hoodoo child

8/14/2019 Hoodoo Child

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Hoodoo Child

An Original Screenplay

By

La-Tonia Denise Willis

La-Tonia Denise Willis

1212 Queen Anne Ave N #602

Seattle,WA 98109

206-736-3816

[email protected]

Copyright 2005 - 2009


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HOODOO a mixture of beliefs and traditions that combinecosmology and the personal magical power of African Ifa. Also

known as rootwork.

The folk element that focuses on the supernatural.


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FADE IN:

EXT. NEW YORK STREET DAY

A PAIR OF BLACK AND WHITE SADDLE SHOES race through the

neighborhood making quick leaps over potholes and garbage

debris.

Turning the corner,

and elevating in speed, the SHOES make an astonishing

hurdle over a tricycle that has made its way into the

street.

The SMALL CHILD on the tricycle stops peddling and ducks

his body down as the SHOES raise over him just inches away

from his head.

PULL UP TO REVEAL

VANESSA DUBOIS

Young and athletica pretty brown face with long pigtails

dangling in the wind.

She is smiling now, the joy of the marathon run apparent

and there is a child-like quality about her.

As she nears a

BROWNSTONE in the middle of the block her pace slows down

considerably and she begins a playful, haphazard zigzag

traipse to the

STOOP

where the door opens and PROFESSOR STEVENS, carrying a

parcel of books grins enthusiastically at her.

VANESSA(coming near)

Professor Stevens

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Vanessa Dubois, girl youre looking

lovelier every day. I bet your mama

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has to beat the boys away.

Professor Stevens is an intellectual man. He is wearing his

favorite tweed sports jacket and a white press shirt.

VANESSAS EYES

pour over the parcel tied neatly together with a string.

INSERT - BOOKS

1. To Kill A Mockingbirdby Harper Lee

2. Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison

3. The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison

4. A Peoples History of the United States by Howard Zinn

BACK TO SCENE

Vanessa points to the middle book and there is a grim look

on her face.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

The Bluest Eye . . . haunting tale.

Poor Pecola waits all her life to be

noticed, wishing for those blue eyes

and what happens to her is a nightmare.

VANESSA

I finished reading it yesterday. Itmade me cry. She was only a little girl

and he did that to her.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Im taking them over to the Boys

and Girls club.

(taking her by the arm)

Hows your mama?

VANESSAProbablyll be pissed when I tell

her Mr. Gorman was out of the special

sauce she uses.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I thought she made that sauce from

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scratch. You mean to tell me its store

bought?

VANESSA

Dont you tell her I told you.

She likes folks to think its

homemade. She likes bragging rights.

They exchange smiles of acknowledgement.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - DAY

LILA DUBOIS, the matriarch of the Dubois clan, is a plain

looking woman.

She opens the door to

VANESSAS BEDROOM

and finds the girl lying sideways on the bed leafing

through a sports magazine on track athletes.

THE CURRENT PAGE

displays a photo of track superstar Marion Jones in action.

Lila enters her daughters room and heads over to the

TROPHY DISPLAY CASE in the corner of the room.

PAN GOLD AND SILVER STATUETES

arranged in a row dating from elementary to high school.

LILA

I got a call from Mrs. Brewster

just now

Vanessa ignores her.

LILA(continuing)

says shes done told you about

jumping over her sons head while

hes on his tricycle. I told you

about it myself, remember?

(beat)

Vanessa, you hear me?

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VANESSA

(looking up)

Billy likes it when I do it.

LILA

Really? Where you get an idea

like that?

VANESSA

Its a game we play.

LILA

(sitting on bed)

Well, Mrs. Brewster is Billys mama

and she says stop using her baby as a

hurdle in your runnin. And I mean for

you to do just that.

VANESSSA

(closing magazine)

Yes, mama.

LILA

(cuddling with Vanessa)

Care to tell your old mama what

you want for your birthday?

Sweet sixteen. My babys growing

up so fast.

VANESSA

(softly)

What I really want is for the

headaches to stop.

LILA

Theyre backagain?

VANESSA

They never went awaynot really.

Im scared mama, what if Im

in danger?

LILA

Youll be fine.

VANESSA

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But according to the curse

LILA

(covering Vanessas mouth)

Hush . . . dont wanna hear

nothing else about that. Thisis the real world, not some horror

fantasy.

VANESSA

but the elders say

LILA

(interrupting)

Im your elder and I say aint

nothing to fret over. You just

rest child.

INT. KITCHEN - DAY

Vanessa takes a bite of the Cajun style catfish on her

plate. Lila brings more food to the table and takes a seat.

LILA

(continuing)

You dont want any bread?

I made these biscuits homemade.

Shouldnt be wasting food like that.

VANESSA

I eat low-carb nowadays mama, remember

Im in training. You have any idea what

the starch in that yeast will do to

my insulin levels? Its high protein

for me, all the way.

Vanessa scoops up some spinach and chews.

LILA

You young people and all yournewfangled diets. Always trying

to make the body something God

didnt intend it to be. When are

you gonna learn that we supposed

to look just like we do. Too much

money goes into all those ads

about makin you look like somethin

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you aint.

Vanessa remains aloof.

LILA

(continuing)

Anyway, too bad Gorman was

out of my sauce. I was thinkin

of invitin the Professor over.

A single man like himself probably

never gets a home cooked meal.

Vanessa puts her head down trying not to giggle.

LILA

(continuing)

Whatre you grinnin about?

VANESSA

Nothing. I ran into the Professor

earlier today.

LILA

(stops eating)

You did? He say somethin?

VANESSA

About what?

LILA

Nothin . . . never mind.

VANESSA

You like him, I know.

LILA

Hes a smart man and I respect him.

VANESSA

You-u-u-u want him.

LILA

Vanessa! I ought to make you wash

your mouth out with soap.

VANESSA

Im not a baby anymore mama.

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And youre not getting any younger.

Lila gives her daughter a fierce look.

EXT. BROWNSTONE STOOP NIGHT

Vanessa cradles her head in her arms and rocks back and

forth. It is obvious she is in severe pain. There is a

WHEEZING sound coming from her throat.

VOICES are emitted.

They call her name, Vanessa . . . over and over again,

softly. The VOICES INTERLOOP and continue a rapid crescendo

until she snaps out of the daze.

TWO TEENAGED GIRLS

pass by GIGGLING and pointing in her direction.

GIRL WITH BRACES

Witchy witch, hoodoo child . . .

GIRL WITH GLASSES

. . .cast a spell on Johnny Mason

and made his thing swell up.

GIRL WITH BRACES

Everybody knows about you.

GIRL WITH GLASSES

Freak! Freak! Freak!

VANESSA

(standing up)

Johnny Mason kept threatening me

with his thingand he got what he

deserves. You keep messing with me

and youll get some of it too.

GIRL WITH GLASSES

(in Vanessas face)

I aint afraid of you bitch or

your hoodoo.

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Vanessa reaches out and places her hand on the side of the

face of the girl with glasses. She closes her eyes and goes

into a trance.

