FADE IN:

INT. SHOP - DAY

Edna's Edibles bustles with activity as NATALIE and TOOTIE arrange pumpkins and Indian corncobs, while MRS GARRETT sets up signs and other festive autumn decorations. JO sets tables with condiments and placemats.

JO
You expect a big turnout with this sale, Missuz Gee?
GARRETT
Positive. My prize-winning pies are sure to bring in customers.
And just in time for the holidays.
JO
What kinds do you bake?
GARRETT
Cherry, pecan, pumpkin, and of course my famous apple pies--those won a blue ribbon at the Wisconsin State Fair.
JO
That reminds me. There's an article in the paper about a warning
by the Eff-Dee-Ay not to buy certain apples. They've got a cancer-causing pesticide in them.
GARRETT
Which kinds of apples?

Jo scans the paper.

JO
It says here...Red Pippins.
GARRETT
I wouldn't worry about it. I don't use Red Pippins.
TOOTIE
I don't see why Blair isn't here to help us. Right at the last minute, before a big sale, she says she's got to go on a date with
Cliff. Does she expect pumpkins to sprout legs and walk to their
settings?
NATALIE
No, but her fairy godmother turned one into a coach and told her to be back by midnight.
GARRETT
This is a special day for Blair. She and Cliff met each other a year ago today and they're celebrating.
TOOTIE
Oh, sure--did she clear it up with you? Did she ask permission to not risk busting a fingernail to help shuffle pumpkins?
NATALIE
Tootie, shut up and shuffle.
GARRETT
Yes, Tootie, I gave her permission. I have plenty of help with the three of you.

(continued)

this is great so far.. write more really soon

It's great!!!

SFX: DOORBELL as CLIFF enters.

CLIFF
Hi. Is Blair ready?
JO
She's putting Windex on her glass slipper.
GARRETT
Hello, Cliff. Blair will be down shortly. Would you care for a snack
while you're waiting?
CLIFF
No thanks. I just brushed my teeth.
JO
Have a treat or you'll hurt her feelings.
CLIFF
Well...maybe just a little.

Mrs. Garrett holds up a tray of brownies.

GARRETT
How about one of my fudge brownie?
CLIFF
Sure.

She scoops up one with a cake knife and onto a plate.

TOOTIE
Wait a minute--won't he have to pay for that?
GARRETT
Tootie, he's family.
TOOTIE
And what are we?
JO
The hired help.
TOOTIE
I demand emancipation--for all people like me.
NATALIE
What? Whiny and annoying?

It's wonderful!

BLAIR parades out from a hallway door, in an casual yet elegant dress.

BLAIR
How do I look?
(Notices Cliff)
Cliff!

She races to him. They embrace.

CLIFF
I'd kiss you, but I just ate one of Missus Garrett's brownies.

Mrs. Garrett stares at him, shocked and offended.

CLIFF
I mean, I just brushed my teeth and my breath is all fudgy.
BLAIR
(leering at him vampishly)
Kiss me, you fool.

They do, lingeringly.

GARRETT
So where are you two off to today?
BLAIR
We decided to go out for a little shopping, then stop for a cappuccino at Yvette's on Main, then some shopping before lunch,
then some last minute shopping before dinner and a movie.
JO
Blair Warner, the Tammy Faye of the coed group.
BLAIR
(to Cliff)
Is that right--dinner, then a movie?
CLIFF
That's fine with me.
TOOTIE
And then what, after the movie?
NATALIE
Tootie, stifle yourself.
CLIFF
Umm...then they roll the credits.
BLAIR
We won't have time to watch them. We're going up to Lookout Drive.
TOOTIE
What's up there?
NATALIE
Can it, Tootie.
(to Blair and Cliff)
What is up there?
CLIFF
I don't know, but we'll let you know when we find it.
(to Blair)
Are you ready, monkey?
BLAIR
Ready when you are, Tarzan.
GARRETT
Have her back by a reasonable hour, Jungle Boy, or the natives here will be getting restless.

