BLACK SCREEN:
KEITH (V.O.)
I've always wanted to go away. The first
time, I was only seven years old. My
mother found me, nine blocks away from
our home, just walking and looking. She
said I just disappeared. She turned
around . . .and I was gone. She was
horrified. I'll never forget the look on
her face nor the incredible hug she gave
me. When I graduated from high school at
sixteen years old, the very next day on
my seventeenth birthday, I packed one
very large suitcase, returned that
incredible hug back to my mother, and
went off to college in New York City.
Now, 18 years old, I realize I have not
gone very far. What is far? Do we ever
know? Do we ever know if we've gone far
or far enough?
1 FADE IN:1
1 INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY 1
Students race out of a classroom. KEITH MITCHELL, 18, an
attractive brown skinned, precocious, modern American boy,
college sophomore sits daydreaming at his desk near the
window, with his laptop closed; he is fixated on the world on
the other side of the window. His laptop is his security
blanket. He is never seen without it.
PROFESSOR
Mr. Mitchell?
KEITH continues to look out of the window as the color slowly
fades from the trees, grass, sky and all things in his sight.
PROFESSOR (CONT'D)
Mr. Mitchell, you can be out there as
soon as you pack your things.
KEITH turns to his PROFESSOR.
KEITH
I'm sorry Professor, what did you say?
The outside world regains its colors.
PROFESSOR
Class is over? You are free to go.
KEITH
Wow, that was fast. I feel like I just
sat down.
KEITH focuses on the PROFESSOR.
PROFESSOR
You stared out of that window most of my
class. Time flies when you daydream.
KEITH
Sorry Professor.
KEITH gently lifts his laptop and places it into his backpack
delicately. PROFESSOR watches as KEITH slowly packs his
things up, as if he does not want to leave.
PROFESSOR
Are you okay?
KEITH
(uncertain)
Yeah.
(he stands)
No. Not really.
(confused)
I mean, I am, but. . .
PROFESSOR
Sit.
PROFESSOR walks over.
PROFESSOR (CONT'D)
What's going on Keith?
KEITH
I don't know.
PROFESSOR
(unsympathetic)
Don't waste my time Mr. Mitchell. You're
far too intelligent for this. What's up?
KEITH
(full of conflict)
You know, I've been reading all of those
newspapers you said we should be reading.
PROFESSOR
(proud)
Good. That's real good.
KEITH
I'm thinking about taking some time off
from school.
PROFESSOR sits at a desk near KEITH.
PROFESSOR
Time off?!? What does that mean exactly?
KEITH
Traveling. Seeing the world. Figuring
it all out. I need to make things, make
sense to me.
PROFESSOR
What things?
KEITH
Things. I don't how to explain it. It's
just stuff.
PROFESSOR
Keith, I am in school too. I'm working
towards a Ph.D. You are a very bright
young man. I thought you would follow my
. . .
KEITH
(interrupting)
Professor, you are not the one who said
there is no blueprint? That everyone
must walk their own walk?
PROFESSOR
(struggling)
Yes. I did.
KEITH listens attentively to his favorite PROFESSOR and
mentor.
PROFESSOR (CONT'D)
Keith, an education will open the world
up to you like. . .you could never
imagine. You'll have plenty of time to
travel and save the world.
KEITH
Right now, I'm trying to save myself.
PROFESSOR
(frustrated)
I can not and I will not advise you to
leave college. The experiences you
desire will happen. It's called time.
KEITH undoes his watch and places it on the Professor's desk.
KEITH
I don't have it.
There is a knock on the door. KEITH and PROFESSOR look up.
It's NATHAN. NATHAN PINDERS, 19, is an attractive caramel
skinned, street styled but very upper middle class, mini Ipod
toting guy.
NATHAN
Oh, sorry. Should I come back?
KEITH
No, I'm leaving.
PROFESSOR
Come in Mr. Pinders. Mr. Mitchell is on
his way out.
KEITH and the PROFESSOR stand.
PROFESSOR (CONT'D)
(referring to the watch)
Keep it.
PROFESSOR walks over to his desk and sits.
KEITH and NATHAN crisscross as KEITH exits.