The girl with braces backs away frightened, watching what

is happening to her friend helplessly.

Under Vanessas grip, the body of the girl with the glasses

begins to convulse rhythmically. The trembling becomes so

ferocious that her eyes roll back into her head and a

strange GURGLING sound occurs.

GIRL WITH BRACES

Stop it! Dont kill her! Please,

We take it all back, please?!

Tell her you take it all back, Justine.

Vanessas eyes open and she watches as the SPASMS increasewith velocity to the point where saliva now drools down

the gaping mouth of her victim.

GIRL WITH BRACES

(continuing)

Help! Somebody help?! Shes gonna

kill her!

INT. PROFESSOR STEVENS BEDROOM NIGHT

Awakened by the screams, he hops out of bed and rushes overto the side of the room.

THROUGH THE WINDOW

he SEES the disturbance with the girls downstairs.

Barefoot, he bolts down the stairs and whisks the door open

outside to find that Vanessa has let go of the girl. He

hurries over and grabs the girl with the glasses in his

arms just before she passes out.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(picking up girl)

Vanessa, what happened? What happened

to her?

GIRL WITH BRACES

(crying)

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She used her powers. Shes an

evil witch!

LIGHTS FLICK ON in several windows in the neighborhood.

MALE Voice (O.S.)

Hey, kill that noise!

FEMALE VOICE (O.S.)

Whats going on out there?!

GIRL WITH BRACES

Attention everybody, Vanessa Dubois is

a witch! Spread the word!

A LIGHT FLICKS ON in the Dubois apartment and Lila sticks

her head out the window. She is alarmed to see Professor

Stevens holding the girls lifeless body in his arms.

LILA

Vanessa Angelina Dubois, you get

up here right this minute!

Professor Stevens looks up questionably at Lila but she

closes the window and disappears.

EXT. BROWNSTONE DAY

Lila struggles to get her keys out while balancing two

grocery bags.

A HAND reaches out behind her and touches her shoulder.

LILA

(continuing; turning around)

My God, you scared the daylights

out of me. Make the good Lord

take me before my time.

Professor Stevens takes the bags for her.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Didnt mean to frighten you Lila.

Just trying to be a good samaritan.

LILA

(blushing)

The neighborhood is lucky to lay

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claim to a man like you. Not many

gentlemen left in this world.

Your mama sure did raise you

right.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - KITCHEN DAY

Lila pours Professor Stevens piping hot water over two tea

bags. She is so busy looking at him in awe that she nearly

scalds him in the process.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(jerking wrist away)

Whoa Nelly!

Some hot water hits the table just missing his hand. Lila

looks down at the mess she has made.

LILAIm so sorry Professor, can you

please forgive an old woman?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Ah Lila, I know you wouldnt hurt

me on purpose. And youre not old.

He smiles and she is once again engaged with his presence.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(continuing; stirring tea)The girls mother wants to press charges.

Lila places the kettle back on the stove and sits down at

the table across from him. She picks up her cup of tea.

LILA

She called me . . .

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I think I can talk her out of it

but the doctor said the girls hearttemporarily stopped while she was on

the examining table. He said it might

have something to do with the spasms.

If I could just talk to Vanessa . . .

Lila jumps up hastily and clears Professor Stevens

teacup away while he is stirring. He is dumbfounded.

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LILA

So sorry Professor but teatime

is over. You better go now.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Whats going on here Lila? If you

need someone to talk to . . . Whats

wrong with Vanessa? I hear what

the children say about her.

LILA

Thats just talk.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Until last night I wouldve agreed but

something happened. She did something

to that girl and you cant deny that.

He gets up slowly. With his hand on the doorknob he turns

and looks at her one last time, still wanting answers.

LILA

Vanessa didnt mean to hurt nobody.

Shes a good girl.

INT. CLASSROOM DAY

PAN the CLASS filled with TEENAGED KIDS except for one

EMPTY DESK in the middle.

The girl with braces casts a distasteful eye over at

Vanessa, who looks away.

The TEACHER has her back turned to the class writing a

mathematical equation on the board.

Someone THROWS AN APPLE that hits the blackboard. WE DO NOT

SEE THE CULPRIT.

TEACHER(flinging around)

Who did that?

PAN FACES. No one claims responsibility.

TEACHER

(continuing)

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Its not nice to throw fruit

at your dear teacher, didnt they

tell you that in kindergarten?

She picks up the apple and holds it up to the class and

takes a moment of silence.

GIRL WITH BRACES

Vanessa did it!

VANESSA

Liar!

GIRL WITH BRACES

Shes a witch. She hurt Justine,

thats why shes absent. Almost

killed her too. I say we burn her

at the stake. Like they used to dowith the ones in the old days.

The class explodes in LAUGHTER.

TEACHER

Veronica you stop that . . . the

rest of you, quiet . . . .

The girl with the braces rolls her eyes and shakes her head.

TEACHER(continuing)

Justine will be back with us next

week. She has the flu.

BELL RINGS

The class begins to file out the room.

TEACHER

(continuing)

All right, remember to studyfor the quiz. Im not grading on

the curve this time.

(coming near; a beat)

Vanessa, can I see you a moment?

VANESSA

Did I do something wrong?

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The teacher waits for the classroom to clear.

TEACHER

Hardly. You are by far the smartest

10th grader in here. Youve succeeded

brilliantly in maintaining a wonderful

academic record. Your mother would be

proud as I am so very proud of you. I

hear you might even be getting

a track scholarship. Life is good right?

VANESSA

Yeah, I guess.

TEACHER(sitting down)

I thought you might want to tell

me what happened between you and

Justine. Veronica has her side

of the story and I was interested

in yours. Did you hit her or knock

the breath out of her somehow?

VANESSA

I didnt hit her.

TEACHER

These things happen Vanessa. Kids

fight but the important thing is to

confess to your mistakes.

VANESSA

She insulted me. I just wanted

her to shut up.

TEACHER

How did that make you feel?

VANESSA

I didnt hit her, I swear.

TEACHER

Did you throw that apple?

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Vanessa shakes her head No.

VANESSA

(getting up)

Mrs. Miller?

TEACHER

Yes, Vanessa?

VANESSA

I dont feel so good.

TEACHER

What is it?

By the time the words clear her throat, she watches in

amazement as Vanessa UTTERS SOMETHING INCOMPREHENSIBLE,

swoons, and then falls to the floor.

TEACHER

(continuing; rushing to her)

My God! Vanessa!

INT. HOSPITAL - DAY

Professor Stevens and Lila join Vanessa at the bedside.

The NURSE enters and checks the IV in Vanessas arm.

LILA

Is she is pain?

NURSE

We want to keep her overnight

and do some more tests. Shes been

given a small sedative.

LILA

What kind of tests?

NURSE

It could be she went into somekind of anaphylactic shock. We dont

know but maybe the tests will give us a

clue. Vanessa, your mothers here but

dont get excited, okay?

Vanessa blinks twice.

