DISTRICT 12

This would be a great project for Ms. Chappell

LISA STRATA = CRYSTAL CHAPPELL

DISTRICT 12

FADE IN:
.
EXT. RETIREMENT HOME -- DAY
.
TWO ELDERLY WOMEN stroll while drinking coffee. Elderly Woman #1 is and robbed by a DRUG ADDICT. ELDERLY WOMAN #2 hysterically calls for help.
.
SMALL NEWSPAPER ARTICLE IN SCRAPBOOK - ELDERLY, THE NUMBER ONE CHOICE OF CRIME.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PARKING LOT -- NIGHT

.

The same drug addict (a teenager) is in the process of rigging drugs into his veins. He starts to shutter and passes out with his eyes open.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

VERY SMALL NEWSPAPER ARTICLE IN SCRAPBOOK -- DRUG OVERDOSE AT AN ALL TIME HIGH.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. METH-LAB HOUSE -- DAY

The side of the house blows. A Man comes running out of the house on fire.

.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

INSIDE PAGE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE IN SCRAPBOOK -- FIVE KILLED IN METH - LAB EXPLOSION.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

Two 11 year-old boys, J. J. and JERRY, are on the sidewalk selling crystal-meth as MONEY, 30's, the head of the gang gets out of an expensive sports car and walks towards J.J. Money is very handsome and dressed in hip-hop chic with him is T-MAN, 30's , who is muscular with a quiet command.

Money

J.J., what's up man?

.

J.J.

Hey Money... T-Man, It's all good.

I've almost made quota. Jerry already has.

.

As J.J. points at Jerry who is further down the street a 4x4 truck with a GUNMAN speeds towards them

.

T-Man

Drop!!! Get down!!!

.

T-Man pushes J.J. to the ground and protects him with his body as the shooting begins. A bullet explodes through Jerry's head. Money trails the speeding car firing his gun wildly. Jerry is lying in his own blood with his eyes open wide.

.

Money

T.... Come on man. Let's go.

.

T-Man is phoning 911 on his cell-phone and attending to Jerry. Money drives from the scene.

.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

The image of the bloody boy freezes and fades into the school picture of Jerry Kennedy in the newspaper. The headline reads: "ELEVEN YEAR OLD KILLED IN DRIVE-BY SHOOTING".

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- DAY

.

LISA STRATA, late 30s early 40s, Caucasian, is beautiful and well tailored even in jeans. She holds back tears as she places the article into a scrapbook of violent crimes in District 12. She seems far from the chaos in her upper-middle class home. Multi-cultural paintings and sculptures are accented by MBA and Law degrees, pictures of her as a member of an African-American Sorority, a picture with a multi-racial man who is her brother and her White mother and Black father, and articles showing that she is State representative for District 12. Lisa is angry as she flings the paper on the table. She opens the door to her very plush house and it it evident that she lives in the ghetto.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- YARD -- DAY

.

Lisa's 15 year old Bi-Racial African-American daughter, GRACE, is dancing in the driveway with her 5 FRIENDS. Lisa is standing on the porch listening to the music and looking at the girls.

.

Grace

My Mom can drop it better than you can.

Show them Mom show them.

.

Lisa

Girls, you have to break it down old school.

.

Lisa dances with the girls just as well as them if not better. SISTER SUE FREEMAN, 40s, African-American walks gets out of her car. She is heavy set and dances with the girls old school. Sue and Lisa become the center of attention until Sue loose her breath and needs to stop. Lisa and Sue walk in the house.

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE - KITCHEN -- DAY

.

Lisa is speaking with a very flamboyant Sister Sue, as she raids the refrigerator and makes a plate.

.

Sister Sue

Lisa... I'm sorry girl. But I skipped

breakfast this morning.

.

Lisa

No need to ask. You know my home is

your home.

.

Lisa has a picture of District 12 from the 70's. The homes are large well kept and beautiful. Next to those pictures are snap shots of the present. The same houses torn down and trashy.

.

Sister Sue

So you believe you can make this

neighborhood what it was in the 70s.

.

Lisa

With your help and each of the women

of District 12... this neighborhood can become

as good if not better than it was when we

were growing up.

.

Sister Sue

Okay. Pass me the bread.

.

Lisa passes Sister Sue the bread as Sue sits down to eat.

.

Sister Sue (cont'd)

I don't think any government stimulus program

you have up your sleeve can take back this ghetto.

.

Lisa

Like you always said sister/friend... with God

all things are possible. I want you to help lead

the women of District 12 on a fast.

.

Sister Sue is in the middle of taking a bite.

.

Sister Sue

That's your plan? A hunger strike.

Look at me Lisa. Do you think I could

convince anyone to fast?

.

Lisa

That isn't quite what I had in mind.

Now work with me...

.

Lisa looks over papers with Sister Sue.

.

Sister Sue

You want the woman of District 12

to stop giving up the BOOTY!!!!

.

Lisa

No sex... until there is no crime.

.

Sister Sue

Okay Lisa... it has happen... you

have completely lost your mind!!!

.

Lisa

Look Sue... who are the most beautiful

women in this city.

.

Sister Sue

The women right here in this neighborhood. But Lisa...

.

Lisa

We are some of the most street wise women around

and even are young women have old school values.

.

Sister Sue

And you think you can convince grown-ass women

to stop screwing.

.

Lisa

To save their families, their young men. This neighborhood

Yeah... I think we can.

.

EXT. CEMETERY -- DAY

.

The funeral is over and the only people who've stayed are the MEMBERS of the GANG (30 MEN and BOYS). They pour a 40 ounce over the grave.

.

Money

This brother will survive. His memory

lives in us. Stand tall and represent.

We will not let Jerry's courage be

forgotten. In life and in death we take

care of our own.

.

Gang Members look at the fresh grave and give their last respects as they walk away.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. METH- LAB HOUSE -- DAY

The house is surrounded by FIRE FIGHTERS and FIRE TRUCKS. Melted action figures lay in the yard amidst the rubble.

.

SISTER SUE (V.O.)

Four of them... children

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. ALLEY WAY -- MORNING

A YOUNGSTER sales crack to another CHILD. The Child's MOTHER comes and takes the child home yelling at him all the way. The last to die and eleven year-old drug dealer.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. DECAYING and VANDALIZED BUILDINGS -- DAY

SEVERAL CHILDREN are playing in the trash. A MOTHER is trying to pick-up the trash around them in vain.

.

SISTER SUE (V.O.)

His father... in prison for 15 to life.

.

EXT. ALLEY WAY -- DAY

UGLY SICKENING WOMEN begging for drugs and selling their bodies for crack.

.

SISTER SUE (V.O.)

His mother dead from complications due to

drugs and alcohol.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- DAY

A woman begging for money from for MAN to pay the rent as her children watch.

.

SISTER SUE (V.O.)

This child died selling drugs. But, he

didn't die from the drugs or gunshot

wound. This child died because he had

no hope.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

A shot of garbage on the street dissolves to a wide shot of the community as a place of decay and ruin.

.

SISTER SUE (V.O.)

We were a community of love, prosperity

and spirituality... Where has it gone? We

need to ask ourselves that question. Where has our

hope gone and how do we get it back?

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RADIO STATION -- DAY

Sister Sue is in the D.J. booth. She is dressed in a bright colored suit with a little too much costume jewelry.

.

SISTER SUE

This is Sister Sue coming to you from

talk radio KGOD and in the meantime...

District 12 don't forget about the Women's

meeting at the YWCA. Our State Representative

Lisa Strata will be there and promises the key to

getting the drugs and gangs out of our neighborhoods.

Until then... think good and think God.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. TERRI'S PROJECT APARTMENT -- DAY

TERRI, 20s. answer the door. Terri is a very beautiful white woman but her dress, hair and manner is that of a Black woman (At first glance you would assume she was Black). Money and their 6 year-old child CASH walk-in.

.

Money

Okay, check you later little man.

.

Cash

Bye Dad.

.

Money gives Cash a tap on the fist with his own fist and turns to walk out of the door.

.

Terri

Money, stay awhile. I fixed dinner.

I need to talk to you.

.

Money

Yeah... I'm gonna to see my woman.

.

Terri

Money... I'm your baby's Momma.

.

Money

But, your not my woman. You've really

never knew how to please me. But do

yourself a favor and keep on trying.

.

Money laughs to himself as he walks out the door. Terri looks in her purse and pulls out a flyer for the Women's meeting at the Y.W.C.A.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. LYDIA'S GRANDMOTHER'S HOSPITAL ROOM -- DAY

LYDIA, Hispanic (late 20's early 30's) is giving food that she has made to grateful NURSES. JOHNNY, Hispanic (late 20s early 30s) and his son come into the room. Lydia goes to sit at the side of the same Elderly Woman that was in the first scene. The Elderly Woman is in a coma.

.

J.J.

Hi Mom.

.

Johnny

Hey baby. How is Grams?

.

Lydia

The same.

.

Johnny

Everybody was asking about you at

the funeral.

.

Lydia

If it involves Money It doesn't involve me.

It could have just as easily been your funeral.

It just may be my Grandmother's funeral.

All over nothing. Nothing but drugs.

.

Johnny goes to hug Lydia and she pulls away.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. T-MAN'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM -- DAY

T-Man opens up his door and hears movement and draws his gun. A handsome buff BLACK MAN is going through T-Man's drawers. T-Man surprises the man and puts the gun to his cheek.

.

T-Man

What in the hell are you doing in my

apartment?

.

Bobby

Terrance, do you want me to leave?

.

T-Man

You here now.

.

T-Man gives BOBBY a big sexy hot kiss on the lips.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT -- DAY

.

KENDRA, lat 20's, ghetto elegant and drop dead gorgeous, is combing her hair. She hears the door bell ring and check her nails and make-up. As she walks to the door she makes sure the candles are during and dims the lights. She opens the door and Money starts to walk in but she holds him at the threshold.

.

Kendra

What... No gift? You know I got

to make rent this week.

.

Money

Jerry's funeral was today.

.

Kendra

I understand. Maybe you need to go

home and mourn.

.

Money pulls $100 bills out of his pocket.

.

Money

You know I haven't forgotten about you.

.

Kendra lets him in the door. Money looks on the table and sees the flyer for the women's meeting and picks it up.

.

Money

What's...? I know you ain't going to

listen to any crap from Lisa Strata.

.

Kendra

What that is... is my business and if you

don't like it then you can leave.

.

Money

Naw... I ain't leaving. I just don't want

you to be wasting your time that's all.

.

Kendra

Let me worry about that.

.

Money

Yeah... why don't you worry about me

right now.

.

Kendra and Money get romantic as we see the flyer laying on the table.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. LYDIA AND JOHNNY'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

Johnny walks into the bedroom with some daises.

.

Johnny

I'm sorry about Grams. I'm sorry

about everything.

.

Lydia

I just wish you would stop dealing crystal before you

get killed or put in prison. One of the two.

.

Johnny

I just manage Money's business. When I lost

my job they didn't break me dearlin'. I just

need enough to get us by for now. That's all.

.

Lydia

Johnny, I can work.

.

Johnny

Lynnette, when I married you I told you

Dad I would take care of you. That's what

I meant. This won't be forever.

.

Lydia

Yeah... I've heard that one before. I don't believe

you anymore Johnny. Something has to change. I

don't know what... but something has got to change.

.

As Lydia lays on Johnny's chest we see the flyer on the night stand.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. T-MAN'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

T-Man is nude int eh bed with the covers pulled to his waist. Bobby dress only in shorts brings a couple of beers into the bedroom.

.

Bobby

How was the funeral?

.

T-Man

Sad. We don't even know who made

the hit or why.

.

Bobby

Lisa Strata is having a meeting. It is

supposed to be a special one because

of those kids in the Meth-Lab

explosion and now Jerry's death.

.

T-Man

Why you do that?

.

Bobby

What?

.

T-Man

Act like a woman and go to all of

those meetings.

.

Bobby

News flash. I am a homosexual and so are you.

.

T-Man

Hey man... I'm not a punk.

.

Bobby

When is the last time you slept with a woman?

.

T-Man

That don't mean a damn thing

.

Bobby

Get over it... You've spent most of your life in

prison and prefer men to women. Anyway, that

isn't the point. If anybody can keep this community

from destroying itself it's Lisa Strata.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RADIO STATION - CONFERENCE ROOM -- NIGHT

.

SEVERAL COMMUNITY LEADERS walk towards the door speaking with Sister Sue. WILLIAM SHABAZZ (20s ) A member of the Brotherhood of Islam is talking with Lisa.

.

William

Sister Strata I am honored to

participate in this program.

.

Lisa

I must admit it even seemed a little

crazy to me.

.

William

People thought that Martin Luther

King's ideas about civil disobedience

and peaceful protest seemed a

little crazy. Seems like you're in

good company.

.

Lisa

Well, thanks for your help and I'll

see you at the meeting tomorrow.

.