Blair and Cliff exit.

(continued)

TOOTIE
Isn't that the most romantic thing, two young people--children --for a whole year adrift in the sea of love...
NATALIE
Tootie, I think you saw too many showings of "The Blue Lagoon."
TOOTIE
Wasn't Brooke Shields adorable in it?
JO
I don't know. It sounds fakey that two kids who live like bratty brother and sister all their lives would end up with lovey-dubby in their eyes. They couldn't have been serenaded by their hormones that quickly.
TOOTIE
But being lost on a desert isle with no one but each other...isn't there something so romantic about it?
NATALIE
Two kids couldn't have looked good for ten years, they'd be wearing palm leaves and combing their hair with crab legs.
TOOTIE
You two just have no sentimentality.
JO
How's this for sentimentality--you and Jeff on Pago Pago, he has
to take care of you after sharks munch your arms off in a feeding frenzy.

She hands Tootie a pumpkin.

JO
Take this while you got them.

DISSOLVE TO:

(continued)

:lol: Cool!!

EXT. STREET - DAY

Blair and Cliff happily frolick down a street with many fancy shops.
Though the streets are slick with rainwater, they playfully SPLASH
each other with sunny smiles across their cheeks and LAUGH in amusement.

CLIFF
Come on, Blair, I can hardly catch up.
BLAIR
We don't want to miss the sale at Tiffany's, do we?
CLIFF
What's the hot item at Tiffany's?
BLAIR
We are, and Blair Warner never misses a sale.
CLIFF
Anything special that she'd have to drag her prospective future
husband there for?
BLAIR
Take your pick, I can put it on my charge card.
CLIFF
By the way, where's my umbrella?
BLAIR
You had it a while ago. I can charge for a new one for you.
CLIFF
I think I left it in that last store. I better go back and get it.
BLAIR
(glancing skyward)
Please hurry, it might rain again soon.

He leaves in the opposite direction. Blair waits on the corner patiently, when she notices a young long-haired man, JEREMY, handing out flyers to PASSERSBY with little success. She turns away as he approaches her.
JEREMY
Hi!
BLAIR
Hi...
JEREMY
Excuse me, but do you know when the next bus headed to Langley College gets here?
BLAIR
Er...No, sorry, I don't.

She scans the area this way and that, when her eyes fall on the brightly colored flyers in his hands.

BLAIR
(points to flyers)
So, are you advertising for a new restaurant?
JEREMY
Yeah. Cafe Heaven. It's been around for years, but not too many
people go there.
BLAIR
Cafe Heaven...I've never heard of it. Maybe me and my boyfriend
should go there tonight. Is it any good?
JEREMY
It sure is. Would you like a flyer?
BLAIR
Sure.

He hands her several flyers. As she looks at them her smile fades. She shoots him a leery glance.
JEREMY
So have you ever thought what the whole point of life is all about?

Blair LAUGHS.

BLAIR
You're a philosophy major, aren't you?

He stares at her, eyeing her curiously. No joke.

JEREMY
No. What do you think it is?

(continued)

BLAIR
Well...live a good life, do good to your fellow man, be at peace with God...Stop and smell the roses!
(she CHUCKLES)
JEREMY
That other part. Do you feel you're at peace with God?
BLAIR
(tongue-tied)
Umm...yes...
(gives a dubious nod)
JEREMY
Is he part of your everyday life?

Blair glances about nervously, checks her watch and looks up and down the street. Where is Cliff? Where is that bus?

BLAIR
Well...I try...
JEREMY
Listen, before I go, can I leave you with some tracts? They're all about how you can find a new life in God, and they tell all about our church.

He thrusts a handful into her hands. She grabs them at once, as if to get the whole thing over and done with.

