Screenplay

A Volcano

written by

Yongyu Cai

FADE IN

EXT. NANGARA TOWN-DAY

A twenty-five-year-old lady walks from the parking lot of the school towards the school assembly. Her name is ROWAN, and she a kindergarten teacher here. She is also a bartender during moonlight hours.

ROWAN (Wondering) When will I make a big fortune for myself. Time is rushing. I never knew I shall be a bartender at one point in my life. A campus graduate, a teacher by profession and a person with a brilliant mind.

ROWAN (CONT’D) (CONT’D) Hey wait, (interrupting her thoughts) you are such a magnificent feature. You are perfectly placed where you are supposed to be (observing the TEVEUNI VOLCANO).

The school that ROWAN teaches is located within NANGARA TOWN. It is a Friday afternoon, and the TAVEUNI shield volcano is well visible from the school compound. ROWAN is staring at it in amusement. The volcano is a dormant feature that erupted a long time ago and shows no signs of eruption soon. The giant TAVEUNI shield is black in color from far due to its basaltic composition. It is believed to be part of the island arcs that make up Fiji, and it is the largest of them all.

ROWAN makes some few rounds within the school assembly. She plucks a flower from a garden along the path leading to her class and then sniffs it. Its scent is good. She smiles and move directly to the class.ROWAN stops just before she pulls the door and looks and observes the volcano again. she wants to go back, may be touch it or feel it. But she is moved by it. Not like other days when she comes and enters her class immediately.

ROWAN (CONT’D) How can such a feature stand tall for this long (referring to TAVEUNI VOLCANO), was it part of God’s first creation? (She points at it) Or is true according to geological time. I’m confused, how can I believe in science and I am a Christian?

2.

ROWAN is disturbed, she pulls the door reluctantly to enter the classroom. Her eyes are still fixed to the volcano. She suddenly sees smoke emanating from its sides. A little trembling is heard from the ground, but nothing happens.

ROWAN (CONT’D) It must be coming back to senses. Smoke from a dormant volcano, what a mystery (shakes her head in disagreement). Ahaa! The gods must be really crazy.

She finally enters the classroom and pulls the door behind her.

INT. CLASSROOM-DAY

The class is silent and ROWAN’S students are busy doing their assignment in a well-organized manner. It is unlikely for them to be this way on Fridays and ROWAN cannot believe it. It is already past twelve and the bell will ring at exactly 1230 hours.

ROWAN (PUZZLING) These students are acting weird though cool this morning. Is there something they know that they are not telling me? Or is it the volcano stuff.

ROWAN (CONT’D) What is the motivation behind this? Oh! I see, they don’t want to spoil their weekend. That must be it. But how comes? Anyway, it’s their live.

The environment remains the same. ROWAN does not bother inquiring more from the students. She has a lot on her desk. Marking of the assignments that her students have brought in early in the morning. She stands and makes some few steps and stops. She looks back as if she has forgotten something on her table. She continues surveying her students pensively.

ROWAN (COMMANDS) (CONT’D) Make sure you repeat this one. Please follow the guidelines I gave you earlier. Some of you are not doing as I directed you. If anyone has a question, feel free as always to approach me. This is what I am paid to do.

3.

After doing her routine walk in the class, he walks back slowing with her shoes making some noise though no one even notices. Minimal communication among the STUDENTS is observed through murmuring which ROWAN that they are engaging each other to solve the mathematical questions that she gave them,

ROWAN (REFLECTS BACK) (CONT’D) Students will always be students. I was like them back in the days. These characters never seize with one generation. I cannot believe that my grandchildren will also be like this. It is the cycle of life as nothing new is brought in but renovations of the old golden ideas that our ancestors had.

One of the STUBBORN STUDENTS walks silently tip-toing and goes to the back of the classroom. ROWAN gives him a blind eye. He slaps his fellow student and them runs back to his seat. ROWAN becomes emotional and stands again.

