~ Written by Danielle N. Bilski ~

CMM38: Screenwriting, Griffith University final assessment, 2015

Born with wings (second draft)

Written by Danielle Bilski ©2015

Born with wings

Written by Danielle N Bilski

EXT. NORMAN'S HOUSE - NIGHT
A brick house in a suburban street. There are two cars in the driveway and two children's bicycles on the front lawn.

INT. NORMAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
NORMAN sits in a large bed, cuddled up with LILYANNE, 1, THOMAS, 4 and JACKSON, 6.
ON THE SCREEN: MELBOURNE, CHRISTMAS EVE 2014
NORMAN adjusts the covers. NORMAN looks at Lilyanne.
NORMAN Ok. You ready?
CHORUS (NORMAN, JACKSON , THOMAS) Once upon a time, there was a little boy named Norman...
NORMAN And all he wanted for Christmas was to be able to fly.

EXT. JACK'S HOUSE - DAY (TWILIGHT)
ON THE SCREEN: MELBOURNE, CHRISTMAS 1991
Two young boys ride their bikes on the footpath. They stop outside Jack's house: a brick house in a suburban street. The driveway is empty. The front garden is overgrown. The grass is yellow.
BOY 1 They say he never leaves the house.
BOY 2 Never? How come?
Boy 1 shrugs and they keep riding. There's a NO JUNK MAIL sticker on the letterbox. There's a NO SALESPEOPLE sticker on the front door.

INT. JACK'S HOUSE - DAY (TWILIGHT)
A glass of water and a bottle of medication is on the coffee table. A model aircraft is being built. The TV is on in the background, covered in tinsel. JACK, 60, stands at the window watching the boys ride past.

MALE NEWSREADER (V.O) Tonight the leadership crisis in Canberra. Bob Hawke forces Paul Keating's hand for a final showdown. Live reports from the capital as the drama reaches its climax in just half an hour. And Compass Airlines fights for its future and its aircraft.

EXT. NORMAN'S HOUSE - DAY (TWILIGHT)
Norman's friends, BEN and DAVID stand on the grass, looking up at the roof. A ladder is perched against the house. On the roof, Norman, 10, stands with his arms out-stretched, over-sized pilot's goggles falling down his face, and coloured kites secured to his arms.
Norman jumps and lands hard. He is unconscious on the ground.

INT. JACK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
The phone rings. Jack walks into the kitchen and picks up corded phone on the wall. He is wearing a hearing aid.

INT. HOSPITAL - NIGHT
There's decorations and a Christmas tree. LILY, 35, speaks into a phone in the cafeteria. She has been crying and looks ragged.
LILY Dad?
JACK Lil. What's wrong?
LILY We're at the hospital. It's Norman. He tried to fly off the roof again. This time it's really bad. He's regained consciousness, but the doctors told us there's a chance he'll never walk again. I know it's difficult for you, but we really need you here. Tom's hysterical.
JACK Love... I can't. I'll call you tomorrow, all right.
LILY Dad, we're your family. Don't make this all about you!
Jack hangs up the phone. He puts his hand on his chest and leans against the wall. He sits on the couch, reaches for his glass of water and knocks it, spilling water across the model plane.

INT. JACK'S HOUSE - NIGHT
Jack lies awake in bed in the dark. He sits up, turns the bedside lamp on and picks up a framed photo of Lily and Tom cradling Norman as a baby.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - NIGHT
Norman lies asleep in the hospital bed. TOM is asleep in a chair beside the bed. Lily stands at the window with a cup of coffee in her hand.

FADE TO:
INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY (MORNING)
Lily stands beside Norman's bed with a phone to her ear. She transfers the receiver to Norman's ear who is watching TV.
LILY Grandpa wants to talk to you.
NORMAN Hi Pa!
JACK (O.S) How's my little pilot? I heard you had another crash.
NORMAN Yeah. My legs aren't working.
JACK (O.S) Well that's no good. Listen, I'm making a model plane for you. But you have to promise you won't try flying again.
NORMAN I'm not a baby. I'm ten and half.
JACK (O.S) I know you're growing up Norman. I'm so proud of you...but it's still too dangerous. Understand? 
NORMAN It's ok, Grandpa. One day I'm gonna fly in a real plane like you.
JACK (O.S) I hope you do, Norman. We all just want you to be safe.

