Guest Room Read online



  Guest Room

  By

  Mariah Williams

 

  Copyright © 2011 by Mariah Williams Mariah Williams

  806 Coriander DR. Unit L

  Torrance, CA

  310 738 8381

  INT. HANSON HIGH-DETINTION OFFICE-AFTERNOON

  The teacher is wearing a black pencil shirt a bright red top and yellow heels. She is angry, and her eyes narrowed. She takes off her glasses.

 

  TEACHER

  This is your third warning this week.

  You’re done.

 

  The teacher stomps away. Jordyn has an annoyed look on her face. She walks out of office and goes to locker. Then, she puts hair in a ponytail.

  STUDENT

  Looks like you’re gone for good?

  JORDYN HAYDEN

  Thank god.

  Jordyn stomps out of school, and starts walking home.

  (V.O) Hi. My name is Jordyn. Jordyn Hayden. I hate school, and I hate where I live. All I want to do is be happy, which is ironic. I am sixteen years old, and all I want to do in life is get a job, and make money. They say money can’t by happiness. Whoever said that, didn’t know what to buy.

  INT. HAYDEN RESIDENCE- AFTERNOON

  Jordyn walks to house and opens the door with key,

  JORDYN

  Mom, I’m home!

  MOM

  Good, how was school?

  JORDYN

  I was expelled. (Happy voice)

  MOM

  What!

  (Mom gives Jordyn a stern look.)

  MOM

  What did I tell you about acting up?

  JORDYN

  You said to never do it again but you know I’m a horrible listener.

  Jordyn pulls out an apple from her backpack and takes a big bite out of it. She then marches upstairs and tosses backpack on the floor.

  Mom walks up to Jordyn’s room.

  INT. JORDYN’S ROOM- AFTERNOON

  MOM

  Why can’t you just try harder?

  JORDYN

  Mom, stop. I am horrible at school and you need help with the bills. So, I will find a job. I will drop out of school and get a job to support us.

  Mom’s eyes soften. Jordyn takes of her jacket and her shoes and sits up on her bed.

  MOM

  I don’t know about this…

  Mom looks away toward window. Jordyn is rolling her eyes.

  JORDYN

  Mom just let me do this. Trust me.

  Jordyn cocks her head to the side and looks her mom straight in the eyes.

  Mom then walks out of the room full of anger and misunderstanding.

  Jordyn sighs, and turns on her bedroom tv. She then reaches of newspaper and the end of the bed and goes through the Jobs section. She scans paper and notices a dishwashing/ dog walking job.

  Ad: Looking for dishwasher/dog walker in Laguna Beach area. 2187 Silver Pine Rd. Age 16+ Call 555-211-3356

  JORDYN

  Hmmm, maybe I should call.

  Jordyn reaches in her backpack for her phone and dials the number. After three rings, a lady picks up.

  LADY

  Hello?

  JORDYN

  Ummm, hi. I read your ad in the paper

  LADY

  I’m sorry, huh?

  The phone starts breaking up and dogs start barking

  JORDYN

  I read your job searching article in the paper. The one for the dog walking and dish cleaning?

  Jordyn gets nervous and starts playing with her hair.

  LADY

  Oh, yes yes yes! We could use you! How does $12 an hour sound?

  JORDYN

  That sounds wonderful!

  Jordyn is very shocked to hear the news.

  LADY

  Good, I’m Mrs. Hopkins by the way!

  JORDYN

  I’m Jordyn, when do you need me?

  LADY

  Well, my husband and I actually have a meeting later tonight at 8pm. It’s only 3:25. Can you come over and we can get to know each other?

  JORDYN

  Yeah, I will let my mom know.

  LADY

  Okay, see you later!

  She then hangs up and Jordyn runs downstairs to tell mom the good news.

  INT. HAYDEN LIVING ROOM- AFTERNOON

  JORDYN

  Mom! I got a job!

  Mom is lying on the couch, propped up painting her toenails.

  MOM

  Huh? What?

  JORDYN

  I got a job! I’m meeting the later tonight. She and her husband need me for dishwashing and dog walking.

  Mom looks skeptical as she brushes her hair back.

  MOM

  Hmmm, I don’t know. You don’t even know them.

  Mom starts thumbing through the TV channels.

  JORDYN

  Mom, why do you always do this? Every time I have good news, you gotta be a buzz kill.

  Jordyn turns around getting ready to go back to her room.

  MOM

  I’m not being a buzz kill, I’m being a protective parent. Does that bug you?

  Mom gives Jordyn astern look.

  JORDYN

  Very much so, Madame (French Accent)

  MOM

  (sighs)

  Here we go

 

  Mom gets up from the couch and moves into the kitchen.

