Little Man - Act 2 / Part 2

Exterior Ethan's house.
Night.
Ethan and Fugly pace on the porch. Francine's car rolls up.
Ethan approaches, Where have you been selling cookies?
It's one in the morning.
Shh, look in that little darling.
In the car. Doug is out cold, sleeping like an angel.
Ethan opens the door, pulls Doug onto his shoulder.
You two week.
Interior Classroom Day super day six. Small hands drop envelopes
into a box labeled cookie Money. Doug slumps on his desk,
head on a stuffed grocery bag. Next to him. Rachel
wrinkles her nose.
You smell like my brother's room. You smell like your
brother's butt.
Anyone else?
Doug rises, takes his grocery bag, trudges to the box.
He pulls out two big ziploc bags, bursting with money
grew from his classmates. Julia's eyes pop sea work. He yawns,
digs in his pocket, pulls out one more crumpled bill,
crams it in the box. Interior Auditorium day crowded. The
energy is electric. Teachers students all grades are present, kindergarten
through fifth Principal Garcia addresses the school at the podium.
All the money raised through cookies for Carrying benefits children
in third world countries. I'm so proud to announce we've
exceeded our goal by fifty percent.
Everyone cheers and class, and.
Now the moment you've all been waiting for, I will
announce the winning class and the recipient of the Cookies
or Carrying trophy.
She motions to a huge golden trophy in the shape
of a cookie. The kids squeal with excitement. Doug nods off.
This has been the closest raised I've seen in all
my years at Fairview.
Doug is now asleep in his seat beside Wyatt.
The winning class by a difference of only one dollar.
Everyone holds their breath. Ashford, Jake, and the fifth graders
look very confident. Second Grid screams of joy from Doug's class.
He wakes on fifth graders shocked faces. Ashford fumes. Classmates
jump up and surround Doug their hero. Wyatt high fives in.
Doug smiles for the first time since coming to school.
Julia grins he needed this. Principal Garcia hands the big
golden cookie trophy to Julia. She raises it high, cheering
Flaws exterior school pickup area day, Doug is once again
the last kid left.
Screw this.
He walks off exterior neighborhood park day. Doug walks past
the park, he spots the Mister Chili truck. He runs
toward the truck. Doug haltz across the park. Ashford and
Jake harass Wyatt.
Think you're so cool because of a stupid cookie contest.
Doug looks toward the Mister Chili truck, then back to Wyatt,
torn between his knee to talk to Carl and his
undeveloped sense of right.
Pizzy Pant's gonna cry diaper way.
Ashford grabs Wyatt's soda. Jake pins Wyatt's arms behind his back.
Ashford dumps the soda all over Wyatt's head.
Ha ha, Pizzy pants peet on his head.
That doesn't even make sense. How's he gonna peel on
his own head?
As Fart The older boys turned to see Doug.
Lubaka's gonna arrescue his girlfriend.
Jake, your head so far up Asphart's ass, you get
so wait he had for dinner last night. Seriously, it's
okay to just tell him you love him. You don't
have to do some weird, sadistic bonding shit with Wyatt
when what you really want is for aspart to hold you.
The boys gape, confused, trying to comprehend Doug's words. They
look at each other and pounce on Dug. They dumped
him headfirst in a trash can and run muffled profanities
from inside the trash can. Wyatt pushes it over. Doug
crawls out. The boys sit silent, soaked, filthy.
I'm used to them pigging on me.
You didn't have to do that, sure I did. Those
guys are dicks, Yeah, they're dicks.
Carl watches from afar, nods impressed, returns to his truck.
Side by side, Doug and Wyatt leave the park. Doug
mock punches Wyatt's arm. Wyatt does it back.
To Doug beat what's a dick?
Did one more time? Give me a little bit of it?
Interior Classroom Day super Day seven. Julia reads the last
page of Charlotte's Web to the class.
Wilburn never forgot Charlotte. Though he loved her children and
grandchildren dearly, none of the new Spiders ever quite took
her place in his heart. She was in a class
by herself. It's not often that someone comes along who
is a true friend and a good writer. Charlotte was both.
Yeah.
The kids clap and cheer. Some are a little weepy,
including Doug. But Doug doesn't like feeling weepy.