PROFESSOR (CONT'D)
And what is your story Mr. Pinders?
NATHAN
Nothing. I just need you to sign this
form.
NATHAN pulls a Drop/Add form from his back pocket.
2 EXT. NEW YORK CITY - NIGHT 2
The traffic light switches from green to yellow to red.
3 EXT. NEW YORK CITY - DAY 3
The pedestrian sign flashes from stop to walk.
4 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 4
Students rush about the well manicured university campus.
5 INT. COLLEGE HALLWAY - DAY 5
Students feet rush about the hallway. Two sets of feet
collide. They rest for a moment. One set scatters away as
the other stands firm and walks off in the opposite
direction.
6 INT. COLLEGE CLASSROOM - DAY 6
PROFESSOR sits at his desk.
7 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 7
Ringing phone.
Nearly empty apartment with a large yet sensible rolling
suitcase closed with a passport, airline ticket, video camera
and various travel guides on top.
The phone rings again.
He gently places his backpack on the table. He turns about,
stops and looks at the suitcase.
KEITH
I cannot believe I've packed the phone
again. What is going on?
The phone stops ringing. KEITH, stressed, walks closer to
the suitcase and stops. His cell phone rings. He takes the
phone from is pocket.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Hello.
He neatly places the airline ticket, passport, maps, guidess,
and video camera on the sofa.
8 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 8
LANCE
Wake up?
He unzips the suitcase and begins to carefully take items
from the suitcase and place them on the floor neatly. He
spots the cordless phone. Embarrassed, he picks up the phone
and tosses it on the sofa.
9 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 9
KEITH
I am awake!
10 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 10
LANCE
What are you doing?
11 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 11
KEITH
Packing.
12 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 12
LANCE
Yo, you're not done packing yet?
13 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 13
KEITH
I'm trying to consolidate.
14 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 14
LANCE
I can not believe you are just leaving
like this.
15 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 15
KEITH
Me either. But. . .
KEITH's cordless phone rings.
KEITH (CONT'D)
(interrupting)
Hold on! It's my mother.
16 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 16
LANCE
Who else would it be!? She is going to
go nuts when you leave.
17 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 17
He answers.
KEITH
Hello.
MOTHER (V.O.)
Hello, my precious baby.
KEITH
Hi Ma.
MOTHER (V.O.)
Keith I wish I could see you before you
go.
KEITH
Ma, I was home two weeks ago. And you
were here last weekend. Remember?
MOTHER (V.O.)
It wasn't enough.
(she pauses)
KEITH
But you said you were going to come visit
me?
MOTHER (V.O.)
Visit you where? You're all over the map
Keith. I don't know why you all ways have
to rush it.
KEITH
I'm not rushing it. Ma we had this
conversation already.
MOTHER (V.O.)
Okay. Okay. I have to go.
INSERT:
Beautiful woman driving in a convertible.
KEITH
I'll call you later. Promise.
KEITH drops the phone and returns to LANCE.
18 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 18
LANCE
It's like six o'clock in the morning
where she is, how many times have you
spoken to her today already?
19 INT. KEITH'S APARTMENT - DAY 19
KEITH
Don't worry about that. What time are we
meeting?
He kicks off his loafers but quickly places them together
neatly near his luggage he glances at them considering
whether they will make the cut for his trip.
20 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 20
LANCE
After my class at the coffee shop. Be
there! On time! And turn your cell on!
KEITH clicks LANCE off.
21 EXT. COLLEGE CAMPUS - DAY 21
Beautiful sunny pre autumn morning on a college campus as
students begin to settle into the rhythm and routine of
university life.
NATHAN PINDERS, with mini Ipod plugged into himself, bursts
through the doors of one of the academic building carrying a
syllabus.
NATHAN stops just before he begins his descent down the
stairs. Without hesitation, he rips the syllabus into
confetti size pieces and tosses it into the air. Suddenly,
and briefly, the campus becomes a mini celebration as the
tiny pieces of paper are blown into a frenzy.
He walks to the edge of campus as the university looms behind
him as if he's been stalked.
Back on campus as bits of paper continue to scatter about.
NATHAN walks away with a syncopated bob of his head.