BLAIR
Er... thank you...
JEREMY
Our church isn't some boring old museum that'll put you to sleep.
It's alive and it'll make God real to you! Once you come, you'll want to come every day!
BLAIR
Sure. I'll take a look at these. Thanks.
JEREMY
Hope to see you there!

He leaves. Blair shakes her head, CHUCKLES at the incredulous
pitch. She thumbs through a tract.

BLAIR
Some people try a little too hard to impress Blair Warner...
(READS ALOUD)
"Are you missing something in your life?"--Ha ha, a pair of pantyhose that can stay up longer than I can, duh!--"Are you happy, laughing, confident on the outside but miserable, frustrated, crying on the inside?"--Bring on the violins! Hah!

She SLAPS the tract against a lamppost.

BLAIR
Ho, brother! "Have you considered--"

Her LAUGHTER stops abruptly, her tone softens.

BLAIR
"--God's love?"

She sets the tract down, emotion crossing her eyes. She picks it up and reads on.

BLAIR
"He can fill that void, heal the hurts, and bring you into a new fresh, exciting relationship you've never had before. He gives the
love only a father can give..."

She looks up, eyes glistening.

FADE TO MONTAGE OF FLASHBACKS:

1. Blair's check from her father as Jo looks on.

BLAIR
That was my...father.

3. Her father's note attached with the rose apologizing for not
being able to attend her graduation as her mother LASHES
OUT.

4. Blair with Mrs. Garrett .

BLAIR
I can tell you the day God died. July Fourteenth, Nineteen Seventy-three. The day my parents' divorce became final.

BACK TO SCENE

BLAIR
(READING ON)
"Perhaps you have never lived in a home where there was a father who loved you. Come to House of Faith church, where you will be surrounded by a Heavenly Father's love..."

Blair's eyes mist at this. Tears trickle down her cheeks as she gazes on.

CLIFF
Blair!

Cliff's voice startles her. She quickly stuffs the tracts into her purse.

(continued)

interesting...

CLIFF
Would you believe I almost had to pay to get my umbrella
back? The people in the store thought I was shoplifting it! I got into a big fuss with the clerks, the security--and the store manager just to prove it was mine, bought and paid for!

He looks at Blair, whose starry eyes gaze off in the distance.

CLIFF
Blair? Did you hear me?
BLAIR
(snapping to attention)
Hmm?--Oh--yes...
CLIFF
I'm never shopping there again! I was so mad I just about ran into that guy with the restaurant flyers back there. I nearly hit him with my umbrella.

BLAIR
I'll talk to the manager about that. Let's take your mind off the store with some lunch.

Blair holds out her hand.

BLAIR
Raindrops again. Let's go before we get soaked.

They hurry down the street as the rain picks up.

FADE TO:

(continued)

INT. CHURCH - NIGHT

We see a large room filled with conservatively dressed CHURCHGOERS milling about carrying on CONVERSATIONS and LAUGHING, etc. In the center of the b.g. stands a wide black piano and a podium, and in front are several rows of folding
chairs.

DOORWAY

The door opens and in steps Blair, in a summery-style skirt, hesitating before entering further. She glances about nervously, then slowly creeps in, cringing at the totally unfamiliar
surroundings. Jeremy slips through the crowd and waves to her.

JEREMY
Praise be, sister! We're glad you're here!

He strides up to her and hugs her. Blair's eyes light up in shock
at this bold move, but she gently hugs him back.

BLAIR
Er...thank you. And, um..."praise be."

A young man in black slacks and white shirt, KEN, steps up to them. He shyly offers his hand to Blair to shake.

KEN
Hi. My name is Ken. My father is the pastor. What is your name?
BLAIR
Blair. Blair Warner.
(shakes his hand warmly)
KEN
Blair. That's a very lovely name.
BLAIR
Why, thank you.

Blair gushes coyly and CHUCKLES over this. Ken hangs his head down with sudden shame. She gazes at him, puzzled by his response. A brawny, silver-haired man, REVEREND WYMAN, steps up to them.

