Runaway Geisha
FADE IN:
EXT. STREET CORNER - AFTERNOON
MARGE,40's strong, plump, SAM, 40's, plump, wearing Sergeant's uniform,
MOLLY, 17, average looking, and LAUREL, 70's, no make-up, wiry build, are
walking down a street in downtown Kyoto. They spot YURIKO, 17, pretty,
dressed in her geisha kimono, at a corner mailbox. Molly runs up to
Yuriko.
MOLLY
Are you a geisha?
Yuriko is slow to respond, taking in the entire family as if studying
them. She waits until the adults have joined Molly before answering.
YURIKO
I am a geisha-in-training.
(A beat)
I will take you to a very
Japanese place for dinner. Not
for tourists. Where real Japanese
businessmen go. With real Japanese
entertainment.
Marge and Sam look at each other, then at Molly and Laurel.
SAM
Why not? It's our last night here.
MOLLY
They'd better have something besides
raw fish.
Laurel smiles indulgently at Molly.
MARGE
This will be a cultural experience.
You can write about it in school.
SAM
This is one of the perks of military
family life. As my dad always said:
You can't enjoy if you are complaining.
Yuriko begins to lead them through neighborhood streets.
MOLLY
Do I have to?
Yuriko leads them to a modest looking home. She uses a coded knock. The
door is answered by an OLD GEISHA.
INT-EXT. FRONT OF GEISHA PARLOR - EARLY EVENING
A hushed conversation between Yuriko and her boss. The American family
is ushered indoors, past cashier’s desk into dining area where customers
are already seated, and being served. A YOUNG GEISHA is dancing on a small
stage to the right of the dining area.
INT. GEISHA PARLOR - EARLY EVENING
Molly whispers to Laurel.
MOLLY
Is this a Japanese version of
a nightclub?
LAUREL
Let's watch and find out.
Yuriko shows the American family to a low table. Other guests and
geishas are already seated at this table. Molly giggles. Laurel winks. Sam
whispers to Yuriko.
SAM
Do you have a table with room
for my legs?
YURIKO
This table has plenty of room.
MARGE
Look, these other people are doing
it. Surely you can sit cross-legged
for a few hours.
SAM
Diplomacy can require some discomfort.
LAUREL
You've always been good at the martyr
act.
Laurel easily slips into her seat and smiles. Molly slips in next to
her and starts giggling uncontrollably. Marge sits and smiles. All the
while Sam is looking more and more martyred. Yuriko gives Sam a slight nod
of the head.
YURIKO
Would you like a pillow?
SAM
Yes, a pillow would be nice.
MOLLY
These seats are soft enough.
SAM
Humor an old man.
LAUREL
You under-estimate yourself.
I'll bet you the tab on this
dinner, that you can sit
comfortably at this table.
SAM
You're on.
Sam stiffly lowers himself and slides his legs under the table. Shot
follows, showing ample recessed legroom under the table. Sam laughs.
LAUREL
I keep telling you - you get
worried about nothing.
We see some gambling between a GEISHA and a CLIENT at the table. When
the client loses, he removes an article of clothing. When the geisha
loses, she removes a hairpin.
MARGE
These folks are tame. We have
more serious gambling at the
Military Moms club.
MOLLY
Like for those pies you bring
home?
Soon the client is without tie and cufflinks, and shirtless. The geisha
is still neatly done-up.
SAM
Might be fun if you came home
like that.
MARGE
I win my bets.
Another GEISHA ties cherry stems together in her mouth, while a CLIENT
watches closely, mystified, entranced, talking about his business.
CLIENT
So then we got a copy of
their database, and saw the
price they paid last time...
MOLLY
If you learn that trick,
you'll win even more.
CLIENT
And even factoring inflation
we can underbid that. I'd have
asked higher...
Yuriko brings teacups to the American family. Then she pours tea for
Sam, leaning over, letting him look down her kimono and see the base of
her throat.
YURIKO
You are being sent home. Do
you think your replacement
will be able to control the
men?
Sam gives broad flattered smile.
SAM
I'm sure he will. I've worked
with Bill before. He doesn't
put up with anything that would
strain US-Japanese relations.
The tea pours very slowly.
YURIKO
American boys are such good
dancers. I can give you names
of clubs.
SAM
Now? When I'm leaving?
YURIKO
Better late than never. You
can tell Bill.
The conversation continues. Marge reaches out and grabs the teapot from
Yuriko, pours her husband’s tea and begins pouring for the rest of her
family as she gives Yuriko an earful (in hushed tones fitting for this
establishment.)
MARGE
Young woman, you have an
obligation to serve this
entire family. The size
of your tip will be a
family decision.
YURIKO
American women have equal
rights.
MOLLY
That's my dad. You leave
him alone.
Sam pats Molly on the shoulder. Yuriko gives Molly a disdainful look.
SAM
That's my gal.
Molly and Laurel are both wearing necklaces with wooden disk pendants,
hand-painted with herbal designs. Laurel’s is of a laurel leaf branch.
Molly’s is a head of garlic. Molly and Laurel exchange glances and touch
their necklaces. Yuriko leaves to get food. Two GEISHAS begin a dance on
the stage.
MOLLY
I wish they'd teach us that
in gym class.
MARGE
That does look like more fun
than shooting baskets.
Yuriko returns with little kebabs of chicken on little plates. She
places one in front of each member of the family. She gives each of them
chop sticks. She also gives Sam a fork. Then she slowly removes the meat
chunks from Sam's kebab sticks while speaking with him.
YURIKO
You have spent years in Japan,
and this is your first geisha
house? I will make sure you
have a good time.
Sam uses the fork to eat one of the chunks of chicken. Molly picks up a
kebab and begins eating the meat off the stick.
MARGE
Molly dear, try to eat like
the others here.
MOLLY
How? I don't have a fork like
Dad!
LAUREL
Neither do I.
Marge taps her plate with her chopstick. It doesn't make much noise.
MARGE
Miss, could we have forks, please?
Yuriko bows her head slightly to Marge, stands, and leaves to get
forks. Molly sneaks another bite directly from her kebab. The two geishas
continue their dance on the stage.
LAUREL
It's like these women are from
another century. They dance and
sing, and serve food, and
cater
to men. They're smart and clever.
But they don't know they are
people.
Yuriko returns with forks for the women, and another plate of chicken
kebab for Sam. While Yuriko removes the meat from the sticks, Molly, Marge
and Laurel quickly eat their kebabs, using the forks.
YURIKO
Would you like to learn the
trick of using chop sticks?
Sam is busily eating the chicken with his fork. He speaks when he is
done chewing. The two geishas continue to dance.
SAM
Is it difficult?
Yuriko takes Sam's hand and places the bottom stick over his middle
finger and under his thumb.
YURIKO
Every child can do it.
LAUREL
Could we have more chicken?
Yuriko is still holding Sam's hand, positioning chop sticks.
YURIKO
Chicken is just the appetizer.
Save room for main course.
Sam practices moving the top chop stick against the bottom one. He
awkwardly skewers a piece of chicken from his plate.
SAM
Like this?
YURIKO
Very good.
MOLLY
My dad got extra chicken. I'm
hungry, too. And could you
show me how to use chop sticks?
MARGE
I'd like to learn, too.
CUT TO:
Dissolve. Table is now covered with dirty plates, some of which have
bones and sauces on them. Molly is expertly dipping tempura in sauce with
her chop sticks. Laurel and Marge are managing to eat with theirs.
MOLLY
Do you go to school dressed like
that?
YURIKO
My school is in this house.
OLD GEISHA taps Yuriko on the shoulder. Yuriko leaves the family and
steps up on stage, where she sits on a stool and sings a love song,
looking right at Sam. She accompanies herself on a stringed instrument
that looks like a ukelele. The family continues to eat while Yuriko sings.
YURIKO
Making love with you
Is like drinking sea water.
The more I drink
The thirstier I become,
Until nothing can slake my thirst
But to drink the entire sea.
Come to me, as you come
Softly to the rose bed of coals
Of my fireplace
Glowing through the night-bound forest.
(note this is a traditional Japanese love poem by Marichiko, translated
by Kenneth Rexroth.)
As soon as the song is over, Yuriko brings the Americans a bottle of
rice wine.
SAM
You have a lovely singing
voice.
YURIKO
The song is called Young
Girl in Love.
MOLLY
Are you in love?
Yuriko begins to pour wine. She is taking a very long time pouring for
Sam.
YURIKO
Love is for wives. Not for
geishas.
MARGE
That's horrible!
LAUREL
Do you want to be a geisha?
Yuriko comes to pour wine for Laurel.
YURIKO
My parents sold me to be a
geisha when I was six.
MOLLY
Isn't slavery illegal in
Japan?
SAM
Now Molly, let's not start
an international incident.
We must respect their customs.
Yuriko goes to pour wine for Marge, who holds her hand over her glass.
MARGE
Wine makes me sleepy. I
need to finish packing.
CUT TO:
Dissolve. As they climb out of their seats, we see Yuriko hand the bill
to Sam --$500. Sam looks at Laurel.
LAUREL
Well? Were your legs
comfortable?
Sam smiles.
SAM
It would have been worth
a few cramps to avoid
this.
MARGE
That total had better
include the tip.
Sam goes to the cashier's desk and gives his credit card to Old Geisha.
When given the form to sign, he adds a $100 tip.
EXT. NEIGHBORHOOD STREET - NIGHT
Yuriko chases after the Americans as they walk down the sidewalk back
to their hotel.
MARGE
That poor girl!
SAM
We can't judge these
things by our culture.
MOLLY
Yes we can! It's wrong!
When Yuriko catches up to them, she bows her head, and then speaks.
YURIKO
You are a nice family.
Would you take me to
America?
SAM
I can't arrange that
sort of thing on short
notice.
LAUREL
Could she be an exchange
student?
MARGE
She'd need a passport, a visa,
a home to stay in...
MOLLY
She can stay in my room and
go to my school.
SAM
You are such a lovely
geisha. Don't you want
to be a geisha?
Yuriko daubs tears from her eyes. Laurel puts an arm around her.
LAUREL
Nobody wants to be a geisha.
SAM
We're leaving tomorrow. It's
too late to arrange all this.
MOLLY
You can't let her stay here!
It's slavery!
MARGE
If she can have everything by
tomorrow when we leave, can
we take her?
SAM
Is this another bet?
LAUREL
I'd rather bet my hairpins to
your shirt.
SAM
You don't wear hairpins.
INT. HOTEL LOBBY - NEXT MORNING
Molly, Marge and Sam are standing near their luggage. A DRIVER in
military uniform, holding car keys approaches.
DRIVER
I'll load your suitcases
into the car.
MOLLY
Wait, Yoshi, Laurel's not
here yet.
MARGE
Your grandma can take care
of her self.
