
Don’t be shy Jordyn! They love visitors!
Jordyn bends down to pet both dogs. They wag their tails excitedly and enjoy the company.
RALPH
So, we have a meeting to go to tonight. Can you walk the dogs and wash the dishes?
JORDYN
Yeah, let me just take off my jacket so it doesn’t get wet.
RALPH
Sure, place it on the coat hanger near the front door.
INT. HOPKIN’S LIVING ROOM- EVENING
Jordyn takes of her coat and walks to the front door to hang it up.
MRS. HOPKINS
Well, that’s about all we have to show you. You can watch TV when you are finished. Also, help yourself to the food!
RALPH
We need to get ready for the big night out!
MRS. HOPKINS
TA-TA!
INT. HOPKIN’S KITCHEN- EVENING
They both go upstairs and get ready.
Jordyn starts watching the dishes one by one. She stares out the window and keeps her eyes on the leaf blowing in the wind.
Keys are being put into the door. A teenage boy comes in the house.
TEENAGE BOY
Well well well what do we have here?
He has his soccer uniform on and a soccer ball under his left arm. Jordyn stares in awe at the boy because she sees that he is her worst enemy. John Hopkins.
JORDYN
H-hi John. What’s up?
JOHN
What are you doing here?
JORDYN
*sighs* ok, I know we hate each other, but I am only here to watch the dishes and walk the dogs.
JOHN
(Looks the other way)
No, you’re not. You need to leave. You knew this was my house before you answered the ad.
JORDYN
No, I didn’t. I swear!
JOHN
Whatever. I’m going upstairs.
Jordyn turns around and rinses the dishes. She is frustrated and does not know what to do. She marches up the stairs and searches for John’s bedroom. She peeks threw the crack of the door. There lays John tossing his soccer ball up in the air. She enters the room.
INT-JOHN’S BEDROOM- EVENING
JOHN
(Jumps from seeing Jordyn)
Hey! What are you doing up here? Just go back down stairs and finish your job so you can leave!
JORDYN
Listen, I know I am the last person you want to see. But to tell you the truth, I miss you. I miss us.
JOHN
It just couldn’t work out. You know that.
JORDYN
I know. But we can just be friends.
JOHN
I don’t know. I guess I just need some time to think.
JORDYN
Well, I guess I will stop bothering you.
Jordyn turns around to leave the room.
JOHN
Wait!
Jordyn turns back around.
JOHN
My parents wanted to let you know that you can stay in the guest room. It’s just two rooms down.
JORDYN
Ok, thanks.
Jordyn walks to the guest room. She notices that there is a dark puddle of water coming from under the door. She then here’s a voice. She slowly starts to open the door. It is pitch black. There is a small cot on the left hand side of the room. There is a small tv in the right hand corner. The window is wide open and wind is blowing in the room. Jordyn walks over to the window to close it. She then here’s the same voices. Jordyn looks back at the dark puddle I the walkway and goes to get a mop for it. She walks to the kitchen to get the mop. As she turns around to head back to the room, she sees that the puddle is gone.
INT. GUEST ROOM- EVENING
JORDYN
What the?
Jordyn looks around suspiciously. She takes the mop back into the kitchen. She then runs to John’s room.
INT. JOHN’S BEDROOM- EVEVING
JORDYN
John!
JOHN
Yeah, what’s up?
John sits up and looks straight at Jordyn.
JORDYN
I don’t know if this is a joke, but the problem is is that it’s not funny.
Jordyn is starting to panic and sweat.
JOHN
What are you talking about?
John stands up and stares directly at Jordyn.
JORDYN
There was a black puddle of water in the walkway of the guest room. I go get the mop, and it’s done. Where did it go?
Jordyn starts breathing hard and runs her fingers threw her hair.
JOHN
(Chuckles)
Relax dude, it’s co
ol.
John grabs Jordyn’s shoulder to calm her down. Jordyn pulls away.
JORDYN
No, it’s not ok. What is going on? Is there a ghost in here? How did that puddle of water just evaporate? And I also heard voices.
A stern look grows on John’s face.
JOHN
Umm, you’re insane. Now get out of my room before I have my parents fire you.
I puzzled look grows on Jordyn’s face. She then runs straight to the backyard to see the dogs. As she enters the kitchen she sees that all of her clean dishes have gotten dirty somehow. She then runs back to John’s room. She stops once she hears him on the phone. She puts her ear close to the door and listens.