William

Ms. Strata... I hope you don't mind me asking...

but how are you going to get all of these

women of color to follow a White woman as

yourself.

.

Sister Sue

You aren't from here are you.

.

William

I came here 6 months ago.

.

Sister Sue

Thought so... Lisa and I grew up together.

She ain't White. Lisa is just as much a

part of this community as we are and she

has done 10 times more than most for this

place.

.

Lisa

Sue... What happened was that my mother

came to District 12 from Kentucky in

the late 60s when I was a baby...

She married a Black man... the only man

I have known as my father. We could

never go to Kentucky to visit my mother's famliy...

they disowned her. District 12 is my community...

the Black culture is my culture...

.

William

But you went away to the best schools. You

have been part of the White world.

.

Lisa

Yes... yes I have. But... it never felt right.

District 12 is my home.

.

Lisa puts out her hand to shake.

.

William

Peace be with you.

.

William ignores her hand.

.

Lisa

And also with you.

.

As William leaves Lisa joins Sister Sue who is putting up papers and cleaning the conference room with her husband, PAUL

.

Lisa

Paul thanks... you've worked harder than

anybody on this project.

.

Paul

What else should you expect from your

best friend's husband. I am going to have

to work on the books all night. I can't believe

how many organizations are getting involved.

.

Lisa

It is a great deal to put into motion... but I

think it can be done.

.

Sister Sue

There is only one way this is ever

going to work...

.

Paul

Unmovable faith in God.

.

Lisa

It isn't God I am worried about...

it's the Women of District 12.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. Y.W.C.A. -- MORNING

.

Hundreds of women of mostly color and every ethinc background and age are stuffed into a small hall. Lisa Strata is walking back and forth on the stage and Sister Sue is sitting in the panel of people behind her. Among the panel are serveral Church and Community Leaders including members of the Brotherhood of Islam. On easels are poster size pictures of newspaper articals and pictures of people who were murdered in District 12. Bobby is in the back of the hall next to the door. He looks and acts like a man. He just has a great sense of style. The women accept him as one of their own.

.

Lisa

These are the people from District 12 that were

killed in the last year. One-third were children.

.

Several women in the audience have pictures or wearing T-shirts of their love ones who have died.

.

A WOMAN in the crowd is given a microphone.

.

MONTAGE: several shots of women and flashbacks of women telling their stories to the crowd.

.

Woman #1

My 3 year-old son was playing out

front when he was shot.

.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

Woman #2

The day after our wedding he was

killed.

.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

Woman #3

I don't know but maybe it would have

been better to die than be paralyzed

for the rest of your life.

.

DISSOLVE TO:

.

Lisa

Death, Drugs and Fear... How many of you

are certain you won't be a victim in the next

12 months? Out families are in decay... We've

allowed meth to turn District 12 into the

deepest part of hell. But we can stop the chaos.

You can decide if your children have a future of

prisons and death... or have a chance at life. Are

you willing to do what it takes?

.

The Audience shouts out in agreement.

.

Lisa

The politicians... like me and law enforcement

have tried and failed. We can't do it by ourselves.

The only way we can save our community... our

families... our lives is to take a drastic step. According

to law enforcement this community is the number on

disributor of Crystal-Meth in the country. Are you

willing to do anything you can to stop this?

.

The Audience shout out in agreement.

.

Lisa

The only way we can do it it to deny the

African-American community what it needs

most... YOU.

.

The Audience shouts out in agreement.

.

Lisa

Put this community on a fast. Deny it ourselves in

every way... mentally, physically and spiritually

until the killings stop.

.

The audience isn't behind Lisa Strata as much as they were before. Kendra walks into the building dressed to the hip hop nines and is shunned by a couple of the women. Kendra either doesn't see them or doesn't care. She cozies behind Bobby.

.

Kendra

(whispering)

What she talking about?

.

Bobby hands her a program.

.

Kendra

A fast of the women of District 12?

.

Bobby

Until there is no crime there is no

bump and grind... I guess.

.

Kendra

No sex?

.

Bobby

(laughs to himself)

I don't know how Lisa Strata plans to

pull this one off.

.

Kendra

Don't put anything past that woman. Lisa

Strata can convince the Devil to get baptized.

As a matter of fact I gotta go.

.

Kendra leaves as Bobby continues to listen.

.

CUT TO:

.

MONTAGE: several shots of women asking questions and Lisa Strata and member of the panel answering the questions. A scene of organized chaos. WOMAN #5 is speaking into a microphone over the crowd.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

The Women of District 12 have declared

a war on crime.

.

Woman #5

I ain't no fucking lezzy. I need my man.

.

Lisa

I need my man... out of jail... with a

job. I need my man ALIVE. A few

months of denying them and ourselves

could mean a lifetime of joy and prosperity.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We will stop the destuction of our community

and race.

.

A woman is speaking into a microphone over the crowd.

.

Woman #6

Lisa Strata you have to be out of your

flipping mind if you think you can keep

the entire female community away from men.

.

Lisa is walking back and forth.

.

Lisa

It is simple. You just tell them you can

have this...

.

Shows off her body.

.

Lisa

...or you can have that...

.

Lisa points to a picture of a gruesome crime scene. The audience sombers and quiets at the seriousness of her statment.

.

Lisa

...or you can have that.

.

Lisa points to a picture of the dead children (a grueson police crime photo behind the regular picture of the children).

.

Lisa

It is just that simple.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

The decision was very easy really.

.

MONTAGE: The hall is in complete chaos. Lisa Strata and members of the board are talking with the women. As the day goes on Sister Sue is talking and walking around with no shoes. Lisa Strata has lost her jacket and untucked her blouse. Members of the church of Islan are talking to the crowd. The hall is hot and people from the support staff are passing water, fruite and pizza through the crowd. The board and the audience look frustrated but neither on are giving up.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We made an agreement.

.

We see children sleeping and evidence that this meeting is going on for hours. Each side is beaten and worn. Contracts are being passed out in the crowd. The women look at the pictures of the dead or their child as they sign the contracts.

.

Lisa

Then it is settled.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Until every gram of crystal-meth is out of

District 12. Until the crime stops. Until we no

longer fear for the lives of our children... the

Women of District 12 are putting the community

on a fast.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. Y.W.C.A. -- LATE NIGHT

.

Women are filing out of the doors of the meeting. Some women get in cars with their men but do not talk to them. The women just start straight ahead. Other women walk by their men and geton church buses that are waiting for them.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We are on strike.

.

CUT TO:

.

Kendra is selling vibrators out of the back of her car. Several women have gathered and created a line around her car and are looking at the merchandise.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We can make it by ourselves.

.

Kendra

Ladies the price list is on the door

and don't crowd I have enough for everyone.

.

An OLD WOMAN is standing behind her holding a huge vibrator.

.

Old Woman

I'll take one of these in dark brown

and a Stud Muffin in the girth model.

.

Kendra

Yes Ma'am. Do you need batteries

tonight?

.

Old Woman

Better make it two packs.

.

A GROUP OF MALE TEENAGERS walk toward on of the women in the crowd in front of the YWCA and ask for money. The woman denies him.

.

Sister Sue

Mothers will not support their grown sons.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BEDROOM -- LATE NIGHT

.

A WIFE walks into the bed room and sees her HUSBAND ready to do the nasty. She walks towards him and takes the pillow off the bed and blanket from the foot of the bed and goes to sleep on the couch.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

And wives comforting their men. Don't

even go there.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KITCHEN -- MORNING

.

A WIFE and her CHILDREN are finishing eating. Her HUSBAND comes in and sits at an empty plate at the table. He complains and she hands him a box of cereal.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Don't expect us to cook...

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BEDROOM -- MORNING

.

A WIFE is taking her clothes to be wshed and leaving her MAN in the middle of the room with his dirty drawers on the floor.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Don't expect us to clean...

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

A MAN comes home to find no one there.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

In fact don't expect us.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. OUR APARTMENTS -- MORNING

.

A sign in front of the complex says: OUR APARTMENTS. A couple of bus loads of WOMEN and CHILDREN get off the buses with bags of clothes and items issued to them.
Among the women are Lynnette, Terri, J.J., and Cash. Surrounding the projects are GUARDS from the Brotherhood of Islam that don't look like they should be messed with. MEN are trying to talk to their women but they are stopped by the guards. A man tries to walk past the guard and is put on his butt without much of a struggle. Among the men is Johnny. Terri looks for Money but sees no one.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We didn't enter into this lightly. In

fact it breaks our hearts to leave our

home or not be with the men we love.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. OUR APARTMENTS - LYDIA'S APARTMENT -- MORNING

.

Lydia looks at a picture of her family. Johnny, J.J. and her Grandmother. J.J. is throwing stuff around the modestly furnished apartment. Everything is made by the Church of Islam.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

But we have a much higher purpose we

are striving for . Life itself.

.

J.J. turns off the radio.

.

J.J.

This makes no sense.

.

Lydia

What's that?

.

J.J.

Leaving Daddy. He ain't done nothing

to nobody.

.

Lydia

You are right he hasn't done anything.

Your father is part of the problem.

.

J.J.

He wouldn't have to sell crap if he could

get a good job in this bigoted ass city.

You said we never spent one day on

welfare... now were taking handouts.

.

Lydia

What we was... was going nowhere fast.

We have no college fund for you. We had

no future except for more of the same.

.

J.J.

I can make more money on the corner

selling crank to those college students

than they ever dreamed off...

.

Lydia pushes J.J. up against the wall.

.

Lydia

(holding her anger)

Don't ever talk about selling that poison

again. I will not bury my son before me.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL -- MORNING

.

Lisa is walking into the office .

.

EMPLOYEE #1

The CEO wants to see you first

thing Ms. Strata.

.

Lisa

I bet.

.

EMPLOYEE #1

Do you think he heard about

what you are doing?

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL -- C.E.O.'s OFFICE -- MORNING

.

DAVID MURRAY (20s) s very handsome Black man is talking with TWO EMPLOYEES when Lisa walks into the room.

.

David

We'll finish this later.

.

The Employees leave the room as David walks toward Lisa.

.

Lisa

Hello David.

.

David

A fast of the District 12 women.

.

David tried to hug and kis Lisa. Lisa walks away from him.

.

David

That doesn't include me does it?

.

Lisa

Yes... it does.

I was told the C.E.O. wanted

to see me not his assistant.

.

Lisa pulls away.

Lisa

So did Mr. Wilcox's ask for me

or did you?

.

David

I did. I thought you would want

me to use my influence with Mr. Wilcox

being that I am the Golden One and all...

You know millionare by the time I am thirty.

.

Lisa

I know you are on the fast track.

.

Okay then I can help you.

That's the plan isn't it? Encourage the

men to get rid of the drugs and crime

by denying yourself.

.

Lisa

Yes. In fact... I thought you could convince

Wilcox and Technology International to

have the production division for our new

computer products in District 12.

.

David

(laughs)

We are thinking about producing those

outside of the city.

.

Lisa

Why can't we produce them on the east side of

District 12? The buildings are there and the rent

is cheap. We have the work force near by.

.

Daivd

A work force from District 12??? You want

this company to set up a multi-mllion dollar

business in the ghetto?

.

Lisa

(very serious)

Yes.

.

David

Well, you push Wilcox from you end

and I will push him from mine.

(pause)

If I pull this off will you marry me?

.

Lisa

No.

.

David

So, I am younger than you

who cares?

.

Lisa

You are closer to my daughter's

age than to my age.

.

David

Okay... I can be your husband

and her big brother.

.

Lisa glares at him.

.

David

I just want to leave with the two

of you. No company...

No District 12.

.

Lisa

I remember when I first met you. You were trying

to get into every part of my community to recruit people

for this company. Part of the reason I fell in love with

you was because you really cared about District 12.

.

David

I still care... I just care about us too. Lisa...

If Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey can do it

we can too.

.

Lisa

District 12 trust me. They wouldn't understand.

Right now they need me more than ever.

After them term... after the fast... maybe

we can bring our relationship into the open.

.

David takes out a small gift from his desk and gives it to Lisa who opens it and takes out keys on a golden ring.

.

David

Those are the keys to my house and everything

I own. I want to share them with you.

.

Lisa

David... I can't.

.

David

Just keep them. Use them when you ready to be

my wife.

.

Lisa nods. David goes to hug Lisa who blocks his advances.

.

Lisa

The Fast remember.

.

David

The Fast.

.

He blows a kiss to Lisa making her smile.

.

EXT. OUR APARTMENTS -- MORNING

.

The Muslim men have just finished assembling a platform while the other Muslim men guard against the several men still standing and chanting outside of the apartment complex. William is in the middle of the platform so he can address the agitated crowd.

.

Man #1

Why are you out of all people

supporting this crap!? Don't you

people believe the man is always the

head of the household and women should

behave and submit!?

.

The crowd agrees with shouts and applause.

.

William

They just have to submit to a man

following Allah's commandments. Since

your women isn't living in your house

at this moment I'll just make a wild

guess and say that isn't you.