DRIVER
I'll start loading your
suitcases into the back.
INT-EXT. HOTEL LOBBY and FRONT DRIVEWAY
Driver loads suitcases into back, while Molly follows him out to look
for Laurel.
DRIVER
I wouldn't worry about your
grandma. She knows her way
around Kyoto.
(a beat)
And around the brass, too.
MOLLY
I'm worried about me. Who
am I going to talk to on the
plane?
Driver pulls a copy of Geisha out of a corner of the luggage.
Offers it to Molly.
DRIVER
Read this. It's thick enough
to last you across the Pacific.
Driver opens middle door of his van. Pats the seat.
DRIVER
Now get in. I've got a
schedule to keep.
Molly gets in the middle row, looks sulky as she fastens her seatbelt.
Pulls knees up, feet on seat, turned sideways so nobody else will get in
her row of seats, opens book on lap. Marge and Sam get into the van, in
the back seat row. Sam looks at his watch, speaks to driver.
SAM
To the airport, Yoshi.
MOLLY
You'd abandon your own
mother in a strange land?
MARGE
Do you really think we're
abandoning her?
Molly pulls her knees closer to her face. The driver starts the engine.
CUT TO:
Van pulls into airport drop off lane, stops. Driver gets out, opens
doors, opens back and pulls out luggage. Meanwhile, Marge, Sam and Molly
get out, Molly still reading.
SAM
I can't wait to play my
old Breakfast in America
albums.
(several beats)
The driver checks their baggage at the curbside check-in. Marge, Sam
and Molly (still reading) enter the airport and head towards their gate.
MARGE
You didn't even get a
peep out of her. Teasing
usually gets her talking.
But we have ways...
(a beat)
SAM
And I want to chow down
on a Philly cheese steak!
Two years without a cheese
steak is cruel and unusual
punishment.
MARGE
Do you think we should buy
souvenirs?
Sam looks at his watch. They are walking past souvenir shops in the
airport.
SAM
We've had two years to do
that.
MARGE
You mean you've already
bought a bunch and shipped
them back?
They continue the conversation as they place their carry-ons and pocket
contents on the inspection belts.
SAM
Of course. That's my motto:
Never leave anything to the
last minute.
MOLLY
Except finding your mother.
SECURITY GUARD takes the tickets that Sam offers.
SECURITY GUARD
These are tickets for four.
I only see three of you.
Sam ruffles through the tickets, pulls out Laurel's and offers it to
the guard.
SAM
Hold onto it. It's for my
mother. She may come today.
Maybe tomorrow. Maybe not
for several weeks.
Guard takes all 4 tickets.
GUARD
Your mother's ticket is only
good for this flight.
SAM
She'll know what to do.
GUARD
I don't know what to do.
SAM
If she doesn't come in time
for this flight, just turn it
in to the airline.
(a beat)
We're running late. I'll take
the other three tickets now.
GUARD
This is suspicious behavior.
I'll have to ask you to talk to
my superior.
Guard opens Marge's carry-on and starts pulling out hair brush, lace
underwear. Marge stiffens shoulders and looks stern and dignified.
MARGE
My husband is an Army officer.
I knew we should have flown Army.
Molly continues to read book, oblivious to all this. Guard continues to
pull contents out of Marge's luggage.
MOLLY
Did you know that being a
geisha is a lot like being
an flight attendant?
MARGE
Do you have any idea where
your grandmother has gone?
MOLLY
She never came to bed last night.
SAM
Where's this supervisor? I'm
sure we can straighten everything
out in time for the flight.
GUARD
There is another flight tomorrow.
MARGE
Our luggage is on this one.
GUARD
No luggage flies without
passengers.
Guard uses cell phone. Calls security.
GUARD
We need to pull some luggage
off flight 247 to Philadelphia.
Ticket numbers...
SAM
Where's the supervisor?
MOLLY
Did you know that geishas
have to pay for their
education after they grow up?
MARGE
So do you. It's called taxes.
SUPERVISOR arrives.
SUPERVISOR
What's the trouble here?
MOLLY
My grandmother's not here.
SUPERVISOR
I'm sorry to hear that.
Guard is now stuffing Marge's belongings back into her bag.
Again, he handles the lacy underwear.
MARGE
Those were my emergency
pair. Now I'll have to
wash them before I can
wear them.
GUARD
They asked me to take care
of her ticket.
SUPERVISOR
Is that why you called me?
GUARD
I thought they were acting
suspicious.
Laurel appears next to the Guard.
LAUREL
They always act suspicious.
Don't tell them anything,
and they'll let you mind
your own business.
SUPERVISOR
Is this your missing person?
MOLLY
She's not missing any more.
Supervisor bows his head slightly.
SUPERVISOR
Mystery solved. Have a
pleasant flight.
Supervisor walks away. Yuriko joins them carrying her satchel.
GUARD
Is she with you?
MARGE
I don't think so.
LAUREL
She's with me.
Laurel hands Yuriko's passport, visa, airline ticket to Guard. Yuriko
places her satchel in the x-ray machine.
Molly hugs Laurel.
CUT TO:
INT. MOLLY'S BEDROOM -- EARLY MORNING
Yuriko and Molly share a bedroom in Molly’s family home. They have
separate twin beds, separate desks. The room is crowded with furniture.
Wall posters of latest boy band and female bad girl. The girls are dressed
for school, and are packing gym suits, notebooks, pens, calculators into
backpacks.
MOLLY
Tell the counselor, you
absolutely have to have
Mr. Settle for Literature.
And no way do you want Ms.
Dersonne for Trig. Her
accent is so thick you won't
understand a word.
YURIKO
Do I have to take literature
and trig? I enjoy sewing
and cooking, and singing, and
calligraphy, and painting...
MOLLY
You could take singing for
your elective, or sewing. But
not both. Is that what you
learned in your old school?
INT. STAIRS - MORNING
The girls head downstairs to the kitchen for breakfast,
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
Laurel is serving. Eggs with salsa and home fries.
YURIKO
I am skilled in all the
traditional Japanese arts.
They sit at the table and Laurel puts plates in front of them. Yuriko
picks up the fork and looks at it. Molly begins cutting up her egg.
MOLLY
You're only here for a year.
Your grades won't mean
anything when you get home.
The main thing you need to
worry about is the kids you
hang with. Stay away from
Kay and Joey. They'll be
your friend one day and
set you up the next.
Laurel stands by Yuriko, looking for an opportunity to talk.
LAUREL
I've got chop sticks, but I
don't think they'd be much
help here.
YURIKO
Let me try them.
Laurel gives her the chop sticks. Yuriko neatly rolls the eggs, and
daintily lifts one to her mouth. Laurel claps in delight. Water is boiling
on the stove.
LAUREL
Well done!
Laurel grates ginger into a teapot and pours the boiling hot water over
it. The tea steeps during the conversation.
MOLLY
I could arrange a double
date for us. We could go
to a movie and dinner
this weekend.
YURIKO
What is a double date?
MOLLY
We go places with boys.
Don't you date in Japan?
YURIKO
I am not interested in boys.
Yuriko means that she prefers men to boys. But Molly doesn't hear it
that way.
MOLLY
Boys are the main attraction
in high school.
YURIKO
I will watch and learn.
MOLLY
And stay away from any boy
in a letterman jacket. Or
a leather jacket.
LAUREL
I didn't know you judged
people so superficially.
Laurel pours herb tea, and puts cups in front of both girls.
Yuriko brings it to her lips, sips
YURIKO
Myoga. Divine protection.
Improves the digestion. Prevents
illness.
Laurel smiles.
LAUREL
I see you know this herb.
We call it ginger.
YURIKO
Ginger.
Marge walks into the kitchen.
MOLLY
Mom, Yuriko needs lunch
money.
Marge rustles her hands in her purse. Pulls out a $5 bill. Hands it to
Yuriko, who takes it and looks at it.
MARGE
Here, Yuriko. I know it's
not much.
Yuriko holds bill, studying it.
YURIKO
Thank you. What can I buy
with this?
MARGE
Not much. Lunch, and maybe
a notepad or a pen.
Sam walks into kitchen, carrying newspaper, which he is reading.
YURIKO
How can I get more money?
SAM
Get a job.
MOLLY
Dad! Not on her first day!
Yuriko takes the teapot and cup to Sam, and begins slowly pouring a cup
for Sam.
SAM
You don't have to do that
any more. It was fun for an
evening, and to get my wife
jealous. But now, you are
in America. Act like an
American teenager. Rude,
crude, and unsubdued.
Molly suppresses a giggle at her dad's behavior. Yuriko opens eyes
wide, startled. Then goes back to her polite formality.
YURIKO
Will you help me get a job?
MOLLY
Put the money in your
pocket. We have to go. .
Yuriko puts the bill in her pocket, then carries her dishes to the sink
and squirts them with dish soap. Molly looks at her watch.
MOLLY
No time for that. The dishes
will be there when we get back.
Yuriko looks at Laurel for permission.
LAUREL
You don't want to be late
on your first day.
The girls put on their backpacks. Molly tucks her necklace into her
sweater. Laurel blinks, disappointedly.
LAUREL
Try to have fun!
(a beat)
And learn something useful.
CUT TO:
EXT. FRONT OF MASTERMAN HIGH - DAY
The girls are walking. They turn up the walkway to the main building.
Many other students are arriving.
INT-EXT. MASTERMAN FRONT DOORS / HALLWAY - DAY
The girls go through the front doors of the school, step into the
hallway, approach Main Office. They pass students of both genders who
shout greetings. They are accosted by GANG OF BOYS, including CRUDE BOY.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH HALLWAY - MORNING
CRUDE BOY
Yo! Peaches! You ready
to git down! I wanna
see some of them Asian
tricks...
He grabs Yuriko's hand and starts to pull her to him.
YURIKO
Like Aikido?
Yuriko flips him onto his back, and keeps walking. Students of both
genders in the hall gasp approval. Some applaud. A TEACHER who has been
standing hall duty in front of the main office puts a hand on Yuriko's
shoulder. HALL MONITOR goes to crude boy and stands guard as she dials her
cell phone.
TEACHER
No fighting in the halls.
You'll be doing detention.
INT. MAIN OFFICE - DAY
Teacher guides Yuriko to Main Office. Molly follows. At the desk a
STUDENT CLERK hands Yuriko a Detention Sign Up Sheet on a clipboard. Hers
is the 8th name to go on the sheet.
CLERK
Write your phone number, too.
We'll call your family to
tell them you'll be late
coming home.
Yuriko looks at Molly, who nods her head.
MOLLY
This is Yuriko. She's an
exchange student staying
with my family. She needs
to sign up for classes.
CLERK
She needs to schedule her
detention first.
Molly scowls at clerk. Yuriko stands tall, looking calm.
MOLLY
It's her first day. Can't
She just have a warning?