That ending blows the baby Spider's bailed and left Wilber
all alone. I hope Templeton needs them.
That the man a mixture of shock and giggles from
the kids.
Doug, that was inappropriate. Please move your pin to red.
Doug slogs to the behavior chart, moves his clothes pin
Doug's pov. Everyone's pins are on green. Doug's pin is
the sole inhabitant of the red zone, like always Doug flowers.
Are there any questions?
What's the point of this thing?
Motions to the behavior chart.
I meant about Charlotte's web, But that's okay. Who would
like to answer Doug's question?
Several hands go up. Julia calls on some classmates.
Yay, behave ourselves.
It tells us if we're doing good, and if we're not,
we try to be better.
It doesn't do jack. Good kids stay on green, bad
kids stay on yellow and red.
Same old, same old, it's supposed to motivate you.
It's a reminder. We suck gasps from the class, makes
us feel like crap.
Bigger gas.
Julia remains called Doug, please, you need to.
Welcome to Loserville.
Population one points to his pin on red a sparking Knight's.
He combusts.
When it's in your face all the time, that you
can't do anything right, It's like, whatever, screw it? Why try?
Everyone's already made up their minds about you no matter
what you do, so you keep on doing bad things.
It's an endless cycle.
Doug points to the butterfly life cycle poster. Makes a
circular hard circular motion. Makes a circular motion.
I got it, Na.
Makes a circular motion with his finger. Julia's shell shocked.
She gulps from her water.
Bottle, just saying.
Time for refect.
Kids scramble out the door. A flustered Julia watches Doug
through the window. Later, kids work in pairs. Whyat quizzes
Doug on spelling words.
Okay, next word butter butter.
But e r The boy snicker.
Okay, everyone, time to pack up, Doug? Can I talk
to you for a second?
Students pack up to go home, Doug plods over to
Julia's desk.
I know, inappropriate, it's just easier to remember.
But plus e R, it's what you said about the
behavior chart.
I was just trying.
I appreciate your honesty. Thank you, You're welcome. Are you
sure you're eight?
Hey?
Just just a number.
He leans all cool on her desk. Julia laughs, shoes
him out. Inter your classroom day super day eight kids enter, commotion,
surprise chatter. Doug checks out the source. The behavior chart
is gone.
Settle down.
We're trying something new. I put the behavior chart away.
Mixed reactions, shock, frustration, relief, joy.
We don't have to be good anymore. Of course, you do.
Just follow the rules and treat others how you want
to be treated. Let's give it a try.
Nods and murmurs of agreement.
I'll remind you if you need to get back on track.
She winks at Doug stands up a little straighter. Later,
math time, Julia notices Doug concentrating his pencil, moves across
his paper. He's doing his work.
I see you're working, Doug. Great job.
Before Doug can react, she takes his paper. Her eyes
go big.
Doug, what is this. It's interesting self expression.
Yep, just expressing myself.
She walks away with his paper. Doug groans Wyatt pops
up beside him.
Can I express myself?
Interior Charles Schwab offices day, see if cubicles. Ethan sits
in his listens to voicemail.
Hi, this is miss Jones. I have some concerns about Doug.
I hoped we could meet after school today.
Interior Classroom Day. Ethan takes a seat across from Julia.
Thanks for coming on such short notice.
I know I haven't been around much. Work is really hectic.
Doug mentioned that it's great what you're doing for him,
but it must be hard on both of you.
You're getting by adjusting Ethan's POV through the window behind Julia.
Doug pokes around in the learning garden.
Doug's uninteresting child.
He's different, a little rough around the edges.
Inappropriate, impulsive.
We're working on that.
But his drawings.
Ethan gulps. He knows Doug's drawings all too well. Julia
holds up Doug's paper. Ethan's eyes pop. Among Doug's typical acts,
wielding barbarians and amazons with heaving bosoms, there's something new.
A swirling plant life insectoid images of larva pupa. A
butterfly with gossamer wings emerges from a chrysalis. Beautiful and
not what Ethan expected.
Doug's gifted, you mean special, gifted artistically and intellectually. Intellectually,
he has remarkable analytical skills, makes keen observations for a
child his age.