.

Man #1

I don't creep! I don't beat her!

.

William

What about what your family needs? A

good life in a decent neighborhood.

.

Man #1

I can't help that!

.

William

Yes... yes you can my brother.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

Bobby answers the back door. T-Man is on the other side. Bobby keeps him from walking in.

.

T-Man

Hey man let me in

.

Bobby

Don't you listen to the radio? The

Fast remember.

.

T-Man

(Talking thorough his teeth)

Bobby, don't leave me standing out here.

.

Bobby lets him in the door.

.

CUT TOl

.

INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE/KITCHEN -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

Bobby

Can't be seen at the faggot's house?

.

T-Man reaches out to stroke Bobby's cheek and Bobby walks away from his touch.

.

T-Man

Why you want to be like that?

.

Bobby

'Cause Lisa Strata's right. Every time I

support you I might as well be cooking

the crystal in my own kitchen.

.

T-Man

Don't do this to me. You're not a woman.

I could always depend on you.

.

Bobby

I love you Terrance. That is why I am

doing this.

.

T-Man goes to touch him and Bobby leans out of reach.

.

T-Man

You just bunk man! See if I need your

punk ass!

.

T-Man storms out of the house. Bobby looks after him using all of his might not to follow him.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. BOBBY'S HOUSE -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

A couple of POLICE CARS spped up and bloock T-Man's truck and arrest him. Bobby looks out his window as T-Man looks back at him.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RADIO STATION -- LATE AFTERNOON

.

Sister Sue is looking out the window of Sue's office with her husband, PAUL. The street is full of stunned lost men. A FEW MEN are trying to get into the radio station but are stopped by the GUARDS.

.

Sister Sue

Well, I guess the fast has taken place.

.

Paul

Sue, I am reading Second John. Now... how

did you and Lisa stretch out this chapter

to justify this fast.

.

Sister Sue

Okay... read.

.

Paul thumbs thorough his Bible and finds the chapter and follows the words with his fingers.

.

Paul

(reading)

Dear lady, I ask you not a though

I were writing you a new commandment,

but one we have from the

beginning, let us love one another.

.

Sister Sue

It's a letter to women in it's telling us

what to do as a woman.

.

Paul

(reading)

And this is love, that we walk according

to his commandments.

.

Sister Sue

Okay... we should all follow the word

of God. Any argument?

.

Paul shakes his head no.

.

Paul

(reading)

Be on your guard to that you do not

lose what we have worked for, but may

receive a full reward.

.

Sister Sue

We want the community to prosper...

not lose everything.

.

Paul

Okay. I'll give you that one. But I got you here.

(reading)

Do not receive into the hose or welcome anyone

who comes to you and does not bring this teaching,

for to welcome is to participate in the evil deeds

of such a person.

.

Sister Sue

When Lisa and I remembered the power

and ambition of the Women of District 12

that chapter and those verses just pulled

it all together. Because many of the women

are taking care of men even when they

do wrong we are doing wrong ourselves.

.

Paul

But... it says anyone who doesn't

bring the teachings. This is not all

men. I'm not evil Suzy. Why

punish me? Why not target the

drug dealers, users, the criminals...

why me?

.

Sister Sue

Why you? Why me? The entire

community is fasting. By denying

you I am also denying myself.

.

Paul

So why deny either of us?

.

Sister Sue

When someone has cancer those

doctors just can't target those few

bad cells. Sometime they have

to treat the entire body to make it

well. This method just makes sure

you and I will work harder to make

it happen.

.

Paul

What if this doesn't work? Have you

ever thought of that?

.

Sister Sue

I believe this is inspired. It may

not work right away Paul. But it

will work.

.

Paul

Even if it takes a year or more?

.

Sister Sue

(a little worried)

Maybe.

.

Paul

You are my wife. My lover.

(whispering)

I don't want to be away from you

that long. I can't.

.

Sister Sue

Sometimes we are called to

something higher.

.

Paul reaches out to touch her thighs. Sister Sue walks out of his reach. Paul tears up a bit and walks out of the office. Sister Sue looks out the window at all the lost souls one is a very angry Johnny.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. POLICE STATION -- NIGHT

.

T-Man and Money are standing in a line-up. Lisa is standing with the CHIEF OF POLICE, a POLICEMAN and a ELDERLY MAN on the other side. T-Man and Money are staring just like they can see through the two way mirror.

.

Elderly Man

I'm sorry. I just can't Ms. Strata

I don't care if they kill me. But, I

got grand kids.

.

Lisa

It's okay.

.

Chief of Police

Sir somebody has to stand up to these people.

.

Elderly Man

It's not gonna be me.

.

The Detective starts to say something but Lisa stops him and the Elderly Man is ushered out by the other Detective. The Chief of Police speaks through the microphone.

.

Chief of Police

Put them back in holding.

.

The men walk out of the line up room.

.

Chief of Police

Lisa... 16 people and none will

put the finger on either of them.

.

Lisa

They're scared. How much longer

you hold them?

.

Chief of Police

About two seconds. They stay pretty

clean. Give me the houses we'll try

to catch them there.

.

Lisa

Don't worry about T-Man and Money...

just bust the houses. I think I can give

you more addresses in the morning.

.

Chief of Police

Ernest Vaughn or Money as he is known

is the major supplier to your district Lisa.

Unless you get him you got the same

problem over again.

.

Lisa

Tell me something I don't know.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. OUR APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

.

A hand full of men are standing in front of the Apartments.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Were not leaving your brother. In

fact we are more with you than we

have been in a long time.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREETS -- NIGHT

.

MEN just sit and look into space quietly. A few men are having fun in the background but are not breaking the someber mood. It seems that the men notice for the first time that the community is in shambles.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We want a life with you. But not just

existence. We want a life with a

future.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. PROJECT APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

A HUSBAND AND WIFE listen to the radio on separate sides of the living room.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We are strong in out convictions. Not

because we don't want to be with you

now... but because we want a long and

productive future with you for the rest

of our lives.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. METH-LAB/WAREHOUSE -- NIGHT

.

MEN and BOYS are packaging meth.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We vsn not and will not stop until we

are free. This is Sister Sue saying...

think good and think God.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. T-MAN'S APARTMENT -- MORNING

.

Money, Johnny and T-Man walk in angry. Money slams the door behind him.

.

T-Man

Hey... hey... man this is my house. Chill.

.

Money

(mocking the Cop)

You better not even fast side ways.

Who in the hell was the fat Deputy

Fucking dog talking to?!

.

Johnny

They're going to call all of us in one by

one until they get us.

.

Money

Yeah we can't go to the houses any more.

I'm going to let J.J. have that promotion and

keep him supervising for us.

.

Johnny

Why it got to be my son?

.

Money

He's a good kid Johnny. I trust him... plus

he's a minor if they get him it won't be

a big deal.

.

T-Man

Yeah it will. They're trying to do mandatory

until adult.

.

Money

For the first time in? Yeah... right... He'll be

fight back out.

.

Johnny

Money, he's not going in and neither am I.

.

T-Man

(interrupting)

Will you two stop it? What we need to be

talking about is how to stop Strata. 'Cause

she got us targeted man and she's not gonna

stop till she gets us.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. CLUB HOUSE/OUR APARTMENTS -- DAY

.

Willam a member of the Brotherhood of Islam is speaking in front of a group of women who are in various lines and filling out forms. Famales from Islam are on each side of him. More women are filing in the room.

.

William

(shouting)

If you want job counseling... job

skills or anything to do with

employment please step to the right

side of the room. We have serveral

counselors to help each of you.

Spiritual and Family counseling

downstairs. Houses for Humanity is

meeting in the back of the club house.

.

Terri walks into the room with Cash.

.

William

May I help you?

.

Terri

I don't know.

.

William

Sister, what do you want for the

future of your child?

.

Terri

I just want him to have a future...

college... a house to grow-up in.

.

William

A mother he can be proud of. Do you

have a job Sister?

.

Terri

(pissed)

Yes I do Brother.

.

William

What do you do?

.

Terri

I'm a cook over to Simmon's Chicken. Why?

.

William

I bet it's not what you really want to do.

.

Terri

And what is it I want to do? Besides get

away from you.

.

William

Go to the right side of the room and find out.

.

Terri

I don't have to do a damn thing. I can't believe

I signed that stupid contract anyway.

.

William

If you don't go I will follow you and your

son around the entire day and preach to

you. If you do go I will leave you alone.

.

Terri walks out the door and William follows her. He motions to one of the other Brother's of Islam who takes his place in the room. Two of the women of Islam them follow behind him.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. THE AFRICAN BUSH -- AFTERNOON

.

Lisa gets out of her car and walks among SEVERAL MEN in the parking lot of the strip bar.

.

Man #1

There she is... that troublemaker.

.

Man #1 lunges towards Lisa. When he is tackley by a very large man, BRUCE.

.

Bruce

She is just doing what she thinks she

has to do man.

.

Man #1

She took my wife and child from me. They

aren't even living in my house.

.

Lisa

They'll be back.

.

Man #1

But when?

.

Lisa

When we all work together to get out world back.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. THE AFRICAN BUSH -- AFTERNOON

.

Lisa is stopped by the BOUNCER at the door.

.

Bouncer

You know you can't come in here Ms. Strata.

Plus I can't guarantee your safety.

.

Bruce

She's with me... man. It's okay

.

The Bouncer looks at Bruce like a traitor.

.

Bruce

Come on... it's okay.

.

Lisa

Thank you. Why are you helping me?

.

Bruce

Because I want my wife and children back.

Plus my wife thinks this fast is a good thing...

she don't get much wrong.

.

Lisa smiles and Bruce looks at her and nods. As they walk into the club the MEN look at Lisa with disgust.

.

Man #2

Because of you, all of them tripled the

price of a lap dance. Some cut them out

all together.

.

Lisa ignores the man and keeps walking. THREE STRIPPERS are dancing. Kendra, the main attraction swings on a pole in the center. Kendra goes to each man and shows them a little trick as they put a dollar into her G-String. Kendra's attention is caught by the flashing of a $100 bill. she doesn't look surprised but is intrigued when she sees that Lisa is the one holding the bill. Kendra bends down to Lisa within kissing range.

.

Kendra

I'll talk to you after the set?

.

Lisa

Sure.

.

Kendra smiles and performs for the MEN who are mesmerized by her.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. THE AFRICAN BUSH - BOOTH -- AFTERNOON

.

Kendra walks up to the booth sporting a beautiful robe. Bruce is standing in from of the booth and steps to the side to let Kendra pass. Kendra is poised to seduce Lisa who is all about the business and is not intimidated in the least.

.

Kendra

So if you wanted me you got lucky. I

usually never work days.

.

Kendra looks at the packed club.

.

Kendra (cont'd)

...but today was an exception. Lisa Strata...

what can I do for you?

.

Lisa

Meet me at this address after you get off work.

.

Kendra

Oh... but I can give you a lap dance now for free.

.

Lisa

That won't be necessary.

.

Kendra

You got this place closed down didn't you?

.

Lisa

Between you and me?

.

Kendra nods.

.

Kendra

I do want you to leave with your life.

.

Lisa

If your co-workers are going to sell it they

shouldn't sell it to cops.

.

Kendra

Cops are some of their best damn

costumers.

.

Lisa

Not anymore.

.

Kendra

(in a very low voice)

Shut down for prostitution.

.

Lisa nods her head.

.

Kendra (cond't)

You know I never heve...

.

Lisa

(interrupting)

I know you don't sell it. You just

show it.

.

Kendra

You never cease to amaze me Ms. Strata.

.

Lisa

This address 7:30pm?

.

Lisa hands Kendra a card.

.

Kendra

I'll be there.

.

As Kendra gets up to walk away she puts her cleavage in Lisa's face. Lisa just smiles to herself at the irony and is escorted out of the bar by Bruce.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- EARLY EVENING

.

A PROSITUTE is standing on the corner as Johnny walks by.

.

Prositute

I'm not fasting.

.

Johnny

Like I'm gonna pay for some damn herpes...

.

Johnny crosses the street to the House for Humanity site as another man comes to take her offer.

.

EXT. HOUSE FOR HUMANITY SITE -- EARLY EVENING

.

Lydia is being checked out hand tools. As she walks away from the site she sees Johnny who walks up to her.

.

Johnny

Lydia!

.

A meber of the Brotherhood of Islam (BOI) gets between them. Lydia waves him off.

.

Lydia

It's okay. I'll talk to him.

.

Johnny

(whispering)

I'll quit working for Money. Is that it? Now stop this and come home.

.

Lydia

I can't.

.

Johnny

Everybody isn't leaving their homes. Why you?

.

Lydia

Because you're part of the problem Johnny.

Plus I love you. I don't know if I would be

able to trust myself with you.

.

Johnny

This Fast... whatever in the hell you

want to call it won't fix anything.

Everything will be the same as always.