CLERK
We have a zero tolerance
policy for fighting.
CUT TO:
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
HALL MONITOR
Possible concussion here.
Crude boy groans, gets to his feet. His friends join him as he swaggers
off down the hall.
HALL MONITOR
Oh never mind. He's gone
now.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH CAFETERIA - NOON
Yuriko and Molly enter the cafeteria. Noisy students are seated at
tables. The food line is moving quickly. Prices of the lunch items are
posted on the wall behind the servers. The cheapest item on the menu is
Jello 75 cents. A Pizza slice is $2.50. Molly leads Yuriko to the line.
Yuriko takes a green jello. Molly takes an orange jello and a pizza and a
soda. The girls are rushed along the food line. Yuriko looks confused.
MOLLY
Is that all you want for
lunch?
YURIKO
It is the lowest price.
MOLLY
You have $5. You can
afford more. The pizza
here is good.
YURIKO
I want to save my money.
MOLLY
What for?
YURIKO
My education.
Molly shrugs her shoulders. They are at the cashiers. They pay for
their meals. Molly's meal is exactly $5. Yuriko gets change. She smiles.
Molly leads them to look for a table.
YURIKO
What is detention like?
MOLLY
I've never had detention.
But I've heard it's not bad.
You just sit in a desk for
an hour. Then you go home.
YURIKO
I want to look for a job
RED HAIRED GIRL waves them over to her table. Molly and Yuriko take
seats.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Molly, is that you? Are
you back from Japan for
good?
MOLLY
My dad has asked for
Turkey next. He wants
to see the world.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Yeah. Yeah. Join the Army.
See the world. Meet
interesting people.
(a beat)
And kill them.
Red haired girl laughs.
MOLLY
Hey, I didn't pick my dad's
job. Japan was cool. And
this is Yuriko. She's an
exchange student who came
back with us. We rescued
her from a geisha house.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Are you the girl who decked
JoJo?
YURIKO
He did not introduce himself.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Do you fight like a Ninja?
With nunchucks?
Yuriko looks puzzled.
MOLLY
JoJo deserved what he got.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Too bad he lived.
Bell rings.
CUT TO:
INT. GYM DRESSING ROOM - AFTERNOON
Crowds of girls changing clothes, stuffing things into lockers,
applying make-up, snapping each other's bra straps.
Yuriko and Molly enter this melee. We see the group shower stalls, but
nobody is in them.
YURIKO
What do we do here?
DREADLOCKS GIRL notices Yuriko.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
Girlfriend, you gotta
show us how you downed
JoJo.
Other girls gather around Yuriko.
MOLLY
Let her change clothes
first.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
You her guard?
MOLLY
She doesn't need a
guard.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
You got that right.
BLONDE ATHLETIC GIRL
You just shook his hand
and down he went. You
gotta teach me.
NERD GIRL
Me, too!
Bell rings. Yuriko and Molly quickly change while other girls dash off
to gym.
CUT TO:
INT. GIRLS' GYM - AFTERNOON
GYM TEACHER holding clipboard approaches Molly and Yuriko as they enter
the gym. The other girls are in lines, standing at ease, not talking
GYM TEACHER
You're late.
MOLLY
It won't happen again.
GYM TEACHER
I'm sure it won't.
(a beat)
The other young ladies
here tell me one of you
felled a much larger
male student this morning,
like dropping a feather.
Yuriko starts to speak. Molly interrupts her.
MOLLY
She's already got detention
for that this afternoon.
GYM TEACHER
I was hoping you'd teach
the other students how you
did that. Self Defense is
very important these days.
YURIKO
Aikido is good for self
defense. It uses the enemy's
strength against him.
GYM TEACHER
Will you show us?
CUT TO:
INT. GYM WITH MATS - AFTERNOON
Students are partnered and standing on protective matting.
LARGE BODY BUILDER GIRL girls puts a hand on Yuriko's shoulder and
tries to push her down. Yuriko steps aside, takes the girl's hand and
leads her to the floor. Yuriko smiles.
LARGE BODY BUILDER GIRL
Wow! That was cool!
YURIKO
Her energy was pushing
down and east. I simply
let her push herself
down and east. I redirected
her energy away from
my body to let her fall.
Large body builder girl gets up.
LARGE BODY BUILDER GIRL
I want to try it again.
In slow motion.
Large body builder girl again places a hand on Yuriko's shoulder.
Slowly, Yuriko takes her hand, while stepping aside. She leads the hand
past her and down. This time, large body builder girl goes to one knee,
not all the way to the floor.
YURIKO
See. You put less force into
your push, so you fell less
hard. Now you try.
This time Yuriko puts a hand on Large Body Builder Girl's shoulder. As
Large Body Builder Girl tries to drag Yuriko to floor, Yuriko again
redirects the energy and LBBG falls again.
LARGE BODY BUILDER GIRL
I thought you were going to
fall that time.
YURIKO
You must learn to redirect
my energy. Not use more of
your own.
CUT TO:
The partnered girls are pushing and toppling each other. Yuriko is
supervising. Gym Teacher is watching how Yuriko teaches.
GYM TEACHER
I think I've got the hang
of it. Try me.
Yuriko topples the gym teacher.
INT. DETENTION - LATE AFTERNOON
Clock shows 4 PM. Yuriko sitting at desk doing homework. Other students
are having low-pitched conversations. DETENTION TEACHER is reading at desk
at front of class. Detention Teacher looks up.
DETENTION TEACHER
Detention is over. You
may leave now.
Other students dash out of room. Yuriko neatly puts her books and
papers into her backpack. Molly is waiting for her at the classroom door.
YURIKO
I made you have detention
too?
MOLLY
I couldn't leave you here
alone on your first day.
Now let's go home.
YURIKO
Now, I want to look for a job.
MOLLY
It's late. Grandma will
worry.
YURIKO
Your father told me to get
a job.
MOLLY
He didn't mean it. He always
says that when I ask him for
money.
YURIKO
He's right. I should get
a job.
Molly sighs deeply.
MOLLY
Maybe you can teach aikido
at the Martial Arts School.
YURIKO
Okay.
INT-EXT. MASTERMAN HIGH - LATE AFTERNOON
Molly and Yuriko leave the school building.
CUT TO:
EXT. MARTIAL ARTS SCHOOL - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko is coming out, looking disappointed.
YURIKO
They are not hiring.
MOLLY
What else can you do?
YURIKO
I can serve food.
CUT TO:
EXT. EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
A HELP WANTED sign is in the window. Through the window, we see
cushioned chairs, cloth-covered tables with place settings that have many
forks and spoons. A WAITRESS wearing an evening dress is arranging flowers
in a vase on a table.
MOLLY
This is our last stop.
My grandmother will be
worried.
(a beat)
You don't want
to see what she's like
when she's worried.
Yuriko smiles, goes in.
INT. EXPENSIVE RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko enters restaurant and wanders about briefly. The waitress in
evening dress comes up to her, makes a slight bow with her head.
WAITRESS
May I help you?
YURIKO
I'm looking for a job.
CUT TO:
INT. MAIN OFFICE OF RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko fills out a job application - marking no for citizen and no for
green card. When she is finished, she looks up.
OWNER walks toward her, and takes the form on its clipboard.
OWNER
Your experience looks
very good. I see you
are a poised and assertive
young woman.
(a beat)
Alas, you are not a
citizen and do not have
a green card. I'd hire
you in a minute if you had
either one. But with the
law the way it is, my hands
are tied.
Yuriko stands, nods her head.
YURIKO
Thank you for your time.
OWNER
If you get that green card,
please come back. I'll have
a job for you.
CUT TO:
INT. HOME KITCHEN - EARLY EVENING
Laurel is preparing dinner of stir-fried vegetables with tofu. She is
chopping the vegetables. The tofu is in a dish on the counter. A chicken
is roasting in the oven which has a clear glass door. Salad fixings are
also on the counter. Yuriko and Molly enter the kitchen and put their
backpacks down in the corner by the door.
LAUREL
You're late. Grab some
lettuce and start ripping.
Molly grabs the romaine lettuce leaves from the counter, then gives
half to Yuriko. The two of them then rip the leaves into bits.
MOLLY
We had a busy day.
YURIKO
I got in a fight and
stayed late for detention.
MOLLY
You didn't have to tell...
LAUREL
Did you start the fight?
YURIKO
No,
LAUREL
Then I'm proud of you for
fighting back.
(a beat)
What did you learn today?
YURIKO
I learned that Jello costs
75 cents. And that I can't
get a job without a green
card.
MOLLY
She tried to get a waitress
job at that fancy restaurant.
LAUREL
Here, Molly. You slice the
tomatoes. And Yuriko, you
stab the potatoes.
As the girls slice and stab, Laurel puts her elbow on the counter and
her chin in her hand, thinking.
LAUREL
Hmmm.
YURIKO
Hmmm?
MOLLY
That's her thinking noise.
EDWARD, early 20's, jeans and nerdly t-shirt, enters room, stands
quietly, watching.
LAUREL
Waitresses get tips.
(a beat)
The tip is about 15% of the
food bill.
(a beat)
A fancy restaurant has high
priced food.
(a beat)
So the tips would be good.
MOLLY
And tips aren't wages. Tips
are gifts.
EDWARD
Mom, you are subversive!
Laurel touches her wooden disk necklace with the picture of laurel
leaves on it.
LAUREL
You just noticed?
Edward picks up a carrot and starts grating it.
EDWARD
I just wanted to point out
to these impressionable
young women, that you
don't always give the best
advice.
LAUREL
So, you can think for yourself.
And who do you have to thank
for that?
YURIKO
You keep touching your
necklace. What does it mean?
LAUREL
I'm not sure you're ready...
EDWARD
Go for it mom. It looks like
you've just gained another
daughter.
LAUREL
My name is Laurel, and my
herb is laurel. My neighbor
gave me this after I earned
it.
YURIKO
Earned it?
LAUREL (V.O flashback)
My neighbor asked me to
babysit.
Flashback, of TEENAGED LAUREL has arrived at a neighbor's home to
babysit their crying child. MOTHER hands child to Laurel.
MOTHER
He's been crying for
days. I've got to get
away before I throw him
out the window.
Teenaged Laurel accepts the baby, whispers in his ear.
LAUREL (V.O.flashback)
I whispered in the baby's
ear because that usually
distracts them, and they
stop crying.
Baby continues to cry. Mother puts on coat, gives a guilty look.
TEENAGED LAUREL
We'll be fine. You go
have a good time.
Mother leaves. Teenaged Laurel holds baby on one hip and picks laurel
leaves from a small tree on the window ledge.
She puts them in a teacup, and pours boiling water from the teakettle
on the stove over the leaves. The baby continues to cry. Dissolve. Tea is
brewed. Teenaged Laurel dips a finger into the tea, nods. It's comfortably
warm. She takes a kitchen baster, sucks up some of the tea, and squirts it
into the baby's ear. Baby stops crying.
