FADE IN:
INT. MARIA DE LUCA’S ROOM - NIGHT
MARIA De LUCA sits on her bed writing in a journal.
MARIA (O.C.)
January 3rd, 2000. Journal entry number one. My
name is Maria De Luca, and -- How the hell does Liz
do this each week?
Maria shakes her head and continues writing.
MARIA (O.C.)
Anyway, way I’m usually not the type to be keeping
journals, but I figure if I didn’t get this one down, like,
no one in their right mind is ever gonna believe what
happened to me on New Year’s eve, so here goes.
INT. MARIA DE LUCA’S ROOM - NEW YEAR’S EVE NIGHT - (CONTINUOUS)
A TV sits on a dresser:
DICK CLARK
Hello, and welcome to Times Square, everybody! I’m
Dick Clark, and we’re just 45 minutes away from a
new millennium!
Maria rolls over on her bed with the phone to her ear as she snacks on Chex
party mix in a bowl.
MARIA
So, what are you doing for the Millennium, Liz?
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
The cafe is packed and a party is in full swing. A TV on a wall shows various
continents celebrating the new year. LIZ PARKER is on the phone by the
kitchen doors, away from the commotion.
LIZ
Oh, you know. My parents are throwing their annual
New Year’s Eve party. How about you?
MARIA
Oh, me and my mom are just spending a quiet
evening with each other and staying in.
LIZ
You guys should come and join us. You know my
parents would love to have you.
MARIA
I know, but I just don’t get this whole Y2K thing, you
know? I mean, like, what is the big deal? The clock
strikes twelve, you blow a few party favors, and then
what? Nothing ever changes.
LIZ
Yeah, but it’s fun. I mean, how many people can
actually say they saw the dawn of a new millennium?
AMY De LUCA enters Maria’s room with a party hat on and blows a party horn.
AMY
Happy Millennium, sweetie!
Amy smiles as Maria gets an amused look on her face.
MARIA
Unfortunately, too many.
Amy leaves, blowing the party streamer.
MARIA
Listen, I gotta go.
LIZ
Well, if you guys change your minds, you’re more
than welcome. I’m pretty sure the Crashdown is Y2K
compliant.
MARIA
Oh, great. So there’s no chance of you’re damn
color chart being totally erased?
Liz smiles.
LIZ
I’m afraid not. By the way, what’s Michael doing?
MARIA
What’s Max doing?
LIZ
Touche.
MARIA
I’ll call you later.
LIZ
Bye.
Liz hangs up and joins the party. Maria hangs up and looks out the bed room
window. Outside, the festivities are in full swing: some firecrackers, the loud
thumb of bass driven music, people standing around their cars.
Maria sees that her bowl of Chex is empty and walks toward her door. The
phone rings. Maria picks it up.
MARIA
Hello?
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - SAME
MICHAEL GUERIN stands in a phone booth off the main street where crowds
and crowds of people have gathered.
MICHAEL
Maria?
Maria rolls her eyes.
MARIA
Michael?
MICHAEL
Yeah, listen. I need your help.
MARIA
Excuse me? Did you say you needed my help?
Have we forgotten that somebody -- Namely
Michael, but I don’t want to name names -- Said he
didn’t want anything to do with me and...
MICHAEL
Will you just shut up about that for one minute and
listen to me?! God!
Maria scowls at the phone.
MICHAEL
I need your help. My foster dad’s in serious shit and
if you don’t help me out, he’s gonna be in a world of
hurt. And I don’t think even I can protect him this
time.
Maria sits down on the bed with a worried look.
MARIA
What’s wrong?
MICHAEL
My foster dad -- Being the financial genius he is --
Took all of our money and gambled it playing poker
with these thugs. Guess what? He lost, and if I don’t
come up with $10,000 in the next...
Michael checks his watch...
MICHAEL
...45 minutes, they’re gonna kill him.
MARIA
Oh, my God.
MICHAEL
Yeah.
MARIA
Did you call Max?
MICHAEL
No. He doesn’t need to know. This doesn’t concern
him.
MARIA
But...
MICHAEL
Just leave him out of it, all right?!
MARIA
Okay, take a stress tab, gees!
MICHAEL
I’m sorry. And I can’t call the sheriff for obvious
reasons.
MARIA
Well, yeah, you’re... You’re...
MICHAEL
Not just that, but if he found out how my dad lost the
money, he’d put him away for good. And then where
would I be?
MARIA
Right, right.
MICHAEL
So... What do you say? Will you help me?
MARIA
Help you? How? I can barely balance my own
checkbook...
MICHAEL
I need you to come up with $10,000 fast!
MARIA
Are you nuts?! Are you out of your freak’n’ alien
mind, Michael?! I don’t have that kind of cash on me!
MICHAEL
Listen, Maria. You’re my last hope. If you want me to
get down on my knees and beg you, I will. You here
that? I’m begging you for this. Please, Maria. Please?
Please?
Maria thinks a moment.
MARIA
All right.
MICHAEL
Thank you.
MARIA
Okay, but you’re like gonna owe me big time here,
buddy. We are talking major league.
MICHAEL
Whatever you want.
MARIA
All right, where are you?
MICHAEL
I’m on the corner of 5th and Wabash. These guys
said they were gonna be here at midnight with my
dad and that I’d better have the money.
Maria scribbles down the address.
MARIA
Okay, I got it.