22 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 22
KEITH sits typing on his top-of-the-line ultra-thin laptop
computer. His fingers peck at the keyboard.
23 EXT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 23
NATHAN crosses the street in front of the coffee shop. GLEN,
is a stylish, cute, green eyed, dirty blond dread-locked
fellow college student stands in front smoking a cigarette.
NATHAN notices KEITH sitting.
NATHAN
Nerd.
NATHAN's fingers rest on his durag. They slowly unravels it
freeing his scalp. His tucks it in his back pocket but the
ties hang loose from his jeans. He heads for the coffee
shop.
24 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 24
NATHAN walks in. The waiter, GLEN, follows NATHAN into the
coffee shop. GLEN watches as NATHAN steps up to KEITH's
table.
NATHAN
Wassup?
KEITH, now more sporty, looks up at NATHAN.
KEITH
Hey.
NATHAN
You're the guy from the Professor's class
a few weeks ago?
KEITH
I'm sorry?
NATHAN
You were talking to Professor Donnelly.
KEITH looks up from his computer.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
You don't remember me?
KEITH checks NATHAN out.
KEITH
I'm afraid I don't.
NATHAN
Do you mind if I sit?
GLEN watches KEITH and NATHAN - more NATHAN than KEITH thou.
KEITH
No, go ahead.
NATHAN sits.
KEITH (CONT'D)
What are you listening to?
NATHAN
Celeb.
KEITH
Never heard of it.
NATHAN
It's my boy's cd. Hip-hop. Want to
listen?
KEITH frowns.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
What's that face for? Tell me you don't
like hip hop yo?
KEITH
Well. . .
NATHAN
No, wait I got to hear this one.
NATHAN scoots his chair closer to the table.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
Okay go.
KEITH
What?
NATHAN
Go ahead. I can tell you have something
to say.
KEITH
Well, I like the old stuff, like The
Message, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul,
Run DMC.
NATHAN
How are you going to compare The Message
to Up in Da Club? It's apples and
oranges man.
KEITH
Exactly! It used to be fresh, so smart,
of the moment, so relevant and fun. Now
it's so violent, misogynistic and
pointless.
GLEN walks over.
NATHAN
(to GLEN)
One second B.
(back to KEITH)
Hip hop is still a reflection of society.
KEITH
Hmmm . . .no. It's just pop music with a
really good hook.
GLEN
Can I get you something?
NATHAN
One second.
(threw off by KEITH's last comment)
What?
(pauses)
You are confusing pop music with hip hop
music.
KEITH
My confusion has nothing to do with hip
hop music but a lot to do with the
America's ability to package and market
anything and everything. . .everywhere.
NATHAN
Cats are doing this hip hop thing all
over the world. We got b boys all over
the world.
GLEN
Call me.
GLEN walks off again.
KEITH
Cats, all over the world, need to express
themselves through their own art forms.
Hip hop culture needs to be appreciated
and studied not imitated and diluted for
the masses and capitalists. Besides, I
don't want the entire world to define me
by a rap song and (slash) or. . .what
they've seen in a music video.
NATHAN
Where is he?
GLEN returns.
GLEN
Worked up a thirst?
NATHAN
Man, get me an orange juice. Fresh
squeezed.
GLEN
Everything here is fresh. I'll be back.
GLEN walks away.
NATHAN
I haven't had a conversation like this
before. What's your name?
KEITH
Keith.
NATHAN extends his hand to KEITH. KEITH looks and extends
his hand to NATHAN.
NATHAN
Nathan. So. . .who are you waiting for.
. . .Keith?
KEITH
Who said I was waiting for anyone. . . .
.Nathan?
NATHAN
It's kind of clear by the way you've
managed to barricade yourself behind your
computer.
KEITH
You found me.
NATHAN
I guess I did.
GLEN returns and places a glass of fresh squeezed orange in
front of NATHAN. GLEN walks off.
GLEN
Two dollars. Pay at the counter.
NATHAN
Thanks.
KEITH phone rings. KEITH scrambles for his cell phone.
KEITH
Don't you want to go pay?
NATHAN
I'll pay on the way out.
