American Graffiti Page #4

STEVE:

Laurie, now, listen, I didn't ask for that back. I think that...

LAURIE:

I know. I just sort of think it's juvenile now. I'll keep it at

home. It's less consipicuous there.

STEVE:

You don't want to wear it?

LAURIE:

I didn't say that. I understand and I'm not upset. I mean, I

can't expect you to be a monk or something while you're away.

Steve just looks at her and nods. The Wolfman howls an intro to

"Gee" by the Crows.

Outside, skooting around the drive-in after Budda, Terry is

pleading with the sexy car hop as she delivers a tray to a car.

TERRY:

...and I hace a really sharp record collection. I even have

"Pledging My Love" by Johnny Ace. Anyway, how can you love Nelson

when he's going out with Marilyn Gator. Since he dumped on you

maybe we could--

BUDDA:

He didn't dump on me, you little dip. Hi, Steve!

Her tone changes immediately. Terry looks sour and turns around

to Steve who's getting out of the chevy. Budda leaves, wiggling

her butt for Steve.

TERRY:

She's a little conceited--just playing hard to get.

STEVE:

Listen, I came over here to talk to you about--

TERRY:

Any time, buddy. I'm your man. Nothing I like better than chewing

the rug with a pal. You talk, I'll listen. I'm all ears. Shoot.

STEVE:

Shut up.

TERRY:

Sure.

STEVE:

Terry, I'm going to let you take care of my car while we're away-

-at least until Christmas. I'm afraid if I leave it with my--

Steve notices Terry isn't with him any more and turns. Terry is

standing frozen to a spot.

STEVE:

What's wrong?

Terry tries to talk, much like a shell-shocked war veteran. His

mouth moves but only a gurgle comes out.

Curt is standing by the Chevy, talking with his sister Laurie.

She's still upset by what Steve said to her.

CURT:

Hey, sis--what's wrong?

LAURIE:

Nothing.

Meanwhile, they watch Terry as Steve explains to him about the

car.

STEVE:

Now listen, only 30 weight Castrol-R. I've written the tire

pressure and stuff on a pad in the glove compartment . Are you

listening?

The others are watching now as Terry shakes his head

mechanically.

CURT:

What's wrong, he's crying!

There is indeed a tear rolling down Terry's cheek.

TERRY:

I can't...believe...it. (He starts toward the car and gently

caresses its paint.) I don't know what to say. I'll...love and

protect this car until death do us part. (He circles the car.)

This is a superfine machine. This may even be better than Daryl

Starbird's superfleck moonbird. It is better than Daryl

Starbird's.

Laurie watches Terry, realizing that like the car, she'll be left

behind as a fond memory. She turns and looks at Steve, who's been

watching her. There's a moment between them...

Rate this script:5.0 / 1 vote