WYMAN
Why, hello, little lady. It seems like my son has found a friend.
BLAIR
Blair. Blair Warner. Pleased to meet you.

She vigorously shakes his hand.

WYMAN
Reverend Wyman. Have you been attending here long?
BLAIR
This is my first time.

(continued)

WYMAN
Well, we can assure you that you'll never be the same after attening one of our services. This church is dedicated to edifying the total man--and woman --and equipping him--and her --with everything necessary for a godly, spiritual life.
BLAIR
(beaming)
I can tell...I'm going to feel good here.
WYMAN
You'll do more than that. You'll be transformed here, I guarantee.

He grins broadly as PIANO MUSIC and SINGING pipes up. Wyman leaves for the pulpit and Ken follows with Blair in tow. They take their chairs up front and pick up a hymnal together. They JOIN IN
the joyous singing, occasionally making eye contact--smiling as if sharing an unspoken secret.

FADE TO:

(continued)

Awesome!!

Wyman waves and gestures forcefully as he wraps up a SERMON.

WYMAN
...And this, brothers and sisters, is the key to holy living--submission , to the high calling of God, and separation from the world and its ways. As it is written, "What fellowship does the light have with the darkness?"

Ken shifts nervously in his chair, while Blair stares up at the Reverend with awe.

WYMAN
Are you , friend, ready to take that challenge, answer that
call of the Lord--even facing the mockery of the damned for your stand as servant of the Most High? Praise be.

ALL
Praise be.

WYMAN
Let us pray. Dear Lord, we are honored that you have chosen us
unworthy vessels of clay, to serve your purpose...

Blair leans toward Ken.

BLAIR
(whispers)
That was a great sermon.
KEN
My father is the best.
BLAIR
Your mom must be proud of him.
KEN
I don't have a mom. She died.
BLAIR
Oh, I'm sorry. What happened, if I may...?
KEN
Well, what I've been told is...that...
BLAIR
Go on...

An elderly male CHURCH MEMBER leans into them from behind.

MEMBER
SHH! Women aren't allowed to speak in church.

good!

Blair cringes at the warning, shoots the man a bewildered glance as he turns his nose up and shuffles off. She turns back to Ken.

BLAIR
So what was this about your mother?
KEN
Nothing. She's with the Lord now.
(a beat)
I think. Hey, let's get some cookies and punch in the Fellowship Hall. They have some tasty oatmeal ones.

He shifts toward the back room. Blair watches him, puzzled at his
strange switching of their conversation. She heads for the door.

EXT. CHURCH
She crosses the parking lot.
KEN (O.S.)
Blair!

She looks back as Ken runs up to join her.

KEN
So did you like the service?
BLAIR
I loved it. I really felt, like your father said,
transformed . Ken, what I was asking, about--
KEN
My father will be so glad to hear that. Will I see you next week?
BLAIR
I'll be there with bells and Bibles on.
KEN
I'd better go. Praise be.
BLAIR
Ken, before you go--

She hugs him. She then leaves, waves back with a wide smile.
He stands there, gaping in total dumbfoundment. He watches her as she climbs into her car. He wanders back in, oblivious to all as they exit.

We PAN TO CORNER OF CHURCH, as a man in glasses with thick black frames, CHAUNCEY, watches Blair pull out, and then back at
Ken. He strokes his chin with a steely cold scowl, then marches behind the building.

(continued)

Sweet!!

INT. SHOP - NEXT DAY

The store is ablaze with vivid fall colors, gold leaves, orange pumpkins, tan turkeys, etc.; with the bannerEDNA'S EDIBLES FALL HARVEST SALE draped across the window. Jo adds finishing touches to the window while Tootie sweeps and Natalie sets tables. A few CUSTOMERS drift in and out of the shop.