MICHAEL
You’re a life saver, Maria. Thank you.
MARIA
Yeah, I’m Mother Teresa. Stay right where you are.
I’m gonna be right there.
Michael hangs up and looks around nervously. Maria rolls her eyes.
MARIA
I don’t know how I’m gonna come up with $10,000
dollars in the next 40 minutes, but I’ll be there.
Maria thinks a moment then appears to have a realization.
INT. AMY DE LUCA’S ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Maria opens a dresser drawer and takes out a thick envelope.
AMY (O.C.)
Maria!
Maria nearly jumps out of her skin and then breathes a sigh of relief.
AMY (O.C.)
Come on, they’re celebrating the New Year in New
Guinea!
MARIA
I’ll be right there, mom.
Maria opens the envelope and flips through a thick wad of hundred dollar bills.
MARIA
Sorry mom, I’ll make it up somehow.
Maria tucks the envelope under her sweater and walks out of the room.
INT. THE DE LUCA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Maria puts on a light jacket as she walks through the living room to the front
door. Amy sits in front of a TV.
AMY
Honey, where are you going? It’s almost midnight?
MARIA
I have to go get something I left at work. I’ll be right
back.
AMY
Maria. Don’t lie to me.
MARIA
Lie to you? What makes you think...
AMY
Maria. I’m you’re mother and I know when you’re
hiding something.
Maria appears worried.
AMY
You didn’t leave anything at work. You’re just going
to the Crashdown to spend New Year’s with Liz,
aren’t you?
MARIA
You got me, mom.
AMY
Hey, I don’t mind. Go on. I know you’d rather be out
partying that here with your dear old mom.
MARIA
That’s not it mom...
AMY
I’m not offended. I was young once. Go on. Have a
good time. Just be careful, all right?
Maria smiles.
MARIA
I will, mom. And I promise I’ll spend New Year’s with
you. I just have to get something and I’ll be right
back.
Amy nods and Maria exits out the door.
EXT. THE DE LUCA HOUSE - NIGHT
Maria pauses, appears ashamed, and walks to her car.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - NIGHT
Michael nervously paces back and forth as he checks his watch: 11: 23 PM.
INT. MARIA’S JETTA - NIGHT
Maria is behind the wheel as her tiny Jetta begins to slow as she approaches a
group of people. There are about twenty or so, and they run back in forth
across the street SMASHING storefront windows and carrying home
electronics out of the darkened interior.
The Jetta begins to sputter and cough.
MARIA
No, no. Not now.
Maria tries to turn it over. Now it’s grinding. The car dies.
MARIA
No, no, no, no! Dammitt!!
Maria hits the wheel in disgust. Maria gets out of the car and surveys her
surroundings. Maria gets out the paper with the address on it, and as she is
doing this, the envelope FALLS onto the ground.
Maria picks up the envelope and a LOOTER grabs it out of her hand. Maria
holds onto it, however, and a struggle ensues.
MARIA
Hey, that’s mine, buddy!
The LOOTER manages to yank it free and runs off into the night. Maria’s face
falls as she stands there in the middle of the larcenous activity.
MARIA
Goddammitt! Awe, shit! Shit!
Maria shakes her head and then lowers it, and slowly walks on.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - NIGHT
Michael continues to pace back and forth. He checks his watch: 11: 29 PM.
MICHAEL
Come on, Maria. Come on.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Maria runs down the street weaving in and out of the fierce crowds. She has a
cellular phone to her ear. It rings.
MARIA
Liz?
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
The phone rings and Liz picks it up off the counter.
LIZ
Hello?
MARIA
Liz?
LIZ
Maria? Is that you?
MARIA
Yeah!
LIZ
Where are you? You sound like you’re running?
MARIA
It’s a long story, but I need you to do me a major
favor, okay?
LIZ
Ah, sure. Anything. What is it?
MARIA
I need you to pick me up at the corner of Conner and
Fifth.
LIZ
Conner and Firth... Maria, what’s going on?
MARIA
Listen, I’ll explain it to when you get here. Just meet
me there, okay?
LIZ
Okay.
MARIA
Thanks, Liz.
Maria collapses the phone as she sprints past the New Year’s Eve revelers.
Liz hangs up the phone. Liz takes the car keys off a post, grabs a light jacket,
and walks toward the front of the diner.
JACK PARKER, Liz’s father, stops her.
JACK
Hey, Lizzy. Where you headed? It’s almost time for
the ball to drop.
LIZ
I know, but Maria called and I have to pick her up.
JACK
Pick her up? What for?
LIZ
I don’t really know.
JACK
Well, just be careful. Hey, you’re welcome to bring
her down here if you want. The more the merrier as
they say.
Liz smiles.
LIZ
Okay, dad. I’ll be back in a little while.
Liz walks out the front door.
EXT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - CONTINUOUS
Liz takes a few steps then stops cold. Her eyes go wide as she sees
something:
LIZ
Oh, no.
EXT. ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Maria runs through the crowds. Block after block, through the carnival-like
atmosphere, Maria hauls ass. Maria runs smack into ALEX WHITMAN. Both of
them fall to the ground from the impact and slowly get up.
ALEX
Whoa, slow down there, Maria. Where’s the fire?
MARIA
Alex, thank God. Listen, I need your help.
ALEX
You need my help?
MARIA
Yes.
ALEX
You guys don’t need my blood or anything else like
that again do you because I have to tell you, now
that I’ve actually had time to think about how Isabel
actually did that to me...