Poeple will always sell drugs because there

are other people who will pay to use them.

.

Lydia

But, they won't be buying them here.

.

Lydia walks away from Johnny. As Johnny tries to follow a Member of the BOI steps in front of him. Johnny just walks away.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. GROCERY STORE -- EARLY EVENING

.

William and the Islam woman are still following Terri around. Terri is looking at melons and Cash is sitting in the basket.

.

William

I hear those aren't very good

this year.

.

Terri

Okay... Okay... Okay... you guys are

protecting us from the other men in

the community. Who is protecting us

from you?

.

William

Right not the only person I'm trying

to protect is you from yourself.

.

Terri

Okay fine. What in the hell do you

want me to do.

.

William

Sign-up for job training or school.

.

Terri

I went to school.

.

William

What school?

.

Terri

Beauty school.

.

William

So why aren't you styling hair?

.

Terri

Never got my license.

.

William

Why not?

.

Terri points to Cash.

.

William

Well maybe it is time to get your

license.

.

Terri

And you are going to help me do that?

.

William

The Brotherhood will.

.

Terri

Yeah right... they are going to help a

white girl.

.

William

As a missionary I have been known to

follow people for weeks.

.

Terri

Okay... I'll go.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. THE AFRIACAN BUSH - DRESSING ROOM -- EVENING

.

The room has a few STRIPPERS coming off stage or going on. Kendra is redoing her make-up. The Bouncer lets Bobby in the room.

.

Bouncer

Kendra, here's your girlfriend.

.

Bobby turns and glares at the Bouncer.

.

Kendra

Bobby, don't even waster your time.

Did you go to my apartment?

.

Bobby pulls out a very tailored and sexy suit with heels.

.

Bobby

Have I ever let you down?

.

Kendra

Yes. I asked you to bring my blue suit.

.

Bobby

But this is much better don't you think?

.

Kendra

If I thought it was better I would have

asked for it.

.

Kendra takes off her robe and begins to dress.

.

Bobby

By the way... who do you think Lisa Strata

wants with you?

.

Kendra

The hell if I know and I've been thinking

about that all night.

.

Bobby

Maybe she heard about the vibrator thing.

.

Kendra

I'm sure she has. She wouldn't worry about

that.

.

Bobby

Maybe she wants you.

.

Kendra

(laughing)

Doesn't everybody? I don't know what it is...

but I know it's big... life changing big. Lisa doesn't

do the small stuff.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. MONEY'S HOUSE -- EVENING

.

J.J. steps up onto the porch. He hears the sound of a gun cock.

.

J.J.

Hey, it's J.J.!

.

A YOUNG MAN comes from the side and takes J.J. inside.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. MONEY'S HOUSE -- EVENING

.

Money's house is expensive hip guady. Money and Johnny are arguing. T-Man is sitting in the background. Johnny and J.J. handshake hug.

.

J.J.

Yo... Dad.

.

Johnny

J.J. I told you... stay away.

.

Money

Don't even try to come back. J.J.

your Dad is pussy whipped. You

know that dont' you.

.

Johnny

The only pussy in this room is you Money.

.

The young man slams Johnny up against the wall. Money walks toward Johnny.

.

Money

Let him go.

.

The young man lets Johnny go and Money punches Johnny. Johnny doubles over while Money turns and leaves. T-Man helps Johnny up off the floor. Money goes towards the back of the house with the young and cangratulating him for his actions. T-Man watches Johnny and J.J. leave and stares into the distance.

.

CUT TO :

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- EVENING

.

Johnny and J.J. are walking and talking

.

J.J.

Why are you leaving Money?

Go back. He's family.

.

Johnny

We are both leaving. Look...

.

Johnny nods towards an unmarked police car. The man in the car stares at J.J. and Johnny as they walk by.

.

Johnny (cont'd)

Money is going down and there

is nothing we can do to stop it...

.

J.J.

So were gonna punk out on him when

he needs us most. Is that what you're

saying? Huh?

.

Johnny

(changing the subject)

How is your Mom?

.

J.J.

Full of blisters and bruises from

working on that house. Getting a job

tomorrow. Silly, if you ask me.

.

Johnny

She is still your Mana and you give

her respect.

.

J.J.

Why? She ain't giving none to you.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. CLUB HOUSE/OUR APARTMENTS -- EVENING

.

The room are packed wall to wall with WOMEN. There are a few members of the BOI. Sister Sue is in the front of the room.

.

Sister Sue

It's happening. We've made it happen

and it's okay.

.

Woman #4

Why don't I feel okay?

.

Sister Sue

We are all in shock right now.

Missing our men. Embarking

on something new.

.

Woman #1

Something new. I don't know if

I can do it...

.

Sister Sue

You have alread done it. Over 20 of

you signed up to finish your degrees

or get licenses in your field. Real

Estate... cosmetology... even a pilot's

license.

.

The Women applaud each other.

.

Sister Sue (cont'd)

Not to mention women starting

educational programs. After

overwhelming interest and volunteers...

Habitat for Humanity said they have never

seen so many properties being restored so quickly.

.

The Women applaud each other.

.

Sister Sue (cont'd)

And Technology International is talking about

locating their new production facility in out community

creating hundreds of new jobs...

.

The Women applaud.

.

Sister Sue

Wait... wait... only if we can reduce

the crime in District 12 as we have promised

.

The mood in the room deflates.

.

Lydia

We can do it ladies. We can do it.

We've already started. I haven't

started this for nothing. We can

do it.

.

The Women start chanting.

.

Women

We can do it. We can do it. We can do it.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. RADIO STATION -- EVENING

.

Paul walks out with a SECURITY GUARD on each side of him.

.

Man #5

How can you call yourself a man

and support this shit?

.

Man #6

You are brainwashing my woman. You

and your fat ass wife.

.

Paul looks at the Man with venom. Johnny steps in front of him.

.

Johnny

You got to have a plan... right? They

say you got jobs. Tell me what do I have

to do.

.

Man #7

Yeah man, what do we have to do?

.

Paul

Just be a man. I mean a real man.

.

The men stop and listen while Paul talks. A few men walk away.

.

EXT. MALL -- EVENING

.

Kendra walks up to Lisa who is flanked on both sides by bodyguards. One a member of BOI. The other bodyguard, Bruce.

.

Kendra

Bruce, what ate you doing here?

.

Bruce

She offiered me a job. It pays better

than the gas station. I took a chance.

Plus I might get to see my wife and

kids once in awhile.

.

Kendra smiles and walks past Bruce.

.

Kendra

Ms. Strata... you do move fast.

.

Lisa

This is a war. She who gets there first wins.

Which brings me to why I asked you to meet

me here.

.

Lisa points to the mall.

.

Lisa

Anybody ever tell you what this mall was like in the 70s?

.

Kendra

(smiles)

No.

.

Lisa

You couldn't even get into the parking lot.

It had every type of store you would want.

Never had to go out of the neighborhood

for anything.

.

Kendra

Well, that is not today.

.

Lisa

It was before all these Meth-Labs.

(pause)

I think you could breath life into

this old mall.

.

Kendra

Me.

.

Lisa

Yes you Ms. Thang. I convinced a investor

to buy this mall a part of their program to

bring jobs to the inter-city. I told them I

could make it profitable. I think I could

with your help.

.

Kendra

Okay?

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. MALL -- NIGHT

.

Kendra is walking beside Lisa as the bodyguards follow behind.

.

Kendra

A Mind, Body, and Spirit Mall?

.

Lisa

Sure. A Spa here. Your friend

Bobby's bookstore here. A

full service hair salon here. No matter

how rich... people of color come back to

the hood to get their hair done. If they

want new and fresh in this town. They

will have to come to you.

.

Kendra

You have a lot of faith in me.

.

Lisa

I have already seen you do the

impossible. I watched you grow-up. I

know you have a business degree from

the community college.

(pause)

Plus if we are going to win this war...

women have to look good and make every

men know he can't do without them. You

can even teach a stripping class in the spa.

District 12 has beautiful women. You can

help make them spectacular.

.

Kendra

Why should I even try this?

.

Lisa

Because you can make fantastic money.

Plus, the African Bush closes tomorrow and

you will be standing in the unemployment line.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. CLUB HOUSE/OUR APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

.

Sister Sue is eating. Lydia is taking charge of the serving of food.

.

Sister Sue

Who made this?

.

Terri

She did.

.

Sister Sue

Girl, who taught you to cook like this.

.

Lydia

I did. I make them up my myself. I

cook when I am worried.

.

Sister Sue

You are a leader in every way.

(pause)

Many of these women look up to you.

They're going to need your strength

in the next few weeks.

.

Lydia

I can barely get myself through.

.

Sister Sue

You have strength and talents you aren't

even aware of...

.

Terri

This fast is going to work isn't it?

.

Sister Sue

I wouldn't have asked any of you to go

through all of this if I thought that it

wouldn't. Each one of you is the

strenght of this community.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BOOK STORE -- NIGHT

.

Bobby is letting the CASHIER go home.

.

Bobby

Put up the sign on your way out.

.

The Cashier turns the sign around as T-Man pushes his way through the door.

.

Bobby (cont'd)

It's all right Sara... Good Night.

.

T-Man takes a paper off the rack and puts it on the counter.

.

Bobby (cont'd)

Terrance, why are you here?

.

T-Man

What... You thought I was locked up?

.

Bobby

No... I wouldn't do that to you. You know me T...

I wouldn't do that to you.

.

T-Man

(interrupting)

Seems they're busting every house you knew about.

.

Bobby

I think it is time you leave.

.

T-Man

What do you want me to do?

.

Bobby

Talk to Lisa Strata. Tell her

everything you know before

someone gets killed.

.

T-Man

No one is going to get killed.

.

Bobby

How do you know what Money is going to

do when we get him out of this

neighborhood? And take my word we

will get him out.

.

T-Man

This is Money's hood too. He loves

everybody just as much as you.

Besides... with out the trade I'm not sure

what else I would do. I've been

doing this since I was a kid.

.

Bobby

You could do anything you want to do.

.

T-Man

No I can't... not anymore.

.

T-Man goes to touch Bobby who walks away. T-Man lets himself out of the store.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- NIGHT

.

Lisa is giving coffee to the TWO SECURITY MEN outside of her door. We see a pile of work on her dinning room table.

.

Security Man

Ms. Strata a messenger left this for you.

.

The Security Man hands Lisa a small envelope. Inside there are two tickets for a cruise and a letter that reads: The tickets are for the honeymoon. Just keep them until you're ready. I believe in you, Love David. Lisa's cellular phone rings.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Lisa, I've been calling you for the

last hour where are you?

.

Lisa

I'm at home girl. Disconnected the

phone... too many death threats.

.

Sister Sue

Death threats!

.

Lisa

We have security... I'm fine and I sent Grace to

Maryland to be with her father.

.

Sister Sue

How is dear Henry... is he contributing to the fast?

.

Lisa

No... he is to busy bowing to his alter of wealth.

Anyway... how are you and the women?

.

Sister Sue

Good. They have a lot of strength.

This is the first time that several of them

have been out on their own.

.

Lisa

I know. They have accomplished more

than I ever imagined.

.

Sister Sue

They trust and believe in you Lisa

.

Lisa

I believe in them and we can't let

them down. Now we go into high gear.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. CLUB HOUSE/OUT APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

.

Sister Sue is sitting up in a sleeping bag. Paul walks toward Sue.

.

Sister Sue

Tomorrow high gear... bye bye.

.

Sister Sue hangs up the phone.

.

Paul

I'm going home now. Are you sure

you don't want to go with me?

I'll let you sleep in the guest room.

.

Sister Sue

I'm asking these women to give up

the comfort of their homes. It wouldn't

be right if I didn't do the same.

.

Paul

I understand and by the way I do

respect what you are doing.

.

Sister Sue

Thanks...

.

Paul nods his head and walks away. Sister Sue smiles and begins to read her Bible before she goes to bed.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. HOUSE FOR HUMANITY SITE -- DAY

.

SEVERAL WOMEN are restoring condemned houses as men heckle them as they walk by. The women don't care they just keep working.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

They said it couldn't be done. They

said we weren't strong enough.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. COMPUTER TRAINING COURSES -- DAY

.

SEVERAL WOMEN AND MEN are training separated by rows. One of the men is Johnny.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

But we showed them wrong. We are improving our skills.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RESTAURANT -- DAY

.

Lydia is the new cook at an old restaurant. The OWNER AND CUSTOMERS are impressed by her food.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

We are taking on new challenges and surprising

ourselves by succeeding in things we never

saw ourselves doing.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- DAY

.

The BOI are blowing the whistle and calling the police on cell phones anytime they see a drug deal.

.

Sister Sue

On the flip side. Law enforcement has

reported an increase in drug arrests and an

obliteration of Meth distribution in our

community.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. METH-LAB HOUSE -- DAY

.

