"Time after time,I’ll be there for you All you have to do is call"
"Time after time,I’ll be watching over you I will never let you fall"
INTERIOR: BEDROOM IN SUBURBAN HOUSE (LATE NIGHT)
STUART GRANTHAM, mid30s, is in bed asleep, tossing and turning, clearly having a disturbing dream. The window is open, and a light curtain moves in the breeze. MUFFLED SOUNDS of EXPLOSIONS and SCREAMS can be heard from Stuart’s dream. He wakes up with a start, sweating and shaking.
INTERIOR: STUART’S HOUSE (CONTINUOUS)
STUART sits up in bed and stares ahead. Then he slowly gets out of bed, and walks in a daze out ofthe bedroom, down the stairs, and into the kitchen. We see that he is of medium build and has short, brown hair.
INTERIOR: STUART’S KITCHEN (CONTINUOUS)
STUART fumbles in the refrigerator, pours milk into a glass, and walks to the window with it. He sips the milk and stares out into the darkness at the trees. He is a nice-looking man, but right now simply looks troubled and exhausted.
NTERIOR : CLASSROOM AT BENTON COLLEGE, TENNESSEE (DAY)
STUART, in coat and tie, and wire-rimmed glasses, is lecturing.He is trying to be enthusiastic, but sounds very tired. STUART: Some people argue that the Civil War was fought over constitutional issues.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA ANDERSON, older than the typical undergraduate student, late 20s, bright and attractive, with short, blond hair. She obviously likes Stuart and is enjoying the lecture. STUART (off-screen): But it was fought by flesh and blood people, who experienced fear, love, and hate, like everyone else.
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART (covering a yawn): And that’s what we hope to understand in this course
ANGLE ON MIKE
MIKE, typical undergraduate student, early 20s, catches STUART yawning and is amused.
MIKE: Professor Grantham, if you’re bored already, what about us? Class LAUGHS.
ANGLE ON MISHA
MISHA is glaring at Mike with annoyance.
ANGLE ON STUART
STUART (smiling): Oh, I’m just tired, that’s all. Why don’t we call it a day?
Class CHEERS.
STUART: Read Chapter Two and write a three-page analysis of the main issues for next class.
Class GROANS.
STUART is packing his books in his briefcase. MISHA comes up to him.
MISHA: Professor Grantham, I’m Misha Anderson, new grad student in History. I just transferred from Crawford College. Can I talk with you while you go to your office?
STUART: Sure.
EXTERIOR: COLLEGE CAMPUS (DAY)
It’s a typical small college campus. But it is exceptionally pretty, with lots of trees. It is early September. The leaves are still green. STUART and MISHA are walking to Stuart’s office.
MISHA: I’m sitting in on your undergrad class, if that’s okay. I just think your approach to the Civil War is so cool!
THEY continue to walk across campus. MISHA is talking steadily. We hear snippets of what she says.
MISHA: ...I’ve seen your books on the Civil War, they’re awesome... I’m so glad I transferred to Benton, it’s such a pretty campus...
STUART smiles and nods occasionally but seems a bit distracted.
INTERIOR: CAMPUS HALLWAY (CONTINUOUS)
STUART and MISHA are walking toward Stuart’s office. MISHA is still talking.
MISHA: ...and then I just hadto come here to learn all I can about the Civil War from you.
They stop at his door. MISHA sees a notice on the bulletin board outside his office.
MISHA (eagerly): Oh, I see you need an assistant. Can I have the job? I would just love to work with you.
STUART: Well... I don’t know.
STUART has the door unlocked, ready to go in.
MISHA: Do you have anyone else in mind?
STUART: Not really.
MISHA: Please give me a chance. You won’t be sorry.
STUART (hesitatingly): Okay... Can you start Wednesday?
MISHA: Sure! Thanks, Professor Grantham. I’ll see you then.
MISHA walks away, looking back at STUART with a big smile. STUART nods at her, and goes into his office.
To be continued.....................................