Maria grabs Alex.
MARIA
Alex! Shut up and listen to me! Michael’s in trouble.
ALEX
Again?
MARIA
No, you don’t understand. This has nothing to do
with his non-human status. In fact, it’s his Foster
father who is in real danger.
A concerned look crosses Alex face.
ALEX
Danger? What kind of danger?
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - UPSTAIRS - NIGHT
Liz stands in her room on the cellular phone. It rings.
LIZ
Hello?
EXT. THE EVAN’S HOME - SAME
A familiar jeep sits in the driveway as New Years Eve revelers occupy the
streets. The scene mimics the one outside Maria’s window.
INT. THE EVAN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
MAX and ISABEL EVANS, along with PHILIP and DIANE EVANS (their parents)
sit in front of the TV watching the Dick Clark countdown special. The phone
rings. Max gets up and answers it.
MAX
Hello?
LIZ
Max?
MAX
Liz? Hi, is everything okay?
Isabel turns her head toward Max at the sound of Liz’s name. Max takes the
phone into the foyer.
LIZ
Yeah, listen. I hate to ask you for a favor, but I need
your help.
MAX
What’s wrong?
LIZ
I need to pick Maria up downtown, but my car was
stolen.
MAX
Your car was stolen?
LIZ
Yeah, believe me, my parent’s aren’t happy.
MAX
I can see why not.
LIZ
The point is I promised that I’d pick Maria up and now
I don’t have any way of doing that. I really hate to
ask you for this, but you know I wouldn’t unless it
was really, really...
MAX
Important.
LIZ
Yeah.
Max notices Isabel staring at him.
MAX
All right, I’ll do it.
LIZ
Thank you, Max. I really appreciate this.
MAX
I’ll be there in ten minutes. And Liz?
LIZ
Yes?
MAX
I’m glad you thought it was important enough to give
me a call.
Liz appears moved.
LIZ
Thank you, Max.
MAX
You’re welcome.
Liz hangs up and thinks a moment. She is deeply moved by Max’s caring. Max
walks back to Isabel and his parents.
DIANE
Who was that, honey?
MAX
It was Liz, mom. I need to go help her pick Maria up
downtown.
DIANE
Right now? But it’s...
Diane checks her watch: 11: 33 PM
DIANE
...27 minutes until the new millennium.
MAX
I know, I’m sorry, mom. But this is really important.
Isabel stands up.
ISABEL
I’ll go with him.
Max appears surprised. Diane is confused.
ISABEL
I just remembered that I have to do something
before midnight too.
DIANE
What?
ISABEL
Uh... You know. Stuff.
Diane wearily looks at Max and Isabel.
PHILIP
Just be careful, out there you two. And hurry back.
DIANE
Philip?
DIANE
Listen, they obviously don’t wanna be here with
stuffy old mom and dad, so let’em go out. There will
be other New Years celebrations.
(to Max and Isabel)
Go on.
MAX
Thanks, dad. We’ll be back as fast as we can.
Max and Isabel exit the living room, and put on jackets in the foyer. Philip pulls
Diane closer to him and whispers an aside.
PHILIP
With the kids out partying all night, we can do some
own partying of our own, huh?
A wry smile grows across Diane’s face as she snuggles close to him. Max and
Isabel have their jackets on and turn to the living room at the sound of Diane
giggling.
MAX
Come on.
Max walks out the front door. Isabel hesitates and watches the couch.
DIANE
Oo, Philip.
Isabel rolls her eyes.
ISABEL
Oh, my God. Could my life get any...
Diane and Philip start to giggle. Isabel gets a mortified look on her face and
walks out the door.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - SAME
Michael takes a seat on the curb and checks his watch.
MICHAEL
Come on, Maria. For once in your life, do something
right for a change.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
Alex and Maria run through the bustling crowds.
ALEX
So, let me guess this straight. Michael’s foster dad
has to come up with $10,000 by midnight, or these
guys are gonna kill him?
MARIA
That pretty much sums it up.
ALEX
Why can’t Michael do something? Why can’t he
shoot... Laser beams from his eyes or something.
MARIA
Michael’s an alien, Alex. Not Superman. And to make
matters worse, I lied to mom and stole $10,000 of
the $30,000 she made from the wrestling booth to
give to Michael to pay these guys off. And now that’s
gone too.
ALEX
Boy this just isn’t your night is it?
MARIA
God, I wish there was a way to get that money!
Maria checks her watch: 11: 36 PM.
MARIA
Michael’s dad only has 24 minutes left.
ALEX
Follow me. I think I know of a way.
MARIA
What?
ALEX
Just follow me, all right?
MARIA
Yeah.
Alex takes the lead and sprints off. Maria follows.
MARIA
But where are we going?
EXT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
Jeff waits outside the diner. The sheriff’s Jeep Cherokee pulls up and SHERIFF
VALENTI steps out with a note pad Liz hangs back.
VALENTI
Jeff.
JEFF
Jim. I hate to call you out like this, especially on New
Years.
VALENTI
Don’t worry about it. With all the partiers, dooms day
cults and everything in between out in full force
tonight, I figure the long arm of the law should make
his presence part of the new millennium as well, don’t
you?
Jeff and Valenti smile. Valenti turns to Liz and tilts his hat.
VALENTI
Liz.
LIZ
Hey, Sheriff.