LAUREL
I recognized the laurel
tree growing on the window
ledge. Laurel leaves are
good for treating ear aches.
Some instinct told me this
baby was in pain, so I made
the tea. When it was brewed
and cooled down, I used the
baster to pour some in his
ear. It worked.
Dissolve. Time lapse. Mother returns. Baby is happily cooing in
Teenaged Laurel's lap. End flashback.
LAUREL
The next day she made me this
necklace and I've worn it
ever since.
YURIKO
Your name is Laurel and
your herb is laurel. That's
easy. What's my herb?
EDWARD
Told you so!
LAUREL
Your herb is one that sounds
like your name. Yarrow
is your herb.
Yuriko looks puzzled. Laurel is now stirfrying all the ingredients and
shaking on spices.
MOLLY
You can pick some on the
way to school tomorrow.
There's plenty in the
vacant lot.
LAUREL
You can use yarrow to
treat a toothache,
rheumatism, or a bad
cold. It also clears
the sinuses. You must
use your herb selflessly
to earn your necklace.
EDWARD
Before treating the baby's
earache, she used laurel
to wrap her sprained
ankle so she could win a
race. That didn't count.
Yuriko smells the dinner.
YURIKO
That smells good. If
there are leftovers,
could I take them to
school for lunch? I don't
want to buy Jello again.
EDWARD
She is definitely one
of yours!
CUT TO:
INT. HOME DINING ROOM - EVENING
The family is seated at the table. Edward is across from Yuriko and
next to Molly. Sam is at the head of the table. Laurel is at the opposite
end. Marge is next to Yuriko.
Food is on the table, but the chicken is still in the oven.
SAM
Tofu? Again? We just got
back from two years in
Japan.
Laurel winks at Molly. Molly smiles.
MOLLY
You didn't complain in
Japan.
EDWARD
I didn't get to go to
Japan. I want the tofu.
YURIKO
This is not a Japanese
recipe.
SAM
I don't care. I want
something without soy
sauce that doesn't come
to the table already cut
into small pieces.
Edward snaps his fingers and gestures toward the kitchen.
EDWARD
Abra cadabra!
SAM
Huh?
EDWARD
Your wish is my command.
Enter the kitchen and
find your heart's desire.
SAM
Is this another one of your
inventions?
MOLLY
Go see what's in the kitchen.
SAM
Are you in on this prank?
Yuriko gets up, goes to the kitchen. Laurel gets up to help her.
EDWARD
Now look what you've done.
SAM
I just said...
Laurel has put candles on the chicken. She and Yuriko enter
the dining room singing, "Happy Birthday to you!"
SAM
Okay, you got me.
Laurel puts the chicken on the table beside Sam. Yuriko ceremoniously
places the carving knife beside the plate.
MADGE
Make a wish.
Sam blows out candles. Yuriko looks puzzled.
MOLLY
Most families have cake
for birthdays, but we're
not normal.
YURIKO
Are you having a joke?
LAUREL
Yes, it's a joke.
SAM
But I really am thankful
for the chicken. Thank
you everyone!
Sam begins carving chicken.
SAM
So, Edward, if this chicken
isn't your invention, what
is?
EDWARD
The reverse microwave.
You put things in and they
get cold.
YURIKO
Wonderful! No more
unhappy customers. We
pick fresh lemons,
make lemonade, and
serve cold.
MADGE
I'd buy one. We're always
running out of ice.
MOLLY
And hospitals will want
them to chill compresses.
EDWARD
The thing is..
SAM
Get a job.
EDWARD
But I need to spend my
time on my invention, so
I get there first. It's
wasted if somebody else
gets the patent.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - NEXT DAY MORNING
Laurel is helping Molly and Yuriko pack brown bag lunches.
LAUREL
The chicken slices make
a better sandwich than
the stir-fried tofu.
The girls put the bags into their backpacks. Yuriko makes slight bow
with her head.
YURIKO
Thank you. You are most
kind and understanding.
CUT TO:
EXT. VACANT LOT - MORNING
Vacant lot with falling down fence. Broken cement, trash, weeds. Yuriko
winces at the ugliness. Molly nonchalantly leads her to a patch of yarrow.
MOLLY
See these tiny leaves?
Kind of like little ferns?
This is yarrow.
She picks a leaf, crushes it between two fingers.
MOLLY
Smell it!
Yuriko smells it. At first she is startled. Then takes another whiff
more appreciatively.
YURIKO
I can feel it clear the
sinuses.
(a beat)
Powerful.
Yuriko picks several leaves and puts them in her jeans pocket.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH HALLWAY - MORNING
At school the next day, the crude boys give Yuriko and Molly a wide
berth as they walk down the hallway. In fact, they seem to be avoiding all
girls who walk in groups of two or more.
NERD GIRL
Want some tricks?
DREADLOCKS GIRL
Trick or treat?
CRUDE BOY
What's the treat?
YURIKO
Those who are skilled
in combat do not become
angered. Those who are
skilled at winning do
not become afraid. Thus
the wise win before the
fight, while the ignorant
fight to win.
BLONDE ATHLETIC GIRL
That's cool.
YURIKO
That's a famous poem.
BLONDE ATHLETIC GIRL
Is that what they teach
in Japanese schools? Poems
and Aikido?
YURIKO
I did not go to school.
I trained to be a geisha.
BLONDE ATHLETIC GIRL
You mean a prostitute?
Yuriko looks puzzled.
MOLLY
My grandmother rescued
her.
CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
Classroom marker board reads SEX EDUCATION. INSTRUCTOR, a 30ish woman
wearing a business suit, is writing the word ABSTINENCE on the board.
INSTRUCTOR
Sex is not just something
you do with anybody. It
is not payment for a date.
Sex is something special
between two people who
care about each other and
who will care for any
children who may come from
their union.
RED HAIRED GIRL
If you value your social
life, you have sex.
INSTRUCTOR
Can't you think beyond
Friday night? If you
value yourself, your
potential, your life,
you'll wait for marriage.
Crude boy wiggles hips, nods head, looks in-your-face suggestive, as he
rises to speak.
CRUDE BOY
If you value your life,
you'll have as much fun
as you can right now.
INSTRUCTOR
Sit down. You're being
silly. Perhaps our
visitor from Japan can
give us a more thoughtful
perspective. Yuriko,
how do women in Japan
value themselves?
YURIKO
I will be paid $10,000
for my first time.
INSTRUCTOR
Are you sure you understood
the question?
CRUDE BOY
I'll give you ten cents.
ANOTHER BOY
I'll give you ten dollars.
The class laughs. Yuriko runs out of the room. Molly follows.
CUT TO:
INT. MILITARY MOMS CLUB - EARLY AFTERNOON
About a dozen women, including Marge are sipping tea, eating cookies
and fruit as they sit in a living room with plenty of sofas and chairs.
PRETTY MOM is talking.
PRETTY MOM
My daughter and I got along
so well until she turned
into a teenager.
DREADLOCKS MOM
You just have to be strict
with them.
MARGE
Molly was starting to get
out of control, particularly
where boys are concerned.
Then we got an exchange
student from Japan. She's
got Molly making her own
lunches, doing her homework.
This Japanese girl is a
wonderful influence.
PRETTY MOM
We had an exchange student
from Spain. He was the
sweetest boy, until he
discovered how much freedom
American teens have. Then
you couldn't watch him change
fast enough.
MARGE
Now Darcy, I'm sure Yuriko
won't be like that. She was
raised in a geisha house
and she begged us to get her
out of there.
DREADLOCKS MOM
Whatever happens, I'm sure it
will be a growing experience
for both of you. It's always
like that when we bring new
people into our lives.
EXT. FRONT OF FANCY RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Molly and Yuriko both check that the Help Wanted sign is still in the
window. Molly hugs Yuriko for luck.
YURIKO
I hope your grandmother
is right.
MOLLY
She usually is.
YURIKO
The owner won't think
I'm subversive?
MOLLY
That's just uncle Edward
teasing. Go on in. You'll
be fine.
INT-EXT. RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Yuriko enters restaurant. Waitress greets her, smiling.
WAITRESS
May I help you?
YURIKO
I'd like to speak to the
owner.
Owner enters dining room.
OWNER
You have a green card
already?
YURIKO
I have a better idea. I
could work here for tips.
You would not hire me, so
no laws are broken.
OWNER
Do you have an evening dress?
He indicates Waitress, who is listening to this conversation as she
arranges flowers.
Like Susan's?
YURIKO
I have a lovely kimono.
Owner ponders.
WAITRESS
You're not getting any ideas
about asking me to work for
free are you?
OWNER
So long as your kimono is
clean and pressed. You
may start today. I'll give
you a one-month trial.
EXT. FRONT OF RESTAURANT - AFTERNOON
Yuriko emerges from restaurant, smiling.
MOLLY
You got the job!
YURIKO
Your grandmother is a genius!
INT. CHANGING ROOM AT RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko changes into her kimono. She talks to a WAITRESS who is wearing
evening gown.
WAITRESS
I don't approve of working
without wages.
YURIKO
In the geisha house where
I grew up, I did all the
cleaning and serving and
the older geishas took all
my tips.
WAITRESS
Okay, I guess this is a
step up for you. If they
ask your advice, recommend
the fish. That's the Chef's
specialty. The better
the dish, the better your
tips. And push the chocolate
desserts. Folks who are full
of chocolate are generous.
INT. RESTAURANT TABLE AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko is chatting flirtatiously with an OLDER GENTLEMAN, while she
serves his meal. She slowly pours his tea.
YURIKO
Your grandson must be very
clever to climb so high in
that tree.
OLDER GENTLEMAN
Takes after his old grandpap.
YURIKO
Did he pick the apple?
EXT. ON SIDEWALK OUTSIDE RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
Marge walks by the restaurant, casually peering in through the window.
She sees Yuriko pouring tea slowly for the old man. She scowls deeply and
goes to the restaurant door.
INT-EXT. RESTAURANT DOORWAY - LATE AFTERNOON
Marge barges into the restaurant, brushes past the waitress in evening
gown.
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
Marge pulls Yuriko aside.
MARGE
I didn't rescue you from
that geisha house to have
you going back to your old
ways here in America.
Yuriko puts down the teapot, stands straight and faces Marge. Owner
hears this commotion and heads towards them.
MARGE (cont.)
Young lady, go home and do
your homework. You'll
never amount to anything
if you don't learn.
Owner puts a hand gently on Marge's shoulder. Marge turns to face him.
He uses soothing tones.
OWNER
This is a fine establishment.
And I'm sure you are a fine
woman. You must be distraught.
Marge attempts to lower her voice to match the owner's.
Yuriko retreats to kitchen.
