119 The Witness- Act IV

ROSWELL: WHAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN - "The Witness" - ACT IV - 08/28/02

ACT IV

INT. DE LUCA LIVING ROOM - LATER

Michael and Maria are sitting on the couch. Michael is calmly watching a hockey game on TV. Maria is a bundle of nerves. Michael looks over at her and takes her hand. Maria looks at him gratefully. Michael moves her hand closer to him and looks at her watch, then turns back to the game. Maria glares at him.

MARIA

How can you be so calm and just sit here watching a hockey game?

MICHAEL

(eyes peeled to the screen)

Huh?

MARIA

(to no one in particular)

I can't believe she's late! She's giving me all this time to worry about what's gonna go wrong.

(to Michael)

And you're no help! Why don't you do something to distract me?

Michael turns to her then leans in to kiss her; she backs away.

MARIA

What are you doing!?

MICHAEL

Distracting you.

MARIA

Not like that! My mother could walk in any minute.

MICHAEL

(nonplussed)

I thought it was supposed to be OK for us to kiss here.

MARIA

It is, I just don't want it to be the first thing she sees when she gets home.

MICHAEL

Suit yourself.

He goes back to watching the game. Maria is ready to explode from nerves.

MARIA

OK, but just one quick one ... to help my nerves.

Michael smiles and obliges by leaning in. As soon as their lips touch, they hear the back door open and instantly break apart. When Amy comes in from the kitchen, she finds them innocently sitting side by side on the living room couch, watching TV. They get up when she enters the room.

AMY

Michael! What are you doing here?

MICHAEL

(confused)

You told Maria to make me come for dinner.

Maria winces at his choice of words.

AMY

Oh, was that tonight? Yes, of course it was. I was going to pick up the rest of the groceries after I stopped by Jim's office. I guess I forgot ...

MARIA

Mom, are you okay?

AMY

Am I? ... No, I'm not. There was trouble at the Sheriff's Department.

(looks at Michael)

And it was about you.

Michael is stunned; Maria's eyes grow as big as saucers. She takes Michael's hand in hers.

Cut to:

INT. SENOR CHOW'S RESTAURANT - BOOTH - SAME

Phillip, Diane, Jeff and Nancy are all seated in the booth having dinner together. They are all laughing at something that was just said; it is obvious that they are all getting along well.

JEFF

(shaking his head)

I know it seems hard to believe now, but I was actually beginning to worry that they would be getting in trouble with the law next!

NANCY

It's so nice that we were able to sit and discuss it and come to an agreement on how to resolve this.

DIANE

(smiling)

And that hopefully it will be settled by Max's birthday.

JEFF

So, you said you brought Max's schedule with you; is he free on Saturday morning?

PHILLIP

(checking schedule)

Max doesn't start work until 1:00 PM on Saturday, so yes, he could spend Saturday morning with you.

JEFF

Great.

(to Diane)

And we can switch Liz to the later shift at the Crashdown so she can spend the morning with you.

DIANE

That's perfect. And perhaps we could invite Liz, and you could invite Max over for dinner one evening during the week.

NANCY

(smiling)

Sounds like a plan!

(she raises her glass in a toast)

Here's to getting to know each other's kids better, and keeping them out of trouble.

They all clink their glasses together and call out "Hear, hear!"

Cut to:

INT. DE LUCA LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

MARIA

(frantic)

What trouble is Michael in!? What happened at the Sheriff's Department!?

AMY

Do you know Jen's husband Larry?

Michael tenses.

MARIA

(apprehensively)

Larry Trilling? Yeah, why?

AMY

He caused a major scene. He kept yelling about conspiracies and--

MARIA

(interrupting)

Mom, there's something you have to know about Larry. He's obsessed with, um ... well, aliens.

AMY

(looks at Maria for a beat, then furrows her brow)

Really? No one said anything about aliens. It was about a shooting at that abandoned café in Bitter Lake--Pepper's Café.

Amy looks from Maria to Michael. Trying to remain calm, Michael meets Amy's eyes, but Maria can tell that he's poised to head for the nearest exit. She tightens her grip on his hand.

MARIA

(apprehensively)

What did Larry say?