Valenti and Liz exchange a series of knowing glances. Liz becomes uneasy as
Valenti turns to Jeff, opens his note pad, and takes out a pen.
VALENTI
So, we got a stolen car here, huh?
Down the street, Max pulls around the corner in the jeep. Max honks the horn
and Liz sprints towards them as Valenti and Jeff turn their heads.
INT. MAX’S JEEP - CONTINUOUS
Liz gets in the jeep next to Max (Isabel is in the backseat).
MAX
Hey.
ISABEL
Liz.
LIZ
Hey, Isabel.
MAX
Where are we headed?
LIZ
Conner and fifth.
Max nods and makes a right.
ISABEL
Oo, The “fashionable” part of town.
MAX
What’s this all about?
LIZ
I don’t know, Maria wouldn’t say. But she sounded
kind of upset.
Max drives down the street in front of the Crashdown. As they pass by Jeff
waves to Liz and Valenti and Max lock eyes for a second. It’s an intense stare.
Max drives down the street as Isabel glances back at Valenti.
ISABEL
That man has serious issues.
EXT. THE UFO MUSEUM - MOMENTS LATER
The all night festivities rage on as Alex and Maria finally stop, out of breath and
breathing hard in front of a building.
MARIA
Why did we stop? I thought you said you were knew
where we could get $10,000.
ALEX
That’s not what I said. I said... That I knew where we
could get some money.
MARIA
Okay, but why are we at the UFO Museum?
ALEX
Watch and learn, my good friend. Watch and learn.
The building is closed, but Alex hits an intercom switch anyway.
MILTON (O.C.)
Yes?
ALEX
Milton, it’s me. I need to see you about something.
It’s pretty important.
MILTON (O.C.)
How do I know it’s really you? You could be some
government clone.
Alex turns to a security camera hanging in a corner of the entrance and waves.
ALEX
Now do you believe me? Come on, let us in.
MILTON (O.C.)
What’s the password?
ALEX
Dreamland.
MILTON (O.C.)
Lucky guess. What’s the OTHER pass word?
ALEX
True Believer.
The door buzzes and Alex and Maria enter.
INT. THE UFO MUSEUM - MAIN HALL - CONTINUOUS
Alex and Maria walk down the steps into the main hall. Milton sits around a card
table with three white haired gentleman in their 50s. All wear tuxedos. Milton
stands up and walks over to Alex and Maria.
MILTON
Well, well, well. What brings you here on such a
momentous occasion, young Alex?
ALEX
I need a favor.
MILTON
Don’t we all.
ALEX
Who are the old dudes?
MILTON
Bite your tongue, young believer. Those are the
Roswell Three. The original participants in the
greatest event of the 20th Century.
Each one waves a friendly hello as Milton Introduces them:
MILTON
Walter Haut, Glenn Dennis, and Max Little.
Alex and Maria wave halfheartedly, not knowing who these guys are.
ALEX
Milton, listen, I need a favor. Remember when I
upgraded your computer archives and made them
Y2K compliant, and you said that you’d pay me back
whenever I needed it?
MILTON
Yeah.
ALEX
I need it. Now, tonight in fact.
MILTON
How much?
ALEX
Let’s see... Figure in labor, cost of the hardware and
software... I think 8000 is fair don’t you?
MILTON
8000? Are you out of your mind? I don’t...
Alex walks up to Milton and moves him away from Maria.
ALEX
Milton, we’re friends, right? I’m a true believer, you’re
a true believer. But people like her...
Alex points to Maria.
ALEX
...Aren’t. Now, I didn’t want to bring this up, but I
basically have the keys to your entire system, and
just think what would happen to me if someone like
her were to... Let’s say, “charm the pants off me?”
There’s no telling what kinds of secrets I might
accidently blurt out in a moment of passion, and with
the things I saw when I was in there...
Milton considers Alex’s argument. He then looks at Maria then at Alex.
MILTON
You drive a hard bargain Dreamland, and I can see
you’re passionate about this -- Just like I was when I
was your age. Stay right there.
Milton walks up the stairs leading to his office as Maria walks up to Alex.
MARIA
Well?
ALEX
He’s gonna do it.
MARIA
Really? That’s great. You should have asked for
10,000 though.
ALEX
Maria, I charge $35 an hour for what I can do. It only
took me 40 hours to do it. $8000 is pushing it at best.
Maria nods.
MARIA
Can I ask you something?
ALEX
Sure.
MARIA
Why are you doing this?
ALEX
Because Michael is your friend. And I know that his
circumstances aren’t like yours or mine. I figure if
helping him out makes me a better friend to you...
Then it’s worth it.
Maria appears moved.
ALEX
And it’s kind of a thank you.
MARIA
Thank you? For what?
ALEX
Letting me in on you and Liz’s little secret... And for
introducing me to Isabel.
Maria gets a subtle look of realization on her face.
MARIA
Ah... I see.
Maria nods as Alex appears embarrassed.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - NIGHT
Michael pours Tabasco sauce on a piece of pie which he holds on a paper
plate. He walks away from a concession stand down the crowded main street
as he eats. Michael glances at his watch: 11: 39 PM.
INT. MAX’S JEEP - SAME
Max drives the jeep through the clogged streets.
MAX
So, what’s this all about? Why were you going to
pick Maria up in the middle of downtown?
LIZ
I don’t really know. She didn’t really say.
ISABEL
Typical Maria.