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NURSE

(continuing; to Lila)

That blink two times, thats

our signal to indicate she

understands.

The nurse exits.

LILA

(leaning over bed)

You feelin all right honey?

VANESSA

(softly)

Yes, mama.

(rising up)

Hi, Professor.

LILA(pushing her back down)

Just lay your head back honey and

dont move around too much like the

nurse said. I love you baby.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Vanessa, can you remember what

happened right before you fainted?

LILA

Shes too weak to answer thatProfessor so you can go home now.

Everythings fine. Thanks a heap.

VANESSA

My head really hurts.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Like a migraine?

LILA

(pulling Professor aside)Look, I dont mean to be like

this but its a family matter.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

All right, Lila, if thats the way

you want it. Ill back off.

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INT. X-RAY ROOM DAY

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL, a hippie-looking doctor studies several

pent up HEAD X-RAYS. After agonizing over them, he removes

his glasses and there is a disturbed look on his face.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

Where did it go? It was there

just a minute ago.

INT. BREAK ROOM HOUR LATER

The doctor BANGS away at the vending machine but he is

unable to get the CANDY BAR to drop from the slot. The door

swings opens and Professor Stevens peeks his head inside.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Excuse me?

DOCTOR

This is boguscome on, drop!

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Here, let me . . .

He steps over and moves the doctor aside.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

See how its just hanging there?

Drives me mad. If I dont get amassive dose of sugar intake, Ill

fall to pieces. I just quit smoking

and I need this sugar jones.

Professor Stevens gives the machine a HIP SHAKE and the

bump loosens the candy bar and sends it falling to the

bottom.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(continuing)

Great. Im here knocking about likea mad man and you come along with

your magic hips

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(smiling)

Just a little trick I picked up back

at the Y.

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He reaches down and gets the candy bar and passes it to the

doctor.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

Thanks man, Im Dr. Avi Mandrigal.

Professor Stevens takes a long look at the doctors shaggy

hair, woven friendship bracelets around his arms and the

beanie cap on his head.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Im sorry but you dont look like

the typical medical doctor.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(patting head)

You think the beanie gives itaway? Well, lets just say going

to medical school wasnt my first choice

for a career. If I had my way, Id

still be in the Peace Corps roaming

from one uncertain destiny to another.

(tugging on medical coat)

This here was all my Jewish mothers idea.

How can I help you?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

You worked on Vanessa Dubois, thegirl with the fainting spell. What

can you tell me about that? What is

she suffering from?

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(unwrapping candy bar)

Damn strange case is what.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

How strange?

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(taking a bite)

Are you a relative?

INT. CAFETERIA DAY

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Professor Stevens stirs a cup of tea. Meanwhile, the doctor

scoops ice cream from two different sundaes. Various HOSPITAL

WORKERS dine.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(continuing)

Ah man, this here is just great.

Best high you can getglucose.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

You were saying about Vanessas case

being strange?

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

Actually, I was asking if you were

related to the girl in some way as

all information regarding patients

are private and confidential.

Professor Stevens takes a sip of tea. The doctor buries his

face in the ice cream sundae.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Dr. Mandrigal, I care what happens

to that girl in there. Shes a bright

girl full of dreams and aspirations

(beat)

but I got this feeling in the pit

of my stomach. Something is definitely

not in order and shes scared and her

mothers scared and I just thought

Come on doc, I got you that candy bar.

The doctors face resurfaces from the glass with ice cream

all around his mouth.

Professor Stevens takes some tissue and wipes the doctors

face for him.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

You seem genuine enough. Okay.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Thanks doc.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

The girl has an incredible amount

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of pressure around her temporal

lobe. Around the meninges. Tremendous

swelling.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

A tumor?

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

Thats what it sounds like. Tumor.

Aneurysm. Something. However, every test

we did came back negative.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Then what?

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(shaking head)I simply cant explain it. And do

you know how hard it is to treat

something thats not there?

Professor STEVENS

What do you mean not there?

You just got through saying

it was something there.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

It gets even weirder. First I sawsomething on the X-ray and then it

disappeared.

INT. BUS STATION DAY

A beautiful YOUNG WOMAN carrying a duffel bag hurries into

the

BATHROOM

and into the nearest stall. Opening the duffel bag sheremoves a small wooden chest. Inside, she takes out

a MOJO BAG hanging from a string. She pulls it over her

head like a necklace.

CUT TO:

OUTSIDE THE BATHROOM STALLS

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A STRANGE PALE MAN draped in white coat TAPS LIGHLTY at the

top of each door as he makes the rounds.

CUT TO:

INSIDE THE BATHROOM STALLS

the woman looks around nervously and MUMBLES INCANTATIONS

to herself.

Moving towards the door, she leans her head with her ear

pressed tightly to the side.

INT. HOSPITAL NIGHT

Lila struggles not to fall asleep while sitting near her

daughters bed. She holds Vanessas hand and when the girl

flinches, Lila awakens.

LILA

Honey? What is it?

VANESSA

I feel his presence, mama.

Hes come for me. What am I

going to do?

EXT. BROWNSTONE NIGHT

The woman from the bus station BUZZES the apartment where

the name Dubois is written.

MARIE

(yelling at window)

Hey Yem, you there?!

Meet MARIE DUBOIS, a light-skinned petite mulatto. Her

appearance seems frail but a closer look in her eyes says a

different story.

Minutes later, Professor Stevens comes out in his pajamas.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Shes at the hospital with

He stops in mid sentence and gazes at the gorgeous lady

before him.

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MARIE

Hi, she wasnt expecting me. Im Marie.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(shaking her hand furiously)

Marie, uh, its a pleasure to

meet you, uh . . . please excuse

my pajamas.

MARIE

You said she was at the hospital?

Anything serious?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Well, why dont you come inside

for a moment? Ill explain as best

as I can.

MARIE

I guess I can trust you, right?

INT. PROFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT NIGHT

The place is cluttered with mountains of BOOKS AND MANUALS.

Many literary. Many scientific.

MARIE

(continuing; picking up a book)There must be three hundred pages

here.

(reading aloud)

The Immutable Laws of Physics . . .

(tossing book aside)

Immutable, really.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

You got something against science?

MARIEThere are more things in Heaven and

Earth, than are dreamt of in your

philosophy, Horatio.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Hamlet. I teach literature and the

sciences at City College.

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MARIE

I never went to college. Everything

I learned came from the street.

Its a hard-knock life. And that

comes straight from Jay-Z.

She takes a seat.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I beg your pardon?

MARIE

I take it you dont listen to rap?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Im a Coltraine man myself.

TIME ELAPSES.

ON THE COUCH

Marie snuggles up close to Professor Stevens while a JOHN

COLTRAINE TUNE PLAYS down low.

Professor Stevens pours some red wine into Maries glass

and watches her down it all in one gulp.

He grins and then pours some more for her and then forhimself.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(continuing)

Ive known Lila and Vanessa for a long

time now. When I first moved in Vanessa

was knee high, she used to want to climb

on and over everything. Thats why she

loves track hurdles.