  JORDYN

  I am helping you! Since you can’t pay the bills yourself!

  Mom gets aggravated and starts yelling.

  MOM

  Hey! You know we need help!

  JORDYN

  -Then I should be on my way.

  Jordyn runs upstairs and grabs jacket off the back of the chair and makes a run for the door.

  EXT. – LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA-EVENING

  Jordyn starts walking fast, furiously. She then realizes that she has left the newspaper with the address on it in her room. A red Jaguar pulls up beside her.

  MAN IN JAGUAR

  Can I help you look for something?

  JORDYN

  Ummm, actually I left the address at home by accident.

  MAN IN JAGUAR

  Well, do you remember any of it? Maybe I can help you look.

  JORDYN

  Hmmm, it was something like 2187 Silver something…

  MAN IN JAGUAR

  2187 Silver Pine Rd?

  Jordyn’s eyes light up.

  MAN IN JAGUAR

  Believe it or not, I live there! You’re the one who called about the dishwashing/dog walking jobs! I am Mrs. Hopkins’s husband. Call me Ralph.

  They shake hands.

  JORDYN

  I’m Jordyn. Pleased to meet you.

  RALPH

  We live just a few blocks up ahead and to the right. I can give you a lift.

  Jordyn opens up the back door and gets in. They soon arrive to the Hopkins’s Residence.

  EXT. HOPKIN’S RESIDENCE- LAGUNA BEACH, CALIFORNIA

  The residence is a big, light yellow house.

  Jordyn and Ralph walks up to doorstep and rings doorbell.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Hello! It is so nice to see you Jordyn!

  JORDYN

  Nice to meet you too!

  Mrs. Hopkins puts out her hand in introduce herself to Jordyn.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Please! Come in!

  INT. HOPKIN’S WALKWAY- AFTERNOON

  Jordyn steps into the house and is amazed by what she sees. The house is huge and has a chandelier hanging near the hallway. Vintage pictures are posted
on the walls.

  JORDYN

  Woah, this place is decked out!

  MRS. HOPKINS!

  Do you like it? I will have the painters redo the walls this weekend.

  JORDYN

  No, it’s perfect.

  RALPH

  Well, is there anything I can get you? Would you like a snack?

  JORDYN

  Umm, no. Its ok, I’m like a really picky eater.

  Jordyn makes her way to the couch and plops down. She then tucks her hair behind her ear.

  RALPH

  No, no. We have everything from pretzel sticks to tuna sandwiches. I am certain we have something you would like.

  JORDYN

  How bout an orange soda and a turkey sandwich with pickle and mustard.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Commin’ right up!

  Mrs. Hopkins runs to the kitchen to make Jordyn’s food.

  RALPH

  So, we will wait for my wife to get back, and then we will get to know each other better.

  JORDYN

  Sure.

  Both Ralph and Jordyn head to the living room. Mrs. Hopkins emerges out of the kitchen with a tray holding Jordan’s food. She sits it on the coffee table right in the middle of the living room.

  INT. HOPKINS LIVING ROOM-AFTERNOON

  JORDYN

  Thank you, this looks great!

  Jordyn reaches for her orange soda and pops it open and takes a long drink.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  So, let’s get to know you.

  Mrs. Hopkins and her husband have a huge smile on their faces with their hands relaxed on their knees.

  JORDYN

  Umm, what would you two like to know?

  Ralph

  Well, what school are you attending?

  Jordyn gets nervous and starts to glance around the house.

  JORDYN

  Ummm, H-Hanson

  MRS. HOPKIN’S

  Very nice! How are your grades?

  JORDYN

  Good.

  Jordyn gets nervous since she is lying and takes a bite out of her sandwich.

  RALPH

  What do you want to major in College?

  JORDYN

  Umm, I am still deciding. Maybe illustration. I like tattoos.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Great, perfect!

  How is your relationship with your parents?

  JORDYN

  Pretty good.

  RALPH

  Ok, do you live with both parents?

  JORDYN

  No, just my mom.

  RALPH

  How would you describe yourself in three words?

  JORDYN

  Laid back, care free, and confident

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Good! You passed!

  Jordyn rolls her eyes and slouches in the couch.

  JORDYN

  That was a test?

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Well, not exactly. But that doesn’t matter. Let me show you the dogs that need walking! They are very excited to see out new visitor! Come!

  EXT. HOPKIN’S BACKYARD- EVENING

  Mrs. Hopkins and her husband Ralph leads Jordyn to the backyard where the dogs are. One is a cocker spaniel and the other is a Labrador.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Don’t be shy Jordyn! They love visitors!