CUT TO: INT. JACK'S STUDY - DAY
Jack sits at a desk with the phone receiver to his ear.
CASA REPRESENTATIVE (O.S) I'm sorry to hear about your grandson, Mr. Battey, but the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is unable to renew your pilot's license based on the medical documents you've supplied at this time.
JACK So that's it?
CASA REPRESENTATIVE (O.S) I suggest you find someone to fly for you. Merry Christmas.
Jack hangs up the phone. He throws the documents across the desk. He stands up and paces the room.

CUT TO:
INT. JACK'S BEDROOM - DAY
Jack sorts through draws and cupboards, leaving papers scattered on the bed and floor. Jack sits on the bed and rubs his hand over his face. He stands up and leaves the room.

INT. JACK'S LOUNGE ROOM - DAY
Jack finds a little black book in a draw. Inside the cover there's a black and white photo of Jack and WILLIAM from their time in the Korean War. On the back is handwritten:
77 SQUADRON, KOREA, 1951.
Jack leafs through the book and finds a phone number.

INT. JACK'S STUDY - DAY
The photo of Jack and William is propped up beside the phone.
WILLIAM (O.S) Hello.
JACK Will? It's Jack.
WILLIAM Battey. Wow, I was just thinking about you the other day. How are ya, Mate?
JACK Actually, I have a big favour to ask you. Do you still fly?
WILLIAM Sure. My plane's in a hang at Moorabbin Airport. Got a sudden urge to take a joyride, have ya?
JACK What would say if I asked you to take my grandson, Norman, flying?
WILLIAM Sure. You can borrow my plane. How old's the little fella? My granddaughter, Faith, just turned eight. Such a curious age.
JACK He's ten and you should know, he's in a wheelchair.
WILLIAM Right. I'm sorry to hear that.
JACK My license was rejected, so you'd have to be the one flying.
WILLIAM Look, you've actually caught me at a bad time, but let me give you a ring tomorrow. Leave it with me, ok? Oh, and give Norman my best.

JACK But-
WILLIAM It's great to hear from you, Buddy. I'll be in touch.
Jack hangs up the phone. It rings immediately and he picks it up.
LILY (O.S) Dad? Norman's asking for you. He wants to see his grandfather. Can I come and get you?
JACK I have an appointment to go to.
LILY (O.S) That's fine, I'll take you there first. Then we'll go see Norman. See you soon, ok.

EXT. DOCTOR'S CLINIC - DAY
A patient opens the door to a suburban clinic and walks inside.

INT. DOCTOR'S CLINIC WAITING ROOM - DAY
Lily sits in the waiting room, reading a magazine.

INT. DOCTOR'S OFFICE - DAY
Jack sits with his shirt sleeve rolled up above his elbow and a blood pressure machine attached to his arm. DOCTOR 1 stands beside him.
DOCTOR 1 Jack, I don't have to tell you, flying does carry a certain degree of risk. Especially with all things considered.
JACK What's the worst that can happen, Doc?
DOCTOR 1 I think we both know the answer to that.
DOCTOR 1 takes the blood pressure cuff of Jack's arm and writes in Jack's records. Jack unrolls the arm of his shirt. 

CUT TO: INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Norman sits upright in bed watching TV and drawing on a piece of paper. His face lights up when he sees Jack in the doorway.
NORMAN Grandpa!
JACK How's my special boy?
NORMAN Alright. Mum's letting me watch Top Gun.
LILY Under parental supervision.
JACK Well, I have a surprise for you mate. Since I heard you've had a bit of trouble by yourself, I'm going to help you fly. I'm just trying to find the right plane for you.
NORMAN Mum, did you hear that? Pa's gonna take me flying, like Maverick does. Pa will be like Maverick and I'll be his copilot like Goose.
Lily nods. Jack goes to say something, but stops himself. Tom enters the room. He's surprised to see Jack.
NORMAN Dad, Pa's gonna take me flying.
TOM What? Did anyone think to run this by me, before promising the kid something that ain't never gonna happen?
LILY Tom!
TOM No. I've had enough of this nonsense. Whose idea was this?  
LILY Tom, calm down.
JACK It was my idea. A Christmas present. I mean, just because he can't walk, doesn't mean he can't fly.
TOM It does, if I say it does. You got that, Grandpa?
LILY Don't speak to him like that. I think we should talk about this some other time, don't you?
TOM I don't care what you think.
NORMAN But Grandpa said I can fly.
LILY (to Norman) Don't you worry, baby. (to Jack) Come on Dad.
TOM How's he gonna take you flying if he can't even leave the house?
LILY Stop it! He's here now, isn't he?
Lily kisses Norman on his forehead.
LILY
(to Norman) I'll be right back sweetheart, ok.
(to Tom) Stop upsetting him.
Jack pats Norman on the shoulder and winks at him. Norman smiles. TOM I'm not the one making promises I can't keep.
LILY (whispers) We'll see.
Lily and Jack exit. Tom sits down next to the bed. 