AMY

Larry wouldn't tell them much of anything. He kept insisting he would only speak to Deputy Green, because he was the only one who would listen to him.

Maria and Michael exchange confused looks.

AMY (cont'd)

They had to convince his witness, Ty ... Ty ... Appleton, to do all the talking. And Larry didn't seem too happy about that.

MICHAEL

(nervously)

What did he tell them?

AMY

He claimed that he gave you a ride to Pepper's Cafe, the night of the convention and that he and Larry surmised that you must have been there when some sick man ... um ... I think they said his name was Hubble, was shooting at nothing.

Michael looks stunned.

AMY (cont'd)

Yes, I was shocked too. It turns out this Hubble person was dangerous; he nearly killed Jim! Jim was forced to shoot Hubble in self-defense.

MICHAEL

(hesitantly)

And did they believe I was there?

Amy suddenly realizes how tense they both are and rushes to reassure them.

AMY

Oh, no, no, no. Jim was the only other person there. He said so.

Michael and Maria visibly relax.

MARIA

So, Mom, this Ty Appleton--does he have something against Michael?

AMY

Um, I don't think so. It turns out he's some kind of police junkie-- always going to the police, claiming to be a witness to crimes. He means well; he wants to help the police and goes too far. Jim said this has happened before. But this Larry ...

(pause)

I don't know about being obsessed with aliens, but he's definitely obsessive. He thinks he's some sort of investigator. He's going around asking questions; he even went to your high school and tried to talk to Kyle. Jim saw them together.

(to Maria)

I don't know what this guy's problem is but I want you to stay away from him.

(to Michael)

And I think you should be careful too.

MICHAEL

I will.

MARIA

Thanks, Mom.

(pause)

Maria gives Michael a nudge in the ribs with her elbow.

MICHAEL

Right ... thanks.

Cut to:

INT. JEN AND LARRY'S LIVING ROOM - SAME

Larry is seated at the desk, wearing headphones, listening to cassettes on his tape recorder; two stacks of tapes are arranged in front of him: one tall stack on the left and a smaller stack with two tapes on the right. Larry presses the stop/eject button. He removes the tape, writes a large X on the label, and adds it to the stack on the left; the cassettes fall over. Larry looks at them dejectedly, then, sighing, he reaches for the next one on the right. He puts the tape, which is marked "trailer park interviews" into the cassette player and pushes play with an air of resignation. Over his headphones he hears:

MAN'S VOICE #1 ON TAPE

What's strange in Roswell? You mean besides you?

(sound of door slamming)

Larry hits fast forward, then releases the button.

WOMAN'S VOICE #1 ON TAPE

... waste my money at UFO Conventions.

Larry hits fast forward, then releases.

MAN'S VOICE #2 ON TAPE

Get lost!

Larry hits fast forward, then releases.

MAN'S VOICE #3 ON TAPE

Nothing seems strange to me since I got back from Alpha Centauri.

Larry hits fast forward, then releases.

WOMAN'S VOICE #2 ON TAPE

Strange? The strange thing was that social services left a kid with my ex-neighbor, Hank Whitmore. I wouldn't trust that boozer with a pet rock.

Larry perks up and flashes to what Ty said about Michael being raised by an alcoholic foster parent. He remembers something and fast forwards to a spot near the end of the tape.

WOMAN'S VOICE #3 ON TAPE

... trailer of that drunk Hank who--

Larry stops the tape and rewinds briefly, then releases the button.

WOMAN'S VOICE #3 ON TAPE

... strange animal-like sounds, barely human, coming from the trailer of that drunk Hank who used to live next to me. Thank God, he left the next day!

Larry smiles.

Cut to:

INT. DE LUCA KITCHEN - EVENING

Maria is helping her mother set the table for dinner. Michael steps into the kitchen and she rushes over to him, trying to not make it too obvious.

MARIA

(sotto voce)

Did you call the others to tell them the crisis is over?

MICHAEL

Yeah.

They both walk over to the table and sit. Amy sets burgers and fries on the table, then realizes she forgot something.

AMY

Oops, I almost forgot the ketchup.

MARIA

Oh, and can you bring the Tabasco sauce too?

(at Amy's surprised look)

Michael likes things spicy.