  Jordyn bends down to pet both dogs. They wag their tails excitedly and enjoy the company.

  RALPH

  So, we have a meeting to go to tonight. Can you walk the dogs and wash the dishes?

  JORDYN

  Yeah, let me just take off my jacket so it doesn’t get wet.

  RALPH

  Sure, place it on the coat hanger near the front door.

  INT. HOPKIN’S LIVING ROOM- EVENING

  Jordyn takes of her coat and walks to the front door to hang it up.

  MRS. HOPKINS

  Well, that’s about all we have to show you. You can watch TV when you are finished. Also, help yourself to the food!

  RALPH

  We need to get ready for the big night out!

  MRS. HOPKINS

  TA-TA!

  INT. HOPKIN’S KITCHEN- EVENING

  They both go upstairs and get ready.

  Jordyn starts watching the dishes one by one. She stares out the window and keeps her eyes on the leaf blowing in the wind.

  Keys are being put into the door. A teenage boy comes in the house.

  TEENAGE BOY

  Well well well what do we have here?

  He has his soccer uniform on and a soccer ball under his left arm. Jordyn stares in awe at the boy because she sees that he is her worst enemy. John Hopkins.

  JORDYN

  H-hi John. What’s up?

  JOHN

  What are you doing here?

  JORDYN

  *sighs* ok, I know we hate each other, but I am only here to watch the dishes and walk the dogs.

  JOHN

  (Looks the other way)

  No, you’re not. You need to leave. You knew this was my house before you answered the ad.

  JORDYN

  No, I didn’t. I swear!

  JOHN

  Whatever. I’m going upstairs.

  Jordyn turns around and rinses the dishes. She is frustrated and does not know what to do. She marches up the stairs and searches for John’s bedroom. She peeks threw the crack of the door. There lays John tossing his soccer ball up in the air. She enters the room.

  INT-JOHN’S BEDROOM- EVENING

  JOHN

  (Jumps from seeing Jordyn)

  Hey! What are you doing up here? Just go back down stairs and finish your job so you can leave!

  JORDYN

  Listen, I know I am the last person you want to see. But to tell you the truth, I miss you. I miss us.

  JOHN

  It just couldn’t work out. You know that.

  JORDYN

  I know. But we can just be friends.

  JOHN

  I don’t know. I guess I just need some time to think.

  JORDYN

  Well, I guess I will stop bothering you.

  Jordyn turns around to leave the room.

  JOHN

  Wait!

  Jordyn turns back around.

  JOHN

  My parents wanted to let you know that you can stay in the guest room. It’s just two rooms down.

  JORDYN

  Ok, thanks.

  Jordyn walks to the guest room. She notices that there is a dark puddle of water coming from under the door. She then here’s a voice. She slowly starts to open the door. It is pitch black. There is a small cot on the left hand side of the room. There is a small tv in the right hand corner. The window is wide open and wind is blowing in the room. Jordyn walks over to the window to close it. She then here’s the same voices. Jordyn looks back at the dark puddle I the walkway and goes to get a mop for it. She walks to the kitchen to get the mop. As she turns around to head back to the room, she sees that the puddle is gone.

  INT. GUEST ROOM- EVENING

  JORDYN

  What the?

  Jordyn looks around suspiciously. She takes the mop back into the kitchen. She then runs to John’s room.

  INT. JOHN’S BEDROOM- EVEVING

  JORDYN

  John!

  JOHN

  Yeah, what’s up?

  John sits up and looks straight at Jordyn.

  JORDYN

  I don’t know if this is a joke, but the problem is is that it’s not funny.

  Jordyn is starting to panic and sweat.

  JOHN

  What are you talking about?

  John stands up and stares directly at Jordyn.

  JORDYN

  There was a black puddle of water in the walkway of the guest room. I go get the mop, and it’s done. Where did it go?

  Jordyn starts breathing hard and runs her fingers threw her hair.

  JOHN

  (Chuckles)

  Relax dude, it’s
cool.

  John grabs Jordyn’s shoulder to calm her down. Jordyn pulls away.

  JORDYN

  No, it’s not ok. What is going on? Is there a ghost in here? How did that puddle of water just evaporate? And I also heard voices.

  A stern look grows on John’s face.

  JOHN

  Umm, you’re insane. Now get out of my room before I have my parents fire you.

  I puzzled look grows on Jordyn’s face. She then runs straight to the backyard to see the dogs. As she enters the kitchen she sees that all of her clean dishes have gotten dirty somehow. She then runs back to John’s room. She stops once she hears him on the phone. She puts her ear close to the door and listens.