MARIEIt seems so strange to hear you talk

about her. Ive never met my niece. Lila

moved away after she had her.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

You know, Lila never mentioned

anything about a long lost sister.

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MARIE

(taking a drink)

Oh theres a good reason for that.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Is that right?

MARIE

Oh yeahshe hates me.

Marie drinks the remainder of the wine in her glass and

motions for another.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

You better go easy on that stuff.

I wouldnt want to be accused of

getting an innocent lady like

yourself drunk out of her mind.

MARIE

Sweetheart, you flatter me but

innocent is not an adjective I

aspire to.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Its getting late.

He puts his wine glass down and checks his watch.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(continuing)

Im pretty sure Lilas spending

the night at the hospital.

Youre welcome to sleep here.

No need to worry. Ill take the

couch. I dont mind.

MARIE

Thats real gentlemanlike of you.Ive always depended on the kindness

of strangers.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

A Streetcar Named Desire. A classic.

MARIE

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So am I.

TIME ELAPSES.

IN THE SHOWER

Marie SINGS an old African Yoruba folk song when Professor

Stevens brings fresh towels and a robe into the BATHROOM.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I brought you some things

Theres fresh linen on the couch

Made up nice and comfortable

MARIE

(stops humming)

What was that?!

The Professor remains enraptured by the outline of her physique.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(under breath)

You truly are a vision of loveliness.

MARIE

I cant hear you!

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Are you hungry?!

She turns off the water and opens the sliding glass doors

partially to stick her head out.

MARIE

Yes, Professor I am. In fact, I

have quite an appetite.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Please. Call me Marvin.

INT. BROWNSTONE DAY

Lila helps her daughter up the staircase. Vanessa appears

a little weak.

INT. BROWNSTONE - DAY

The door to Professor Stevens downstairs apartment opens

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and he and Marie step out.

ON LILA

as her eyes fall immediately to their embrace and she

watches Marie plant a kiss on the Professors cheek.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(continuing; looking up)

Lila?

MARIE

(looking up)

Yem?

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT DAY

Lila enters

VANESSAS BEDROOM

with a piece of cloth sodden with ointments and slightly

burned on one side.

She places the cloth on top of Vanessas forehead. She

checks the girls glands to see if they are swollen.

At that moment, Marie enters with her duffel bag on oneshoulder. Looking away from Lila, she opens the bag to

reveal several balms, herbs, and other potions all tossed

about amidst her clothes.

She dips her fingers in one of the balms and moves to smear

some of the salve on Vanessas temple but Lila stops her.

LILA

We dont want none of that here. No

potions, no mojos, no nothin. Keep

your foolishness to yourself Marie.

MARIE

Foolishness? Yem?

LILA

I aint no pagan any more.

I keep tellin you.

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MARIE

What do you call that rag on her head

now? A poultice, right? Its all folk

medicine. Home remedies. Its the same

concept Yem. Its all about curing powers.

Vanessa closes her eyes.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - KITCHEN DAY

Lila is furious and vents her anger as she paces back

back and forth, hovering over Marie who quietly accepts her

big sisters wrath.

LILA

You come waltzin back here like

Miss. Thang, like you got all theanswers and everybodys supposed

to jump. I take responsibility

for Vanessa. Shes been raised

practical and I intend to keep it that

way. We lead a simple Christian life

with no ghosts or magic curses included.

MARIE

It aint about you Yem and that

life you talk about is a lie.

LILA

I aint gonna listen to this.

VANESSAS POV LILA & MARIE

Straddling the side of the wall Vanessa listens to her

mother and Marie go at it.

MARIE

Yem, you gotta be prepared to

go all the way. Hes coming forher. I feel him all around me.

Hes watching and waiting. His fate

is hers and hers his.

CUT TO:

-28-


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VANESSA

moves away from the door as one of her headaches starts up

again. She falls to the floor grabbing her head in agony.

LILA

You think Im gonna do that to my

child? Somethin I dont even believe

anymore? Crazy conjos. Im a Catholic

woman. I take Communion.

VANESSA

By turning your back on what you

are you only end up hurting Vanessa.

Cant you see that?

Lila moves towards her. Marie stares up into her defiant

eyes, looking for some sign of hope.

LILA

You sleep with the Professor?

MARIE

Yem . . .

LILA

Why ask a stupid question right?

Specially one you already know the

answer to. We shoulda left you at thatMaison Blanche were you belonged . . . with

all the other sinners.

NOTE: Maison Blanche(white house)was believed to have been

built by Marie Laveau who was a powerful priestess and

seductress of her time. As folklore has it, within the

walls of Maison Blanche beautiful women entertained and

provided sexual favors for a price.

CUT TO:

VANESSA

SCREAMS and collapses.

INT. VANESSAS BEDROOM DAY

Vanessa finishes the orange juice and gives the glass to Marie.

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MARIE

How ya feel darling? You feel like

talking to your auntie Marie?

VANESSA

(pulling covers tight)

I feel better . . .

(beat)

. . . but thats not good enough . . .

MARIE

No darling, its not.

(beat)

How much do you know?

Vanessas eyes wander briefly then focus on Maries face.

VANESSA

My ancestoranother Vanessa Dubois

was raped by a slave master. Her daddy

killed this man and later he was hung

for it. Before he died, he put a curse

on that White mans family.

MARIE

(rubbing Vanessas forehead)

Saying that all Caulfield heirs

will die on their forty fifth

birthday. None of the doctors know

why you get these headaches but you

do, dont you Vanessa?

VANESSA

(bare whisper)

I hear voices. They speak to me

about the curse and my powers.

I go to sleep with them in my head.

And mama

MARIE

(interrupting)

Your mama fears the unknown.

VANESSA

Thats why youre here.

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MARIE

Absolutely.

VANESSA

Mama said you ran off with a man

old enough to be your daddy and

put the family to shame. That true?

MARIE

Vanessa? Darling do you believe

people have a right to live

their lives the way they see fit

and to love whom they want? Cause

if you do then I can tell you that

Ive learned a lot in my travels.

Ive been all over this world.

All kinds of countries. Experienced

many cultures. The Aztecs. The Incas.Egyptians. Aborigines. I couldnt have

learned so much if Id stayed where I

was with my situation. I dont look

back on regrets honey cause time

is too short.

VANESSA

Why do you call mama Yem?

What does it mean?

MARIEIt means your mama is a goddess of

the moon. She gives life and nurtures.

Like a mama should.

VANESSA

Is she wise?

MARIE

Oh yes, very. Some say she possesses

the collective secrets of the land.

But when shes angry, look out.

VANESSA

Like mama.

MARIE

Exactlylike your mama.

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INT. OLD CURIOSITY SHOP LATE AFTERNOON

Vanessa and Marie peruse the shop for specialty items.

Vanessa finds a section labeled Sacred Arts of the Afro-

Caribbean from Louisiana to the West Indies.

VANESSA

(running over)

Look, can we get something?

Marie follows after her.