Amy nods and goes to the refrigerator to get the ketchup and Tobasco. Maria starts to eat, but notices Michael is not touching his food.

MARIA

What's the matter? Aren't you hungry?

MICHAEL

Yeah.

MARIA

Then what are you waiting for? Dig in!

MICHAEL

(confused)

Aren't we supposed to wait until everyone is seated at the table before we start to eat?

Maria stops in mid-bite. Amy beams as she heads back to the table with the ketchup and Tabasco.

AMY

Oh, you dear, sweet boy! Aren't you thoughtful!

Amy gives Michael a little pat on his shoulder as she sits down.

AMY (cont'd)

You know, Maria, you could learn a thing or two about manners from Michael.

Maria almost chokes on her mouthful. Michael is feeling very full of himself, and loving every minute of Maria's discomfort.

MARIA

(glaring back at Michael as she replies to Amy)

Obviously you don't know Michael very well.

AMY

Which brings us to why I asked Maria to invite you to dinner.

Michael's demeanor changes; he tenses, ready for the onslaught he thinks is coming.

AMY

I think it's important that we get to know each other, and understand each other. Do you agree?

MICHAEL

(guarded)

Sure.

AMY

As you probably know, I find you and Maria spending time at your apartment ... disturbing. Teenagers are not exactly known for their self control, and I think it shows very poor judgment to put yourselves in situations where, if you lose control, you have no way of reining yourselves in. Maria is the most important person in my life. I want what's best for her. I want her to have a promising future. I don't want her to act impulsively and do things that might ruin that promising future. Do you understand?

MICHAEL

Yes.

AMY

Then convince me.

MICHAEL

Convince you?

AMY

Yes, convince me that Maria, and her future are important to you. That you won't lead her astray, or hurt her in any way at all.

MICHAEL

I'm not gonna let anything bad happen to her.

AMY

How do I know that? Tell me why I should believe you.

MICHAEL

(bewildered)

I don't know! Because ... because ...

Michael looks at Amy who is looking at him expectantly. He looks down and sighs. When he looks up again, and speaks, his voice is choked with emotion.

MICHAEL (cont'd)

Because I care about Maria too much to let anyone hurt her ... including myself.

Maria looks on in amazement. Amy smiles.

AMY

I believe you, Michael. I believe that you wouldn't purposely hurt her, or deliberately let your own desires take over, but there are going to be times when you are both on emotional overload, and throwing caution to the wind will seem very attractive.

(beat)

How are you going to prevent that from happening, so Maria, and you, do not end up getting hurt?

Michael bites his lower lip, as he ponders this; then it comes to him and he gives Amy a wry smile.

MICHAEL

By not putting ourselves in situations where, if we lose control, we have no way of reining ourselves in.

Amy turns to Maria, smiling.

AMY

I like this boy - he learns fast.

Maria reaches across the table and takes Michael's hand in hers, smiling and looking into his eyes.

MARIA

Yeah, I do too.

(pause)

AMY

I'm not going to forbid you to see each other at Michael's apartment.

They both give her surprised looks.

AMY (cont'd)

You are both almost adults and you need to start behaving responsibly on your own. I'm going to trust that you can do that. I also want both of you to promise me that you will not put yourself in situations where you might lose control, and I'm going to warn you that Michael's apartment is one of those situations.

(beat)

Now, do you promise me?

MARIA

(reluctantly)

Yes.

MICHAEL

(taking his cue from Maria)

Yes.

AMY

Good! Now that that's settled, let's get back to dinner.

Dissolve to:

INT. DE LUCA LIVING ROOM - LATER

Michael and Maria are standing by the front door. Michael is kissing Maria like he can't get enough of her. They finally break, to come up for air.

MARIA

See, I told you tonight wouldn't be so bad.

MICHAEL

Yeah, your mom's OK.

MARIA

So, you have no problem hanging out here, instead of at your place?

There is a long pause. Michael has a pained expression on his face. Maria puts her hand on his cheek.

MARIA

Michael? What's wrong, Michael?

MICHAEL

I've been thinking about what your mom said at dinner and I realized that, if we continue seeing each other, you are gonna get hurt. Just being who I am can hurt you in so many ways, and I ...