The POLICE escort DEALERS into a paddy wagon and taking drug paraphernalia out of the house. The Elderaly Man looks on as Money drives by and sees his empire falling.

.

Sister Sue

The citizens are standing up against

the villains who have persecuted us

for so long.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. FREE CLINIC -- DAY

.

SEVERAL MEN are standing in a line. Some of the men a scratching or holding their crotches. NASTY WHORES are laughing at them from across the street. One MAN leaves the line and talkes off after them turns the block and runs into a POLICE OFFICER. The man smiles and goes back to the clinic.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Also doctors and hospitals have noted

the the number of sexually transmitted

illnessess has sky rocketed.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- DAY

.

Men are dating women from another neighborhood. The other neighborhood's men come after them and try to kill them.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

If it is available during the fast

young men it is probaby not

worth having.

.

INT . FLOWER STORE -- DAY

.

A YOUNG MAN is finishing a very long note and attaching it to some flowers,

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

In fact... maybe this is the time to

learn the difference between sexual

attraction and love.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BOOKSTORE -- MORNING

.

Lisa walks into the bookstore with her bodyguards staying outside by the door. Bobby is behind the counter. She picks up a paper.

.

Lisa

The police believe they're close to

closeing all the Meth distro houses.

(whispering)

Thank you.

.

Bobby

Well, I guess it is time to celebrate.

.

Lisa

Right. We dont' know where the main

meth production lab is... we don't have

Money. We can't even connect him to

any of the drugs.

.

Bobby

Lisa... Money is the drug problem.

.

Lisa

What about T-Man?

.

Bobby

What about him? You promised you

would stop shaking him down if I gave

you the addressess.

.

Lisa

Do you think he would turn on Money

for immunity?

.

Bobby stares at her.

.

Bobby

I wouldn't count on it. Lisa, you do know

I could come up dead if they figure out how

their houses got busted.

.

Lisa nods.

.

Lisa

Nobody is gonna know nothing. But even

so... Money won't stop just over a few

arrests.

.

Bobby

No. They will just stop selling in the

neighborhoods.

.

Lisa

So they are going to leave the district?

.

Bobby

Hell... I don't know

.

.

Bobby looks out the window.

.

Bobby (cont'd)

Lisa... I hope you are ready.

.

Lisa

Ready for what?

.

Bobby motions for Lisa to come to the window. She looks out and sees a TABLOID NEWS satellite truck.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO -- DAY

.

In the back of the Reporter is video of the MEN standing in a line at the clinic and attacking the radio station.

.

Reporter

It's the case of the sexless city.

"Not today honey I have a headache",

is what these inner-city women are

saying. They vow until the drugs are

out of theit town they will not be getting

down.

.

CUT TO:

.

HEAD SHOT OF LISA STRATA WITH CG: LISA STRATA, STATE CONGRESS WOMAN.

.

Lisa

This isn't about denying men sex. It is about

women using their minds and spirits to

make positive changes.

.

CUT TO:

.

HEAD SHOT OF OLD WOMAN WITH CG: CONCERNED CITIZEN

.

Old Woman

Yes... I'm part of the fast. Not

having sex with no one... no one at

all. Not a person. But if it's for the

community it's worth it.

.

CUT TO:

.

HEAD SHOT OF LYDIA WITH CG: STRIKING HOUSEWIFE

.

Lydia

I have felt something I haven't felt

in a long time. I don't know if I have

ever felt it... hope.

.

CUT TO:

.

HEAD SHOT OF BOBBY WITH CG: DENIED MAN

.

Bobby is surprised and looks like he tried to avoid the reporter.

.

Bobby

Sure... It's been a huge problem. I

can't deal without women in my life.

.

CUT TO:

HEAD SHOT OF MAN WITH CG: DENIED MAN

.

Man #4

I haven't spoken more than 2 times

to my wife and children in 3 weeks.

No one should ever try to persuade a

wife to leave her husband.

.

Reporter (O.S.)

So you are saying that things aren't

getting better.

.

The man is caught off guard like that was a question he had never thought of before.

.

Man #4

(confused)

No, I didn't say that.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. TELEVISION STUDIO -- DAY

.

In the back of the Reporter is a video of Men and Women building the houses for humanity.

Men on Left of House and the Women on the Right.

.

Reporter

Can this fast really last and if it

does will it do any good? We'll

keep you updated. Up next

outrageous violent videos.

.

CUT TO:

.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. RESTAURANT -- DAY

.

Johnny is standing on the opposite side of the street watching the people stand in line t get Lydia's cooking. He doesn't see Paul come up behind him.

.

Paul

I have never seen a line like

that for that restaurant.

.

Johnny

They have a new chef... my wife.

.

Paul

I know. My wife got her the job.

I hear she is not bad.

.

Johnny

Some folks say her cooking is better

than sex. Maybe that is why she it

doing so good now.

.

Paul

(smile)

Maybe.

.

Johnny

How do I compete with that?

.

Paul

Why would you want to compete

with your wife?

.

Johnny

Hey... you said it... Be a real man.

.

Paul

Do you know that my wife makes more

money than me? Between her radio

show and her books she has me beat over

and over. I am just her manager. 10%...

she is the bread winner.

.

Johnny

She supports the family. She's the man.

.

Paul

To me being a man means loving her

unconditionally... supporting the

family in whatever constructive things

we want to do... making our dreams come

true.

(pause)

She can cook that good huh? I better

get over there before the line gets too

long.

.

Johnny watches Paul as he crosses the street.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. STRIP MALL - HAIR SALON -- DAY

.

Kendra walks in t start the interview process. There are 6 women in the room. Terri sees her and gets on the defensive.

.

Kendra

I am the manager of the Mind, Body and

Soul Spa and I know that you are some

of the best stylists in the city.

.

Terri

(interrupting)

Oh... Hell no!!! There is no way I am

working for you.

.

Terri gets up and leaves the meeting.

.

Kendra

Excuse me for a moment. Kelly, my

assistant will pass out the paperwork.

.

Kendra walks out and her ASSISTANT replaces her.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. STRIP MALL -- DAY

.

Kendra runs to catch up with Terri.

.

Kendra

What in the hell is your problem?

.

Terri

My problem? You are the one sleeping

with my man.

.

Kendra

Money?

(sigh)

I don't want Money. He was just something

to do... a way to get the rent paid.

.

Terri

Something to do... You ruined my life

and my little boy's life over something to do.

.

Kendra

You ruined your little boy's life the day you

decided to make Money his daddy.

Money is a child himself. You could do

better.

.

Terri

(on the verge of tears)

You could. I can't.

.

Kendra

I came out her after you because

everybody in town knows that not many

can do braids, locks and twist better than

you. So they come to you and you charge

them $25 if that much. You don't know

your worth.

.

Terri

You think you can get away with talking like

this to me because I am white.

.

Kendra

No... cause your stupid. The job is yours

if you want it. I know the difference

between a personality conflict and business.

.

Kendra walks away.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RESTAURANT -- DAY

.

Lydia is in the back cooking. The old woman comes up to talk to her. The restaurant is jam packed and people are standing on the street waiting to be served.

.

Old Woman

Are you sure this food is low in fat

and sugar? It taste too good.

.

Lydia

Yes Ma'am.

.

Old Woman

My doctor has been given' me hell

about staying on my diet on the count I

have sugar and all. But I can do it

with food like this.

.

Lydia

The recipes are at the counter.

Sister Sue thought I should sell them.

.

Old Woman

She ain't never been so right.

.

Waitress

Lydia, a man brought this by.

.

The waitress reaches over the Old Woman and gives Lydia a package.

.

Old Woman

I'll go and buy the recipe on my way out.

.

Lydia takes the package and opens it and finds a self help book for men and a computer test with Johnny's name graded with an A. Lydia reads the note.

.

Note: To my Wife, I left Money and

everything dealing with him. I am trying

and I would be honored if would call me so

we could talk about the family. I'll Always

Love You, Johnny.

.

Lydia takes the package and holds it to her chest.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. LONELY STREET -- DAY

.

Kendra is driving down the street when her car is cut off by Money's car. Kendra stops. T-Man gets out of the car and opens Kendra's door.

.

T-Man

Hey Kennie... Money wants to talk to you.

.

Kendra

T your're too smart to be with Money.

Why don't you just leave this place?

Get on a plane with Bobby and just

leave.

.

T-Man

Kennie you talk too much.

.

Kendra

Money is losing power and he could

kill me. You know that don't you?

.

T-Man

I have your back Kennie.

.

Kendra

You can jump between me and bullets

now... huh?

.

T-Man helps Kendra out of the car. She is afraid but doesn't show it when she sees Money. She sits on the hood of Money's car making him come out of the car. T-Man stands back but is very watchful.

.

Money

You haven't been around lately.

.

Kendra

If I remember correctly the gentleman

always comes to the lady.

.

Money

Well, I'm here now! I got us a room

at the Wyndham. First class all the

way.

.

Kendra

Money your might have heard... there is

a fast going on.

.

Money

I have all the bitches I want... fast or

no fast.

.

Money touches Kendra's arm.

.

Kendra

Then I guess you don't need me.

.

Kendra gets and begins to leave when she hears the cock of a gun. She looks directly at T-Man.

.

Money

Nobody ever walks away from me.

.

Kendra

Well, I guess there is a first time

for everything.

.

Money fires a shot over her head. Kendra flinches but keeps on walking. T-Man runs over and calms Money while Kendra gets in the car and drives away.

.

T-Man

Later... not now. No bitch is worth it.

.

Money watches the car drive out of sight.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- DAY

.

Kendra begins to heave. She pulls over the car and vomits. After she vomits she wipes her mouth with a handkerchief and notices that the corner of one of her nails is broken.

.

Kendra

Mother F ing... Son of a bitch.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDING -- DAY

.

Lisa walks up to David who is on the sidewalk talking with some construction workers who are busily renovating the building. Lisa is followed by her body guards.

.

Lisa

David, you wanted to see me?

.

David

Lisa do you really need those body

guards?

.

Lisa shakes her head towards a couple of gang members across the street.

.

David (cont'd)

I wish you would end this fast before you

get hurt or killed.

.

Lisa

I'll end it when District 12 is a better

place to live.

.

David

Well, I hope this will speed up the process. The

computer training courses will be completed by

the end of the week. And with overtime and

the work force you have help me with this

building will be ready very soon.

.

Lisa

Oh David... that's fantastic.

.

Lisa starts to go towards him and steps back.

.

Lisa (cont'd)

Thank you. This might be one of the

best moves the company has ever done.

.

David

I hope so. I had a long meeting with

the police chief. He believes because

of you and your fast District 12 has

a chance of getting the drugs out of

the neighborhood.

.

Lisa

We've made a strong beginning.

.

David

The PR department is already trying to

figure out how to make the

announcement.

.

Lisa

After all the tabloid coverage we could

use something a little more main stream.

.

David

When will the fast be over?

.

Lisa

I'm not sure.

.

David

What are you sure of?

.

Lisa

At this point... nothing.

.

David reaches in his pocket and pulls out a very expensive engagment ring and pushes it in Lisa's hand.

.

David

Don't say anything. Just keep it

until you are ready.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. CLUB HOUSE/OUR APARTMENTS -- DAY

.

Terri walks into the club house with Cash by her side excited. William is at the booth. Terri rushes up to him and is intercepted by Islamic Women. William nods his head and they let her pass but they watch her closely.

.

Terri

I just wanted to tell you that I

passed my test. I will be doing

hair at the Mind, Body, and Spirit Mall.

.

William

Very well sister. Now are you going to

take some classes? To learn how to

treat yourself and your family.

.

Terri

Why? Didn't you hear me I got a new

job. I am on my way.

.

William

You are taking the first step. Come

with me.

.

Terri looks at the women in a smug victory and follows William. They walk to the other side of the room.

.

William (cont'd)

Terri this is my wife... Cloran.

Cloran... Terri.

.

CLORAN sits in a desk doing paperwork. She is dressed traditionally.

.

Terri

(surprised, disappoined)

Hi.

.

Cloran

Hello. William has told me about you.

He says you have a great spirit.

.

William

I'll let the two of you talk.

.

William walks away.

.

Cloran

Sit. After what Willima put you

through at the food store I guess you

are glad to see him leave.

.

Terri sits and Cash cowers against her.

.

Cloran (cont'd)

I have a little boy a couple of years

olde than you downstairs. I think

you two would like each other.

.

Terri

He told you about the store thing?

.

Cloran

He can be very annoying sometimes in his

service to Allah.

.

Terri

I guess. Well, it's nice to meet you. I guess

I'll be going now.

.

Cloran

Why? William thought we would have wisdom

to share with each other. Why don't we go to

my home for tea?

.

Terri

Okay.

.

Cloran

We should talk.

.

CUT TO:

.

OUR APARTMENTS -- DAY

.

Cloran and Terri walk down the street with their two boys when Terri sees T-Man and Money staring at them from across the street. The Men of BOI stand guard.

.