Liz turns around and appears amused.
LIZ
Exactly.
Isabel smiles as Liz turns faces forward.
LIZ
But I figured that it was my duty to not ask and just
be...
MAX
A good friend?
Liz looks at Max. A connection is made.
LIZ
Yeah.
Max smiles and Liz faces forward. Isabel has to contain her amusement.
EXT. THE CORNER OF CONNER AND FIFTH - MOMENTS LATER
The jeep rounds the corner and pulls up to Alex and Maria who stand on a curb.
LIZ
Are you guys, okay?
MARIA
Yeah, yeah.
ALEX
Hi, Isabel.
Isabel appears almost embarrassed.
ISABEL
Hi, Alex.
Alex and Isabel smile at each other.
LIZ
Maria, what is going on? Why did you need me to
pick you up here?
Maria takes a deep breath and exhales, then looks directly at Liz and Max.
MARIA
It’s Michael. He’s in trouble.
MAX
Michael? What’s wrong with Michael?!
EXT. THE CORNER OF CONNER AND FIFTH - LATER
The groups sits in the jeep with Alex, Maria and Isabel in the back, and Max and
Liz in the front.
MAX
So Michael’s dad needs $10,000 or these guys are
gonna kill him? Why didn’t he just call me?
MARIA
You know, Michael. He thought he could take care of
everything.
Max nods.
MARIA
Alex and I were able to get $8000, but we’re still
$2000 short.
ISABEL
Max, maybe we could loan them the rest of the
money. You know, our college fund and all those
birthday checks from relatives over the years.
MAX
I thought about that, but you can only take $300 out
of an ATM per day. And the banks are closed.
MARIA
Shit.
They all sit there in silence. Alex checks his watch: 11: 45 PM.
ALEX
Well, we better think of something fast because in 15
minutes it’s going to be midnight.
Max, Liz, Maria and Isabel all shake their heads in defeat. Liz looks up and sees
something.
LIZ
Max.
Max looks up as does Maria, Alex and Isabel.
The jeep is sitting parked in front of a POOL HALL. It is pretty seedy, as BIKER
types mill about the front and loud music booms from an open doorway.
Max and Liz look at one another with raised eye brows.
INT. THE POOL HALL - MOMENTS LATER
Thick cigarette smoke hangs in the air as Max, Liz, Isabel, Alex and Maria walk
in. The surly patrons turn and give them the once over, then return to their
games.
ISABEL
Are you sure this is a good idea?
MAX
Iz, trust me. Liz and I know what we’re doing.
SAL, 20s, a guy in a pin-stripe suit with gold chains and slicked back, hair
notices Isabel and walks over to her.
SAL
Hey, gorgeous. What brings you here?
Isabel gives Sal the once over with disdain.
ISABEL
Obviously, lack of good judgment.
ALEX
Uh, she’s with me.
SAL
She’s with you, huh?
Alex nods as he puts on a confident facade.
SAL
Then she really does have lack of good judgment.
The pool hall erupts with laughter. Max and the gang look around, but their cool
exteriors never betrays their fear.
MAX
Hey. Are you the top stick around here?
SAL
Yeah. Name’s Sal. Who wants to know.
MAX
Max. Max Evans. You willing to put your money
where you mouth is, Sal?
Sal looks Max over,
SAL
Against you?
MAX
Yes... Well, me and my partner. Double or nothing.
Sal looks Liz over. The entire pool has watches the exchange.
SAL
Okay, sure. If you want to start the new year off
broke, I ain’t got nothing better to do.
MAX
Okay.
SAL
$100 gets in you game. 10 to 1 odds, shall we say?
LIZ
20 to1.
SAL
Oo. The little lady likes to live dangerously. Okay,
sweetie. I can do that. Let’s rack’em up!
The pool hall explodes in cheer as Sal leads Max and Liz over to a table. Max
and Liz select their pool sticks as Sal stands across the table from them with
MANNY, 20s, a handsome Latino with a pony tail, dressed in a suit.
SAL
Max and Liz, meet Manny.
MANNY
Hey.
MAX
Hey.
SAL
You guys can break.
A pool hand racks the balls at the end of the table. Max and Liz chalk up their
sticks.
LIZ
Max, are you sure we can do this?
MAX
Trust me. It’s up to a “higher power”.
Max winks and moves to the table as Liz smiles. Max lines up his shot...
WHACK! The balls scatter across the felt table top.
MAX
You’re turn.
MONTAGE:
Max and Liz, Manny and Sal take turns. Balls move effortlessly across the
table, bounce off bumpers and end up in desired pockets. It is an intelligent,
graceful, fierce display of pool sharking. Shots are scored, the crowd goes wild.
During the sequence, it is evident that Max is using his powers to give the ball
an added spin here and there to achieve the desired shots.
Liz manages to hold her own and sink shots without any assistance.
END MONTAGE.
The final shot. Max leans over the table and lines up his cue: the classic eight
ball in the corner pocket from a 45 degree bank shot. Max shoots... The ball
bounces off the side... Rolls toward the eight ball...
...Max rests a glowing hand against the pool table...
The ball seems to miraculously bank suddenly and hit the eight ball dead on
and sink it. The crowd explodes in cheer.
Sal and Manny are not happy as they walk over to Max and Liz. Manny counts
out hundred dollar bills into Max’s hand.
SAL
One thousand, nine hundred. Two thousand.