MARGE
She's a teenager. A guest in
my home. I took her in to
rescue her from the subservient
life.
OWNER
Service is an admirable and
worthy profession. Don't
worry. I'll see that she
is treated decently.
(a beat)
Go home now. We can talk
again when you are calmer.
MARGE
Send that young lady home.
I need to talk with her.
Marge exits.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT KITCHEN - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko is tasting a fish dish. COOK is soothing her. Owner enters
COOK
Marge sounds like a control
freak. If anybody can soothe
her you can.
(a beat)
Here, taste this fish. I added
a dash of brown sugar.
Yuriko tastes the fish. Smiles.
COOK
Irresistible.
OWNER
I think you'd better go home
now. My customers love you.
You do good work. I want you
back here - with your host
mom's permission.
YURIKO
Yes, sir.
OWNER
See you tomorrow.
CUT TO:
INT. HOME KITCHEN - EARLY EVENING
Laurel is shaking herbs onto fish filets in a pan. Marge is putting
groceries in the refrigerator. Yuriko and Molly are making salad. Edward
comes into kitchen to get silverware.
MARGE
Yuriko, honey, I didn't
mean to embarrass you at
the restaurant.
LAUREL
Marge, you know I try to
stay out of family affairs.
But I'm the one who brought
Yuriko to this country. And
I'm the one who told her to
try for that job.
EDWARD
You mean somebody actually
listened to Sam and got a job?
YURIKO
Try a pinch of brown sugar on
those fish. The cook at the
restaurant says it makes the
fish irresistible.
MARGE
I'm head of this household.
She's my responsibility.
EDWARD
That will be news to Sam.
YURIKO
I do not want to take your
money for my expenses.
She takes $5 out of her pocket and offers it to Marge.
YURIKO
Here is the lunch money you
gave me.
MARGE
That's not necessary.
LAUREL
Take the money. Let her
have her dignity.
Marge accepts the money.
LAUREL
Now, was that so bad?
MARGE
I just don't like to see
her fawning over old men.
EDWARD
You do it! I've seen you
with my brother.
MARGE
I'm losing this one, aren't
I?
LAUREL
It's okay, Yuriko.
(a beat)
You can add the sugar now.
The fish is ready to go in
the oven.
MOLLY
If she's allowed to have a
job, I can, too.
INT. DINNER TABLE - EVENING
Whole family, including Edward are at dinner table. Laurel is carrying
in a tray of fish filets. Edward is setting out silverware. Yuriko is
arranging flowers on the table. The others are arriving, and taking
chairs. Edward is watching Yuriko. He speaks to her.
EDWARD
Is school here like it was
in Japan?
YURIKO
I was trained to be a
cultured woman - to sing,
dance, paint, do calligraphy.
EDWARD
Didn't you learn anything
useful like math or history?
YURIKO
I learned history through
the poets, and math through
accounting.
(a beat)
The men are taught differently.
The others are all seated now. Edward and Yuriko are oblivious to the
meal, with eyes only for each other.
EDWARD
Molly told me about your
aikido demonstration. I
think you are being modest.
YURIKO
Were you taught to be an
inventor?
EDWARD
I ignored what they taught
in school. Instead, I
taught myself to be an
inventor.
YURIKO
Was your family disappointed
that you were a poor scholar?
EDWARD
Dad was. But mom always liked
my inventions. Did your mom
like your arts?
Marge taps her plate with a fork.
MARGE
Dinner is served, if you'll
finish putting out the silver.
EDWARD
Yes, M'am.
Yuriko sits, quickly. Edward winks at her as he places the last table
setting.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH CAFETERIA - NOON NEXT DAY
Yuriko and Molly are eating out of brown bags and other girls are
gathered around them.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
I've been a waitress at the
coffee shop. The tips were
terrible. Kids left dimes
under glasses of water. And
the cute boys are on their
worst behavior.
YURIKO
It's different at a fancy
restaurant. Tips are twenty
percent of the bill, and a
meal without wine is at least
thirty dollars. So each
customer will give you six
dollars or more. Usually much
more. And the customers are
always well behaved.
ATHLETE GIRL
I don't know how to act
around
rich people. What do you say
to them? How's the money?
YURIKO
You start with a
compliment. If
they are wearing a nice piece of
jewelry or an interesting tie,
talk about that.
NERD GIRL
Sounds boring.
YURIKO
Think of it as Zen. Each
customer is a koan. You
can solve it by listening
and asking questions. If
you correctly understand,
your tip goes up.
RED HAIRED GIRL
But if you act all that
interested, won't the old
men think you are hot for
them?
YURIKO
If they ask, you tell them
your price for your first
time is $10,000.
ATHLETE GIRL
But what if it isn't your
first time?
YURIKO
I don't understand. Do you
mean he wants to see you
again? Or a different
customer?
MOLLY
She means, what if she's
not a virgin.
YURIKO
Was she raped? He must pay!
ATHLETE GIRL
What do you do if they offer
you the $10,000?
YURIKO
You take it.
The girls laugh, but some of them are shocked.
CUT TO:
INT. MILITARY MOMS CLUB - EARLY AFTERNOON
About a dozen women, including Marge are sipping tea, eating cookies
and fruit as they sit in a living room with plenty of sofas and chairs.
PRETTY MOM is talking.
PRETTY MOM
Good influence, you said?
Glad to have her, you said?
Since when is teaching our
girls to be prostitutes...
MARGE
Now Darcy, I'm sure there's a
perfectly good reason. She
was brought up in a geisha house.
Maybe that's what they taught her.
Traveling the world is supposed
to teach us that different
cultures have different values.
And people with different values
can be perfectly nice.
DREADLOCKS MOM
I don't want my son going to a
prostitute and getting AIDS
because it's just a different
cultural value held by perfectly
nice people. If you can't turn
that girl around, I say you send
her home!
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT CHANGING ROOM - LATE AFTERNOON
Molly and Yuriko are changing clothes. Yuriko into her kimono, and
Molly into a modest evening dress. Yuriko helps Molly with her zipper.
Molly is at a total loss for ways to help Yuriko with her kimono.
YURIKO
Now remember, fish is the
Chef's specialty. If the
customer asks, recommend
the fish. And try to get them
to order chocolate dessert.
Folks who are full of
chocolate are generous.
MOLLY
And talk to them. Solve
their zen koan. I think
I've got it.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - LATE AFTERNOON
Shot of Yuriko taking an order. Molly is bringing a tray of food and
setting it down, smiling at the customer.
INT. HOME DINING ROOM - EVENING
Whole family, including Edward seated at the heaping dining table.
EDWARD
I didn't get a chance to
tell you. That fish with
the pinch of sugar was
delicious.
LAUREL
I agree. Have you learned
any more tricks of the trade?
Marge scowls and speaks angrily. Laurel passes a basket of rolls.
MARGE
There will be no talk of
tricks at this table.
You have no idea what
I've been through this
afternoon at the Military
Moms club.
SAM
I have no idea why you
attend those meetings. More
than half the time, somebody
says something that upsets
you.
LAUREL
Molly, dear, how was your
first day at work?
MOLLY
I made more in tips than you
give me in allowance all week.
LAUREL
That's not what I meant. Did
you have a good time? Did you
learn anything interesting?
MOLLY
I learned that Yuriko gets
bigger tips because she is
better at solving zen koans.
Focus is now on Edward and Yuriko. This is a flirtatious conversation -
on Edward's part. Yuriko is simply polite.
EDWARD
Why would you solve zen koans
at a French restaurant?
YURIKO
What do you know about zen
koans?
EDWARD
The only koan I know is the
sound of one hand clapping.
YURIKO
The whole truth includes
every perspective. Each
person has one perspective.
The more perspectives you
can see, the closer you
are to enlightenment.
EDWARD
So when you talk to me,
and act interested in me,
are you just using me as
a rung on your ladder to
enlightenment? I thought
you really liked me.
SAM
Edward, you could take
both these girls as an
example, and get a job.
You might get enlightenment
at the same time.
EDWARD
You've been working since
I was born. You don't look
enlightened.
LAUREL
Please pass the salad.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH CAFETERIA - NOON NEXT DAY
Yuriko has drawn up a calendar showing which nights each girl will
work. No girl works more than 2 nights a week, and each one must be
supervised by Yuriko on her first night. All the girls are eating brown
bag lunches.
YURIKO
Bring your evening dress.
You can change at the
restaurant. And there's
a locker where you can
leave it.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
How do you get them to
leave big tips?
YURIKO
If they ask, recommend the
fish. That's the chef's
specialty. And try to get
them to order chocolate
dessert. Folks who are
full of chocolate are
generous.
RED HAIRED GIRL
What if I can't think
of something to talk to
them about?
YURIKO
I'll be there to help you.
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
The board at the front of the classroom says Sex Education.
Beneath that: Prostitution is Illegal.
TEACHER
I'm sure Yuriko was joking.
But to be on the safe side,
I feel obliged to remind you
that prostitution is illegal
in Pennsylvania.
CRUDE BOY
Then her price will have to
be ten thousand dollars, plus
bail bond.
NERD BOY
She'd never be caught.
Prostitution is a victimless
crime.
CRUDE BOY
You have the ten thousand
dollars to try it and find out?
TEACHER
Sex laws are an interesting
topic. For homework tonight,
each of you is to go to the
state laws website on the
Internet and find one law
about sex in Pennsylvania.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko and Dreadlocks girl are taking orders.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
Just a minute. I'll go ask.
She goes to Yuriko.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
What do I say? The old man
just told me his mother is
sick and might die.
YURIKO
Ask him about his mother.
Let him do all the talking.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
Do we have tapioca pudding?
The man has been telling me
how his mother made tapioca
pudding for him when he was
feeling sad.
YURIKO
Go back and talk with him.
I'll talk with Cook.
INT. DINING ROOM - EVENING
At dinner, as everyone is taking chairs, Edward takes the chair next to
Yuriko, sitting as Marge approaches.
MARGE
That's my chair.
EDWARD
I'd like to sit next to
Yuriko tonight.
SAM
Are you sure she's not
just using her for her
enlightenment?
EDWARD
That's why I want her
advice. I want enlightenment
and the money that goes with
it.
MOLLY
How does money go with
enlightenment?
EDWARD
You said it - she gets bigger
tips because she is better at
solving koans.
(a beat)
I have a meeting with a
potential backer. I want
to be sure to get his money
for my reverse microwave.
Laurel passes the fresh baked bread, which she has sliced.
YURIKO
You can't go to a man and
ask for money.
EDWARD
How else do I get him to
give it to me?
YURIKO
You go to him and you ask
him about his goals, his
desires. You keep asking
questions until you understand
what he wants. Then, if your
invention fits with his goals,
you offer your invention
as a possible solution.
Make him ask if you'll let
him be part of your support.