Vanessa picks up a strangely decorated artifact.

INSERT - LIBATION BOTTLE

BACK TO SCENE

MARIE

(looking it over)

Cheap knock-off.

Marie places the item in the basket when she notices

a peculiar freestanding figure on a wooden chest.

INSERT - ORNAMENTAL REPLICA OF TOTEM (animal-like)

Marie rubs her fingers over the figure.

BACK TO SCENE

MARIE

(continuing)

Were a special clan Vanessa.

Its more than the roots we believe.

Real and pure magic is like nothing else

in this world. A great and beautiful

thing when you handle it right. Its

something you will learn as you age.These are but things, what-nots from a

store. I believe in magic and everything

medicine, art, dance, politics

absolutely everything serves the spirits.

I want so much.

VANESSA

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The spirits?

MARIE

Yes honey, the spirits. The spirits.

Whosoever serves the spirits has the

power to hurt or heal. He who comes looking

for you uses the power for great mischief.

Revenge against our ancestors. Thats what

he seeks. Oh Vanessa, there is so much I

have to tell you. So much you need to know.

Well talk much more about it later. Come

now, we best be going.

INT. SUBWAY CAR RUSH HOUR - DAY

Loaded with miniature gift bags of curios, Vanessa and

Marie squeeze in between some of the other PASSENGERS.

The train stops. A lone MALE PASSENGER gets on.

He is shrouded in white from head to toe. A wide-brimmed

white hat is pulled firmly over his head with only his lips

exposed in view. He leans against an antique cane with a

pearl handle.

Across the aisle from Vanessa and Marie, the strange

passenger slithers into an open space.

In a matter of moments,

HIS LIPS

launch a multitude of MULTI SYLLABIC RHYTHMIC VERSES.

VANESSA & MARIE

squirm in their seats, their eyelids flutter rapidly.

HIS LIPS

move faster, RYTHMIC SPEECH ACCELERATING TO AN UNCONSCIOUS

PACE.

VANESSA & MARIE

fall madly into a deep sleep.

CUT TO:

-33-


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EXT. ALTERNATIVE REALITY DARKNESS

DRUMS BEAT ferociously.

INDISTINGUISHABLE VOICES filter through the air.

A SWAMP

wide with boiling water percolates. SWAMP GAS clouds

the air.

SUDDENLY

VANESSA & MARIE emerge from the waters, taking short

gasping breaths, trying to stay afloat.

The MOJO BAG around Maries neck melts away. Their SCREAMSintermix with the VOICES.

From depths of the caverns a CREATURE patrols the area.

VANESSA

(flailing about)

I cant breath auntie! Help!

Marie grabs a hold of her and pulls her back above the water.

VANESSA(continuing; coughing)

Where are we?! Im burning up!

Its so hot!

MONOTONOUS LAUGHTER fills the air.

The SOUND OF A MANS VOICE speaks to them.

MARIE

Were inside his head, child. He

conjured it up to intimidate us.Show yourself Caulfielddemon

that you arecoward! Oh true Goddess,

heal these waters . . . Enemy Be Gone . . .

Vanessas CRIES escalate.

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35/110

MARIE

(continuing)

Darling you look here, he is not

deserving of our pain.

VANESSA

But it hurts so bad!

MARIE

Concentrate darling, the waters

are not hot. Think of a flowing

stream of purple. Itll help

break the spell of his magic.

A SHIFT IN THE WATERS happens. The swamp starts to rotate

in the manner of a whirlpool.

A FORCE

tugs away at them until their bodies are sucked

UNDERNEATH

Many fathoms down. Further and further they sink through

the bottomless void at rapid speed until

CUT TO:

BACK TO REALITY

INT. SUBWAY CAR DAY

Dripping with sweat Vanessa and Marie awaken to find the

subway car empty except for the strange man in the white

suit still sitting across from them.

Marie feels up around her neck, the MOJO BAG is back intact.

The train stops.

The man slowly rises. His face remains covered by the hat.

He stops in front of them, tips his hat lightly and motions

with his cane for the doors to open.

Behind him, he leaves this SHARP INSIDIOUS LAUGHTER that

reverberates.

-35-


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INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT GUEST ROOM - NIGHT

Marie lights several candles placed in a circle all around

her on the floor and burns incense.

After the last one, she closes her eyes and falls into a

meditative trance.

CUT TO:

THE DOORWAY

Vanessa appears holding a MINIATURE DOLL made of clay and

straw.

MARIE

(continuing; eyes closed)

Yes, Vanessa?

VANESSA

What are you doing?

MARIE

(eyes closed)

Sustaining harmony.

VANESSA

Oh.

(fidgeting with doll)Is this yours?

Marie opens her eyes and gazes upon the clay dolls head.

MARIE

Whered you get that thing?

VANESSA

It was in the store bag. It looks

kinda funny.

MARIE

(troubled)

Whats that on its head?

VANESSA

You mean this straw?

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Vanessa reexamines the head of the doll and beneath the

straw is a chunk of human hair.

VANESSA

(continuing)

Oh this . . .

Marie jumps up from the circle, knocking one of the candles

over.

VANESSA

(continuing)

Whats wrong auntie?

Marie rushes over to Vanessa and grabs her by the pigtails.

She bends her head back and near her neck, there is a huge

bald gapped space where hair has been cut off.

VANESSA

(continuing)

Auntie! The floor, its on fire!

Marie jerks around to find the candles have ignited a fire.

She dashes over to the bed, removes the bedspread and

stuffs it over the flames. She begins to stomp away at the

flames and Vanessa joins her.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - BATHROOM NIGHT

Vanessa scrubs away in the bathtub. The cleaning process is

intense as if she is trying to scrub away the negativity of

the day.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - LIVING ROOM NIGHT

Lila watches TV. Marie enters quietly.

LILA

You satisfied now?

MARIE

Yem, please.

LILA

(continuing)

You come to my house . . .

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MARIE

It was an accident. I didnt

do it on purpose. Im sorry.

LILA

. . . and you burn up my linen

and put my child in harms way.

You aint right in the head Marie.

MAN

(on TV)

In just a few days, the first

eclipse of the new Millennium will

occur . . . a total eclipse of the moon

. . . Make sure you are in a spot

to observe this unique occurrence . . .

MARIE

My job is to protect the girl

Yem not to hurt her. Didnt she

tell you what happened today?

LILA

About you two falling asleep on

the subway and having a nightmare?

Yeah, she told me.

MARIEDamn it Yem! Thats not what

happened and you know it.

LILA

To hell with you Marie. It took

me years to erase the sins of

the Eldersyears. The tradition.

The plagueall of itgone.

I done trained myself you see,

not to believe. I cant go back.

I wont go back.

MARIE

Yem, he slipped her a cursed

doll. Its got patches of her

hair on it. Hes hexing her.

We gotta destroy it.

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39/110

Lila shakes her heads and turns to walk away but returns.

LILA

(throws up hands)

I dont wanna hear it.