MAX
Thank you.
SAL
How the hell did you play almost a perfect game?
MAX
Just natural ability I guess.
Two men stumble in through the entrance. MARTY, 40s, big and burly, and
JOHNNY, late 20s. Marty supports Johnny who clutches his stomach. Johnny
has been shot as is evidenced by the blood dripping through his fingers.
MARTY
The boss has been shot!
SAL
In the back, hurry!
Marty takes the wounded Johnny to the back as Max and company stare in
utter shock.
DEPUTY OWENS, wearing his uniform, bursts through the doorway, gun drawn.
DEPUTY OWENS
Where did they go?!
Nobody says a word. Owens realizes that Max, Liz et. al. are there.
DEPUTY OWENS
Liz? What are you guys doing here?
LIZ
We’re uh...
Max quickly hides the money behind his back.
MAX
They went that way.
Max points to the door.
DEPUTY OWENS
They did?
ALEX
Yeah, they came in here, saw there was no place to
hide and ran out.
DEPUTY OWENS
They did.
LIZ
Yeah, he’s right. They ran out as soon as they came
in. He’s right.
Deputy Owens looks at Max and the gang suspiciously. Deputy Owens then
looks at the faces of the pool hall patrons. No one says a word. Deputy Owens
lowers his gun.
DEPUTY OWENS
You guys be careful tonight. There’s no telling what’s
gonna happen.
LIZ
We will.
Deputy Owens nods and heads for the door.
MAX
Be sure to say hi to sheriff Valenti for us.
Deputy Owens runs out the door. It is so quiet it’s eerie.
ISABEL
Max, why did you do that?
Before Max can answer...
SAL
Thank you. You didn’t have to do that, but you did.
Come with me.
Isabel looks at Max, confused. Max follows Sal. Liz, Maria, Alex and Isabel
follow him.
INT. THE POOL HALL - BACK ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Sal enters a small, cramped back room followed by Max and the others. Johnny
lays on a couch as Manny, wearing a stethoscope, tends to Johnny’s wound.
Marty holds Johnny’s hand.
MARTY
Hold on, boss. Hang in there.
SAL
How is it?
Johnny stands up and moves to Sal.
MANNY
He’s lost a lot of blood. The bullet passed right
through, but if he doesn’t get a transfusion fast, he’s
not gonna make it.
Sal gets a worried look on his face as he rubs his temples.
SAL
Well, what kind of blood does he need?
MANNY
AB-Negative. It’s very rare, and very hard to come
by.
Johnny, barely conscious, beckons Sal over to him. Sal kneels down beside
him.
JOHNNY
Sal... Listen to me... There’s one last job we gotta do
then we can leave this shit-hole town.
SAL
I’m listening.
JOHNNY
There’s this guy... He owes us $10,000... His kid is
supposed to deliver the money to us at midnight. Go
and pick it up.
Max looks to Liz as everybody makes the connection.
SAL
I will, Sal. I will.
JOHNNY
If he doesn’t deliver... Shoot’em.
Sal nods as Johnny collapses in pain.
ISABEL
How much would it be worth to you if we could give
you a blood transfusion right now?
MANNY
Don’t joke around, toots.
ISABEL
No, I’m serious. How much would it be worth?
MAX
What are you doing?
ISABEL
Trust me, Max.
SAL
What? Are you for real? Don’t be jerking my chain
little lady.
ISABEL
I’m not. What if I said that me and my friends work at
a blood bank, and we can give you the transfusion
you need long enough to keep you alive until you
get out of town?
Manny, Marty and Sal pique up.
SAL
Are you serious?
ISABEL
Yes.
Sal looks down at Johnny and then back to Isabel and the gang.
SAL
Okay, do it. You can have whatever you want.
ISABEL
Ten thousand.
SAL
What?!
MARTY
Are you outta your freak’n’ mind blondie?
ISABEL
No, I’m dead serious. Like you’re friend said, this is a
rare blood type. If he needs it, it’s gonna cost you.
Sal looks at Isabel intensely. Marty pulls out a pistol and is about to aim it at
Isabel when Sal stops him.
SAL
NO!
Marty begrudgingly puts his weapon away. Sal turns to Isabel.
SAL
You’re serious aren’t you?
ISABEL
Yeah, we’ve got the stuff in the jeep out front. It’s up
to you, but I don’t think you’re friend has much time.
Sal looks at Johnny who is no unconscious.
SAL
Okay. You got yourself a deal. He’ll probably kill me
for this, but what the hell. And he’s not my friend.
He’s my brother.
The revelation hits all of them.
EXT. THE POOL HALL - LATER
Max, Liz, Alex and Maria stand around the jeep. Waiting.
LIZ
Max, are you sure she’s gonna be okay in there by
herself?
MAX
Isabel can take care of herself. I trust her.
Liz nods. Maria walks up to Max.
MARIA
I know that you and me never really talk that much,
but I just wanted to thank you for everything you’ve
done tonight.
Liz watches Maria with admiration.
MAX
Well, you’re a friend of Liz’s, Maria. And you care
about Michael like I do. I just want to see everybody
happy.
Maria appears moved by Max’s statement. Liz looks at Max with a heart-felt
gaze.
INT. THE POOL HALL - BACK ROOM - SAME
Empty except for Isabel and Johnny. Isabel takes off her coat and kneels down
next to Johnny who is barely lucid. She places the end of a clear rubber tube in
the palm of one hand and presses the other end against Johnny’s exposed
arm.