Cloran

You know him?

.

Terri

Yeah...

.

Cloran

Keep walking. He has no power over

either of us.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- DAY

.

T-Man and Money look at Terri and Cloran.

.

T-Man

Yo...Money. There goes your family.

.

Money

That's all I need. Fucking Cloran

messing wit Terri's mind. Cash is

my son and that ain't gonna change.

.

Money is poised to walk across the street when his cell phone rings.

.

Money

Yo...

(pause)

What! I don't want to go no where else.

I don't want your money... these bitches

aren't going to run me out of no where.

(pause)

Fine. Whatever.

.

Money puts the cell phone away.

.

T-Man

Money what's up?

.

Money

He's ordering us to stop production.

.

T-Man

Well, is hegoing to pay us to stop?

We only got the one place left and is seconds

before that is shut down.

.

Money

He shut it down. It's in his warehouse. I don't

want his money. So we don't get coke from him

anymore... who cares.

.

T-Man

Yeah right. Money you are one of the biggest crack

dealers in the city. Without him you got nothing.

.

Money

He isn't the only one who sells it and we don't need him

to cook crystal.

.

T-Man

And where are we gonna do it? Lisa Strata isn't

playing... our guys have been going through the

police station like a damn parade and not coming out.

.

Money

Fuck a Lisa Strata. Nobody tells me what to do.

.

INT. WILLIAM'S AND CLORAN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- DAY

.

Terri is looking through the bookshelf. Cloran walks back in the room with two cups of tea. Cloran hands Terri one of the cups.

.

Terri

Thank you.

.

Cloran

You're welcome. I just put the boys

at the computer with a reading program.

My little Bill will be determined to teach

Cash how to read.

.

Terri

Well, by looking at your bookshelf it Bill is

anything like his parents he can read quite well.

.

Cloran

We try to keep up.

.

Terri

You are different than I expected.

.

Cloran

How is that?

.

Terri

For starts being Muslim and caring a shit

about if a white person does good or not.

.

Cloran

I wouldn't call Muslims racist. Islam is the

largest religion in the world. We come in

all shades and races. 99.9% of us are peaceful

we aren't crazy people that try to blow up folks.

.

Terri

I know... I'm sorry if I offended you. Have you

read all these books?

.

Cloran

Well... most of them. Knowledge is power. What

did you expect me to be?

.

Terri

I don't know. One of those holier than thou women

that just do what their husbands tell them to do

and never had a single original thought.

.

Cloran

If nobody can say nothing else about me I do

think for myself.

.

Terri

Then how can you be a Muslim and under the thumb

for your husband all of your life?

.

Cloran

First of all I am under nobody's thumb. Second of all

my marriage with William is a partnership.

(pause)

I am like the Earth and he is like the Sun... we can just

make things grow together.

.

Terri

But he makes all the decisions about what to plant.

.

Cloran

We both decide. It's just that if we have a difference of

opinion I trust him enough to guide the fate of our family.

.

Terri

I'm not sure I can trust any man to guide my fate anywhere.

.

Both Cloran and Terri laugh.

.

Cloran

You just have to choose well. I made a

huge mistake and then got lucky.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. HOUSES FOR HUMANITY SITE -- DAY

.

Lydia is working on a house. The site is extra busy with REPORTERS and PEOPLE from outside of the neighborhood helping. J.J. walks up to the site and is stopped by a Reporter.

.

Reporter

Young man, do you have time to answer

a few questions?

.

J.J.

No.

.

J.J. walks past the Reporters and BOT and walks up to Lydia.

.

J.J. (cont'd)

Hey Moms... I stopped by the house but you

weren't there.

.

Lydia

I just decided to come here right after

work. I hope you ate the dinner I put

in the fridge this morning. How was

school?

.

J.J.

I ate... school way alright... Hey I'm

lying... I skipped last period to go

visit Dad. I want to go live with him.

He isn't with Money anymore....

He's doing good Moms.

.

Lynnette

I know I talked with him this afternoon.

We agreed... going back home with

Johnny might not be a good thing?

.

J.J.

Huh?

.

Lydia

Both your father and I are trying to

build a new life for us... we want you

to be part of that.

.

Johnny

Hi guys.

.

J.J.

Dad! What are you doing here?

.

Johnny

Getting ready to work on the house.

On of these houses is going to belong to us.

Your mother has already put in quite

a bit of hours on the books for this family

and maybe we can put on a few more.

.

Lydia

I even know the house I want. I remember

passing by it everyday as a child.

.

Johnny

Come on son let's get signed up?

.

J.J.

Why can't we buy a house like other

people?

.

Johnny

That is the way they do it. This is the way we

do it. Come on son lets sign in.

.

Johnny and an upset J.J. walk away. Lydia smiles and goes back to work.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- KITCHEN - DAY

.

Sister Sue and Lisa at the table.

.

Sister Sue

You were right the Fast accomplished a great deal

in a short amount of time.

.

Lisa

Crime has dropped. Men are more interested in

being husbands and fathers than I have ever seen.

.

Sister Sue

Amen Sister/Friend

.

Lisa

...and the women are finally standing on their own feet

and not just existing but pushing ahead.

.

Sister Sue

Now, how do we keep it this way?

.

Lisa

By making it feel like the norm in the minds of the people.

.

Sister Sue

In the minds of the world.

.

Lisa

We could capitalize off this with David's press conference.

.

Sister Sue

We are getting a lot of press now. Do you know that a

couple of radio networks have approached me about

airing my program nationally?

.

Lisa

Really? That's wonderful. Are you going to do it?

.

Sister Sue

Capital Y...Yes. My momma didn't raise no fool.

(pause)

You know the media coverage has just been hitting

at the surface. The country needs to hear what these

women feel every night before they lay their heads down

to bed. Lisa you need to hear what they have to say.

.

Lisa

Making it real... getting past the surface to the foundation.

After something gets in your foundation... It's there forever.

.

Sister Sue

Or at least until the next earthquake. So you'll be at the

clubhouse tonight.

.

Lisa

Consider me there.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. WILLIAM'S AND CLORAN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - DAY

.

There is a loud knock on the door. Cloran answers it and Kendra rushes in the door.

.

Kendra

Is William here?

.

Cloran

No. But...

.

Kendra

Good, cause girl I need to talk to you. Money

shot at me.

.

Cloran

What?

.

Kendra

He took out his gun and shot at me.

.

Terri walks out of the kitchen with both of the boys.

.

Kendra (cont'd)

Damn, I guess all of Money's Bitches are here.

.

Cloran

(nodding towards the boys)

Kennie, watch your mouth.

.

Kendra

Sorry.

.

Cloran

Bill take Cash to your room.

.

The boys leave the living room.

.

Terri

You know Kendra?

.

Cloran

I used to dance with her before I

got married.

.

Terri

You were a stripper.

.

Cloran nods.

.

Cloran

But tell me about Money.

.

Kendra

I guess between Lisa putting a choke hold

on his drug business and him losing all three of

us and both of his sons... the dude done flipped.

He tried to kill be today because I wouldn't

go back to him.

.

Terri

All three of us.

.

Kendra

Ummmmmmmmmmm.

.

Cloran

Terri... Cash, Money's son?

.

Terri

Yeah. Bill?

.

Cloran

Un hun? But William is the only real

father he's ever had.

.

Kendra

That's one of the reasons I would never

have a kid by that fool. Cash... Bill.

He would've named by child Quarter or

some type of mess.

.

Terri

You use to strip and deal with Money?

.

Kendra

Hell, she married the man.

.

Cloran

Kendra, what are you doing here?

.

Kendra

Lisa is right... we need to get Money

out of this neighborhood. If anybody

can make him fail we can.

Girl you know I've been keepin stuff

on Money to cover my ass.

.

They hear a key rattle in the door. Kendra jumps as William walks into the house.

.

Cloran

Kennie it's okay... sit. William, we gotta talk.

.

INT. BOOKSTORE -- EVENING

.

T-Man walks in as Bobby is putting up a new book display.

.

T-Man

Hey... You talk to Kendra today?

.

Bobby

She called earlier from the nail salon.

Said Money shot at her. I'm going over

to apartment as soon as we close. Is that

what you're talking about.

.

T-Man

She okay?

.

Bobby

She said you probably saved her life.

.

T-Man

No I didn't. It was just luck. That

first shot could have landed in the

middle of her skull.

.

Bobby

Terrance... you stood by while Money

ruined everyone else's life. Killed folks.

But now he's turning on people he called

his friends. I would watch my back if I was you.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- EVENING

.

J.J. is running over to Money's car.

.

J.J.

Money... Money.

.

Money

If you're coming to get Johnny's job

back. Tell him to go fuck himself.

.

J.J>

Naw, Money. I just want to know if I

still have a job.

.

Money

Haven't you heard. There is a fast

going on. Those women done shut

me down.

.

J.J.

No they didn't. You ain't going to let a

few women push you around.

.

Money

True that little brother. True that.

Why you still want to work for me?

They carted half your dogs to jail.

.

J.J.

'Cause I ain't gonna take hand outs

from anybody. I'm a man and I ain't

gonna let no woman be the head of me.

.

Money

Meet me over at the projects

tonight. We'll teach those

bitches a lesson.

.

J.J.

I'll be there Money. I'll be there.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. WILLIAM'S AND CLORAN'S HOUSE - LIVING ROOM -- EVENING

.

Terri and Kendra are just looking at each other.

.

Terri

How long have they been in there?

.

Kendra

Don't know. Don't care.

.

So Cloran really used to dance.

.

Kendra

Yep. One of the best. We even had

this act that we did together. She

used to bring a squirt gun with oil

on to the stage.

.

Kendra notices Terri being a little too interested.

.

Kendra (cont'd)

You don't want to know about that. It

was a million years ago.

.

Terri

So she quit dancing when she found God?

.

Kendra

No. She has always been one of

the most spiritual people I know. She

quit dancing when she met William.

.

William and Cloran walk out of the bedroom.

.

William

Kendra. I heard my name I

hope you were speaking

nicely of me.

.

Kendra

Your house. I wouldn't

disrespect you... here.

.

Cloran

Take off the gloves Kennie. William

agreed to let you stay.

.

Kendra

Yippy.

.

William

I am beginning to regret it all already.

.

Kendra

William why don't you like me. I have

never done a damn thing to you.

.

Cloran

Oh... Lawd.

.

Cloran goes and sits by Terri.

.

William

I don't dislike you Kendra. I just

dislike your ways.

.

Kendra

And what ways are those.

.

William

I just know way to say it...

You're a ho Kendra.

.

Kendra

So I gotta be a ho now. I stripped

but I have never sold it.

.

William

Sure you have. You meet man and the

only thing you care about is how good

looking they are, how much power they

have, how much money they have and how

you can get it... I've never seen you care

about any man you dated.

.

Kendra

So that makes me a ho.

.

Sex for money, status, any thing but

love... yep ho pretty well sums it up.

.

Kendra

I've been beaten, raped, used in every

way you can think of. Don't you

think I have the right...?

.

William

(interrupting)

Only if you want to be like those

fools you mistook for men.

(pause)

You know Kendra ... a lot of those men

believe I amd part of the fast because

I want to keep the men away from the

women. What they don't know is I really

wanted to keep a few of the

treacherous women away from the men.

.

Kendra just looks at Willliam like she could go through him.

.

Cloran

We are getting off track now. Our

Purpose is to stop Money. Now,

Kennie you have something in

your apartment that will do that?

.

Kendra

Yeah.

.

Cloran

Then what are we waiting for. Tell

us about it as we drive over.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CLUB HOUSE/OUR APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

.

Lisa and Sue are talking to the women. Applause and cheering is dying down as Lisa is beginning to talk.

.

Lisa

Crime and drug trafficking is down.

Education is up and District 12 looks

better than it has in years. I am so

in awe of each and everyone of you.

We have accomplished so much.

Everybody give yourselves a hand.

.

The room breaks out in cheers and applause.

.

Lydia

So the fast is over?

.

Lisa

We are getting close.

.

Woman #4

Close? Less drugs... more education...

better neighborhood. What else do we

have to do?

.

Lisa

Finalize everything. Maek sure the

drug dealers are really out of

business. Know that this will never

happen to us again.

.

Woman #4

It's not going to happen again.

Right ladies?

.

As the Woman talks the crowd erupts in cheers and applause.

.

Lisa

We are very close. That is why I want

to have a Gospel Fest and invite the

men who have helped us with out

struggle.

.

Woman #6

And after the celebration the fast

will end.

.

Lisa

No. The Gospel Fest will be the first

step of putting the nail in the coffin.

.

Woman #6

No. I have followed the damn rules

of that contract. I haven't touched my

husband and now he is acting better

than he has acted in years.

.

Lisa

That's a great beginning! Now it is

time to make sure everthing keeps

going foward. Maybe we can have

family and marriage counseling.

.

Woman #5

Damn a marriage counselor! Do you

know how long it have been since I

got laid?