EXT. JACK'S HOUSE - DAY
Boy 1 and Boy 2 ride past Jack's house and look surprised when they see Jack get out of Lily' car.
BOY 1 That's him.
Jack waves to the boys.
JACK Afternoon. You're good boys, wearing your helmets.
Boy 1 nudges Boy 2, urging him to ask a question.
BOY 2 My dad says you were in the war.
LILY Hey, watch your manners. Now, off you go.
JACK (to the boys) See you later
Jack and Lily go inside.

INT. JACK'S HOUSE - DAY
Jack's walks into the bedroom. The phone rings and Lily answers it.
LILY Hello?
WILLIAM I was looking for Jack.
LILY Jack, yes. He's my father. I'll see whether-
WILLIAM Oh, you must be Norman's mother.
LILY How do you know about my son? 
WILLIAM Jack and me served in Korea together. He told me your son is in a wheelchair and asked if I'd take Norman flying.
LILY Well, my husband is none too fond of the idea. He's very protective. Besides, it's too early to know whether Norman will be able to walk.
WILLIAM With a grandfather like Jack, I'm sure he will. Is Jack there, by any chance?
LILY I'll get him for you.

INT. BEDROOM - DAY
Jack takes off his shirt, revealing a pacemaker scar on his chest. Lily appears in the doorway.
LILY Dad, someone's on the phone for you.
JACK Who is it, love?
LILY It's William. You told him Norman was in a wheelchair?
JACK I thought he should know. I didn't say it was permanent.
LILY I mean, we don't even know that Norman won't walk again.
JACK I know that, but I thought telling Will might help.
Jack and Lily walk down the hallway to Jack's study.

INT. JACK'S STUDY - DAY
Jack sits down at the desk. Lily stands opposite him.
Jack and Lily walk down the hallway to Jack's study.

INT. JACK'S STUDY - DAY
Jack sits down at the desk. Lily stands opposite him.
LILY But do you really think this is such a good idea? You saw how Tom reacted. He'll do whatever he can to prevent it from happening.
JACK Lil, depending on what Will says, Tom mightn't have to do anything.
Jack picks up the phone. Lily picks up the black and white photo of Jack and Will that is still beside the phone and looks at it.
LILY Why are you doing this? Don't you believe he'll walk?
JACK I'm doing this because we all know he was born with wings. (to William) Will, thank you for ringing back. (pause) Yes, of course. Christmas Eve. Thank you. A Santa costume? Hmm, leave it with me. Absolutely, we'll see you then. Bye.
Jack hang up the receiver. Lily looks at him and he nods, smiling.
LILY Let me take care of Tom. I'll take him Christmas shopping.
JACK Perfect.

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY
William dressed as SANTA brings a wheelchair into Norman's room and two NURSES follow him. Lily stands up, winks at Norman and excuses herself. NURSE 1 hands Lily a clipboard and pen. Lily and Nurse 1 exit. Santa and NURSE 2 stand either side of Norman's bed.
TOM Ah, I think you must have the wrong room, mate.
SANTA/WILLIAM Actually, I'm here for Master Norman. The Christmas party in the activities room is starting any minute and I need his help to hand out all the presents. 
TOM No one told me anything about a Christmas party.
Santa and Nurse 2 prepare to transfer Norman into the wheelchair.
SANTA/WILLIAM Well, of course, the more the merrier.
TOM I'll have to speak to my wife.
Santa and Nurse 2 lift Norman out of bed. Tom grabs Santa's wrist.
TOM Stop. He's not going anywhere until my wife gets back.
SANTA/WILLIAM Very well.
Tom walks to the door and looks down the hallway. Santa leans over and slips a Royal Australian Air Force brevet into Norman's hand.
SANTA /WILLIAM (whispers) Today you've earned you wings, Little Man.
NORMAN Where's my Pa?
SANTA/WILLIAM He'll meet us at the airport.