MAN

(on TV)

. . . The eclipse is expected

to last about three hours. And

unlike solar eclipses, lunar

eclipses are completely safe to

watch. This will truly mark the

beginning of a most memorable and

historic moment . . .

MARIEHes skilled in sorcery. Vanessas our

only chance to meet him toe to toe.

EXT. SACRED BURIAL GROUND DAY

Marie digs a hole in the earth with her bare hands.

Her whole body shakes as she pummels away at the dirt.

Vanessa takes a white cloth and wraps it around the cursed

doll.

MARIE(continuing)

Tie it tight, sweetheart.

Real tight now.

Vanessa makes sure the doll is secured within the wrapping.

MARIE

(continuing)

Gimme . . .

Vanessa hands her the doll.

MARIE

(continuing)

Enemy Be Gone. All spells

against me and mine disintegrate.

Marie places the doll in the hole and reaches for the

-39-


40/110

matches. She scratches the box once and the flame comes too

close to her face, causing her to drop the matchbook.

VANESSA

Its your nerves auntie. Let me.

Vanessa takes over and torches the doll, then drops it in

the hole.

CUT TO:

INT. SACRED BURIAL GROUND - LATER

Vanessa and Marie cover the remaining ashes with a liquid

potion.

MARIE

(covering hole with dirt)Now the earth will recycle all

this negative energy.

VANESSA

Turn it into blessings?

Marie nods.

INT. PROFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT - NIGHT

Marie sips from her wine glass slowly. Professor Stevenshas a bewildered look on his face and glances back and

forth at Marie awaiting more information.

Marie finishes the glass of wine and places the glass

squarely in the center of the table.

MARIE

You see, the doll had to be buried

on hallowed ground. Thats why we

chose that old African cemetery.

Professor Stevens is like a man who has lost all connection

with reality. He turns away and stares into the distance.

MARIE

(continuing)

I know its hard for you. Believe me,

I know. Youre a man of science but

-40-


41/110

youre also a reader of literature

where such things are spoken of sometimes.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

What youre describing is not

Shakespeare Marie, nor is it Alice

Walker. Youre talking about things

that dont really have a base system

other than in the minds of peasants

and ignorant individuals who grasp at

folklore to explain everything that

happens in their lives. Dont you

understand that Black folk cant afford

to think like that in this day and age?

Marie moves back. She picks up the glass from the table and

hurls it against the wall. It SHATTERS TO PIECES.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(continuing)

Hey? Wha?

MARIE

If that had been a mirror, youd

probably be talking about my seven

years of bad luck. Even educated

people believe in a faith system.

And its not just the ordinary

man who believes in magic, either.(several beats)

You want to say I believe because

I dont have the academic background

you have. On the flip side, Yem wants

to say Im a sinner because I left

the Church. Well, youre both wrong.

I believe in the spirits

of our people before the culture was raped

by the sword and the Bible. And I believe in

the magic that was given to our clan toprotect.

INT. HIGH RISE - NIGHT

The teacher pounds away at the computer only to stop when

she HEARS A LOUD THUMP. Beat.

-41-


42/110

VOICE (O.S.)

You can come out now, we have

business to attend to. Come on

out now Im not going anywhere.

She looks around but no one is there. Scared, she reaches

for the phone. While in her hands the RECEIVER TURNS A

BLARING RED HOT. She SCREAMS and drops it.

VOICE (O.S.)

(continuing)

Im waiting . . . dont you

want to know about Vanessa?

INT. PROFESSOR STEVEN'S APTARTMENT NIGHT

Professor cleans up the broken glass.

MARIE

She has to be reborn. It's the

customary rite of passage for the

chosen one. She must face an evil

so diabolical . . . so deadly. He's

gonna come at her with everything

he's got. He ain't one of those in

self denial whose too ashamed to know

what it's about. He's trained in the

ways of the art.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

But spells? Magic?

MARIE

On the train, when we descended

into the swamp cavern, when he

controlled our minds, there was

this beast. A vile creature.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

A beast?

MARIE

He planted the image in our minds.

Youve got to believe me when I

say Vanessa's life is at stake.

INT. HIGH RISE - NIGHT

-42-


43/110

CAULFIELD is an albino whose wavy pompadour expresses a

patrician air.

He personifies the very essence of genteel savagery. His

mannerisms are polite and refined but his methods are

barbaric. One only has to look deep into his eyes to see

the malignancy.

TEACHER

Who are you? How'd you get

in here?

CAULFIELD

My great, great, great, great

grandfather died from the hands

of one of little Vanessa's ancestors.

Your dear student Vanessa.

TEACHER

Thats too bad but I want you to

leave now before I call the cops.

CAULFIELD

For you it is . . . and anyone

close to the bad seed. What you didnt

know is her people come from a long

line of witches, descendants of the Ibo

and Yoruba lot. Some of them havespecial powers, the ones that practice.

Fortunately, so do I.

He gets up and moves toward her. She takes a few steps back.

TEACHER

Ill scream.

CAULFIELD

Gee, I hope so. That makes it

half the fun.

INT. PROFFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT NIGHT

Professor Stevens takes Marie in his arms.

MARIE

Im scared. I dont want to

-43-


44/110

admit it for Vanessas sake.

Its my job to protect her

and failure is not an option

the child has.

He covers her mouth with his and kisses her gently.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I wanted to do that the first

time I saw you. I hope you

dont mind because I have the

irresistible urge to do it again.

MARIE

I must warn you Marvin. To get

involved with me is like Chinese

arithmetic. Im not easy to crack.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I cant help myself Marie.

She pulls him to her and returns his kissbut hers is

much more vigorous.

He begins to run his hands down the length of her body,

tracing each voluptuous curve.

CUT TO:

LIVING ROOM FLOOR

Naked and wallowing topsy-turvy on top of one another,

Marie and the Professor tumble about.

He has her now, her arms pinned to the floor and legs

wrapped around him.

Pushing into her, he leans down to suck her breasts

until her nipples are erect.

She MOANS in pleasure.

INTERCUTING

Marie and Professor Stevens in his apartment, the

killer Caulfield in the high rise with the teacher.

-44-


45/110

INT. HIGH RISE NIGHT

Caulfield has the teacher by the throat and lifts her in

mid-air.

Her mouth is gaped open but no sound is emitted. She

goes through the emotions of screaming but there is a

muted silence.

DRUMS BEAT, heralding his torture.

CAULFIELD

Do you think me brutal?

He releases her from his grip but she continues to hang

suspended in midair, unable to say anything.

He takes a seat on the couch and crosses his legs verygentleman-like. He removes the white hat and places it

on his knee.

CAULFIELD

(continuing)

My European ancestors borrowed

many practices from the slaves.

Indeed, they learned many interesting

things.

(beat)

But one thing was forgotten however

(beat)

the element of control.

(beat)

Im afraid I must show you no mercy.

You are but a link in the chain to

my final destiny.

He motions and

HIS CANE

miraculously rises in mid-air and positions itself

erect horizontally.