Frankly, there are times I feel in talking to a peer.
He's an old soul.
He's bright, creative, a leader.
Doug.
He needs to believe in himself, needs encouragement, a cheerleader
in his corner. I just need your authorization for gifted testing.
She hands Ethan a form and pen Ethan's POV. Doug
as a hose with a big nozzle between his legs.
He wiggles it like a huge penis and peas on
the plants.
This could open up opportunities for Doug. He deserves this chance.
Interior Ethan's car moving day, Ethan drives. Doug fidgets nervous.
Was it my drawings?
Ethan shakes his head.
Would you just tell what she said? Already?
She thinks here gifted, she said, I'm special, That's what
I thought. But she said, gifted like super smart, remarkable
analytical skills. Fuck yeah, you're a talented artist and a leader,
among other things.
She thinks I'm a son of a bitch. She didn't
say that Julia is Charlotte.
Ethan still doesn't get it.
Duh the spider from Charlotte's web read a book once
in a while, Neander fal If.
She's Charlotte, then you're Wilbur.
Some pig terrific radiance. Humble.
Ethan laughs.
Humble.
Doug bounces in his seat, rolls down the window, yells.
I'm gifting whoa crew?
He fist pumps the passing trucker. Trucker toots his horn.
Gift of Jaggo, considering you're actually thirty.
It's the Jago wite look of fight, slashing up to
the challenge of all raffle.
Ethan drops it. He's ever seen Doug this happy.
The last Farmer's boxes ready and then and he's watching
of jig.
Interior Ethan's house day Survivor's Eye of the Tiger continues
a series of shots Doug's new attitude. Doug rounds up
trash in his room, vacuums he he sorts through his
dirty clothes, loads the washer. He tosses his hustlers in
a trash camp takes a couple out. Ethan and Fugly
watch with disbelief. Later, Ethan works on his laptop on
the couch. Doug walks up dishtalel on shoulder, hard Seltzer
in hand, offers it to Ethan.
Thank you, that was thoughtful.
Ethan smiles, takes a sip. Doug returns to the kitchen.
I'm making dinner pasta we shouldn't find Francine.
Ethan chokes on his seltzer. An hour later, Francene enters
with a baguette and wine nicewater.
Loo's good on you, This will make a great boushetta.
Doug takes the baguette and wine. Francine narrows her eyes
glances at Ethan. He shrugs, You're not Doug.
You're an alien.
You killed him and you took his place.
Doug pulls her chair out. She sits bye by me.
You like pasta autentu right?
She nods. Doug darts to the kitchen. Ethan smiles, amused.
What mess is he on self esteem?
Later, food and laughter, Ethan pours wine. Doug has sauce
all over his face. Bugly sits on a chair beside Franccene.
She gives him a chunk of bread.
Seventh grade, But you stamp on the.
Worst Halloween costume ever.
No one appreciates my creative.
Time laps, Pasta and bread disappear, wine glasses empty, exterior
front porch. Night. Ethan and Doug watch Francene drive off.
Doug waves Fugly's paw bye.
That was really nice.
Francy's not that bad.
Fugly barks in agreement. Ethan smiles at the boy and
dog interior Doug's room. Night bedtime. Doug and Fugly settle onto.
The mattress, Gonna be up for a while.
Good night night.
Ethan turns off the light.
Ethan, Yeah, I'm sorry.
Click light goes back on.
You heard me. I know in twenty two years, I've
never said I'm sorry for anything. I want to apologize
for being such a pain in the ass. I'm sorry
for this whole situation.
Apology, accept it, Go to bed, gifted child.
He turns off the light and thank you. Click light
goes back on.
Okay, overload, did.
You say you mind?
I'm having a woman, Ethan sits beside him. Thugly crawls
onto Ethan's lap.
I want to say thank you for everything, for taking
care of me way before the do over. You let
me and Fugly live here for free. You bought all
this kid's stuff, and you have to act like a.
Dad, and you're welcome.
Fugly licks Ethan's face.
You too, Fugly.
They laugh.
Beat We're not gonna hug now, Marby Nah.