EDWARD
And if it doesn't fit?
YURIKO
Then he won't give you the
money.
(a beat)
But, if you have impressed him
with how thoughtful and
helpful you are, he may
mention you to someone whose
goals fit yours.
SAM
That's brilliant! Get
the man to sell himself.
I think your talents are
wasted at the restaurant.
We need you in the diplomatic
corps.
LAUREL
Don't tease her. I've seen
the tips she brings home.
Yuriko is really good at
getting money from men. And
I'm sure you've never heard
a waitress ask a client for
a bigger tip.
EDWARD
I think Yuriko would make
a lovely diplomat.
MOLLY
And I think Yuriko and you
make a cute couple.
YURIKO
I don't like teasing.
She gets up from the table and leaves the room. Molly goes after her.
CUT TO:
INT. MOLLY'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
Molly and Yuriko are doing homework at their desks, and chatting.
YURIKO
Did you find those laws
on internet?
MOLLY
All done. I've even got an
extra one for you if you
need it.
YURIKO
I've got some too. I wonder
if Japan has as many laws
as Pennsylvania.
MOLLY
Have you noticed - Uncle Edward
is really sweet on you.
YURIKO
Impossible. He only asks me
business questions. He
never writes me love poems.
MOLLY
Do Japanese boys write love
poems to their girlfriends?
YURIKO
The men who come to the geisha
house do.
MOLLY
I've never had a love poem.
Molly absently fondles her necklace.
YURIKO
Laurel said you earned your
necklace. What did you do?
MOLLY
I earned it at Blue Bird Camp.
CUT TO:
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - LATE AFTERNOON
Flashback to Blue Bird Camp. A dozen or so girls ranging in age from 8
to 12 are riding horses along a scenic mountain path. Twelve-year-old
Molly is in the rear watching over the younger girls.
MOLLY (V.O.)
A dozen of us were riding
our horses on an overnight
trip. One of the horses
tripped and the girl fell
off, hitting a rock. She
got a deep scrape on her
arm. I'd brought garlic
to put in the chili when
it was my turn to cook.
(a beat)
One of the counselors
dumped out her canteen,
trying to wash the wound.
They talked about going back
but it was too late. I knew
that garlic is an antiseptic.
I squeezed the juice out of
several cloves into a cup
of water. Then I slowly
poured the garlic water
into her wound. The girl
never got an infection.
And when I got home, Laurel
made me my necklace. But
the chili wasn't as good
without the garlic.
YURIKO
Lets get more yarrow on
the way to school tomorrow.
EXT. VACANT LOT - NEXT MORNING
On the way to school, Molly and Yuriko go by the vacant lot with trash,
broken bottles, lots of weeds, including chicory and yarrow.
YURIKO
This time, let me find it.
She wanders around the lot, Molly close by. She walks by some yarrow.
Molly squeaks.
YURIKO
I have to find it myself, or
it's not truly my herb.
They continue walking.
MOLLY
Do you have trash on vacant
lots like this in Kyoto?
YURIKO
I've never seen a vacant lot
in Kyoto.
(a beat)
Here it is!
She has found a large stand of yarrow, in bloom. She smells the
flowers, picks some leaves, crushes one under her nose.
YURIKO
If I use this on somebody
they might hit me.
MOLLY
Most herbs don't taste
good. But people will put
up with a bad taste if it
makes them feel better .
She puts a handful of the leaves into her pocket.
YURIKO
Do you know if yarrow can be
dried? These flowers are lovely.
She picks several flowers and puts them in her backpack.
MOLLY
You'll have to ask my
grandma.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH CAFETERIA - NOON
The brown baggers are lunching together, talking shop.
YURIKO
All the old men want is
a chance to tell their
story to somebody who
will really listen.
Red haired girl sniffles.
RED HAIRED GIRL
I'm catching a cold.
YURIKO
Whenever you are ill, switch
work nights with someone else.
You won't get big tips if you
sneeze or sniffle.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
I got a $20 tip last night
from a man who only bought
tapioca pudding.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Tapioca pudding isn't on
the menu.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
It pays to ask Cook.
Yuriko gets the yarrow leaves out of her pocket, and crushes several
under Red Haired Girl' nose. She pulls back in shock.
RED HAIRED GIRL
What did you do that for?
That stinks! Are you a
witch?
MOLLY
That's yarrow. It's her
namesake herb. She's just
learning to use it.
RED HAIRED GIRL
She wouldn't get any tips
if she did that to customers.
MOLLY
Take a deep breath through
your nose.
Red haired girl takes deep breath through nose. She does so without
sniffling.
RED HAIRED GIRL
So?
MOLLY
So, you're not sniffling now.
RED HAIRED GIRL
She should have asked first.
You don't just go up to
people and put nasty smelling
stuff under their noses.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
Your voice sounds much
better now.
RED HAIRED GIRL
There's no excuse for what
she did. I'll make her pay.
She can't just play me like
she does the old men.
She thinks she knows everything.
She should show me respect.
MOLLY
She was only trying to help.
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - EVENING
This is getting to be a routine humor segment as we watch Yuriko work
her magic on another lonely old man. Red haired girl is waiting on a
CUSTOMER, sniffling. YURIKO'S CUSTOMER is eyeing her lecherously.
RED HAIRED GIRL
I recommend the fish. It's
Chef's specialty.
CUSTOMER
Do you feel alright, dear?
CUT TO:
YURIKO'S CUSTOMER
Darlin', you are so sweet,
you look like a little
cupcake. I could just eat
you up.
(a beat)
Would you spend the night
with me?
YURIKO
I think you'll find Chef's
chocolate torte sweet enough.
YURIKO'S CUSTOMER
Sweet darlin', chocolate is
dandy, but I want you for my
candy.
YURIKO
My price for that is ten
thousand dollars.
Red Haired Girl overhears this conversation.
YURIKO'S CUSTOMER
I expect to have that kind
of money in a few weeks.
YURIKO
If you have that kind of
money, you might be interested
in an exciting research project
My host family's uncle is
inventing a reverse microwave.
YURIKO'S CUSTOMER
Nope, darlin'. You're what I
want.
INT. HOME DINING ROOM - EVENING
The family, minus Yuriko, are seated at the table. Edward is next to
Molly. Laurel is serving lasagne.
EDWARD
Where's Yuriko?
MOLLY
She's working.
EDWARD
Tell her I miss her. I
really like her. I think
she's the one I want to
marry.
MOLLY
That's not going to be
easy.
EDWARD
Is it a Zen thing? Do I
have to convert to her
religion?
MOLLY
She wants love poems.
EDWARD
I'll steal some from the
library if I have to.
MOLLY
And, she wants ten thousand
dollars.
EDWARD
Are you joking?
MOLLY
She told our whole sex
education class that she
wants ten thousand dollars
for her first time.
EDWARD
Then, in that case, I'll
have to get a job.
(a beat)
This is between us. I want
it to be a surprise when
I propose to her.
LAUREL
What are you two whispering
about?
EDWARD
Money.
SAM
Get a job.
CUT TO:
Phone rings. Marge answers.
MARGE
Now Darcy, are you sure
your daughter heard right?
(a beat)
Perhaps Yuriko was just
trying to put the man off
gently.
(a beat)
I agree, she can't go
promising to have sex
with customers, no matter
what they pay her. I'll
have a talk with her.
(a beat)
I don't think we need
to look into deportation
protocols just yet.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH HALLWAY - MORNING
Boys and girls avoid Yuriko and Molly in the hallway.
RED HAIRED GIRL
My mom is going to get her
deported for being a slut.
ATHLETIC GIRL
Can you imagine the greed!
Ten thousand dollars!
BOY
Good money if you can get it.
NERD GIRL
She's just a manipulator.
She got us all waiting tables.
For what? So she could be
a high-priced whore?
Dreadlocks girl tosses her brown bag lunch in the trashcan.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
And what does she do with
all her money? She brings
brown bag lunches. How can
someone so expensive be
so cheap?
INT. GYM CLASS - AFTERNOON
The girls are playing basketball. Red haired girl purposely fouls
Yuriko, bruising her face.
RED HAIRED GIRL
Slut! Whore! You think
you're so fine!
Molly helps Yuriko up and walks her off court. She squeezes a garlic
clove from her pocket into a glass of water that Gym Teacher brings.
MOLLY
I've got some garlic, so
you won't get an infection.
She swabs Yuriko's face with a dampened kleenex.
Yuriko moans and tears squeeze from her eyes.
YURIKO
That stuff stings.
CUT TO:
INT. ELECTRONICS LAB- AFTERNOON
Edward is sitting in the waiting room, filling out a job application
form. He is dressed in a low-budget suit and tie. He glances at his
checkbook balance: $2000. RECEPTIONIST calls him to a job interview.
RECEPTIONIST
Edward. Step this way.
Edward follows. He enters a small room with INTERVIEWER behind a large
desk.
INTERVIEWER
I see you are an inventor.
Inventors haven't proven
to be reliable employees.
They get going on something
and they up and quit right
in the middle - right when
we need them.
EDWARD
I want to get married. I
want to be able to support
a wife and children.
INTERVIEWER
Inventors aren't usually so
traditional.
EDWARD
Do you need an engineer to
design your new circuit, or
not?
INTERVIWER
I see you have the social
skills of a brilliant
engineer.
EDWARD
I saw your ad. I can do
your job.
He pats briefcase.
EDWARD (CONT)
Do you want to look at
my samples?
Interviewer shuffles some papers on his desk. Grabs a bunch and pushes
them towards Edward.
INTERVIEWER
Here is our confidentiality
agreement. After you sign,
here are the project specs.
Work out a schedule with
project completion points,
and the amount that will be
due you at each point. If
it is acceptable, you're
hired.
INT. MILITARY MOMS MEETING - AFTERNOON
The livingroom with chairs and sofas, tea and cookies.
PRETTY MOM
You simply can't let her do
this!
MARGE
I don't know how to stop her.
DREADLOCKS MOM
If she won't obey you, you
must send her back. I've
obtained the necessary
deportation papers for you.
She hands a stack of papers to Marge who reluctantly takes them.
PRETTY MOM
We can't let her sell
herself
for sex. It sets a bad example
for our daughters and our sons.
DREADLOCKS MOM
The least she could do is
sneak around like a normal
teenager.
PRETTY MOM
You're baaad.
MARGE
She comes from a different
culture. I know we have to
enforce the laws. But we
don't have to pretend we
are so naive that we think
our laws and our culture
are the only ones in the
world.
PRETTY MOM
We are held to higher standards.
We represent the United States
of America.
INT. ELECTRONIC LABS - AFTERNOON
Edward working at a computer screen designing circuitry. A COLLEAGUE
comes by.
COLLEAGUE
This is brilliant.