ISABEL
I know I shouldn’t be doing this, but I doubt you’re
going to any real hospitals anytime soon, so I think
I’m safe.
Isabel’s hands glow and the tube fills up with blood. Isabel winces a little from
the initial sting, but conveys her blood into Johnny’s arm. After a few moments,
the blood retreats into Isabel’s palm and she removes the tube.
EXT. THE POOL HALL - NIGHT
Isabel emerges from the pool hall. Max and the gang pique up.
ALEX
Isabel, are you okay?
ISABEL
Yeah, I’m fine, Alex. Everything is okay. Johnny’s
gonna live. But we’ve got a little problem.
ALEX
There’s a surprise.
ISABEL
Sal is going to pay us $10,000, but guess where he’s
gonna get the money from?
MAX/LIZ
(simultaneously)
Michael.
Isabel nods. Maria checks her watch: 11: 55 PM.
MARIA
It’s 11:55 PM.
LIZ
Then let’s go.
The gang hops in the jeep. Max tries to start it but...
LIZ
What? What’s wrong?
MAX
It won’t start.
ISABEL
What?!
ALEX
Try again!
MAX
Hold on, hold on.
Max tries to turn it over. The jeep just won’t start.
MARIA
Oh, Jesus. Like, not now!
Liz turns to Maria.
LIZ
Maria. Go.
MARIA
What?
LIZ
Take the money to Michael.
MARIA
Are you serious?
ISABEL
Yes! Go.
Maria hesitates as she looks at Max, Liz and then Isabel. Maria nods.
MARIA
All right.
Max hands Maria a brown paper bag full of money. Maria takes it and hops out
of the jeep. She starts to run, but stops and looks back at them.
ALEX
Go!
LIZ
Go. It’ll be all right.
Maria nods and tears off down the street. Max sees that Liz has a worried look
on her face. He puts a hand on hers.
MAX
She’ll be okay.
LIZ
I know.
Liz looks down and sees Max’s hand on hers. She then looks at Max who just
stares lovingly back at her. Max doesn’t remove his hand.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - NIGHT
Maria runs with the bag of money. She ducks, leaps, dodges and nearly jumps
under, over, and through the ever increasing crowds.
EXT. THE POOL HALL - BACK ALLEY - NIGHT
Sal helps a wounded Johnny into the back of a BMW. Sal and Marty get in the
front seat and the car pulls away.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
Michael stands on a fairly deserted street corner and looks up at the street
signs: FIFTH AND WABASH. He checks his watch: 11: 56 PM
MICHAEL
Come on, Maria.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - SAME
Maria continues to run for all she is worth.
MARIA (O.C.)
Hold on, Michael. Just hold on.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
The BMW navigates the crowded streets. Marty is behind the wheel with Sal
riding shotgun. Johnny rides in the back, almost unconscious. Marty honks the
horn:
MARTY
Come on! Move, move!
He lays on the horn...
INT. THE DE LUCA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME
On the TV screen in the living room:
DICK CLARK
Well, this is it folks. Only three more minutes left in
the 20th Century!
Amy has a worried look on her face.
AMY
Oh, I hope Maria doesn’t miss this.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - SAME
Maria continues to sprint through the endless sea of nocturnal partiers.
EXT. THE POOL HALL - SAME
Max glances at his watch: 11:58 PM. He looks at Liz and they share an
unspoken connection.
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
Everybody is on their feet as they stand watching the TV.
DICK CLARK
I can’t believe this folks! We are just two minutes
away from a new millennium! What a year this has
been!
Valenti and Jeff stand next to each other in the midst of the crowd.
JEFF
What’s Kyle doing tonight?
VALENTI
I don’t know. He said he was going out with some
friends.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - SAME
Maria runs. The crowds are much thicker now as people gather in front of
storefront windows watching Dick Clark.
MARIA (O.C.)
Just hold on... Hold on Michael. I’m coming.
EXT. TRAILER PARK - NIGHT
Marty forces MICHAEL’S FOSTER DAD into the rear of the car. Marty gets in
the front and the car speeds off.
INT. THE EVAN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - CONTINUOUS
Diane lays on top of Philip (both are fully clothed) as they make out like a
couple of teen agers. They manage to look toward the TV
DICK CLARK
11:59! Just one more minute until 2000!
DIANE
I hope the kids are having a good time.
PHILIP
I don’t know about the kids, but I sure am.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
Michael looks down the street and sees a BMW turn onto the street. It slowly
crawls toward him.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - CONTINUOUS
Maria rounds the corner at one end. She sees Michael standing at the far end
of the block. She runs toward him in SLOW MOTION.
The car slowly drives forward. Closer... Closer...
Maria continues to run as she yells out:
MARIA
Michael!
Michael turns around and sees Maria barreling at him from behind. He turns and
sees the BMW slow and finally stop. Marty, Sal, Johnny and Michael’s Foster
Father all exit. They walk toward Michael...
Michael turns around as Maria throws the bag of money into the air. It hurls
toward him in SLOW MOTION... Maria ducks into a doorway...
INT. THE UFO MUSEUM - SAME
Milton and the Roswell Three stand with glasses of champagne as they watch a
portable TV.
MILTON/ROSWELL THREE
...Five...
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
Sal and the group stand in front of Michael.
JOHNNY
You got the cash?