TOOTIE
I'm sure glad we don't have to set up for the sale anymore. I almost threw my back out carrying those stupid pumpkins.
NATALIE
Don't complain, Tootie, it builds muscles.
TOOTIE
Girls don't need muscles. It's not--feminine .
JO
Where I come from, you need muscles.
NATALIE
You really did get in a lot of fights then, didn't you, Jo?
JO
(gloats)
Yeah.
NATALIE
What did you get in fights about? Boys, candy-store loot, your turf, what exactly?
JO
All of the above, but mostly to be cool.
NATALIE
Cool? You physically abused other human beings to be "cool"?
JO
Aw, Nat, it wasn't that bad. I'll show you how we did it.

Jo saunters up to Tootie, who looks on apprehensively.

JO
First, we check'em out, to see if they might be bad news to us Barbarians.

She stands face to face two feet apart from cringing Tootie. Natalie watches, intrigued.

JO
Then, before they can get away--

Tootie backs away, trying to escape.

JO
We grab'em and throw'em up against the wall.

JO grabs Tootie by the collar and twirls her around to face her. She then shoves Tootie against a cupboard, knocking down some boxes. Tootie shivers with fright.

(continued)

Great!!!!:):):):):):)

NATALIE
(riveted)
I see. Then what?
JO
Then we give'em the third degree.

Jo forces Tootie against the shelves with one hand.

JO
(to Tootie)
What're you doin' crossin' our turf, punk?
TOOTIE
I--I'm sorry. I w-went the wrong w-way...I w-won't do it again, I
p-promise.
JO
You're darn right you won't do it again, 'cause I'm gonna--

Jo raises her other fist as if to strike flinching Tootie when Mrs. Garrett enters.

GARRETT
Girls!

They stop as Mrs. Garrett stands there, scowling with her arms folded.

JO
Aw, we were just kidding around, Missuz Gee.
GARRETT
I'm not kidding about this. I just finished baking my pies for the sale, and look what I found.

She pulls out a box from behind the counter and SLAMS it down on the counter. The label is marked Red Pippins .

GARRETT
After hours of baking and sweating and worrying myself into a tizzie--Red Pippins!
NATALIE
Yeah, so?
JO
Red Pippins, the tainted kind I was telling you about!
GARRETT
Girls, I know I didn't order these. It must have been one of you.

The girls AD LIB slew of denials, I didn't, it wasn't me, I'm not the one, etc.

GARRETT
Someone must have. I'll ask Blair.
NATALIE
Missuz Garrett, you have plenty of other pies. Why not knock off selling your apple pies? No one will miss them. Tell them the truth--the apples were tainted.
GARRETT
Natalie, I can't do that. That'll scare the customers away. I'll lose business.
NATALIE
Why not try a different approach--make a big pitch for your other pies.
JO
Yeah, Missuz Gee, give it some hype.
GARRETT
Well...All right, I'll do it.
TOOTIE
Don't worry, Missuz Garrett, your sale will be a roaring success.

Jo pats Mrs. Garrett on the back.

JO
You got nothing to worry about. They love you around here.
GARRETT
Thanks for the vote of confidence, girls. I'll go back into the kitchen and whip up a batch of my delicious cherry strudel.

She exits.

(continued)

Bell JINGLES as Cliff enters the front door.

CLIFF
Hi, folks. Is Blair around?
NATALIE
Haven't seen her all day. Wasn't she with you last night?

Cliff removes his jacket, sets it on a chair.

CLIFF
No. I was studying for a test.
NATALIE
I thought she was, the way she was all happy and singing when she came home last night.
CLIFF
Happy and singing?
JO
It sounded like you guys really lit up the night the way she was carrying on.
TOOTIE
I heard her mention something about a church. You didn't go with her to one?
CLIFF
I was busy. First I heard about Blair Warner going to a church.
JO
Whatever she did, she didn't say much.

Blair enters through the hall, stops when she sees Cliff.