ROWAN (SHOUTS) (CONT’D) You, I don’t want to see you standing again! You’ll come with you parents next time.

The class remains silent. ROWAN hardly find perfect words to use while handling the boy. Every eye in the class was directed to the STUBBORN BOY. Silence prevailed in the room. You could hear the ASHMATIC BOY fighting with his breath. Everyone continued with their assignment. Avoiding eye contact with ROWAN.

ROWAN (MURMURS) (CONT’D) It is really true. Now I can see and witness. They say that every market has a mad man. Then they added seeing is believing. After all these, whom am I to dispute?

ROWAN (CONT’D) By the way, the wise men were really wise. How were they able to think that way after all? Or did had divine interventions? They must be…

ROWAN gets lost in an answering. The class is calm and the STUBBORN BOY is a little bit confused. He doesn’t know what to do. ROWAN has stopped doing his work. She looks at her watch but the time is still creeping. Some of the students who are through with the assignment are reading their homework are reading their favorite novels.

4.

Some are putting their books in the back packs in anticipation of going home and the lazy ones are already taking the afternoon siesta. Everyone was really tired and different activities are taking place.

The time for everyone to go home arrives. This time has its own hidden energy, to facilitate them home.

ROWAN (CONT’D) It’s time. The weekend is here now. Who can really stop it? (Regrets) I still have some job to do? (referring the bartender job at the local town bar)

A smile is seen on her face though. She is still looking at her wrist watch. Then the expected happens just at the right moment.

The school bell rings.

Everyone is anxious after hearing the final bell. Students wishes farewell among themselves. Others waving at teacher ROWAN as they rush out of the classroom. ROWAN waves back to them but says nothing.

The classroom is empty of students. ROWAN on the other hand is cleaning her desk. When her table is free of books and other stationaries, she become in love with it. She is a person who is moved by small things like chasing of butterflies. She believes she still has some childish behavior. She even narrates the same to her friends.

ROWAN (TO HER FRIENDS) (CONT’D) I am like a child. Nothing makes me happy like the things children like. Playing with toys and chasing butterflies are my favorite. I hope I am normal. It is my hope guys.

ROWAN stands and stretches. She takes her hands to her back. Moves sideways and then jumps a little. She rushes to the door and looks outside just to confirm nobody is around to spot her. She dances to her favorite pop music. She reaches out to her hand bag and put her phone in it. She walks out and locks the classroom door. She confirms if the door is really closed by pushing it back.

EXT. SCHOOL COMPOUND-DAY

While walking down to the parking lot within the school compound, she remembers the conversations she made with her friends back in her campus days.

5.

It is a flashback that she never forgets. They all fantasized good moments to come. Some prayed for it sometimes. She even remembers the words that she said to them

ROWAN (ASKING HER FRIEND) Guys who feels that campus life should just be over? I just want to start a job and face life. (Pauses and takes a deep breath) Life is good here, but it just seems to take decades if not centuries. We need to step to the corporate world and make a difference. Life will be awesome. I predict having a bungalow with a beach scenery outside. I will enjoy swimming in my own pool.

ROWAN (BEING REALISTIC) (CONT’D) Sure. We should just finish and face the world. (Slow and persuasive voice) We shall see what it has to offer. It is never the way we want it to be. We shall knock at door and breaking some just to look for opportunities. Remember, we were not born with silver spoons in our mouths.

This is not what she hoped for. She feels sorry for herself. Her friends are all in LAS VEGUS probably playing poker. She is now on the school parking lot. She grabs her bicycle, checks the wheels, and gets on it slowly. She uses a dusty road to town.

EXT. THE DUSTY ROAD-DAY

A squawking sound is heard after she starts riding. The road is dusty and the implication is seen as the bicycle is being rode. After a couple of seconds of riding, the chain slips over its gears.

ROWAN (CURSES LOUDLY) What the hell is going on! Oh no! You don’t have to mean you devil. Spare me today.

