Sides for Charlie & Chuck, Gemini Casting Call, April 15th, 2009, Downtown Lansing Library Auditorium

11. EXT. DRIVEWAY -- NIGHT

Chuck walks on as Charlie shuts the door behind. Chuck pauses and looks up.

CHUCK
One good thing about living out in
The middle of nowhere. The stars
Are amazing.

Charlie walks up and shares his view. They breath in unison. It’s cold.

CHARLIE
I always forget to look.

CHUCK
Your mother got you a telescope
And you were hooked. You wanted
to be an astronaut.

CHARLIE
I don’t remember any of that.

Chuck half-smiles and looks at Charlie.

CHUCK
Life changes things.

FROM AN UPSTAIRS WINDOW we see Charlie and Chuck staring into the night sky. Charlie looks at his father. Chuck stares at him. Or is it through him? Charlie looks back up, then turns back at his father’s voice.

CHUCK
You know, if you ever need to talk...
You know you can tell me anything.
Anything at all. I’ll always be
On your side.

CHARLIE
(a little confused)
I know that.

CHUCK
Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea
Moving you back here. Too many...
sad memories.

CHARLIE
Dad, it was a financial blessing for us. And it was the only thing to do, at least
Until it sells. We can’t thank you
Enough.

CHUCK
I just want you to be alright.

CHARLIE
We are, thanks to you.
I know the memories of Mom and Jim
are worse for you, and I’m sorry.
We’ll get rid of this place as soon as
We can, so you can move on.

CHUCK
You do whatever you have to do to for
Your family. Don’t worry about me.

CHARLIE
You are my family, Dad.

CHUCK
(tearing up)
Son, I’ve...I’ve done a lot of...
Questionable things in my life. Things
I’m not proud of. I’m afraid my...
Failure...with your brother-

CHARLIE
I’m not my brother. It wasn’t me.
No matter what happened then, you’ve
never failed me or my family. And I’ve
always been proud of you. You’re the
strongest man I’ve ever known, and if
there’s one thing I’m sure of,it’s that
I can count on you.

CHUCK
I hope you’re right.

CHARLIE
Go home, Dad. Get away from
this house and its past. I know you’ve
only always done your best for our
family. It’s okay to let go and rest
tonight.

CHUCK
...Thanks.

They embrace.

CHUCK
I love you, Charlie.

CHARLIE
(smiling)
I love you two, Chuck.

FROM THE SAME UPSTAIRS WINDOW we see the hug end, and Chuck getting into his car.

CHARLIE
Call me when you get home.

CHUCK
I will. And you call me if you need
Anything, anything at all. Anytime,
I don’t care when. Call me.

CHARLIE
(with a laugh)
I will, Dad. I promise.