.

Woman #1

The same amount as everyone

in this room.

.

Old Woman

For some it has been longer than

others.

.

Woman #1

Look how much we have accomplished.

Listen to Lisa... she has got us this

far... lets go all the way.

.

Old Woman

Remember if you have a hand you

don't need a man.

.

A few people in the room giggle.

.

Woman #5

Old woman I need my man.

.

Lydia

I want to finish the Fast. I am not

going back to the life I left behind.

For the first time I feel like my

family has a future.

.

The room erupts in argument.

.

Sister Sue

Ladies... Ladies... It's late.

Tomorrow... let's take a vote

tomorrow. Whatever the vote says.

That is what we will do... right Lisa?

.

Lisa look surprised.

.

Lisa

Right.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CLUB HOUSE/ OUT APARTMENTS -- NIGHT

.

The women are leaving and Sister Sue and Lisa are getting ready to get into Sister Sue's car.

.

Lisa

The Women need to talk to you...

you said.

.

Sister Sue

They did.

.

Lisa

If I didn't come here tonight this

never would have happened.

.

Sister Sue

It would have happened sooner or

later.

.

Lisa

Maybe later. If we can't get Money

off the streets then this has been a

waste of time. What in the hell are

we going to do to convince these women

to continue the fast by tomorrow?

.

Sister Sue

Nothing.

.

Lisa

Nothing?

.

Sister Sue

We are not on our schedule we're on God's

schedule.

.

Lisa

So what do we do if the vote

to the end the fast.

.

Sister Sue

Be glad we got this far.

Lisa's phone rings.

.

Lisa

Hello

(pause)

What? I don't understand.

(pause)

Wait... Sue is with me. We'll be

right over.

.

Sister Sue

What was that about?

.

Lisa

Your miracle. Ill call my bodyguard

brigade and we can go.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

J.J. is standing by the fence when he see Money and a dozen men and boys.

.

J.J.

Hey Money.

.

Money

You made it. Help us get the fire

bombs out of the car.

.

J.J.

Fire bombs. What are we going to do

Money?

.

Money

Teach those women a lesson.

.

J.J.

My Dad still lives there.

.

Money

So...

.

J.J.

We're going to blow people up?

.

Money

Don't worry no one's going to get hurt.

.

Money looks up a Kendra's Apartment and sees her silhouette.

.

Money (cont'd)

Nobody at all.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT - HALLWAY -- NIGHT

.

Lisa knocks on the door and she sees Cloran, Kendra and Terri looking back at her.

.

Kendra

Come in. Welcome to Money's Angels.

.

Lisa and Sue walk into the apartment. William and Bobby are walking out of the apartment.

.

Bobby

We'll be back in a few Lisa. You know Kendra

never has any food. Can't cook.

.

Kendra

Bobby!

.

Bobby

Kennie you know you love me.

.

Bobby and William walk away.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

All of the women are in deep conversation. Sister Sue and Lisa are going through a box of papers.

.

Sister Sue

All these scraps of paper. Kendra how

long have you been collecting these?

.

Kendra

Since day one. He isn't the brightest person

in the world. Always leaving stuff around.

.

Terri

I could have done the same thing.

.

Cloran

Amen.

.

Lisa

Looks like enough to bring him in...

.

Cloran

All of his labs weren't in the

neighborhood. He had one in the

industrial district of at least he did

when I was dealing with him.

.

Lisa

Which building?

.

Cloran

Don't know. It belonged to his

supplier.

.

Kendra

But we think that's the last one he

has... because his back is up against

the wall... or he wouldn't have shot

at me today.

.

A fire bomb smashes through the window and starts a fire in-between Kendra's living room and bedroom. The women scream. The Mother's are trying to get through the flames to get their sons in the bedroom. The note Kendra collected go up in flames.

.

Cloran

Bill!!!

.

Terri

Cash!!!

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

Bill and Cash cower in the corner.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

Money runs from the apartments as he watches the boys throw fire bombs into the rest of the buildings.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHTS

.

Bruce looks up from his truck and sees the buildings on fire. A member of the BOI (one of Lisa's body guards is in the truck with him.)

.

Bruce

Baliah look... call 911.

.

Bruce sees one of Money's boys and takes off after him. When he rounds the corner Bruce sees that another one of Money's boys has dropped the fire bomb on himself and is on fire. Bruce runs to him and tries to smother the flames on the boy with his coast but it is too late the boy is dead.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. PROJECTS - HALL -- NIGHT

.

The hall is full of smoke. Johnny is knocking on doors trying to get people out of the building . A few people don't answer so he kicks the doors in and wakes them up.

.

Johnny

J.J.!!!

.

Johnny talks to a group of boys in the hall.

.

Johnny (cont'd)

Have you seen my son?

.

The boys shake their heads no and Johnny continues to knock on doors.

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

William and Bobby drive up to the building frantic. They see Sister Sue in the doorway getting the fire extinguisher off the wall. Scores of people are running past her in sleep wear. William and Bobby run up.

.

Sister Sue

They are still in there. They can't get to the kids.

.

William and Bobby take off as Sue gives hime the fire extinguisher as FIRE TRUCKS SCREAM in the distance.

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

Lisa is trying to best the flames down with a couch cushion as Kendra tries to put it out with a small kitchen extinguisher. William bursts into the apartment gives the heavy duty extinguisher to Cloran who uses it. William has on a heavy black wool coat and leaps through the flames. Bobby helps beat the flames with his coat.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

Lisa is trying to best the flames down the a couch cushion as Kendra tries to put it out with a small kitchen extinguisher. William bursts into the apartment gives the heavy duty extinguisher to Cloran who uses it. William leaps through the flames. Bobby helps beat the flames with his coat.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KENDRA'S APARTMENT - BEDROOM -- DAY

.

William's coat is on fire and he beats it down. He runs to the boys who are scared but okay. He then takes Kendra's spread off the bed and beats back the flames enough for everyone to go through.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

Lisa, Kendra, Terri, Cloran, William and the boys run out of the building. Cloran notices William's are has a burn and calls the paramedics to him. The Firemen take them from the building as they are fighting to affects of the smoke. Bobby carries Kendra who is overcome with smoke to the paramedics.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. CITY STREET -- NIGHT

.

Money sits alone on the top of his car watching the fire trucks zoom by and the glow of the projects in flames.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS. -- NIGHT

.

Jonny is looking for J.J. in the crowd and sees him behind one of the buildings not far from the dead boy as the paramedics take the body bag away.

.

Johnny

J.J. son are you alright?

.

J.J. can't talk he is trying to hold back the tears. Johnny hold his son tight.

.

Johnny (cont'd)

Don't worry son whoever did this is

going t pay. They're going to pay son.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

T-Man is driving by the projects in his truck and sees all the people on the pavement and the destruction of the buildings and the media. As his truck slowly creeps by he sees Kendra and Bobby and begins to stop until the crowd recognizes his truck and throws cans bottles and anything else they can find at T-Man's truck. T-Man speeds up and only gets to the end of the block before he is stopped by the police. The police talk to him from a loud speaker.

.

.

Police

This is the police come out of the car

with your hands up. This is the

Police come out of the care with your hands up.

.

T-Man gets out of the car to the jeers of the crowd. Bobby eyes water as he watches.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PROJECTS -- NIGHT

.

Lisa and William are organizaing the displaced families families and giving them a place to stay for the night.

.

William

The mosque's dorms should hold

everybody who isn't staying with

family or friends.

.

Lisa

The Houses for Humanity town houses

are ready to move into. We'll just

speed everything up and shift people

around.

.

Sue walks up.

.

Sister Sue

I think we got clothes to everybody to

last the night. We will worry about

the rest in the morning.

.

Lisa

The morning.

(pause)

I'm ending the fast in the morning.

.

Sister Sue

I thought we were going to vote.

.

Lisa

Sue, another boy died and this time it was my fault.

(pause)

Who in the hell am I to tell grown women

and men when they can have sex? Wives to

leave their husbands... My marriage was a disaster

and I am too afraid to marry a man that is younger

than me that constantly tells me how much he loves me.

Who the hell am I? Tomorrow it's is over.

.

Sister Sue

Lisa, you are one of the few people I know who can

be arrogant and put themselves down at the same time.

It's not you decision to make... it belongs to District 12.

.

Lisa

Fine... Get on the radio and make an announcement.

Tomorrow noon... right here in front of this mess. We'll

vote.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. COUNTY JAIL -- MORNING

.

Bobby is listening to Sister Sue on the radio while waiting in T-Man's truck as T-Man walks out.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Women the vote is tomorrow. Go back

to yesterday or foward to the future...

it's up to you.

.

Bobby cuts off the radio.

.

T-Man

How much did it cost to get the truck out?

.

Bobby

$500.

.

T-Man

You are always there when I need you. I'll

pay you back.

.

Bobby

just drop me off at the bookstore.

.

T-Man takes the keys from Bobby and drives.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. T-MAN'S TRUCK -- DAY

.

T-Man

I didn't do this one man. I didn't

even know about it.

.

Bobby

I know. You would never do in women

and children. Talk to Lisa. Get away

from Money. I want you to help me

run the store.

.

T-Man

Two sissies owning a bookstore. How original.

.

Bobby

You still don't get it... you are a homosexual. You

have been a homosexual all of your life and spent

most of your life trying to deny it. You became macho

knocking guys down on their asses to deny it... you

became a criminal to deny it... you went to jail and

followed fools like Money to deny it... to deny me.

Until you know who you are and admit it don't

call me.

.

Bobby walks out while the truck is sitting at a stop light.

.

T-Man

Bobby!!!

.

CUT TO :

.

INT . LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- DAY

.

Bruce walks up behind Lisa as she looks to the papers on her table.

.

Bruce

It's time to go Ms. Strata.

.

Lisa

Okay... Fine. I'll be right there.

.

Bruce

By the way. Thanks for letting me

stay here last night.

.

Lisa

Least I can do seeing that I got your

apartment destroyed.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. T-Man's Apartment -- Day

.

Money is watching the report of the fire on T.V. with the sound down as he throws chees puffs at the screen and propls his feet on the coffee table.

.

Money

Good-bye fast. Maybe things can get

back to normal now.

.

He puts his hand on his gun as he hears someone at the door. Money peeks through the window as T-Man walks through the door.

.

T-Man

What you doing here?

.

Money

You know I wasn't going to let my dog

sit in jail. I woke the lawyer out of bed

to get your ass out.

.

T-Man

So you had to try to kill some people?

.

Money

Why in the hell do you care? You know

you didn't.

.

T-Man

There were women and kids in those

buildings. Your kids.

.

Money

Stop sweating me man. No one got killed.

(pause)

Go in the kitchen and eat. You know you hungry.

.

T-Man pushes Money's feet off the coffee table.

.

T-Man

Jerome got killed. Remember the kid you

sent to throw the fire bombs? Get out of

my house Money!

.

Money

T

.

T-Man

Get out of my house!!!

.

Money takes his gun and puts it to T-Man's throat.

.

Money

Don't you ever talk to me like that.

.

T-Man

You want to kill me too Money. Go

ahead.

.

Money cocks the gun.

.

T-Man (cont'd)

One thing we always said is that we

would take care of our own. When we

started we said we would just sell to the

rich kids at the college. Then we started

selling in the neighborhood. Now you want

to kill people in the neighborhood...

your own women... mothers of your children...

your own damn kids. Jerome died throwing that

fire bomb and you weren't even interested enough

to find out.

.

T-Man breaks away from Money's hold.

.

T-Man (cont'd)

Kill me or get out. To me you're

nothing . Nothing man.

.

Money

Okay... I'll let you live. But if you

go to the cops...

.

T-Man

You aren't even worth the time.

.

Money walks out of the house. T-Man's eyes are full of anger.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. PARKING LOT - PROJECTS -- MORNING

.

The burned out buildings haunt the background. Lisa looks out the window as Bruce drives up to the site. Several women and men are holding signs supporting the fast. The crowd is chanting.

.

Crowd

Keep the Fast! We're not going back!

Keep the Fast! We're not going back!

.

Tears come to Lisa's eyes.

.

CUT TO:

EXT. PROJECTS -- MORNING

.

Lisa stands on the stoop of one of the buildings ready to speak. The people and media hand on her words.

.

Lisa

A boy died last night. A 13 year-old boy

died last night. A drug dealer allegedly

burned by the same fire bomb her was trying to throw

in one of the buildings. Three people were arrested for

suspicion of arson 22, 17 and 9 years of age. All

convicted or suspected drug dealers. Last night ... we had 15

injureis and thankfully no other deaths.

(pause)

But one death is too many.

(pause)

We saw a glimpse of what we had thought we had

left behind. But we aren't going back.

.

The crowd cheers and out of the back of the crowd Lisa sees a familiar young brown face... David. Behind him is the construction crew equipment which was renovating the building in the industrial section of town. David make his way through the crow and up to the stoop.

.