-45-


46/110

He points his finger in the direction of the teacher

and the cane shoots through the air with the greatest

of ease and slices her body in half!

INT. PROFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT NIGHT

The Professor cradles Marie in his arms.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Its been a long time . . .

MARIE

Well, thats probably your fault.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I dont know about that, women

dont seem to be interested inthe Professor Dolittle types.

She smiles and taps him on the arm.

MARIE

You were great.

(looking troubled)

Oh my Goddess

PROFESSOR STEVENS

What is it?

MARIE

Something awful . . .

EXT. MOVING CAR NIGHT

Professor Stevens drives Marie around the city at a

MADDENING SPEED. He makes several turns, unsure of the

final destination.

Marie peers from the window at each turn, scouring thestreets for a sign.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

This is just crazy . . . its insane.

You dont have a clue, do you?

MARIE

-46-


47/110

The vibe . . . were getting closer.

I can feel it. Its around here somewhere.

Just keep driving.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I dont know about this.

MARIE

Wait . . .

INT. HIGH RISE NIGHT

Marie and the Professor gaze in horror at the sight before

them. Blood is everywheresplattered against the walls and

throughout the room.

The teachers entrails are strewn about. She has been

literally torn to pieces by this monster.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

My God, what on earth could have

done this?

MARIE

Nothing on earth.

INT. HIGH RISE - LATER THAT NIGHT

A POLICE DETECTIVE questions Professor Stevens.

Many MEN scurry about the apartment, dusting for fingerprints

and cleaning up the mess.

THE BODY

or whats left of it, is scooped into a couple of plastic

bags.

Marie has her arms folded tight and her head down. She

waits for her turn in questioning. Something happens and she

begins to shudder.

IMAGES OF CAULFIELD appear to her in a SUCCESSION OF

FLASHES.

She starts to shake her head and is quickly brought

back to consciousness by the detective.

-47-


48/110

POLICE DETECTIVE

(taking hold of her)

Miss, Miss are you all right?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Marie?

MARIE

I know who did this.

She looks over at Professor Stevens who shakes his

head, No.

POLICE DETECTIVE

Who did this?

MARIE

Crime in the city is terrible.

May I have some water?

The detective stops a UNIFORMED COP.

POLICE DETECTIVE

Get the lady some water.

(to Marie)

Are youre saying she was a

victim of city life?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Things like that do happen detective.

POLICE DETECTIVE

Things like that do happen, huh?

Thats funny. I got the impression she

knew someone in particular who

might be responsible. Like a name?

PROFESSOR STEVENS

She doesnt know anything. I told

you. We came here to pick up some

homework for her niece. The girlsbeen out of school a couple of days

due to fatigue and we wanted to make

sure she was caught up. Thats what

she means.

POLICE DETECTIVE

(to Marie)

-48-


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50/110

He looks at her long and hard and a delectable grin

crosses his face.

VANESSA

(continuing)

Leave me be.

She starts to walk away but he grabs her by the shirt

collar.

CAULFIELD

I am your destiny child and you

are mine. You are running out of

time, little warrior girl.

His voice is haunting and subdued. Vanessa closes her

eyes tight and tries to focus.

VANESSAEnemy be gone!

When Vanessa opens her eyes Caulfield has disappeared

and A GROUP OF STUDENTS stare at her bizarre behavior.

INT. PROFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT DAY

Lila lectures the Professor.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Last time we were together youoffered me tea and then took it away.

There are things going on with your

family but you wont let me in. I

thought we were friends.

LILA

I know somethin too Professor.

You been sleepin with her. Dont

bother, I can smell her scent on you.

PROFESSOR STEVENSLila

LILA

And I guess you figure thats

none of my business but let me

tell you a little somethin about

Mariemy family found her. She

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was thirteen years old and her momma

was a whore, down at that chicken ranch

in New Orleans. Thereve been plenty

before you Professor. My husband was

one of em.

At this point the Professor, not wanting to hear any

more, goes to the window to get some air.

LILA

(continuing)

Her father was a White man, a

sailor. As soon as he found out he

got a Black whore pregnant, he

killed the mother. We took Marie in,

gave her the Dubois name. Dubois

name is a respectable name. Youre a

good man and I dont want to see youget hurt or your good name drug

through the mud. You deserve to know

what youre dealin with.

EXT. THE NEIGHBORHOOD DAY

Vanessa and Marie stroll arm in arm down the city

streets.

Marie is stunning as ever in a low-cut blouse and

snuggly fitting skirt that exaggerates her curves.

For the first time, Vanessas hair is out of pigtails

and draped over her shoulders in a smooth curl. She is

no longer wearing the saddle shoes but instead sports a

pair of patent leather pumps.

VANESSA

I dont feel much up to this.

Where are we going anyway?

MARIEI know honey but some people handle

grief differently.

VANESSA

Why did he have to do it? Its me he

wants, right?

-51-


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MARIE

Vanessa, Caulfields greatest joy

is spreading misery and strife which

is why you must respond to the call

before somebody else dies.

They pass a GROUP OF MEN AND BOYS whose mouths open in

awe.

MAN

Good day to you two fine sistas.

VANESSA

Should we say something?

MARIE

Hell no, a manll appreciate you

more if you ignore him.

More WHISTELS AND CATCALLS from the men.

VANESSA

My birthdays coming up.

MARIE

Same as his. Thats when it has

to be done.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT NIGHT

Lila is VACUUMING when Marie approaches and takes the

vacuum away from her. Lila looks at her peculiarly.

MARIE

(continuing)

Im no stranger to hard work Yem.

LILA

(moving aside)Who told you to change her hair?

Her appearance?

MARIE

(running the vacuum)

Please, pigtails are for little

girls. Vanessa will be sixteen soon.

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54/110

Lila makes a cross against her chest.

LILA

Our Father, who art in Heaven . . .

Hallowed be thy name . . . Thy Kingdome

Come . . . Thy will be done . . .

THE GROUND SHAKES

MARIE

That wont do it Yem. Its him.

A KNOCK at the door interrupts.

CUT TO:

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - LATER

Edgy and uncomfortable, the police detective takes out

a cigarette.

LILA

No smoking in here.

POLICE DETECTIVE(putting cigarette away)

Yeah, well, just thought I needed

something. What a bizarre scene.

I thought I saw some nut trying

to control the weather.

MARIE

Could you describe one more time

what you saw.

POLICE DETECTIVEWell, I thought I saw this man,

only he was shrouded by the wind

and this weird light. And the

earthquake didnt even bother him.

LILA

Theres a lot of freaks around

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these parts. They come out at night.

Vanessa comes in to the room. She has a LODESTONE

NECKLACE on.

LILA

(continuing)

Honey, this man is with the police

and hes got some questions to ask you.

Itll be alright just tell him what

he wants to know about your teacher.

Im right here with you.

VANESSA

Mama, that wasnt no earthquake.

LILA

Vanessa, please!

POLICE DETECTIVE

Now, about the teacher . . .

VANESSA

She was my favorite teacher. She made

math fun too, said I was her star pupil.