INT. THE DE LUCA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME
AMY
...Four...
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
MICHAEL
Yeah. Right here.
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
VALENTI/JEFF
...Three...
EXT. THE POOL HALL - SAME
MAX/LIZ/ALEX/ISABEL
...Two...
INT. THE EVAN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - SAME
Philip and Diane stand with glasses of champagne.
PHILIP/DIANE
One!
DICK CLARK
Happy Millennium everybody!
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
The crowds explode in a fusillade of deafening cheer. Fireworks blaze across
the sky. A euphoria of anticipation is released.
Michael, Sal, Johnny, Michael’s Foster Father, and Marty all turn to the sky as
colorful star bursts light up the sky just as...
The bag lands in Michael’s hand behind his back.
EXT. THE DE LUCA HOUSE - LIVING ROOM - SAME
Amy dances around with a Martini in one hand as she blows party favor in the
other.
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - SAME
Valenti and Jeff Parker hug one another.
INT. THE EVAN’S HOME - LIVING ROOM - SAME
Philip and Diane hug each other and kiss passionately.
EXT. THE POOL HALL - SAME
Max and Liz kiss one another passionately. It’s long and warm. Alex and Isabel
also share a kiss. Not as passionate, but sweet and tender nonetheless.
EXT. STREETS OF ROSWELL - DOWNTOWN - SAME
MICHAEL
Yeah, I got the money. I got it right here.
Michael hands the bag to Johnny who hands the bag to Marty, who counts it.
MARTY
It’s all here, boss.
JOHNNY
(to Michael’s Foster Father)
You’re lucky, old man. Looks like you’re gonna have
a happy new year after all.
Johnny slaps Michael’s Foster Father on the cheek twice as Sal, Marty and him
walk back to the car. Before Johnny gets in:
JOHNNY
By the way... Happy Millennium.
They get in the car and it drives away. Michael is left with his Foster Father.
They stare at each other, his father visibly ashamed. Maria walks down the
street toward the two.
Michael and his Foster Father walk down the street.
FOSTER FATHER
Listen, Michael... I know that it hasn’t been easy for
you to have me as a parent...
MICHAEL
Awe, let’s not...
Michael’s Foster Father stops and looks at Michael.
FOSTER FATHER
No. I’m serious. It’s my new years resolution. I
promise to be there for you... Because you came
through for me when you didn’t have to.
Michael doesn’t know how to react, but maintains his tough exterior.
MICHAEL
I just didn’t want to see you get hurt. You’re the only
family I’ve got.
MARIA
Michael.
Michael and his Foster Father look up and see Maria who walks toward them.
FOSTER FATHER
No... I think you’ve got another one.
MICHAEL
Maria. This is my Foster Father, Hank. Hank, This is
Maria.
Maria and Michael’s Foster Father (HANK) shake hands.
HANK
It’s nice to meet you, Maria.
MARIA
You too, Hank.
Michael and Maria stand there with Hank.
HANK
I think I’ll just... I’ll see you at home, Michael.
MICHAEL
Okay, Hank.
HANK
And Michael? Thank you.
MICHAEL
You’re welcome, Hank. Happy New Year.
HANK
That’s right. It is, isn’t it?
Michael nods. Hanks smiles and walks away. The fireworks continue to explode
above Michael and Maria as the party of the millennium rages on a few blocks
away. They walk down the street in silence.
MICHAEL
Look... I don’t know...
MARIA
You’re welcome.
Michael and Maria look at each other.
MICHAEL
Thank you.
Michael and Maria walk on in silence for a few moments.
MICHAEL
Weird night, huh?
MARIA
You could say that.
They stop.
MICHAEL
Look... This is why I didn’t want to get involved with
you. And this is why I didn’t want to even call you to
night. I’ve screwed up your life enough that if you...
Maria grabs Michael and plants the most passionate kiss that you’ve ever
seen on him. Fireworks fill the sky above them.
MARIA
Happy Millennium.
Michael is at a loss.
MICHAEL
Happy Millennium.
INT. THE CRASHDOWN CAFE - LATER
Max, Liz, Maria, Michael, Alex, and Isabel, along with Diane, Philip, Amy, Valenti
and Jeff (along with Liz’s mother NANCY), all dance the night away amid the
other party goers.
MARIA (O.C.)
Well, there you have it. It’s not Shakespeare, but
that’s what happened. At least that’s my story and
I’m sticking to it. Max and Liz eventually got back
together, Isabel and Alex got together for the first
time, and Sal paid us back the money he owed us for
saving his brother’s life which I put back in my mom’s
dresser drawer. As a side note, Sal and his gang are
now serving life in prison without the possibility of
parole for racketeering.
EXT. MARIA DE LUCA’S ROOM - NIGHT
Maria sits on her bed writing in her journal.
MARIA (O.C.)
My God, is my life, like, really this complicated, now? --
Scratch that -- Anyway, that’s how I spent the last 45
minutes of the 20th Century. Funny... Somehow I
pictured it without so much running. Weird.
Maria shakes her head and continues to write.
MARIA (O.C.)
Ironic... We spend so much time running toward the
future that sometimes we get so far away from the
the things that really matter. But as long as we have
our friends... I guess it doesn’t matter where we run
to because in the end... Every road leads back to
them.
Maria looks up at a picture of Liz, Michael, Alex, Isabel and Maria. A banner
above them reads HAPPY 2000!
THE END