She gets furious. Veins are observed on her forehead. The eyes turning red and the body is shaking. She is confused. No one is around to help. She is forced to push it along with her. She is still angry as seen on her face. She makes big strides as she tries to rush with time.

6.

Then stops to observe TUVEUNI VOLCANO. Huge smokes could now be seen. Her mind keeps on puzzling on the day’s events.

ROWAN (PONDERED SILENTLY) (CONT’D) Today is a different day. From the behavior of kids back in class to the bicycle here on a dusty marram road. Another thing, the volcano. What is it up to. Let’s wait and see how it will end. You must be very unique Mister Friday. I am still watching you remember,

She does not seem to be normal. She looks at her watch more often. She doesn’t know what JACKIE will say when she arrives at the bar late.

EXT. LOCAL TOWN-DAY

She arrives at the local town. The town is full of people. Mostly men and the youth. Women are a few. It is usually like this on Fridays. Even people from the country side come to fill the town with the thirst of beer, wine or spirits. Friends coming together to seal the end of the working days and chat. For ROWAN, it is just a day like any other.

She locks her bicycle in the parking lot of a bar that she was working during the evenings. She confirms the lock as always and walks into the bar.

INT. LOCAL BAR-NIGHT

The bar is full of people. ROWAN squeezes herself between the customers towards the counter. She is not on time. She puts on an apologetic face as she nears the manager who is JACKIE. She wants her to see that she is sorry. Jackie is a nineteen- year-lady who is rough at her employees. Age and experience does not matter for her. She is up for service.

ROWAN (APPROACHES JACKIE) You—you know JACKIE, I… (wants to explain, but stops and looks at JACKIE before she continues) JACKI…

JACKIE (CUTS ROWAN OFF) Don’t even say it. You are within time though you kept me guessing. You should call next time just to let me know—you know in case of anything.

7.

ROWAN (LOOKS AT HER IN THE EYE) Point taken. Madam boss.

JACKIE (COMMANDS) Just go and change, be fast. The day shift is almost over and they will not be waiting for you.

ROWAN is not happy the way her boss, JACKIE, looks down upon her. JACKIE is young and little educated. A high school dropout. The speakers on the other hand are blaring loud jazz music. This does not stop ROWAN from speaking her mind to JACKIE. She turns and looks her boss in the eye. Her eyes are red and piercing. JACKIE looks down to avoid eye contact.

ROWAN (ANNOYED) This work does not feed me JACKIE, it’s only that I need it to support my siblings.

JACKIE (MURMURS) She is right. She is a teacher after all. An elite in the town and she can choose to go elsewhere where she can be offered a better pay.

Drunkards are all over. Some are irritating like a forty- year-old NOAH. They can’t just mind their business. NOAH had been persuading a middle age woman to dance with him. Then the lady’s man arrived and took her by her hand. He watched in disbelieve. He wanted to protest but he knew he couldn’t. He is now on ROWAN as she walks towards the changing room.

NOAH (MUMBLING) Hee…hey baby girl. Come and da… dance wi..ith meee.

ROWAN Go find someone else man. I don’t have that time. I’m on the run. Maybe next time.

NOAH Please madam.

ROWAN Stop following me. Please. Mind your own business. I am not in the mood. May be next time, don’t you see I am busy. (Getting personal) In fact, you are of the same age as my father, aren’t you afraid nag a person the age of your daughter?

8.

NOAH’S moves are all cut shot. ROWANS changes to her job uniform. She then walks towards the counter ready to take off from her colleague. NOAH is not relentless. He follows her and beckons her to join him at the dance floor. ROWAN assumes him and behaves as if she is not talked to. He does not want to call early trouble with her boss. She is supposed to be nice to every customer.

NOAH I know you are extra-beautiful and you don’t deserve to dance with me. But just for even a minute will be enough for me.