KEITH looks over to NATHAN as he slides his phone from his
bag.
KEITH
Why wait?
NATHAN
Exactly. Your phone's ringing.
KEITH makes sour a face at NATHAN and clicks on his cell
phone.
KEITH
Hello.
25 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 25
LANCE
What are you doing?
26 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 26
KEITH stands up and starts to walk away.
NATHAN
Go. I'll be right here.
NATHAN's fingers creep towards KEITH's computer.
KEITH
Waiting for you.
KEITH smacks NATHAN's hand.
27 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 27
LANCE
Yo, I'm going to need some extra time on
this test.
28 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 28
NATHAN
Ouch!
29 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 29
LANCE
Who's that?
30 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 30
KEITH sits back down.
KEITH
Nobody. Where are you?
NATHAN withdraws his hand with a smile.
31 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 31
GIRL, annoyed, looks over to LANCE.
GIRL
Shhh!
LANCE
Are you listening to me? I'm still in
class.
32 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 32
KEITH
Hold on. Hold on.
KEITH takes the phone from his ear and sees that his mother
is calling again. He places the phone back to his ear.
KEITH (CONT'D)
It's my mother.
(clicks over)
NATHAN watches and sips as KEITH works the phone.
33 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 33
LANCE
Again?
34 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 34
KEITH
Hi, Ma. I have to call you back.
(clicks over to LANCE)
I'm back.
35 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 35
LANCE
Yeah. . .
36 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 36
He looks over to NATHAN sipping on his orange juice.
KEITH
Are you coming?
37 INT. CLASSROOM - DAY 37
LANCE
(panicking)
Yo, my professor's coming. I'll catch up
with you later.
38 INT. COFFEE SHOP - DAY 38
KEITH, pissed off, groans and clicks his cell off. KEITH
starts to gather his things. He gives priority and special
attention to his laptop as he packs.
NATHAN
What are you doing?
KEITH
I'm out of here.
NATHAN
Don't you want to hang out and have that
coffee shop experience with me?
KEITH
I don't hang out.
KEITH guzzles the rest of his water, places the empty bottle
on the table and walks away. NATHAN sits baffled and
attracted.
NATHAN
Man that kid is whacked. Yo can I get my
check please!
39 EXT. STREET - DAY 39
KEITH exits the coffee shop onto the streets of New York
City. He passes the newspaper stand featuring the current
news headlines. NATHAN follows a few moments .
NATHAN
(yelling to KEITH)
Yo! Wait up! Where you headed?
MARIA, 19, a cute Latina, and her attractive African American
classmate, VAL, 20, both wearing medical uniforms, backpacks
and carrying books walk ahead of KEITH.
MARIA
Val, I thought would never end today.
VAL
I know. I was up all night studying too.
I just want to get home and finish my
Chinese food. It's going to be so good
too.
KEITH does not look back and with much pep in his step he
hurries away from NATHAN.
KEITH
Stalker.
NATHAN
Yo, Keith!
VAL and MARIA look back. KEITH turns away from NATHAN
twisting his ankle unleashing a loud cry and nearly falling
to the ground. KEITH clutches his computer on the way down
as VAL and MARIA catch him.
MARIA
Are you okay?
VAL
Maria, he's fine. Let's go.
NATHAN catches up.
NATHAN
You okay?
KEITH
(in very minor pain)
My leg.
NATHAN
(to VAL and MARIA)
I got him. You can let go.
VAL
Fine.
VAL gives KEITH to NATHAN.
KEITH
What are you doing?
KEITH holds onto MARIA and VAL.
NATHAN
Nothing. I got you.
(to VAL and MARIA)
Let go.
KEITH
You let go.
NATHAN
I'm trying to help you.
NATHAN lets go. KEITH scopes NATHAN out.
MARIA
You need to sit. Val help him over to
the bus stop.
VAL
Maria?
MARIA
Your Chinese food is not going anywhere?
VAL and MARIA walk KEITH over to the bus stop. KEITH sits.
NATHAN watches and follows.
NATHAN
Does it hurt?
NATHAN sits down next to KEITH.
KEITH
A little.
NATHAN
Come on. Walk it off.