CLIFF
Blair, you never told me you were going to a church. Why in the world would you go there?
BLAIR
I--uh--you wouldn't understand.
CLIFF
Try me.
BLAIR
Look, I don't know what the big deal is. So I went to church.
CLIFF
And you didn't tell me? Look, Blair, I thought we were pretty honest on our relationship after this long.
BLAIR
And we are. It's just that--I've changed.
CLIFF
About us? Is this the big secret you've been hiding from me?

He sinks onto the chair draped with his coat, sinks his head into his hands. Blair puts her hands on his shoulders, but he shrugs them off.

BLAIR
The truth is...I've found my way back to God..

All MURMUR incredulously.

BLAIR
Look, do you have something against God? Are spiritual needs somehow verboten to discuss around here?
JO
You're the one not discussing it.
BLAIR
Okay. I'll admit it. There is a side to Blair Warner that seeks to rise above the mundane, to reach for that one thing that fills the void deep within the soul.
JO
Ooh, cosmic.

They all LAUGH.

BLAIR
I knew it. You'd mock and sneer. That's why I can't talk about it with any of you. Especially with you, Jo, and you wanted to become a nun.
JO
That was a few years ago.
BLAIR
So is it childish to want God in your life? "Whosoever must enter the kingdom of God must become as a little child"--what happened to those trusting, innocent hearts of youth?
JO
Look, Blair, no one's saying you can't be religious. We're not making fun of your being into God. We just don't want to see you falling all over yourself just to be holy. That's what I almost did.

(continued)

great!:):)

CLIFF
So what's the name of the church?
BLAIR
House of Faith. It's a real neat church, the people are so nice and the music is so good, it make you feel like--
CLIFF
House of Faith ? With a Reverend Wyman?
BLAIR
Yeah! Why?
CLIFF
Did you hear about Wyman?
BLAIR
No. What's wrong with him?
CLIFF
Did you hear about his wife?
BLAIR
His son told me she passed away.
CLIFF
And didn't tell you why?
BLAIR
Look, I don't know why you're grilling me about this. It's just that you can't deal with my finding a little peace in my life. I heard in last night's sermon, "Do not be yoked with unbelievers," and--
JO
Are you telling us that you won't be friends because we don't have some "holy aura"--like we don't believe in God?
NATALIE
I don't believe you, Blair.

Blair remains silent, looks away.

TOOTIE
It's like you don't want to be our friend anymore. I think I like you better when you didn't believe.
CLIFF
Is that the way it's gonna be, Blair? You're tossing me and your friends aside? Blair, I hate to tell you this--

Blair looks out the window.

CLIFF
That church is a cult . I know people who went there. They were lucky to make it out with their brain still in one piece.

The girls stare at her as she folds her arms, her back to them.
She finally turns, smiles haughtily.

BLAIR
A cult...like they harrass people at airports with shaved heads?
Do they fly to the jungles of South America and drink poisoned grape juice? A cult is a pretty strong word.
CLIFF
You can take my word for it.
BLAIR
You know, the only reason why you're telling me this is because--you're all jealous! I found something, and you can't deal with it!
"The wisdom of God is foolishness to those who are perishing"--
Just tell me--where are your lives going? Why can't you accept it?
You know why? I'll tell you...

Cliff and the girls leave the room.

BLAIR
(looking upward)
You, Lord, understand.

She turns to leave another way, then stops.

BLAIR
Praise be.

She exits.

(continued)

Wow this is really good post more soon.

Awesome!

This is awesome. Post more.

Sorry for everyone who's been left hanging, waiting for more "BBTL", I have been busy trying to finish a screenwriting a ssignment that I have to have sent in to Hollywood by Monday.:eek: But now that I have Word software in my laptop, I will finish this all through this weekend and get back to BLINDED BY THE LIGHT!!!!:clap:

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*sniff sniff* I hope I can live that long...:lol:

Don't worry, you won't.:eek:



:lol:

Originally posted by Captain ABlairica
Don't worry, you won't.:eek:



:lol:
oh, well, that wasn't mean or anything. :lol::bighug: I love you too Greg.