INT. JACK'S HOUSE - DAY
Jack stands at the window. A taxi parked in the driveway honks its horn. Jack paces anxiously around the lounge room. The horn honks.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM - DAY
Lily and Tom walk back into the room. Lily picks up her handbag.  Santa and Nurse 2 lift Norman into the wheelchair.
TOM I'm going to the Christmas party with Norman.
LILY For goodness sake Tom. Let the poor kid have some fun. He'll be fine. I mean, he's already in a hospital.
Lily kisses Norman on the cheek. Norman wraps his arms around Lily's neck.
LILY Have fun. I love you.
NORMAN Love you.
LILY Now, off you go. Be a good boy for Santa.
Lily nods at Santa. Lily puts her hand on her heart, thankful. Santa nods at Lily. Santa, Norman and Nurse 2 exit.
LILY I need to use the bathroom, then we'll head to Southland.
TOM I thought you just went.

INT. HOSPITAL FOYER - DAY
Lily and Tom meet Norman's DOCTOR 2 at the reception desk.
DOCTOR 2 I was actually just heading in to see Norman.
TOM He's at the Christmas party.
DOCTOR 2 What Christmas party?
TOM He's in the activities room with Santa.
DOCTOR 2 That party was held yesterday.
Tom pushes Lily out of the way. DOCTOR 2 steadies Lily. Tom runs down the hallway in the direction Norman was taken.

EXT. MOORABBIN AIRPORT - DAY
William, Jack, Norman in his wheelchair and FAITH stand beside the light aircraft.
WILLIAM Norman, Jack, I hope you don't mind if my granddaughter, Faith comes along for the ride.
NORMAN She is a girl, but she seems all right to me.
WILLIAM (laughs) Give them a few more years.
JACK Besides, it will just be the three of you.
NORMAN But Grandpa, I won't go without you.
JACK You'll be alright, Buddy. I'll be here when you land.
A bystander takes a photo of Jack, William, Faith and Norman in his wheelchair, with the plane behind them. William takes the camera. Jack and William carry Norman into the aircraft.
NORMAN
Come on, Grandpa. You be Maverick and I'll be Goose.

INT. PLANE - DAY
William sits in the cockpit. Jack sits beside him.  They're all wearing black headsets. Faith and Norman are thrilled as the plane takes off. Jack looks at William and turns around to look at Norman. They smile at one another. Jack's watches Norman enjoy the view for ten minutes of in-flight time. Suddenly Jack's face is bright red, he clutches his chest, struggling to breathe.
WILLIAM Are you alright, Jack? Jack?
JACK Don't tell the kid.
William nods, picks up his radio. He watches Jack closes his eyes.  

EXT. AIRPORT - DAY
Lily and Tom stand on the tarmac. An ambulance parks beside them.  The aircraft lands. Lily and Tom lift Norman out of the plane and into his wheelchair. Tom wheels Norman towards the car. Lily lifts  Faith out and tries to get to Jack. A paramedic guides her away from the plane as Lily cries and collapses on the ground. William exits the plane and puts his hand on Faith's shoulder.

INT. NORMAN'S BEDROOM - NIGHT
Norman sits in a large bed, Lilyanne is asleep with her head on his chest. Jackson and Thomas lay either side of Norman, looking up at him with tired eyes. Faith sits at the end of the bed.
CHORUS (Norman, Jackson, Thomas) The end.
JACKSON That was the day you met Mummy.
Faith smiles and kisses Norman lovingly on the lips. She picks up Lilyanne and stands beside the bed.
FAITH Come on munchkins, time for bed. Jackson, Thomas, say goodnight to Dad. I'll be there to tuck you in.
NORMAN Goodnight, I love you. Night my little Lilyanne.
Jackson and Thomas hug Norman around his neck and kiss him. Jackson sits down in the wheelchair at the end of the bed.
NORMAN You like Dad's magic chair, do you?
Jackson nods. On the table is the framed photo of Norman, Jack, William and Faith, and Jack's model plane. The lamp's turned off.

FADE TO BLACK

WHITE TEXT ON BLACK SCREEN:  For Nana Rose. In loving memory of Papa Norman (1923 - 2004)

THE END

©2023 Danielle N Bilski