David

I am David Murry and I represent New Found

Technology and we pledged not only jobs to

this community but we are also committed

to be a part of District 12 and help rebuild it.

.

The crowd cheers. Lisa is using all of strength not to embrace him. He takes her hand and raises it with his for the crowd.

.

CUT TO:

.

MONTAGE: NATIONAL MAIN STREAM NEWSPAPERS AND MAGAZINE HEADLINES.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Ghetto goes Good... Fast creates Feast... Lack of Sex

makes for Lots of Love... My home town has hit the

news all over the world.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. HOUSE FOR HUMANITY SITE -- DAY

.

MEN and WOMEN are working on the site. Men on the left and women on the right. Working togther but avoiding each other sexually.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

And we are loving it baby. Don't get

me wrong. we are still following the

fast mentally, spirtitually and physically...

if you know what I mean.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. KITCHEN -- MORNING

.

The same man whose wife gave him ceral at the beginning of the story is fixing breakfast and getting the children ready for school. he hands his wife a flower as she walks into the kitchen. They love each other bu the avoid a kiss.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

But marriages are better than they

have ever been before. Our brother

men are doing housework... yes lawd.

More involved with the children. More

romantic than ever before.

.

CUT TOl

.

INT. MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT MALL -- DAY

.

Kendra is teaching women how to strip. Lisa and Sue are doing very well. The Old Woman is putting everything she has into the dance.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

Our women are working it child.

Looking better... Living better...

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT MALL - RESTRAURANT -- DAY

.

Lynette and Johnny are building a restaurant.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

Making money... Making choices...

Choosing to do well...

.

CUT TO:

.

MONTAGE: MONEY'S PEOPLE ARE LEAVING HIM.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

Several drug dealers have been

arrested and are in prison. People are

entering drug rehabilitation programs

in record numbers of their own choice.

Not the courts.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. POLICE STATION -- DAY

.

Money's former workers are giving information on him.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Former drug dealers and criminals are

down with the fast... trying to change

their lives around.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. SCHOOL -- DAY

.

Former criminals are talking to school children.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Making sure the next generation don't

make the same mistakes they did.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. MONEY APARTMENT -- DAY

.

Money in his apartment listening to Sister Sue on the radio. He is putting together a gun. A newspaper with Lisa Strata's picture sits in the background.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

And best of all. There has not been

any reported drug activity in District

12 in over a week. Lisa Strata just may

be Making an announcement soon.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD -- DAY

.

Children are playin their yards.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.) (cont'd)

The neighborhoods are looking better

and businesses are flourishing.

.

CUT TOl

.

MONTAGE: MIND, BODY AND SPIRIT MALL -- DAY

.

People of all cultures are coming to the mall.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

People are coming from other

communites to take part in what we

have to offer.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. RADIO STATION -- MORNING

.

Sister Sue is in the booth with new network logos.

.

Sister Sue (cont'd)

It's just not fast baby... it's feast.

This is Sister Sue coming to you from

KUSA... America's network.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE -- MORNING

.

Bobby opens the door and T-Man is standing there.

.

Bobby

Coming to the front door in broad

daylight. Is everything okay?

.

T-Man

Let me in.

.

Bobby just looks at him.

.

T-Man (cont'd)

You know I left Money. Let me in.

.

Bobby stands aside and T-Man walks in the door. As he walks in the door he sees Kendra eating breakfast with a robe over her clothes.

.

T-Man (cont'd)

Ah... Hey Kennie.

.

Bobby

Kennie's my roommate now.

The fire and all.

.

Kendra

But... I'll be getting my own place

soon. The mall is doing incredible.

.

Kennie gets up and putes the dishes away and takes off her robe.

.

T-Man

Kennie... I'm sorry about... you know...

Money...

.

Kendra

(interrupting)

I did a lot of stupid things comcerning that

man. I still love you T... no sorry needed.

.

T-Man reaches out and gives Kendra a hug.

.

Kendra (cont'd)

Look... I gotta go to work. Check y'all later.

.

Bobby

Later Kennie.

.

T-Man

Love ya Kennie.

.

Kendra grabs her bag and walks out the door.

.

Bobby

So... What you gonna do now?

.

T-Man

I don't know. Work in a book store?

.

Bobby

Talk is the fast is going to end.

Maybe you can move in...

.

T-Man

Let's go one step at a time Bobby.

One step at a time.

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- MORNING

.

Lisa is very busy going over papers on her table she rarely raises her head to look at Bruce as he is speaking to her.

.

Bruce

So is it true? Is the fast ending?

.

Lisa

The community leader and I are having

a meeting about it this afternoon.

.

Bruce

So... so are you still going to need a bodyguard?

.

Lisa

I'll keep you throughout Saturday and maybe a

week beyond. But I will highly recommend

you for another job. It should be no problem.

.

Bruce.

Maybe.

.

Lisa

Why is that?

(pause)

Why is that?

.

Lisa looks up and no one is there.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. JOHNNY AND LYNNETTE'S HUD HOUSE -- DAY

.

Johnny and Lynnette walk in followed by J.J. pushing his Great-Grandmother's wheelchair.

.

Johnny

Well, baby it's all ours. Because of you. It's all ours.

.

Lynnette

Because of us. All of us.

I truly thought I would never see this day.

.

Johnny

We should have opened that restaurant

years ago.

.

Lynnette

The opportunity wasn't there years ago.

.

Johnny

Yeah it was. I just had to open my eyes to

see it. I managed my own separate department

at the plant and made them tons of money.

I managed Money's operation... and I didn't

ever think about doing a family business.

.

Lynnette

When it came to making money... it was

always you and never us.

.

Johnny

Well, that day has changed... now it

is all of us.

.

Johnny goes to put his hand on J.J.'s shoulder.

.

Johnny (cont'd)

We finally might have something

to leave you.

.

J.J.

What if I don't want to go into

the restaurant business.

.

Johnny

At least you have the choice.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. LISA STRATA'S HOUSE -- DAY

.

Lisa is working with William, Cloran and the Police Chief in her living room. A FEW other minister's and community leaders are there.

.

Lisa

We has a week without crime and the

community is doing better than it has

done in 30 years.

.

Minister

What about the drug problem?

.

Police Chief

Little to no activity. From the crime level

you would think this is a small town. In

fact we are going to start a bicycle

program to get the police back in the

neighborhoods. We didn't stop the

crime... District 12 did.

.

Minister

I mean what about Money and his hoods?

.

Lisa

He has no hoods and with no one

following him he isn't a threat

.

Minister

How do you know?

.

Lisa

Let's just say I know.

.

Bruce lets Sister Sue and Paul into the room

.

Sister Sue

Sorry we're late.

.

William

I think you are allowed.

(pause)

So the fast ends Saturday night?

.

Lisa

I don't know anything else it could

accomplish. The only thing we have

to figure out is how to keep it from

happening again.

.

CUT TOl

.

EXT. LIST STRATA'S HOUSE -- DAY

.

PEOPLE and the PRESS have begun to gather outside of her house. Lisa walks out with the community leaders. Bruce stands on the sidewalk just making sure that everything is safe.

.

Lisa

I didn't count on this.

.

Sister Sue

They are ready for the fast to end.

They are excited to declare victory.

Go ahead Lisa. Tell them that we won.

.

As Lisa begins to walk out to the sidewalk we see Money's car drive slowly down the street. The people recognize his car and bdgin to show and throw rocks towards the car. Bruce runs and leaps in fron of Lisa as Money fires a bullet at her. The bullet hits Brucein the chest. The Police Chief leaps off the porch and fires at Money hitting him in the arm. Money begins to drive off but smashes into an old car that pulled out in front of him. The crowd is inflamed and pulls Money from the car beating him. The Police Chief walk in the crowd and rescues an unconscious Money. The Elderly Man who was aftaid to point Money out in the line upwalks out of the car that stopped Money's escape. Lisa runs to bruce who is hurt but protected by his bullet proof vest.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. YWCA -- DAY

.

Female hands raise one by one. Male hands raise with them. Lynette and Johnny... Bruce and his wife... Sue and Paul. Cloran and William... Lisa and David... Bobby hand raises. Kendra and Terri stand to each side of Bobby with their hands held high.

.

Sister Sue (V.O.)

Some people wold say this is the end

of the fast. We say it is the beginning of life.

.

CUT TOl

.

EXT. YWCA -- DAY

.

T-Man is waiting in the parking lot as Kendra, Bobby, Terri and Cash come out of the building. Several men and women kiss innocently and joyfully. There is lots of laughter and shouting of victory. Bobby goes to hug T-Man. T-Man duck him and hugs Terri.

.

T-Man

One step at a time man.

One step at a time.

.
Bobby

Okay...

.

T-Man

Ladies... how about dinner?

.

Kendra

Fine by me. The end of the fast and

I'm going to spend it with two gay men.

.

Terri

Not like you didn't get other offers.

I saw those men trying to hit on you

in the mall.

.

Kendra

They were sniffing after you too. I'm

not alone. But tonight is for friends. The

people I love.

.

Terri

Amen

.

Bobby

Kennnie... You two are just spending

the first part of the evening with us.

After dinner she is spending the night

with you and Cash... Okay Terri?

.

Terri

Fine by me.

.

Kendra

And I get kicked out of my own damn house.

.

Terri points to Cash. Kendra puts her hand over her face.

.

Bobby

It's okay girl friend. It's okay.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. ISHIA AND BRUCE'S HUD HOUSE -- NIGHT

.

Bruce walks into the living room.

.

Bruce

The kids are tucked in tight.

.

Ishia

They've missed you.

.

Bruce

You've done alot with the house. You

always talked about having a living

room full of African art.

.

Ishia

Helps being manager of an Art Store.

.

Bruce

Yeah... I'm proud of you.

.

Ishia

I decorated Lynnette and Johnny's new

restaurant.

.

Bruce

Oh yeah...By the way I got a new job.

Asst. Manager of security at the mall.

.

Ishia

Do you like it?

.

Bruce

Don't know. I haven't started. But

it should be some good money.

.

Ishia

You seemed to like being a bodyguard.

Did you ever think about being a policeman?

.

Bruce

No. Would you let me come back if I became

a policeman? Just pick what you want me to

do... I'll do it.

.

Ishia

Bruce... why don't you want a career?

Anybody can have a job?

.

Bruce

I thought my job was being your husband and the

father of those children upstairs. But that's never

been good enough for you. Tell me. Why is it

that if a woman wants to be a house wife... that's

cool. But if a man just want to be a good husband

that's bad.

.

Ishia

It's not bad. It's not bad at all Bruce.

.

Bruce

All I want to do is make you happy.

But, I don't know how to do that

anymore.

.

Ishia

Maybe it's time I made myself happy.

.

Bruce turns towards the door and begins to leave.

.

Bruce

Well, I guess I'll be going now.

.

Ishia

I was always waiting for my prince to

come riding up on that stallion.

Ready made kingdom all established.

problem is that when he came I didn't

appreciate him. Bruce don't go.

.

Bruce turns and they kiss while falling to the floor to make love.

.

MONTAGE:

.

INT. JOHNNY AND LYNNETTE'S HUD HOUSE -- NIGHT

.

Johnny and Lynnette look at J.J. asleep safe in his room. Lynnette peeks in on her grandmother and closes the door. Lynnette gives Johnny a passionate kiss.

.

INT. DAVID MURRAY'S HOME - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

Lisa walk in and the room is filled with flowers and rose petals cover the bed. David is on bended knee.

.

David

Marry me Lisa

.

Lisa

Yes David.

.

David

Yes. Yes. Yeah!

.

He lifts Lisa off her feet and spins her onto the bed.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. OLD WOMAN'S BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

The Old Woman sits alone taking off her dress as she looks at pictures of her grandchildren. She smiles as the Elderly Man walks up behind her with only a T-shirt and shorts on. He bends down and kisses her on the neck.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. SUE AND PAUL'S - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

Candles fill the room. I is almost spiritual as Sue takes Paul into her arms. They kiss passionately and laugh out loud.

.

CUT TO:

.

INT. WILLIAM'S AND CLORAN'S HOUSE - BEDROOM -- NIGHT

.

It is easy to tell Cloran was once a stripper as she brings William in their lovemaking.

.

CUT TO:

.

EXT. TERRI'S 4-PLEX APARTMENT -- NIGHT

.

Kendra is on the balcony. Terri comes walking out with two cups of coffee.

.

Kendra

Tuck in Cash?

.

Terri

Yeah... fell right asleep.

.

Kendra

You have a nice place here.

.

Terri

First place I ever had that felt like home.

.

Kendra

Where does your family live? I mean

your Mom and Dad.

.

Terri

20 minutes from here. But, I haven't

seen them in four years. I went over there

because I thought they would want to see

Cash. I was wrong.

.

Kendra

Are you sure we aren't from the same

family

.

They both smile.

.

Kendra (cont'd)

Do you ever remember it being this quiet?

.

Terri