ROWAN (IGNORES NOAH) JACKIE is keenly observing the developments between NOAH and ROWAN. She counts the money and does some checks and balances just to check if things are in order. She scans throughout the bar if there is any customer who needs to be tendered to. Her eyes catch one who seems to be lost. He is a fifty-something year old man. Well dressed. He is far better than the drunkard NOAH.

JACKIE ROWAN, there comes another customer. Stop looking at me like that. Go and take his orders. We are not supposed the customers that long. It is against our ethics.

ROWAN (NODDING) Sure.

NOAH on the other side of the dance flow, is busy really picking up the dancing by himself. He has not found someone to dance with but that does not deny him the reason to be happy. The music is now at its peak. No one in the bar is complaining. People love loud music. Customers are shouting at each other while conversing. The bar is noisy but the good thing is that everyone is happy with the situation.

ROWAN (CONT’D) Sir, how can I help you?

THE MAN Oh! I’m a stranger here, bring me two bottle of beer please. Do not forget the glass please (he was nice).

9.

ROWANS is nodding.

THE MAN (TO ROWAN) (CONT’D) Sorry, please add two bottles of beer and two glasses. My friend is also coming.

ROWAN can feel how long the night is going to be. She is tired but passionate about the work as she knows she must do it for the survival of her brothers and sisters. She has never stopped thinking about her siblings. They are the reason who made her to do some supplementary work apart from her usual teaching career.

Allowed bang is heard outside. People have mixed reactions. Drunkards become sober and some run to the safer parts behind the bar store. Some are glued to positions. The courageous ones like ROWAN are dashing out to confirm what was it. JACKIE remained in the bar and flowed those who went the bar store. No one could locate where NOAH was with his bruised conspicuous face.

EXT: TAVEUNI VOLCANO-NIGHT

The smoke from the TAVEUNI VOLCANO is immense. It is something that it has never been seen in this town. People were surprised. ROWAN was not so much surprised. She had already gotten enough during the day.

ROWAN We are not scientists but I can see that geologists never disappoints (people looks at her and wonder as if they have never had of geologist). Geologist are scientists who study the earth in simple terms.

JACKIE joins the crowd in confusion. She is not sure of what should be done. She heads where ROWAN was standing. She leans on her like little baby. She is the only person that JACKIE trusts now.

ROWAN (TO JACKIE) (CONT’D) This is smoothing that can see all of us die. They say it is due to tectonics. The islands seats on top of subduction slab. It is time for it to release pressure.

JACKIE You know I am not as educated as you are.

(MORE)

10.

JACKIE (CONT’D) I just hope things will get a little better. My parents need me. I cannot believe leaving them to suffer. I am the only daughter.

The crowd is still watching. A thick lava is seen erupting from one of its vent. It is dark, no moonlight, and the only source of light is the volcano. It is beautiful though scary. This is not the time that calls those naughty friends to play scary games with you. You can actually die in the process.

ROWAN That is gold. I wish I had shares in it. It is among the most precious stones that are mined in the world. It is known from the earliest civilization (she was doing much of the talking while Jackie just nodded). Egypt is well known to be among them.

The town was full of people now. Everyone had moved from their houses. From children to their parents. It is a true story that no one should afford to miss. A story that should be narrated to many generations to come. That is if they will be spared the wrath of dying.

ROWAN (EXPLAINS) (CONT’D) Nothing dangerous is going to happen. It is a thick lava and it’s not violent. We only need to keep distance (she is the only expert around with little earth science knowledge).

It is pure molten gold lava; it was going to change the lives of the people. ROWAN watched in disbelieve. If it was her wish, she could claim a territory here.

ROWAN (CONT’D) It is a god sent treasure, but who is going to control it. Will it bring war just like the Arabian countries due to availability of oil?

People are still watching gold emanating from the volcano.  Movements are minimal and everyone’s eye is focused at the flowing lava. It is a scenery like no other.

CUT TO BLACK.

THE END.