(a beat)
You don't belong here. You
should be out inventing
things. For a man of your
talents, working here is
prostitution.
EDWARD
You're right, of course.
But it takes money to
develop inventions. And
besides, I want to get
married. There will be
plenty of time for my
inventions after I have
my nest egg.
COLLEAGUE
Not if somebody else
invents them first while
you are slaving away here.
EDWARD
Then leave me alone. The
sooner I finish this project,
the sooner they pay me, and
the sooner I can get married
and work on my own ideas.
INT. HOME DINING ROOM - EVENING
At dinner, Edward is absent. Laurel is serving a casserole with flecks
of green and red herbs on top.
LAUREL
Yuriko, it's great to have
you home to eat dinner with
us.
Yuriko bows her head slightly.
MARGE
This is difficult, but I
heard a strange story about
you today at the Military
Moms Club. Some of the moms
say you promised to have
sex with a man at the
restaurant for ten thousand
dollars.
YURIKO
That's true. I did.
MOLLY
You're kidding!
SAM
Molly, please stay out of
this.
MARGE
I simply can't let you do
that. It's illegal and
immoral. We brought you to
America to get you away
from the geisha life.
SAM
Look, it was cute when you
flirted with me at the geisha
house. But there's a huge
difference between flirting
and prostitution. Flirting
gets you tips. Sex for money
gets you arrested.
MOLLY
It's a victimless crime.
Nobody gets arrested for it.
SAM
You are my daughter. I have
more control over you than I
do over our guest. One more
peep out of you, and I'll
forbid you to work at that
restaurant.
MARGE
Your customer probably didn't
mean it. He'll be happy for an
excuse not to do it. You can
just tell him you changed your
mind.
YURIKO
I haven't changed my mind.
SAM
You'll be doing everybody a
favor, if you back out.
MARGE
The women at the Military Moms
Club want you deported if you
won't change your mind.
YURIKO
I'll need the money even more
if I'm deported.
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
Yuriko is helping Laurel wash the dishes.
YURIKO
I tried to use yarrow today.
A girl at my lunch table
had the sniffles. I crushed
some leaves under her nose.
She got mad and called me
a witch.
LAUREL
I know you meant well. But
you never use herbs without
asking permission. Herbs
are medicine. They are just
as powerful as pills or shots.
YURIKO
I stopped her sniffles.
LAUREL
The yarrow stopped her sniffles.
Laurel takes a good look at Yuriko.
LAUREL (CONT)
That's some bruise you've got.
Would you like me to put
comfrey on it?
YURIKO
Molly already put garlic on it.
LAUREL
That was to prevent infection.
The comfrey will heal your
cells, and I promise - it won't
sting.
INT. MOLLY'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
Molly and Yuriko are doing homework at their desks.
MOLLY
Jenna has been phoning all
the girls who work at the
restaurant - telling them
that you are running a
prostitution ring. That
you've promised all of them
will have sex for ten
thousand dollars.
YURIKO
What's wrong with that?
Ten thousand is a typical
price for a first time at
the geisha house.
MOLLY
Sex is something you do
with a man you love. Not
anybody who has the money.
YURIKO
Why not both?
EXT. GYM CLASS - AFTERNOON
On the basketball court, Yuriko finds herself surrounded by angry
girls.
DREADLOCKS GIRL
How could you do this to us?
(a beat)
What if other customers want
sex for money?
ATHLETIC GIRL
You could get the restaurant
closed down!
(a beat)
Have you tricked us into
joining a prostitution ring?
RED HAIRED GIRL
Would you really have sex with
that old geezer?
(a beat)
How could you do this to us?
CUT TO:
INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICES - AFTERNOON
Marge and OFFICER are in a cubicle. Officer has a computer terminal and
filing cabinet.
OFFICER
I can't deport every teenager
who wants to have sex.
MARGE
It's not just promiscuity. It's
prostitution.
OFFICER
Can you document that she has
paying customers?
MARGE
She hasn't done it yet. She's
just announced that she will
be paid ten thousand dollars
for her first time.
Officer laughs.
MARGE
It's not a joke. She admits
that a customer at the restaurant
where she works says he'll have
the money in a few weeks. I
want her out of the country
before that happens.
OFFICER
We can't even deport terrorists
in a couple of weeks.
He hands her some forms
OFFICER (CONT)
Here are the forms to request
deportation.
(a beat)
And good luck to you.
INT. ELECTRONIC LABS - AFTERNOON
Edward is building a model of his circuitry. A BOSS enters his cubicle
and looks at his computer screen.
BOSS
This is it? This is all
you've done?
EDWARD
Do you have any idea what
you are looking at?
BOSS
A simplistic sketch. The
rudiments of a circuit
design. Months away from
a finished schematic.
EDWARD
This is the finished
schematic. I was just
tweaking it to get some
extra performance. You
can have a print out now
and begin production this
afternoon.
BOSS
If you're wrong. If you
waste one minute of one
assembler's time. If this
doesn't meet the specs
you signed off on, we
won't pay you a cent.
Edward smiles, happily.
CUT TO:
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - EVENING
Waitress in evening dress stops Yuriko on the way to the kitchen.
WAITRESS
Is it true? Did you really
offer to have sex with that
guy for money?
YURIKO
Why is everybody so upset
about that?
WAITRESS
Honey, I'm sure you have a
good use for that money.
But there has to be a better
way...
Owner comes up to them.
OWNER
Where are your friends?
I'm running a business here,
and I need to count on my
staff.
YURIKO
I don't understand why
they are not here.
The customer who offered her the ten thousand dollars comes in. Yuriko
greets him.
YURIKO
Good evening. Let me show
you to your table.
She leads him to his usual table.
YURIKO (CONT)
How have you been?
CUSTOMER
Business is looking good.
I've sold my facial steamers
to an entire hotel chain.
Every guest room will have
one.
YURIKO
What are the benefits of
facial steamers?
CUSTOMER
Right now, the benefit is
I will soon have the money.
Yuriko smiles.
CUSTOMER
They are also good to
relieve a stuffy nose.
CUT TO:
INT. EXT. RESTAURANT DOORWAY - EVENING
Edward walks by the restaurant and sees Yuriko flirting with the older
gentleman. He pulls open the restaurant door, but does not go inside.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - LATE EVENING
Edward is waiting for Yuriko in the kitchen when she comes home. Edward
is washing dishes from dinner.
EDWARD
I saw you flirting with
that old man in the
restaurant.
YURIKO
That's how I get the big
tips. I don't get a salary.
EDWARD
Well, I don't like it.
YURIKO
You don't want me to get
big tips?
EDWARD
It's demeaning. Disgusting.
You are a bright,
attractive
and capable person. You have
so much more to offer than
a silly sex tease.
YURIKO
Flirting is how I get tips.
EDWARD
You mean you manipulate old
geezers with false promises?
YURIKO
What I do has value. These
men are lonely. Nobody listens
to them except me. I make them
feel worthwhile and alive. And
they make it worth my while.
EDWARD
Sex isn't a game.
(a beat)
You don't play it for money.
Sex is for expressing love.
YURIKO
You're living in a fantasy
world.
EDWARD
We make our own world.
That's zen.
CUT TO:
INT. MOLLY'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
Yuriko goes up to her room. Molly is there with a boyfriend, necking on
her bed, fully clothed. Yuriko grabs the boy and pulls him off Molly.
YURIKO
Get out! Get out now!
Yuriko drags the boy to the door and shoves him out.
YURIKO (CONT)
Who is the prostitute now?
MOLLY
How dare you? That's my
boyfriend.
YURIKO
Why would you give sexual
favors for free?
And to such a poor boy?
MOLLY
I like him. Boys and girls
who like each other, kiss.
YURIKO
If you like him, you read
poetry together. You go
for walks together. You
can invite him to dinner
with your family like a
cultured person.
Any prostitute can do what
you were doing!
MOLLY
I have never been so
mortified in my life.
(a beat)
Get out of MY room!
Yuriko leaves the room.
CUT TO:
INT. LAUREL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
LAUREL
Have you made more progress
earning your pendant?
YURIKO
I don't care.
LAUREL
I heard Molly shouting.
You can sleep with me tonight.
Yuriko gives a slight bow with her head.
YURIKO
Thank you.
CUT TO:
INT. LAUREL'S BEDROOM - LATER THAT NIGHT
LAUREL
Why do you need ten thousand
dollars?
YURIKO
I have to pay the geisha house
back for the costs of raising
and educating me.
INT. INDUSTRIAL LABS OFFICE - MORNING
Edward is in waiting room. He glances at his checkbook balance: $4000.
He is summoned into a small office.
INTERVIEWER
Are you sure you won't sign
our contract and become a
regular employee?
EDWARD
That contract states that
Industrial Labs owns all
my inventions.
INTERVIEWER
You don't have money to
develop them, let alone
patent them, market them,
and defend them from
copycats.
EDWARD
Your ad in the paper said
you need someone who can
find the errors in your
existing products and
improve their performance.
Flash of Yuriko flirting. Edward adopts the same mannerisms.
EDWARD
Tell me about your company.
What are the company goals?
Where you see Industrial Labs
in five years?
Interviewer smiles.
INT. MEETING ROOM - MORNING
MARGE attends another Military Moms meeting.
MARGE
I've filed the paperwork
to get Yuriko investigated
for illegal activities.
(a beat)
I feel like a traitor. I
brought her here to teach
her about how women and men
are equals. I've failed in
such a short time...
PRETTY MOM
You won't regret it. Some
of those foreign kids are
just too set in their ways.
Just too foreign.
MARGE
She seems so nice, so
responsible, so stable.
She has such potential
DREADLOCKS MOM
She has the potential to
wreck your home, corrupt your
daughter, and seduce your
brother-in-law.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH - MORNING
In the entryway, everybody, including Molly, is avoiding Yuriko. She
walks, head held high to the Sex Education classroom.
CRUDE BOY
I'll give you ten dollars.
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
The board at the front of the classroom reads: Sex Education
TEACHER
I'm sure you are all aware
that sex isn't just something
that two people can do together.
Classroom snickers
TEACHER (CONT)
It is also the way babies are
conceived.
(a beat)
You know that, but it's just
words. Today we have a special
visitor - a new mom with her
baby.
RED HAIRED GIRL
We saw the After School Special
with the teenaged mom and her
very hard life. It's all
propaganda. You teachers are
all part of the anti-sex league.
TEACHER
I'd like to introduce SUKI.
Teacher opens door and ushers in a neatly dressed woman of Japanese
ancestry in her mid thirties who is carrying a small BABY, neatly dressed
in yellow.
SUKI
Kisho and I waited a long
time before we decided to
have a baby. We waited
until bout our careers
were established, and our
marriage was solid.
Baby starts howling. Suki cuddles the baby and coos. She whispers in
the baby's ear. Students put hands over ears, make rude sounds.