(stoically)

I don't want to be responsible for you getting hurt. I couldn't live with that.

He looks away.

MICHAEL (cont'd)

That's why I don't think we should see each other anymore.

MARIA

Michael, you're talking nonsense. Nothing's gonna happen. I'm not gonna get hurt.

MICHAEL

You don't know that for a fact.

MARIA

Nothing in life is certain.

MICHAEL

It's safer this way. I don't want to take the chance.

MARIA

(desperate; tears streaming down her face)

You can't do this, Michael. You say you don't want to hurt me, but you are doing it right now!

MICHAEL

This is just a little hurt; it's nothing compared to what could happen. I'm sorry, this is the way it's gotta be.

He kisses her on the forehead, opens the front door and leaves.

MARIA

(calling out)

Michael! No!

Amy comes rushing in.

AMY

What? What happened? What's wrong?

MARIA

(sobbing)

It's OVER, that's what's wrong!

AMY

What!? Why? Because he doesn't want to keep his promise?

MARIA

(still crying)

No, because he doesn't want to hurt me.

Maria runs off to her room, leaving Amy looking nonplused.

Cut to:

INT. ALEX WHITMAN'S BEDROOM - SAME

Alex is in his room. He's putting things away in his dresser and notices the dance tickets he has stuck in the mirror. He flashes to Isabel laughing with Kyle, then puts them in a drawer. He goes to his desk and opens one of his books. He was using a dance flyer as a bookmark, and when he realizes what it is, he starts to crumple it. He stops when he notices there is an announcement for band auditions.

Cut to:

INT. EVANS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Max, Phillip and Diane are all seated in the living room.

PHILLIP

Your mother and I have been discussing your forced separation...

Cut to:

INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM - SAME

Liz, Jeff and Nancy are all seated in the living room.

JEFF

... from Max. We also discussed it with the Evanses and we decided that maybe we were hasty in our initial decision.

Cut to:

INT. EVANS LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

PHILLIP

After all, we don't really know Liz...

Cut to:

INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

JEFF

If Max can prove to me--

(glancing at Nancy)

I mean us... that he is not a bad influence on you...

Cut to:

INT. EVANS LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

PHILLIP

If your mother and I could spend some time with her...

Cut to:

INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

JEFF

Then maybe we'll change our minds.

Cut to:

INT. EVANS LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

PHILLIP

... and you can see Liz again.

Cut to:

INT. PARKER LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS

JEFF

... and you can see Max again.

Liz is all smiles. She gets up, as do Jeff and Nancy. Liz goes over and hugs her dad. She mouths a "thank you" to her mom who smiles.

Cut to:

INT. EVANS LIVING ROOM - SAME

Max is all smiles.

MAX

(looks at his parents in turn)

Thanks, Dad! Mom! I know you'll love Liz.

Max hugs them both.

Split screen:

We see both Max and Liz going to their rooms. They each sit at their desks. Max takes the picture of Liz he had used as a marker for the end of his previous grounding and tapes it to the square for March 15 over the words "party" and "grounding ends". Liz draws a heart, with the word Max in the middle of it on the same date on her new calendar right above the words, "Max's birthday". She touches the words and her eyes glisten. They both go over to their beds. Max lies down on his back. He reaches into his pocket for his wallet and pulls out Liz's picture. Liz picks up the picture of Max in the heart-shaped frame from her night stand, then stretches out on the bed. Each places a hand on the picture of the other; they close their eyes and concentrate.

play "Dream A Little Dream Of Me" by The Mamas & The Papas (streaming audio):
Real Player MP3

Stars shining bright above you
Night breezes seem to whisper "I love you"
Birds singin' in the sycamore tree
Dream a little dream of me

Say nighty-night and kiss me
Just hold me tight and tell me you'll miss me
While I'm alone and blue as can be
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me

Stars fading but I linger on dear
Still craving your kiss
I'm longing to linger till dawn dear
Just saying this

Sweet dreams till sunbeams find you
Sweet dreams that leave all worries far behind you
But in your dreams whatever they be
Dream a little dream of me

The Mamas & The Papas' Dream A Little Dream Of Me

Fade Out

END OF ACT IV

Roll Credits

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Music Supplied By:

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