He wraps Doug in a bear hug. Exterior Fairview Elementary
Day super Day nine kids run over and say hi
to Doug. He picks up trash on his way to class.
Pep and a step A series of shots Doug's awesome
day at school. Doug pays attention and participates. He actually
does his math and enjoys it. Group project Doug cooperates, rehearsal,
goes great. Doug high five's Wyatt. He got a sticker
on his chart.
I love it.
I'll give you a cue.
Do you want us to sing it?
Or it's like I have a tiger?
Okay, no, it's no copyright already copyright.
Doug high fived Wyatt. He got a sticker on his chart.
I have the Tiger exterior school pickup area day Doug waits.
Rachel waves from a passing.
Car, Doug, bye, see you tomorrow. Cool bye Rachel.
Interior Francine's car day. Fran scene is in a good
the mood. Built out a package to Doug.
What's this?
Open it?
She rubs her hands excited. Doug tears off the paper
on package. It's a vintage Alien action figure with extendable jaws.
No way, how'd you.
One of my clients is a collector.
He was gonna sell it on eBay.
Only five hundred were made. It's awesome.
He shocks friends scene with a hug.
It will never replace the one I broke. I was jealous.
Ethan was always the golden boy.
Mom and Dad's favorite, got straight, a's teacher's pet, had
a cool best friend.
Doug blinks cool best friend me.
So you terrorized both of us. Made sense to a
stupid kid. You're not stupid.
I never thought that she gives him a girl. Please look.
Sure, I said it every day, but my point is
you're not stupid. Don't say that about yourself.
Ugly yeah, because of my nasty ass job of the
hot flesh eating butt face disease.
Where do he gets such vile ideas?
They share a laugh. Exterior Ethan's house day. On the
porch steps, Doug admires the alien action figure still in
the box. Fugly sniffs it, lags his tail. A butterfly
lands on Doug's arm. He grins. It flits away to
rest on a flower in the yard. Doug's pov blue
sky flowers, bloom, birds sing, No.
What FuG This might not be so bad after.
All, chimes in the distance. Doug jumps up.
Stay.
Fugly whimpers six. Doug dashes full speed down the block
on butterfly serene. A bird swoops in and eats it.
Next street over, kids line up with the Mister Chili truck.
Doug runs to the end of the line. No shoving
or pushing, Doug.
I'm impressed, young man, you're turning yourself around.
The last kid leaves, Carl hops out of the truck.
Right. I'm totally killing this. Don't be a douchebag thing.
Keep this up, and by the end of the day
tomorrow you'll be shaving again.
Do over officially over.
Yeah about that, and.
I hang up the uniform.
I know el Nino may have seen harsh, but you
needed a kick in the pants.
Knew you could do it.
Yay, yay, Carl. I've been thinking, thinking abit I'm okay
like this, staying kid, not changing back to a grown up.
But but all your humming and han grown.
Up me's got nothing, no job, no future. I'm a loser.
This is my second chance to get it right, be
the person I could have been.
Carl squints at Doug. The boy's face is serious.
I'm doing well in school. Kids like me. My teacher
thinks I'm a genius.
Carl's bushy brows arch.
And Ethan's awesome at being a dad, better than mine
ever was. Before he bails.
Doug looks down, his words hang in the air.
It's nice having someone who's a best friend but also like.
A dad, doug Son, I'm afraid there has been a misunderstanding.
Carl size heavy.
When I said you'd stay a child so you learn
some lessons. I meant I.
Wouldn't go back to being ferdy again. Got it that
I'd have to grow up all over again. I'm telling
you I'm cool of it.
I meant you'd stay a child forever. You will always
be eight years old, won't grow or mature, No puberty.
Small forever.
His hand unconsciously goes to his crotch.
Are you fucking joking?
Language, son?
Just get through tomorrow, no hiccups, and move on with
the lessons you learned as an adult.
Sorry, that's how it works.
Carl puts a hand on Doug's shoulder. Doug shrugs him off.
This is so not there, Carl.
He tears off down the block. Carl sits on the bumper, tired.
Sometime life isn't to be continued.
Can you give me one word?
This is so not fair of Carl. You're really kind
of give it up as you walk away.
You're just like done.
This is so not fair, Carl.
Thank you everybody,