Originally posted by Charlotte Rae Fan

oh, well, that wasn't mean or anything. :lol::bighug: I love you too Greg.

I LOVE YOU TOO, LIZZIE MY SWEEEEETIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEE!!!!

I was making a joke about how long it takes me to do things like this assignment.........................................:bighug:

Originally posted by Captain ABlairica


I LOVE YOU TOO, LIZZIE MY SWEEEEETIIIIIIIIIIIIIIEEEEE!!!!

I was making a joke about how long it takes me to do things like this assignment.........................................:bighug:


:lol::lol::lol: k...

What happened to this story?

Originally posted by Ryanmo97
What happened to this story?

I better get back to it, I've been so sidetracked!!! Sorry to leave everyone hanging!!!:doh:

INT. SHOP - A FEW DAYS LATER

The LUNCH CROWD clears out as Natalie and Tootie sit at a table
sampling slices of pies Mrs. Garrett has served them. Tootie looks
groggy while eating hers, while Natalie devours hers with great relish.

TOOTIE
I can't eat another bite.

NATALIE
Come on, Tootie, that's only
your sixth piece.

Natalie takes another bite.

NATALIE
You know what this could use?
A dollop of French Vanilla ice cream.

TOOTIE
How can you even think of
ice cream?

NATALIE
If you don't want it, can I have yours?

Tootie pushes her plate to her. A WOMAN steps through the JINGLING door, marches up to Mrs. Garrett standing at the counter with a row of various pies.

WOMAN
Excuse me, but is this the shop
famous for Edna's famous Dutch
apple pies?

GARRETT
Er--no, but it's the home of Edna's
excellent mince pies!

She holds one up, but the woman turns, looks down disappointed as she heads towards the door.

WOMAN
No thank you.

GARRETT
Edna's prize pecan pies? Edna's
charming cherry strudel?

The door JINGLES as the woman exits.

GARRETT
(calling out)
Please come again!

She turns to Natalie and Tootie, face ashen with worry.

GARRETT
I don't know what to do! I'm
losing business by not selling
those apple pies!

TOOTIE
If I hear that word one more time...

NATALIE
Mrs. Garrett, don't you think you ought
to take a chance with those pies?

GARRETT
No, Natalie, I don't want to become
the Lucretia Borzia of Peekskill.

NATALIE
Look, Missus Gee, try weighing it out:
Poor business. Poison paranoia. Prize
winning pies--pure profit! I mean, there
have been these scares all along. Hot
dogs, diet sodas, red M & M's...

GARRETT
Natalie, I'm not int the business
of selling junk food. My pies are
made from wholesome ingredients.

NATALIE
Which they are! Just sell them and
if anyone gets sick--which I doubt--
just say you didn't know the apples
were bad! Go for it, Missus Garrett!
You'll make a killing!

Mrs. Garrett flinches.

NATALIE
I mean, you know...

GARRETT
I can't do that. I can't be a health
hazard just because I'm losing profits.
We're gonna get by on this sale just
fine. Pumpkin's a big seller this time
of year.

She turns to leave.

GARRETT
Well, I'm going downtown for a while.
Please keep an eye on the store.

She CHUCKLES.

GARRETT
Maybe I can use the pies for rat poison.

She exits.

super!

NATALIE
Ooh, did you hear that, Tootie?
She's comparing her piece de
resistance to pesticide.

TOOTIE
Well, they were sprayed
with it.

NATALIE
But we have to find a way to win
back her good name.

TOOTIE
How?

NATALIE
Come with me to the kitchen. I'll
show you.

She tugs Tootie's sleeve as they head for the kitchen door.

TOOTIE
I don't like the sound of it.

NATALIE
The sound of crisp, crackling dollar
bills, the ka-ching of of the cash
cash register, the sound of Missus
Gee's laughter--Ha-ha-ha-ha!Now
is not the time to be morbid, Tootie.