RED HAIRED GIRL
What kind of a mom are you
if you can't stop your baby
from crying?
TEACHER
Suki is a normal mom. Her
baby is a normal baby.
INT. MASTERMAN HIGH CAFETERIA - NOON
Yuriko is sitting by herself, eating her brown bag lunch.
Red haired girl comes up to her, still sniffling.
RED HAIRED GIRL
I caught this cold working
at that stupid restaurant.
Now I've got an interview
for a good job, and I'm too
sick to go. You owe me the
salary I could be earning.
YURIKO
If you are responsible enough
for a job, you can pick up
the phone and reschedule your
interview, like an adult,
instead of whining like a
snotty child.
RED HAIRED GIRL
It's your fault I'm sick. You
should pay.
YURIKO
Would you like some yarrow to
clear your sinuses? It will
let you get through the
interview without sniffling.
RED HAIRED GIRL
That nasty stuff?
(a beat)
Okay, I'll try it.
Yuriko hands Red aired Girl one of the dried flowers. The girl breaks
off a piece and crushes it under her nose. She inhales several times.
RED HAIRED GIRL (CONT)
The flower works even better
than the leaves. Same bad
smell.
(a beat)
Okay, only half bad.
EXT. GYM CLASS BASKETBALL COURTS - AFTERNOON
In gym class, nobody picks Yuriko to be on a team.
TEACHER
Here's an empty court.
Yuriko, you can practice
shooting baskets.
Teacher throws her a ball from the ball bin. Yuriko catches it and
walks quickly to the court where she stands on the free throw line and
shoots.
Her suitor from the restaurant walks by the courts, stares right at
Yuriko and clearly does not recognize her without her kimono. Girls
playing basketball notice him, too.
RED HAIRED GIRL
That's the geezer I told
you about. The one that's
going to pay...
INT. RESTAURANT DINING AREA - EVENING
Yuriko is taking her suitor's dinner order.
SUITOR
You are so lovely. So
much more beautiful than
other girls.
(a beat)
Today I was walking by
the high school, and I
saw dozens of girls
your age - there was
even an Asian girl about
your height. But she was
scrawny and plain-looking.
Yuriko smiles.
YURIKO
I am glad you find me
attractive.
(a beat)
Chef tells me that he's
made your favorite this
evening, Salmon Terriyaki.
Yuriko leans forward as she pours his tea, allowing him to
see the base of her throat.
SUITOR
My sale of facial steamers
went through. I'll have the
money tomorrow. Can you
meet me at 4 PM?
INT. KITCHEN - EVENING
When Yuriko arrives home, she sees Laurel handing a check to Edward.
Sam is home, reading the paper at the breakfast table, beside Molly who is
drinking a glass of fruit juice.
LAUREL
I've decided to invest in
your reverse microwave.
SAM
You never did have a head
for business.
LAUREL
I love both my sons. If
you ever need my money, I'll
invest in you, too.
YURIKO
Molly, did you get the
homework assignment in
literature?
Molly continues drinking orange juice.
EDWARD
I did really well in lit.
If you need help, just
ask.
I love poetry. So few
words, saying so much.
YURIKO
Would you recite one of
your favorites?
EDWARD
Here's one I read last
night:
The moment two bubbles
are united, they both vanish.
A lotus blooms.
Yuriko gasps in appreciation.
YURIKO
That's my favorite Kijo
Murakami.
(a beat)
Have you also been working
on your invention?
EDWARD
Not much. I've been
earning money designing
circuit boards for
bureaucrats who wouldn't
know an elegant design
if it painted them a
picture.
YURIKO
But now you can work on
your reverse microwave.
INT. LAUREL'S BEDROOM - LATE EVENING
Yuriko goes to bed in Laurel’s room.
LAUREL
Have you used your herb
unselfishly yet?
YURIKO
I gave some to the red
haired girl who has been
setting the others against
me.
LAUREL
That was a fine thing to do.
But I'm sure you can do
better.
Lights dim.
CUT TO:
INT. KITCHEN - EARLY MORNING
Molly and Yuriko make their lunches in silence.
CUT TO:
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
The board read Sex Education. Someone has scrawled the word NO in front
of Sex.
CRUDE BOY
Do you have your ten
thousand dollars yet?
Yuriko's face shows no response.
CUT TO:
INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICES
Marge turns in some paperwork.
CLERK
It appears you may have
a case. But since you
have never heard Yuriko
state that she will have
sex for money, you will
need signatures of
witnesses.
MARGE
By the time I get all
your paperwork done, she
may have already done it.
CLERK
And then you'll have a much
better case for deportation.
INT. ELECTRONIC LABS - MORNING
Edward ripping apart a circuit board. Boss comes in.
BOSS
You were supposed to fix
all this on the computer
simulation before the
assemblers built them.
(a beat)
I'd never have paid you
that first installment
if I hadn't trusted you.
EDWARD
I picked up this new
resistor that might
improve the board's
efficiency by 5%. I
couldn't wait for the
assemblers to come in,
so I'm replacing the
resistors myself.
Boss calms slightly.
BOSS
We have a deadline. You
can put the new resistors
in the next generation of
this product.
(a beat)
You inventors are incorrigible.
You need me to keep you on
track.
EDWARD
Are your initial sales for
this product high enough that
you're sure there will
be a second generation?
EXT. GYM CLASS BASKETBALL COURT - AFTERNOON
In gym class, Yuriko is still shooting baskets by herself. Again, her
suitor walks by and does not recognize her. MARGE comes to gym class with
her forms.
MARGE
Excuse me. I need signatures
from any of you who have
heard Yuriko state that she
will have sex for money.
Several students step over to sign Marge's forms. Yuriko obliviously
shoots baskets.
EXT. STREET OUTSIDE HOTEL - LATE AFTERNOON
On the sidewalk, in front of the hotel Yuriko meets Edward. He is very
glad to see her.
EDWARD
I'm looking forward to
seeing you at dinner tomorrow.
I have wonderful news.
YURIKO
Did you make progress on your
invention?
EDWARD
I did find a resistor that I
think will solve some of the
problems. But my news is
better than that.
Yuriko looks at her watch.
EDWARD
I won't keep you from your
appointment.
(a beat)
See you at dinner tomorrow.
INT. HOTEL - LATE AFTERNOON
Yuriko enters lobby, takes elevator, goes to the assigned room. There
is her suitor steaming his face in the bathroom.
YURIKO
Is this the facial steamer
that you sell?
Suitor looks up.
SUITOR
You're not wearing your
kimono.
YURIKO
I came straight from school.
My kimono is at the restaurant
Would you like me to get it?
SUITOR
No. You are lovely as you are.
He sniffles.
YURIKO
I have some herbs that might
clear your sinuses.
SUITOR
I'll try anything. Put
them in the water in the
bottom of the steamer.
Yuriko crumbles a flower into the water. Suitor breathes.
SUITOR
This is fantastic! I bet
I could sell this to all
the hotels that bought
the steamers. What do
you call this?
YURIKO
My herb is yarrow.
Would you like a massage
before sex?
SUITOR
That would be nice. But
there's not a moment to
lose. I must phone my
company about our new
product.
YURIKO
We can reschedule the sex
for another time.
SUITOR
Darlin', you are too smart
to be having sex for money.
I thought you were just a
pretty doll.
(a beat)
I'm going to give you
an advance on sales of
your sinus treatment herbs.
INT. INDUSTRIAL LABS - LATE AFTERNOON
Edward is showing a working model to his boss.
BOSS
There will be a bonus in
your paycheck.
EDWARD
Soon I'll have the nest egg
I need to get married.
BOSS
I hope the woman is worthy
of you.
INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICES - LATE AFTERNOON
MARGE brings the signed forms to the deportation office.
CLERK
This looks sufficient. We
can schedule a deportation
hearing next week.
MARGE
Next week may be too late.
INT. LAUREL'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
That night, Yuriko again goes to bed in Laurel's room.
Dreamlike fade into the middle of a conversation.
YURIKO
So then he paid me for my
idea.
LAUREL
You just earned your pendant.
Laurel opens a drawer, takes out the pendant and places the necklace
over Yuriko's head.
LAUREL (CONT)
I knew you would earn it.
INT. KITCHEN - MORNING
The next morning, Edward bursts into the kitchen when the girls are
making their lunches.
EDWARD
I can't wait any longer.
He drops to one knee in front of Yuriko.
EDWARD (CONT)
Will you marry me?
Yuriko stares at him - he has said the unexpected.
EDWARD (CONT)
I have the ten thousand dollars.
I've loved you and wanted to
propose to you for months...
Yuriko stares at him angrily.
EDWARD
Say something.
YURIKO
How could you? Your mother
gave you that money for your
invention. Not for sex.
EDWARD
But I thought you'd say no if
I didn't have the money. I've
been working at two jobs -
I never went to work to earn
money for my invention. But
I worked harder than I ever
have in my life - to marry
you.
YURIKO
I don't need the money now.
I already earned it.
MOLLY
You didn't! Not with that
horrid old geezer!
YURIKO
Of course, from that geezer.
Laurel knows all about it.
MARGE
You didn't! Tell me you
didn't have sex with him!
LAUREL
He gave her the money for
showing him her herb. He's
going to sell yarrow infusions
to all the hotels that bought
his facial steamers.
YURIKO
I want to invest my money in
your invention, too.
LAUREL
Don't you have to pay the
geisha house for your education?
YURIKO
I have more than enough money
for that.
Edward is still on his knee, now uncomfortable and squirming.
EDWARD
Will you marry me without the
money?
YURIKO
Yes, if you'll recite another
poem for me.
EDWARD
Old Japanese poem:
Though there are many paths
At the foot of the mountain
All those who reach the top
See the same moon.
Molly is overcome by the emotion of this scene and hugs them both.
MOLLY
Congratulations. Both of you.
Edward puts ring on Yuriko's finger and stands up. Yuriko signs to
Edward.
YURIKO
Making love with you
Is like drinking sea water.
The more I drink
The thirstier I become,
Until nothing can slake my thirst
But to drink the entire sea.
Come to me, as you come
Softly to the rose bed of coals
Of my fireplace
Glowing through the night-bound forest.
MARGE pours tea.
INT. GOVERNMENT OFFICE - MORNING
MARGE
I'd like to withdraw my
application to deport my
exchange student
CLERK
It's too late. The hearing
has been scheduled.
MARGE
But she's marrying my
brother-in-law.
CLERK
She cannot be deported if
she is married to an
American citizen. Provided
it's not a fake marriage.
INT. CLASSROOM - MORNING
Board at front of classroom says Sex Education. Someone has scrawled
LOVE in front of Sex.
YURIKO
I have decided that love
is more important than
money.
Credits roll as the other girls gather round to see her engagement ring
and she shows them her pendant.
|