MARIA
He should rest it for a few minutes.
NATHAN
(to MARIA)
Are you a doctor?
VAL
Are you?
NATHAN tries to lift KEITH.
KEITH
What are you doing?
NATHAN
Try to walk.
KEITH attempts to put weight on his leg. KEITH groans a bit.
NATHAN (CONT'D)
You have to stretch it.
NATHAN is by his side.
KEITH
Don't move. Don't move.
KEITH stretches his ankle.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Augh!
NATHAN
How does it feel?
KEITH
I need to sit.
NATHAN
Do you want to go back to the coffee
shop?
KEITH
No.
NATHAN looks over to VAL and MARIA.
NATHAN
Can you help him please?
VAL
Ain't nothing wrong with him.
MARIA
Val. . .help.
VAL
You always want to help somebody.
MARIA
We're nursing students. This what we are
going to do for the rest of our lives.
VAL
Hopefully not on the street. And what
did we talk about in class two weeks ago?
MARIA
What?
VAL
Mal practice. I am not trying to get
sued.
MARIA
Girl you need to re review that chapter.
And the Nurse's Creed.
VAL
What creed?
MARIA
I made that up. Now get over here.
MARIA starts to help KEITH.
NATHAN
Yo kid, show them your leg.
MARIA
Can we see your leg, please?
KEITH pulls up his pant.
MARIA (CONT'D)
Okay, let's see what is going on?
KEITH takes is bag off and pulls out his cell.
KEITH
No signal. I hate that. It's New York
City. How can you not get a signal in
New York City?
VAL
Have you heard of terrorism?
KEITH
It's worse than that -- it's Americanism.
(to NATHAN)
Do you have a signal?
NATHAN
I'm not trying to get brain cancer. Plus
the signals are bad.
KEITH turns to VAL and MARIA.
VAL
Yeah, mine is at home charging.
MARIA
I'm saving it until I become a nurse.
(to VAL)
We'll be on call must of the time. So
now I just want to enjoy life without
one.
KEITH
That's great.
NATHAN stares and shakes his head at KEITH.
KEITH (CONT'D)
Don't shake your head at me.
VAL and MARIA inspect KEITH's leg.
NATHAN
You need to sit still.
MARIA
I don't feel anything out of the
ordinary. It seems fine.
NATHAN
(to MARIA)
Cool. Thanks shorty.
(to KEITH)
You're fine. Let's bounce.
MARIA
Look, here comes the bus.
VAL
Oh. We got to go.
NATHAN
Bye.
MARIA and VAL briskly walk off to catch the bus ignoring
NATHAN. VAL and MARIA jump on the bus. NATHAN pulls on
KEITH. A WHITE WOMAN, about 35ish years old, walks pass
KEITH and NATHAN and clutches her purse.
KEITH
She needs to stop clutching her purse and
teach her father, husband, brother, son
to share.
NATHAN
Fuck her.
KEITH
Never. Ever.
NATHAN snatches KEITH into the street. The WHITE WOMAN pulls
a cell phone from her purse.
NATHAN
You don't like girls?
KEITH
Stop pulling on me. My leg hurts.
NATHAN
Right. Taxi!!!
KEITH
What are you doing?
They jump into a gypsy car. Little yellow taxicabs zoom
about Manhattan. Lincoln Town cars zoom about Harlem and
Upper Manhattan
NATHAN (V.O.)
Uptown please. Where are you from?
KEITH (V.O.)
LA. Where are you from?
NATHAN (V.O.)
Brooklyn.
KEITH (V.O.)
(intrigued)
Really? New York?
40 INT. GYPSY TAXI - DAY 40
Sitting in the back of the car.
NATHAN
Brooklyn.
KEITH
Growing up in New York must have been
incredible?
NATHAN
Brooklyn.
KEITH
I only applied to schools in New York. I
came here the day after I graduated. I
couldn't wait. My mother was horrified.
NATHAN
So you like it?
KEITH
Honestly. . .it's not what I thought it
would be.
NATHAN
How so?
KEITH
New York doesn't exists anymore.
(pauses)
Where are you going?
NATHAN
I don't know. I'm hungry. Do you want
&nb