They enter

INT. KITCHEN

Natalie heads for the cookbook shelf and pulls out a wide binder.

NATALIE
Here is the cookbook with all of
Missus Gee's prize-winning recipes.
And here--

She holds up a loose sheet of paper.

NATALIE
--Is the one for her Fabulous Apple Pie.

super!

TOOTIE
Nat, you better not be doing
what I think you're doing.

NATALIE
I know what you're thinking, say
no more. If Missus Garrett knew
what we were cooking up, she'd
thank me and kiss both my cheeks.

TOOTIE
She'd spank them so hard you wouldn't
be able to sit down for a week. Don't
tell me you're going to bake them.

NATALIE
I'm not going to tell you, you've already
guessed correctly, you're so smart.

Natalie removes pans and cutlery from the shelves and drawers.

TOOTIE
Nat, you don't know how to bake.

NATALIE
Au contraire. I have been baking
with Missus Gee for months now.
She says I'm bery good at it.
Remember the cake for Mother's Day?

TOOTIE
You baked that?

NATALIE
I did--from scratch. Missus Garret said
it was perfect.

TOOTIE
But where are you going to get apples
for this?

Natalie walks over to a bin full of fruits as Tootie follows. She picks up a pear and shows it to Tootie.

NATALIE
Do you know what this is?

TOOTIE
Of course, it's a pear.

NATALIE
Correct. And have you noticed that
the pear is the one fruit that most
resembles an apple in shape, texture,
and flavor.

TOOTIE
Natalie, it's still a pear, not
an apple. We won't be making apple
pies, we'll be making pear pies. That's
deception, Missus Garrett would never
let us come anywhere near the kitchen
if she found out!

Natalie heads to the spice rack and sets down bottles of spices on the counter.

NATALIE
But the customer won't know he's
eating pear pies if he can't taste the
difference. We've got cinnamon, cloves
--all the spices at our disposal to turn
pears into apples. Now are you with me?

Tootie flings up her hands.

TOOTIE
If and when Missus Garrett finds out--
I'm telling her you forced me into it.

Natalie pats her shoulder.

NATALIE
Have I ever let you down? No wait--
don't answer that.

:lol: coolness!

CUT BACK TO

INT. SHOP

The door JINGLES as Blair and Ken enter.

BLAIR
Here is our happy little shop, where we'll be making cookies for the potluck.

She pauses, smiles.

BLAIR
You know, I think I'm going to like
coming to your church. And I'm so
proud to contribute to your functions.

KEN
And I'm really glad you're with us
too, Blair. I really am. You're like--
(voice softens)
My mother.

Blair gazes at him, moved by this.

BLAIR
How sweet of you to say that.

Ken stares back at her with dewy adoring eyes. Mrs. Garrett enters through the hallway door.

GARRETT
Blair! You're just in time to help
with the baking. And who is your
friend you brought in from the cold?

BLAIR
Missus Garrett, this is Ken Wyman, the
pastor's son at the church. Ken, this is
our own Missus Garrett, owner of
Edna's Edibles.

Ken shakes Mrs. Garrett's hand.

KEN
How do you do, ma'am.

GARRETT
Very well, thank you. Blair's told me
so much about your church. And I'm
sure she's told you about us--all
good, I hope?

KEITH
Oh yes, you run quite an operation here
from what I've heard, you and Blair and
the rest of you. My father should be
coming down to make an order for the
potluck next Sunday.

GARRETT
Good. It will be an honor to meet him.

BLAIR
Come on, Ken, Edna's elves got to get
to work.

KEITH
(to Mrs. Garrett)
It was nice meeting you.

He and Blair exit into the kitchen.

super

What happened to this story? Is there more?

Don't worry, there is more to come, I just have had to focus on an overdue screenwriting assignment, but as soon as finish, hopefully next week, if not sooner, I will get back onto it!! It's my passion!!:cool: