EXT. LAS VEGAS-- ESTABLISHING-- NIGHT 14
It's a blinding neon night in Las Vegas.
INT. PENTHOUSE SUITE-- NIGHT 15
A BELLHOP pushes a chart, loaded with backpacks, into a suite. To call it palatial would be an understatement. To call it classy would be a matter of opinion.(heeeeeeellooo major plot flaw here. if most of the people just found out about the trip during school WHY do they have their clothes in backpacks with them? and did they drive or flaw.....or what......grrr the writers piss me off sometimes)
Michael and Max enter first, followed by Isabel, Tess, Kyle, Maria, Liz, and Alex. The kids are awestruck. They've never seen anything like this, especially not a jacuzzi set in the middle of a hotel room.
BELLHOP: (emptying the cart) Here we are-- The Presidential Suite. Three bedrooms, three baths. State of the art entertainment system. Six person jacuzzi, heated to a toasty one hundred and two. Is there anything else I can get you folks?
They're too stunned to answer. Michael hands Maria his backpack. Without a word, she pulls out a bill-- a big bill-- and tips the bellhhop.
BELLHOP: (surprised) uh.....thanks.
Maria just waves him off.
BELLHOP: (cont'd) I'll get you some ice.
He goes. Still dumbfounded, the group takes in the room's splendor. Maria lets loose with a SCREAM of sheer joy.
TESS: I bet they have towel warmers.
KYLE: Let's see about in-room porno.
They start to scatter.
MICHEL: Hold on. Line up. I.D.s. out
Everyone obeys.
MICHAEL: This town has some stupid age restrictions when it comes to having fun. I'm fixing that. You are no longer highschool students from Roswell, New Mexico. You are now of-age party machines.
Michael passes his hand over the group of licenses in one pass. The cards glow briefly (ughhh they sooooo jacked this from my fic a flying brick! i had it first! i had it first!)
MICHAEL: These are you aliases. You will stick to you to you aliases for the duration of our visit. Sound off.
KYLE: Harvey Wallbanger (sex babbbyyyyyy)
TESS: Pina Colada (pale!)
ALEX: Tom Collins (LMAO tom-tom hanks---colin-colin hanks LMAO THATS FUNNY!)
ISABEL: Brandy Alexander (alexander......awwwww)
MARIA: Margarita Salt. (ahhhhh lmao finaly some hyspanic majandra stuff!)
LIZ: Shirley Temple (hehehehee lmao i love this! the writers have some good sense of humor here and liz does look like SHIRIely heheh temple with her curly hair)
MAX: Rob Roy (cant find ne thing funny about this one...oh well)
MICHAEL: And I'm your host, Doctor Love.
The girls laugh. Michael shuts them up with a look.
MICHAEL: Since I'm sponsoring this little operation, we play by my rul
He hands each person a stack of cash.
MICHAEL: (cont'd) Your banks is three grand. The cash gets spent here. No hoarding it for a rainy day. Rule number two. This is the biggie. Rob Roy and Doctor Love run alone.
Max is surprised.
MICHAEL: (cont'd) You see us at the table, find another one. You run low on funds, hit up someone else. If there are no more questions, get out there and clobber the house.
Kyle and Alex are the first ones out the door. Maria, Tess and Isabel follow. Max approaches Liz.
MAX: I was uh.....kinda surprised to see you were down for this kind of trip. (quessssssstion: how can liz have gone? max didnt ad her name to the debate thing so shes got not cover PLOT HOLES PLOT HOLES PLOT HOLES!!!!!)
LIZ: I.....could say the same thing to you.
MAX: Well I'm just here for Michael. He's kinda going through something. I want to keep an eye on him.
LIZ: Oh so this isn't really a vacation for you.
MAX: This is the last place I want to spend a vacation.
LIZ: Me too. I'm just here for Maria (yaaaaaaaaaaa right!)
Michael comes over with a mouthful of pistachios.
MICHAEL: Hey, Shirley, didn't you hear the Doctor's orders.
LIZ: Sorry, I was just--
MICHAEL: Nuh-nuh. bye.
She EXITS.
MICHAEL: Yap, yap, yap. It's exhausting. So? Pretty swanky, huh?
MAX: It's great.
Michael grabs two handfuls of cash, stuffs them in his pockets. He tosses the backpack into a cabinet.
MICHAEL: Time to have fun. What's you poison? Blackjack? Craps?
MAX: Um....whatever you want.
MICHAEL: That's not really the spirit we're looking for here, Robby. But don't worry- Dr. Love is here to show you the way.
Michael escorts Max out the door.
INT. CASINO-- WALKWAY-- NIGHT 16
Liz, Maria, Isabel, and Tess cruise through the casino. The lights are flashing. Tthe slots are PINGING, and our girls look ready for a good time. Maria's on her cell phone.
TESS: This is so cool.
ISABEL: What should we do first?
LIZ: I guess...pick a game.
MARIA: (clicking off the phone) (woudlnt long distance in los vegas be reaally expensive? and wouldnt maria's mom see it on the bill? tisk tisk) Okay, I'm set--- just booked a salt scrub at the spa.
LIZ: What happened to be a gal pal?
MARIA: I'll be an hour tops.
Maria's out.
ISABEL: Shall we dive in.
Isabel starts for the gaming tables. Liz and Tess try to match her strut. The MUSIC is pumping. This could be a night to remember-- UNTILL--
A SECURITY GUARD steps into Liz and Tess's path. The music comes to a SCREECHING HALT. Isabel glides out of sight.
SECURTIY GUARD: Excuse me, I need to see some I.D.
Tess and Liz pull their drivers licenses. The Security Guard examines them.
SECURITY GUARD: Nice try, girls. The video arcade is that way.
TESS: EXCUSE ME we are twenty-one.
SECURITY GUARD: And I'm Charo.
He starts to lead Tess and Liz off.
TESS: I'm sure I've got another piece of I.D. in here somewhere.
Stalling, Tess burrow in her purse. Liz cracks.
LIZ: We're seventeen.
TESS: Oh good job.
With that, the Security Guard leads them off.
INT. CASINO-- NIGHT A17
Isabel, Alex, and Kyle at a blackjack table. They all have chips in front of them.
ISABEL: So how does this work?
During his dialouge, Kyle does everything for her.
KYLE: Put your bet there.
Cards are dealt.
KYLE: (cont'd) The object is to get twenty-one...Okay....A king is worth them, so you want another card, okay.....now you have sixteen so another card.....okay now you have twenty-five...and he takes your money away (LMAO!!!!!)
The dealer takes her money.
ISABEL: Gee, what a great game. Thanks.
She gets up.
KYLE: You gotta play more than one hand.....
ISABEL: It's math, Kyle (ohhh bad girl she didnt call him by his alias!) Not what I was looking for in a vacation.
KYLE: This is gambling capital of the world. What were you looking for?
ISABEL: I'll know it when I see it. Later
Shes outta here.
ALEX: She's right, you know. It is Math-- or more precisely-- A.P. Statistics, which dictates that all-or-nothing strategy offers the best chance of beating the house edge.
KYLE: that makes no sense.
Alex shoves all of his chips into the layout. The game begins. The boys pick up their own two cards. Kyle has a ten and a three. Alex has a seven and an eight. The dealer has a ten.
KYLE: Hit.
He gets an eight.
ALEX: Hit.
Alex gets a queen. The dealer takes all of his chips and pays Kyle his winnings. Alex goes catatonic.
KYLE: You took that one in the shorts.
Maria approaches. She holds up a flier. It reads, "LOOKING FOR NEW TALENT."
MARIA: Oh my god you aren't going to believe what was hanging in the spa locker room.
ALEX: My head hurts.
MARIA: A booking agent is holding auditions. Alex, this is the hugest favor. I need an accompanist.
ALEX: I play bass guitar.
MARIA: You could fake it on piano. It's just an few simple chord changes. We start in E, and then bridge switches to--
ALEX: Maria, I just lost three thousand dollars!
MARIA: Alex, if you help me get the gig, I will give you mine.
ALEX: Key of E you said?
As he leads her off:
INT. CASINO-- CRAPS TABLES-- NIGHT 17
Max and Michael stand alone at a craps table. They have a mountain of chips between them.
MICHAEL: Basic rules. Seven or eleven on the first role, you're a golden. Two, three, or twelve, lose your shirt. (to STICKMAN) We've got a first time roller here.
MAX: No. You go ahead. I'll just watch.
MICHAEL: (annoyed) Jeez...okay, gimmie the dice. (to max) Trust me, you're gonna love this game. It's loud, its fast--- its everything living in Roswell is not.
Michael slides a mass of chips to the passline and grabs the dice.
MICHAEL: Here we go!
The dice tumble across the table. A six comes up.
STICKMAN: Six--- the point.
MICHAEL: (to max) OK i roll a six, we win, A seven and we go bust up.
Michael rolls.
STICKMAN: Five.
MICHAEL: (throws some chips down) Six the hard way. (grabs Max's chips) for him too.
STICKMAN: Six the hard way. Six the point.
Michael rolls again. Six-- the hard way.
MICHAEL: Pay the man!
The DEALER pays the bet. Michael rolls again as Maria races up to him.
STICKMAN: Seven- winner!
MARIA: Amazing news. I have an audition.
MICHAEL: (To the crowd) Stay with me folks, I'm here to win. (then to maria) I don't see you.
MARIA: Hello? Do you know what my dream has been since the beginning of time? To start my singing career in a smoky Vegas supper club.
Michael rolls again.
STICKMAN: Seven- winner.
MICHAEL: (Ignoring her) Sweet.
MARIA: I'll stand on stage in front of a great band and belt some torch song. There'll be a spotlight. My makeup will be perfect.
A crowd is starting to gather around the table.
MICHAEL: We had an agreement. Beat it. (flagging a COCKTAIL WAITRESS) Two cokes and a bottle of Tabasco for me and my friend.
MARIA: You're not listening. This could be my big break. Don't you want to come cheer me on?
Michael rolls again.
STICKMAN: Seven - winner.
MICHAEL: The king, ladies and gentlemen!
MARIA: Michael!
MICHAEL: Maria! I'm in the middle of something important.
He goes back to the game. Hurt, Maria walks away. Michael rolls again.
STICKMAN: Seven - winner.
A YELL of excitement from the crowd. The Stickman and a PIT BOSS exchange a look -- what's going on here?
EXT. CASINO NIGHT
Tess and Liz stand outside on the curb.
LIZ: There's other stuff we can do. Hoover dam, Cirque de Soliel. I saw a bunch of pamphlets in the lobby.
TESS: Absolutely perfect. (to herself) Stuck in party capital of the world with Liz Parker.
Liz stops short as she notcies a taxi cab pull though the valet stand. Pearches on teh roof is an advertisement for the elvis chapel. Liz stands there, shaken.
TESS: Maybe i'fe we're feeling really dangerous, we can get milkshakes and talk about boyes.
LIZ SNAPS
LIZ: For your information, Tess, I didn;t want to come here in the first place. This is a depressing town filled with sad people. I don't need to see it, Tess. And i certainly don't enjoy being trapped with you either. But a good friend once told me that you have to create you own memoreis, so we're gonna figure out a way to get back in there and make them. got it?!?
Tess is shocked, but impressed.
TESS: Sure.
INT. CASINO-- NIGHT 19
Bored, Isabel sits at a slot machine. Her attention is focused on various COUPLES in the casino. Some hold hands, laugh, kiss. It seems as if Isabel is the only one alone.
WOMAN: (o.s.) Please hurry.
a BRIDE plops down next to Isabel. This is TRACI, a boisterous southern girl. Isabel sees the red wine stane splashed across the bodice of her wedding dress.
ISABEL: Oh my god. Are you O.K.?
TRACI: Lord, help me. 'Wedding's in a half hour. My maid of honor gets food poisoning from the breakfast buffet. Now, some dumb Canadian slams into me with his Merlot.
A COCKTAIL WAITRESS returns with club soda and a napkin.
ISABEL: Let me.
Isabel takes the club soda and goes to work on the dress. Unnoticed, she uses her powers to remove the stain.
TRACI: My mama told me not to elope.
ISABEL: Actually, I think we got it out.
Traci takes in the miracle.
TRACI: Why, honey, aren't you just my good luck charm. What's your name?
ISABEL: Isa -- Brandy.
TRACI: Brandy. That's pretty. Well, it's so nice to meet you.
At that moment, two tuxedo-clad MEN -- GLENN and DAVE arrive. Glenn is blindfolded.
TRACI: Brandy, this is my hubby-to-be Glenn and his best man Dave. Brandy just saved my behind.
GLENN: (extending a blind hand) Hi.
DAVE: Hey.
Dave isn't a matinee idol, but he's go a special kind of charm. There's an instant spark between him and Isabel.
TRACI: How's April?
DAVE: Wishing she'd never tried the crab omelette.
TRACI: Perfect. What am I gonna do now?
DAVE: Maybe Brandy's free for a couple hours.
TRACI: Brilliant, Dave. Brandy, will you be my maid of honor?
Isabel smiles. Sure. Why not?
INTO. CASINO - CRAPS TABLES - NIGHT
A hand slides a mountain of chips to the pass line. There's a CHEER. FIND -- Michael at the center of the craps action. The bottle of Tabasco is empty. A substantial CROWD has gathered. Max is getting a little nervous at all the attention.
MICHAEL: Dr. Love says give it up for ten the hard way!
Michael rolls.
STICKMAN: Ten -- hard way.
The crowd goes wild. Max is getting uncomfortable -- leans into Michael.
MAX: You're cheating.
MICHAEL: Could you say that a little louder? I don't think the Pit Boss heard you.
MAX: It's not right -- using your powers like this.
MICHAEL: Thanks for the sermon, Dad.
MAX: This isn't why we came here.
MICHAEL: No -- we came here to have fun. Which is what I'm doing.
The Stickman collects the dice -- hands them to the Pit Boss who holds them up to the light. The Stickman gives Michael another set of dice.
MICHAEL: It's the fourth set of dice they've given me, folks. but when you got the hot hand, you got the hot hand.
He rolls.
STICKMAN: Seven -- winner.
Max watches as the Pit Boss signals a Security Man over to the table, whispers in his ear.
MICHAEL: (hold dice) I feel . . .
The Crowd quiets . . . hangs on his every word. . .
MICHAEL: (CONT'D) I feel an eight coming . . .
People scramble to make their bets. He rolls.
STICKMAN: Eight -- the point.
The Pit Boss is getting less happy by the minute.
MAX: (sotto) Michael . . . he knows . . .
MICHAEL: He doesn't know anything. What's he gonna say -- I'm using my mysterious alien powers.
He rolls.
STICKMAN: Eight -- winner.
The crowd is going crazy. Women kissing Michael. Suddenly the Pit Boss steps up. In the b.g. Security Guards are quietly and unobtrusively gathering round.
PIT BOSS: This table is closed.
A GROAN comes from the crowd.
MICHAEL: (belligerent) Hey, what's this crap!
PIT BOSS: You're done. My advice is take your winnings and move on down the strip.
MAX: We will.
MICHAEL: The hell we will. I'm here to gamble. There's a table right over there.
Michael tries to move toward the table, but the Pit Boss blocks him.
MICHAEL: You don't want to screw with me.
PIT BOSS: Listen, punk, no one calls the dice like that. I know you're cheating. I don't know how, but you are. Now, you can walk out of here or --
Without warning Michael suddenly cold-cocks the Pit Boss across the table. From out of nowhere Security GUARDS all over Michael -- Max tries to pull them off, but then he goes down under a sea of security uniforms. And off this --
END OF ACT TWO
ACT THREE
INT. CASINO - WALKWAY - NIGHT
FOLLOW TWO WOMEN approaching casino floor. Their hair is teased, their dress is suggestive.
WOMAN #1: How do I look?
WOMAN #2: Thirty, thirty-two easy. How about me?
We see now that the women are Liz and Tess. They certainly don't look like teenagers anymore. They wear skin tight sequined dresses, obvious purchases from the lobby gift shop.
TESS: You need more color.
Tess touches Liz's lips, and they turn bright RED.
LIZ: O.K. Big smile. Let's go.
Liz and Tess make a break for the casino floor. Out of nowhere, the same Security Guard steps into their path.
SECURITY GUARD: Can I help you ladies?
LIZ: We're just meeting our husbands.
SECURITY GUARD: Uh-huh. Are you guests of the hotel?
Tess spots TWO GUYS at the bar and winks. They look her up and down and smile back.
LIZ: Of course.
SECURITY GUARD: And what room are you staying in?
LIZ: (not backing down) Two . . . four. . . seven. Three.
SECURITY GUARD: Hit the bricks, girls. I'm not gonna --
MAN: (OS) Is there are problem?
The two guys stand behind the Security Guard. Close up, it's easy to tell that they're wiseguys. Meet BRUNO PUGLIS and his cohort JOE. The Security Guard blanches.
SECURITY GUARD: No, no problem, Mr. Puglisi. These ladies were just --
PUGLISI: These ladies are with us.
TESS: We tried to tell him.
SECURITY GUARD: I -- I'm so sorry. They didn't say --
JOE: No harm, no foul. Right, Pugsy?
PUGLISI: Right, Joe. Girls? After you.
Throwing smug looks at the Security Guard, Tess and Liz enter the casino on the arms of their mobster dates.
INT. MANAGER'S OFFICE - NIGHT
A tiny, cluttered office. SONNY GLASS, early 50's, is seated at a desk. He feasts on a sandwich as he shuffles through paperwork. In a corner, Alex is seated at an ancient upright piano. Maria hovers nearby.
MARIA: (vocalizing) Mee-mo-mah-me. Zing-zing ahhhhhh. Mee-mo-mah --
MR. GLASS: O.K., blondie. You're up.
Maria takes her place in the middle of the room.
MARIA: Hi. My name's Margarita Salt.
MR. GLASS: That'll play.
MARIA: I started my professional career as Darla in the "Roswell Say No To Drugs" P.S.A. campaign. After that --
MR. GLASS: All right, already. Let's go!
Maria nods to Alex, who starts playing piano. She takes a breath, then belts out "I've got the world on a string."
MARIA: "I got the world on a string/sitting on a rainbow. . ."
Mr. Glass stops chewing. He's awed by her voice.
MARIA: ". . .got the string 'round my finger/What a world what a life, I'm in love. . "
The last sweet not echoes through the space. Is that a tear in Glass's eye? Then --
MR. GLASS: Honey, you sure got some set of pipes.
MARIA: (humble) Well, I . . .
MR. GLASS: I was truly moved.
Maria beams.
MR. GLASS: Now, take off your top.
Maria for once is speechless.
ALEX: Hey! Who the hell do you think you are? You treat her like a lady.
MR. GLASS: I'll treat her like a stripping lady 'cause that's what she's auditioning for.
MARIA: What?
Alex picks up Maria's flier.
ALEX: (reading the fine print) Ah, yes. BYOG-string
MARIA: Let me see that.
She rips the flier out of his hands. Reads it. Is devastated by the truth.
MARIA: (cont'd) We'll just show ourselves out.
SCENE 23 OMITTED
INT. CASINO-- BAR-- NIGHT 24
Liz and Tess sit with Puglisi and Joe at the bar. Remnants of food and drink are in front of them. Joe fills out a Keno card. Puglisi entertains the girls.
LIZ: SO Pugsy, what do you do?
PUGLISI: Human resources, hiring and firing. You know.
LIZ: Interesting. Somewhere locally?
Joe throws down his Keno card and belches into his napkin.
LIZ: Uh.....we thought it might be fun to gamble.
PUGLISI: We can do that later.
JOEY: Yeah. Let's finish our date.
He makes date sound like a four letter word. Joey wraps an arm around Tess. The girls feel the changing of the tide.
LIZ: Guys, thank you so much for dinner and the stimulating conversation, butt I'm suddenly feeling a little sick, so if you'd excuse--
PUGLISI: Hey, Shirley, we've already dropped a cool hundred on you two.
JOE: ANd we expect that to be credited to our bill.
LIZ: Bill?
PUGLISI: (leering) You know......for services rendered. So why don't we just head up to the room and get busy.
Puglisi strokes Liz's thigh. She's scared. Big time.
TESS: Liz walk away now.
Liz turns and discovers Tess going into a mindwarp.
Liz gets to her feet. Puglisi stares at Liz's half empty chair and kisses the hand of an imaginary woman.
PUGLISI: Oh, yeah. You are so beautiful.
Joe looks at Tess. Thanks to the mindwarp, he thinks she's in the mood.
JOE: That's right. This big boy needs a spanking.
PUGLISI: I'd like to show you something, too.
Tess gets up and she and Liz walk away. The two men remain at the bar, talking to two girls who are no longer there.
LIZ: How long will this last?
TES: Long enough
Liz smacks Joey upside the head.
JOE: Yeah, like that.
TESS: Let's get out of here.
The girls escape.
INT. HOTEL SUITE- NIGHT 25
MARIA and ALEX push into the room. They almost run into Traci and Glenn, who are on their way out.
TRACI: Oh-- almost forgot.
She turns and throws the bouquet. Isabel catches it.
TRACI: bye!
GLENN: Thanks for everything, Isabel. (waaaaaait isnt she brandy?)
ISABEL: No problem.
It's only then that Maria and Alex notice the wedding reception is on full swing. MUSIC plays from teh stereo. A store bought cake is prominent.
MARIA: (to isabel) do we have to ask?
ISABEL: (to alex and maria) that was traci and glenn. They just got married. I was their made of honor. Cake?
Alex bee-lines for the food. Maria notices Dave, removing his tuxedo tie as he crosses the room.
MARIA: Who's that?
ISABEL: That's dave.
Maria turns her attention back to the cake.
Isabel joins Dave on the couch. He pulls her close, holds a disposable camera at arm's length, and takes a picture.
DAVE: For the wedding album, And for the record, do you spell Brandy with an I or Y?
ISABEL: Y
DAVE: Good choice (then) I don't suppose there's a change I'll get your real name before the night is over.
ISABEL: Are you calling me a liar?
DAVE: OH, no. I'm not going there-- not with you.
ISABEL: What's that supposed to mean?
DAVE: Let's just say I may not have known you for that long, but I know you're not someone I want to get all riled up.
ISABEL: Really. Anything else you've gleaned form our brief time together?
DAVE: I have a few thoughts.....a few educated guesses...
ISABEL: This should be good.
DAVE: You're the oldest child in a small family. One or two brothers or sisters---brothers. Now, you're at Notre Dame, and your studying.....art history.
ISABEL: Oohh. So close, but so wrong.
DAVE: It's not easy, this instant analysis thing.
ISABEL: You're from Texas. The panhandle. You have an accent you don't bother to hide because you think it makes you sound sexy. You like to disarm women with a easy grin and a few well-worn psychological insights that sounds like they're culled from talk radio, but in truth you grew up in a house filled with older sisters who wrote more of you material because they felt sorry for you.
DAVE: You play rough.
ISABEL
sweet) you can always quit. Seek easier game elsewhere. DAVE: Oh, I like it rough, And I like a challenge.
ISABEL: Then we're going to get along just fine.....
She gives him a teasing, almost smile and as Dave realizes the challenge before him with this girl...
Meanwhile, across the room---
Maria slices herself a gigantic piece of cake. Alex watches.
ALEX: You're gonna be all right, right?
MARIA: I guess.
ALEX: Now can I please go gamble?
Maria forks over her stack of cash, and he escapes. The phone RINGS. Maria grabs it.
MARIA: (into phone) Honeymoon suite. Margarita speaking.
INTERCUT WITH:
INT. JAIL-- PAY PHONE--- NIGHT 26
Michael's on the other end. A GUARD stands nearby.
MICHAEL: (into phone) Maria, it's me.
MARIA: Me, who?
MICHAEL: funny---
MARIA: Do you know where I was today? Auditioning to be a stripper. Little innocent me.
MICHAEL: did you get the job?
MARIA: you don't even care do you? this wouldn't have happened if you were with.
MICHAEL: Is there anyone else there I can talk to?
MARIA: We're talking.
MAX: Well, I can't. I'm in jail with Max, so I need you to shut you tap, come down here, and bail us out.
MARIA: (realizing) Wait, If you're in jail, this is your only phone call.
MICHAEL: Exactly
Maria SLAMS down the receiver.
MICHAEL: (cont'd) Hello (to guard) Uh....I think we were cut off.
The guard takes the phone out of his hand and hangs it up. He takes Michael by the elbow and heads back towards cell.
SCENE 27 OMITTED 27
INT. CASINO-- NIGHT 28
ALEX and KYLE are at Kyle's blackjack table. Kyle, the Zen master of gambling, has a huge mountain of chips. Alex has only one or two chips left. He eyes Kyle's pile.
ALEX: Doesn't Buddism disapprove of gambling?
KYLE: Actually, it was the Buddha himself who first coined the phrase, "knowing when to hold em, know when to fold em, know when to walk away, know when to run."
ALEX: Yours is a deep and abiding spiritual faith.
Maria appears at their side.
MARIA: Boy, cash out.
KYLE: You're just going to have to BACK OFF.
ALEX: Grasshopper's on a roll.
MARIA: I've gotta bail Max--- and if there's still money left over-- Michael out of jail.
KYLE: My winnings my money go away.
MARIA: (to dealer) he's in gamblers anonymous and i'm his sponsor. Could you please keep this lost soul from traveling further down the path of destruction.
DEALERr: (to kyle) sorry sir, casino policy.
As the dealer skips over kyle--
KYLE: Thanks, Maria.
MARIA: Thank you higher power.
She leads them off.
INT. HOTEL SUITE-- NIGHT 29
Isabel dips her feet in the jacuzzi. Dave fiddles with the stereo, finds a sexy song.
ISABEL: I love this song.
DAVE: We never had our dance. You know--- that best man, maid of honor thing.
ISABEL: Who are we to thumb our noses at tradition?
She moves into his arms, and they dance for a bit.
DAVE: (off the room) You must be pretty high roller to get a room like this.
ISABEL: it's a friends.
DAVE: Is your friend Kennedy or something?
ISASBEL: More like a prince, actually.
A little more dancing.
DAVE: Man, this has been great. Free trip--- free tux. Slow dance with a beautiful girl in a penthouse suite.
ISABEL: You're easy to please.
DAVE: and you're not? ISABEL: You're way ahead of the game, Dave. Do you really want to risk it all by asking any more of your insightful questions?
DAVE: I'm gonna have to ask my sisters to work on some new material.
ISABEL: You're doing fine on your own.
He leans in and kisses her. Isabel covers her suprise.
DAVE: May I suggest... a change of venue?
ISABEL: What do you have in mind?
DAVE: I have a hotel room up the strip...
ISABEL: This is a hotel room.
DAVE: People come in, people go out. I was thinking about something a little more... private.
ISABEL: I'll have to think about that.
They kiss again.
ISABEL(cont'd): Okay. I thought about it. Let's go.
He smiles and opens his mouth to say something. She puts a finger on his lips. Dave moves to get his coat. Suddenly, Isabel realizes the weight of her decision. For an instant, she's just a teenager from Roswell again. But before she can fully process this --
Dave returns. He indicates the door with a gallant gesture. Isabel smiles -- her game face back on -- and heads for the door...
INT. JAIL - NIGHT
Max leans against the bars and stares out at another. A GUARD leads Michael to the cell, then goes. An awkward silence, then --
MAX: Are we having fun yet?
MICHAEL: No thanks to you.
MAX: This isn't my fault -- if you hadn't been showing off --
MICHAEL: Here we go, here we go -- it's time for the lecture. (shouts down the hall) Hey, you might want to gather round your cell doors -- Maxwell's going to give a lecture!
VOICE: Shut the hell up.
MAX: What is with you?
MICHAEL: What's with me? Not you buddy. Definitely not you.
MAX: What the hell's that supposed to mean? The only reason I came on this trip was for you.
MICHAEL: Yeah, out of the goodness of your big fat bleeding heart you gave up sixth period and came all the way to Vegas for poor screwed up Michael. Big hand.
Michael applauds. Max lies down on one of the benches.
MAX: Whatever. You're talking to yourself now, Michael. I'm done.
MICHAEL: Okay, now I'm talking to myself. Gee, Michael, why'd you want to go to Vegas with Max in the first place? I don't know Michael, sounds like a really stupid idea to me. Oh, you don't get it, Michael. See, Max and I are guys and sometimes guys just have to go out and tear it up for no good reason. But Michael, Max is no fun. He's a straight arrow, a responsible guy.
MAX: I'm here aren't I?
MICHAEL: This is a private conversation. As I was saying, Michael, it's like this -- Max and I, we used to be tight. We grew up together. It's no big deal for us to hang for a couple days, we used to be friends.
Max rolls off the bench.
MAX: Oh, give me a break! This isn't about friendship, this is about you irresponsible, reckless behavior --
MICHAEL: Hey, I've been going through some heavy stuff the last three weeks -- maybe you missed it, but I got shot!
MAX: I know -- I healed you!
MICHAEL: No, you didn't, you just put your hand over my shoulder and did your little trick like the robot you are. You're a machine, Max. You don't know the first thing about what it would take to heal me -- to really heal me... (his chest) ...inside where it counts.
Michael brushes by Max and lies down on the bench. Max stands there a beat, then goes to the opposite side of the room and sits down. Silent.
FADE OUT...
END OF ACT THREE
ACT FOUR
INT. HOTEL SUITE - NIGHT
Max bursts into the empty suite, grabs the phone, dials out. Michael is three steps behind him. He parks himself in front of the TV and turns it on. Loud. Maria follows them in. It's obvious from the look on her face that the cab ride from jail wasn't pleasant.
MAX: (into phone) Yeah, when's the next flight to Roswell? ...Nothing sooner than that?
Michael ignores Max. Maria approaches Michael.
MARIA: Michael, come on. Make him stay.
No response from Michael. Max hangs up, grabs his backpack.
He heads for the door. Maria's on his heels.
MARIA: You can't leave. I'm blowing the rest of Michael's cash on the most amazing dinner. I even took care of what everyone's wearing.
MICHAEL: He's not invited anymore.
MAX(ignoring Michael): Thanks, but I'm just going to go home.
MICHAEL: Finally. My vacation can begin.
Without another word, Max exits.
EXT. CASINO - WALKWAY - NIGHT
Liz is catching up with Max as he heads out the doors.
LIZ: Hey -- where you going?
MAX: I'm catching a cab to the airport.
LIZ: What happened?
MAX: Michael.
LIZ: Oh. Well. I'm sure you two can work it out.
MAX: I don't think so. Too much stuff was said.
LIZ: You know, Maria's pretty convinced that Michael's mouth is in no way connected to his brain.
MAX: Don't try to defend him. You weren't there.
Max sees a cab, WHISTLES.
LIZ: If you leave... this trip isn't going to be the same.
MAX: You'll have a better time without me. I'm a machine that ruins everyone else's good time.
Liz finally gives up. She walks back into the Casino. A CAB finally pulls up and deposits A YOUNG BRIDE and GROOM onto the sidewalk. The young, happy couple positively run into the casino. Max watches them go by... is about to get in the cab... then looks back...
THE BRIDE & GROOM - SLOW MOTION
The bride and groom laughing and running into the casino.
MAX watches them, frozen in the open door of the cab.
THE BRIDE & GROOM - SLOW MOTION
but this time it's Max & Liz wearing the tux and bridal gown.
MAX stares at the vision.
DRIVER'S VOICE: You in or out, pal?
The voice breaks the moment. Max stands there, shocked by the momentary vision and unsure what to do next...
INT. VEGAS DINNER THEATER - NIGHT
It's a nice but nearly forgotten dinner theater -- more downtown that Strip. Onstage, a TRIO plays DINNER MUSIC. At a banquette, Michael, Maria, Liz, Tess, Kyle, and Alex have just finished dinner. The kids look fabulous. The guys are in suits. The gals sport fantastic evening attire.
MARIA: Now, this is the Vegas I love.
Alex pulls out a camera.
ALEX: Smile, beautiful people.
He snaps a picture. Maria turns to Michael , who stares distractedly at the band.
MARIA: You clean up great, Spaceboy. (then) I'm sorry he's not here.
MICHAEL: Why? I'm not. (beat) I'm thinking... a cheeseburger would go down nice right now.
MARIA: You had a lobster.
MICHAEL: And I'm still hungry. I'm gonna hit the fast food place across the street. Green, please?
Maria pulls out some bills. Michael takes the whole stack and goes. Maria turns to Liz.
MARIA: A cheeseburger. Why do I even try?
LIZ: At least he wore the tie.
MARIA: I'm worried, Liz. I plan on being a worldly woman. But how can I when Michael is trapped in the world of armpit farts and Playstation. He's just so --
There's a DRUM ROLL. The lights dim, and a FIGURE takes the stage.
FIGURE: Ladies and gentlemen...
The spotlight flashes on, illuminating Michael.
MICHAEL: ...Tonight you're in for a rare treat -- a dream come true. Your gonna love listening to this performer, and even though she'll never believe it, I love listening to her, too. Please welcome to the stage Miss Margarita Salt.
Maria is floored. The friends applaud, push her up on stage. Maria breaks into "I Got It Bad and That Ain't Good."
TESS: (to Kyle) We're dancing.
She drags him onto the floor. Meanwhile, Alex perches on the sidelines and snaps pictures of Maria.
Isabel ENTERS wearing her own fabulous dress and sits at the table. Among friends, her guard is down. Alex joins her.
ALEX: I thought you... had other plans.
ISABEL: I thought I did, too.
Alex nods, accepts that answer. They listen to Maria sing for a beat, then Isabel can't help but start talking again.
ISABEL(cont'd): I don't get it. (beat) He was exactly what I wanted out of this trip. A good-looking, smart-ass, who I knew I could just chew up and spit back out... a guy I could spend a long night with... and forget about the next day...
ALEX: But...?
ISABEL: But... he went to get some ice... and I went to get a cab. So here I am. Alone. Again. God, I'm the biggest freak on the planet.
ALEX: No, you're not. That wasn't you. It was Brandy Alexander. You were playing a game, and when things got too real, you ran. Like you --
He stops himself.
ISABEL: Like I always do.
ALEX: Isabel, you lead a very complicated life. I don't know many people who could handle it. But you do. With grace, and strength, and humor. And if you think you're never gonna find a guy, that's not true. Because when you're ready for it, you'll make someone the happiest man ever.
ISABEL: Alex, that's the sweetest thing anyone's ever said to me.
ALEX: Well, I'm kind of an expert on things that make you great.
ISABEL: How did I let you get away?
ALEX: Wasn't your fault. You never had a chance. I can't be tied down to one woman, one place. I'm like the wind, Isabel. I have to keep moving.
She smiles at him and he grins back.
ISABEL: Alex, will you dance with me?
She takes his hand and they head out to dance.
Liz sits alone at the table and proudly watches her best friend. A HAND taps her shoulder. She looks up, sees Max standing there in a killer suit. She nearly melts at the sight of him. He indicates the dance floor with a now. She accepts.
Max and Liz dance for a few moments.
LIZ: I thought you'd be at the airport by now.
MAX: I was on my way and then... I had this weird moment...
LIZ: What do you mean?
MAX: I saw this... vision. You and me... jumping out of a cab... like we'd just been married in Vegas
Liz looks up in shock.
LIZ: That's... weird.
MAX: Yeah. It was like... a memory flash... of something that really happened. But it couldn't be.
Liz looks into his eyes. She so desperately wants to tell him the truth.
LIZ: Max, it...
Suddenly, Maria's SONG ENDS, and the dancing stops. The couples CLAP. For Liz, the opportunity is lost.
As they applaud, Max spots Michael, standing off to the side of the stage. They share a look. Still some things haven't been resolved there.
Michael watches Maria, basking in the glow of the APPLAUSE. She spots him. He smiles. How could you not love this guy?
SCENE 34 OMITTED
EXT. VEGAS STRIP - DAWN
The sun rises on the strip. In the light, all the dirt and greed seem washed away.
EXT. HOTEL SUITE - DAWN
An exhausted but smiling Max, Liz, Michael, Maria, Liz, Alex, Kyle and Tess pour into the suite. Michael flicks on the lights. The kids stop in the tracks when they see the seated figure in the middle of the room. It's SHERIFF VALENTI.
He too, is exhausted, but he's not smiling in his hands in "GUERIN PARTY" chauffeur sign.
VALENTI: At three fifteen yesterday afternoon, Vice Principal McClure contacted me. Apparently, my son didn't show for detention. New to me, So i called some of Kyle's friends. No one knew where he was. Then I made a few more inquiries and without alarming any of your parents, deduced that you were ALL missing. By four thirty, I was in a panic. Maybe it was a mass kidnapping or invantion (by now hes yelling) You kids had to have been in trouble because there was no way you'd take off WITHOUT TELLING ME.
MAX: WE just took a little vacation.
MICHAEL: Like spring break.
VALENTI: So, you skipped school. (then) Missing class is excused if it involves saving a planet--- mine, yours or any other. It is not acceptable if it is done in the name of underage gambling. Each of you parent will hear from me in the morning. I expect you back in Roswell by the afternoon.Kyle get in teh car.
Tail between his legs, Kyle heads for the door.
KYLE: I have rent money for the next six months.
VALENTI: NOW!
Kyle sinks out of the door, with Valenti on his heels. Once out of earshot--
MICHAEL: Man, am I glad I'm an orphan.
TESS: Me too.
VALENTI: (o.s.) Tess, don't make me come back in there!
Tess quickly exits. The mood killed, the kids solemnly head off to bed. Max stops Michael.
MAX: Are you tired?
EXT. CASINO-- DAY 37
CLOSE ON a hand, dropping a crumpled five dollar bill on the top of a donut cart. Pull back to reveal Max and Michael. Michael pays for the two coffees and two donuts. The VENDOR hands him a handful of coins, and Michael pushes back across the cart as a tip.
MICHAEL: THat's the last of it.
The boys sip their coffee.
MAX:You were right. I do act like a machine sometimes.
MICHAEL: Forget it. I probably said too much.
MAX: No. It's all right. Something I needed to hear. You needed a friend and you got a chaperone. I'm sorry. (beat) I guess I just.......feel so responsible for you and Isabel and even Tess.....sometimes I let that get in the way of letting you all know how much.....how much you mean to me. (beat) But without......I'd uh.....I'd really be lost, Michael.
This is hard. It's a major confession. Michael takes a moment to absorb this.
MICHAEL: Whoever sent us down here was smart. You know why? Because they sent us together. And as long as we stick together......we're gonna make it
The two friends start walking away back toward the distant casino.....
MAX: Got a few hours to kill before the flight home. No money....whaddya want to do>
MICHAEL: Don't know. Oh, hey there's about a dozen DVD's in the room.
MAX: Yeah?
MICHAEL: How about braveheart?
MAX: How many times can you watch that thing?
MICHAEL: I'm still tying to get an accurate body count. I make it up to about two hundred and twenty before I start to lose count..
And as the friends walk off into the early morning Vegas landscape.....
FADE OUT:
END OF SHOW