I miss her already.

POLICE DECTECTIVE

Think hard Vanessa. Did your teacher ever

mention any boyfriends? Were

trying to check out all the angles. What

was done to her was brutal. A disturbed

individual did that.

VANESSA

An ex husband is all I know. I heard her

one time talking to some other teachersand she said he was the kind of man who

was always self-involved. That he didnt

even notice when she divorced him, not

until she packed everything and moved

out.

LILA

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Thats enough detective, my little

girls told you everything now.

MARIE

(getting up)

Ill see you out detective.

INT. BROWNSTONE - STAIRCASE - NIGHT

On her way to escort the detective out the building,

Marie is unaware that Professor Stevens is spying on

them through the peephole of his apartment door.

CUT TO:

EXT. CITY STREET - PARKED CAR - NIGHT

The detective gets up close to Marie.

MARIE

(continuing)

You never give up, do ya?

POLICE DETECTIVE

Youre an incredibly beautiful

woman, no man would.

MARIELet me tell you something detective,

Ive learned that most men arent

worth the effort. But when one comes

along that you see promise in, well,

it might not hurt to try.

POLICE DETECTIVE

You mean the Professor?

No answer.

Stubbornly, he unlocks the car door and gets in.

POLICE DETECTIVE

(continuing)

Ohbefore I forget. What was that

strange necklace your niece was wearing?

Fashion sure has changed.

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MARIE

Its a lodestone charm I gave her.

She draws power from it and it helps

keep negativity away.

POLICE DETECTIVE

You mean like a talisman? My granny

used to believe in that stuff. She

was always trying to ward against the

evil eye. Im Italian, you see.

Let me tell you something Miss. Dubois,

Ive worked homicide for ten years.

Nothing keeps negativity away.

MARIE

(turning to walk away)

Goodnight detective. Sleep tight,dont let the bed bugs bite.

(turning back)

Or dont you believe in bed bugs?

INT. SCHOOL DAY

Caulfield strolls down the school corridors unnoticed.

He SEES a GROUP OF GIRLS turn the corner, headed in his

direction. The girl on the outside has braces. They near

him, CHATTERING amongst the group.

He tips his hat and with a slight of hand removes a

HAIRBOW from the head of the girl with braces. He

slips the keepsake into his pants pocket.

INT. SCHOOL - CAFETERIA - DAY

STUDENTS wait in line for their meals. Vanessa sits

alone at a corner table. It is obvious something is on

her mind. She is withdrawn and picks over her food.

The girl with the braces bypasses Vanessa and elbows herin the arm. Her FRIENDS make snide remarks. They take

a seat at a nearby table facing forward.

INT. CAULFIELDS LAIR DAY

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This lavish hideout is complete with fantastical European

sculptures and replicas of a bygone era. His elegant

boudoir draped by curtains.

Accustomed to the finer things in life, Caulfield PLAYS

A TUNE on the baby grand piano and muses harmoniously.

Suddenly,

He stops. Removes the HAIRBOW from his pocket and smiles

mischievously.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA DAY

Vanessa ducks as the girl with braces spoon-tosses peas

at her from across the room. She is furious. The girlsat the table are HYSTERICAL.

When Vanessa turns to leave she is stopped in her tracks

when she hears CHOKING SOUNDS erupt from the table.

CUT TO:

INT. CAULFIELDS LAIR DAY

The sorcerer stands over a tin pale bucket full of

water. Inside the pale the HAIRBOW of the girl withbraces floats around.

Caulfield says a few INCANTATIONS and WE SEE the

IMAGE OF THE GIRL WITH BRACES reflected in the water.

After the image has been captured fully, he takes a

KNIFE and thrusts it into the bucket.

THE WATER REDDENS WITH THE BLOOD OF HIS VICTIM

ON CAULFIELD

delightfully pleased; he DANCES A LITTLE JIG to celebrate.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHOOL CAFETERIA DAY

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To Vanessas horror, the girl with braces begins to

bleed profusely from the throat before keeling over

on the floor.

The rest of the girls at the table SCREAM and scatter

about. A lunchroom RIOT occurs.

CUT TO:

INT. SCHLOOL PRINCIPALS OFFICE DAY

Lila folds her arms around Vanessa. She is nervous and

edgy and unconsciously squeezes Vanessas neck.

PRINCIPAL

They think Vanessa hurt

Veronica.

LILA

(squeezing Vanessa harder)

Well, theyd be wrong. She told you

what she saw. All those girls are just

jealous of her school talents.

PRINCIPAL

Its her talents they question.

LILA

Whats that supposed to mean?

PRINCIPAL

Were all aware of an incident with

Veronica and another girl Justine,

who by the way was hospitalized for a

week after a confrontation with your

daughter.

Vanessa winces in pain as her mother tightens her grip.

LILAYou accusin my daughter of a

crime? You callin her a liar?

PRINCIPAL

I hear the rumors maam. Some

say Vanessa has strange powers.

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That she wills things to happen to

people.

Vanessa looks away.

LILA

Im surprised at you, this is

supposed to be a traditional

learnin institution not some two

bit superstitious joint. That girl

had a seizure and hemorrhaged

that's all.

PRINCIPAL

Maybe Vanessa would be better

off going to school somewhere

else. Its something we would

really like for you to consider.

VANESSA

No! I dont want to leave school.

Beat. The Principal takes a deep breath and SIGHS. Lila

rolls her eyes.

LILA

You heard my daughter so now

what?

PRINCIPAL

Classes will be postponed the rest of

the week. Theres a memorial service

for Mrs. Miller on Wednesday and

one for Veronica the day after, at

the downtown civic center. Two funerals

in a matter of days. Tragic.

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - VANESSAS BEDROOM DAY

Vanessa listens to MUSIC.

Marie enters and flips on the lights.

MARIE

He took something from that girl at your

school so he could capture her image and

destroy it. Thats how it works. He laid

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a trick.

EXT. NEW YORK STREET - DAY

Marie and Vanessa rush madly through the streets,

bumping in to STREET VENDORS and knocking things over.

In the middle of traffic, Marie hails a YELLOW CAB and

they take of.

CUT TO:

INT. CITY UNIVERSITY - DAY

Professor Stevens reads aloud to the COLLEGE STUDENTS

from a book of poetry from the Harlem Renaissance.

Just as he engages in a long verse, Marie and Vanessa

barge into the classroom.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

What is the meaning of this?

MARIE

We need to chatright now.

INT. CITY UNIVERSITY - TEACHER'S LOUNGE - DAY

While Vanessa pretends not to be listening to their

conversation, Marie and the Professor huddle in acorner of the room.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Actually, I don't think there's

anything left for us to discuss.

I can't compete with your history.

MARIE

My history? Oh, I see, Yem's been

giving you her interpretation.

Marie turns away and then back again.

MARIE

(continuing)

I was thirteena child!

Vanessa looks over. Marie lowers her voice.

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MARIE

(continuing)

Everybody, including my own

mother, they all used me. They

took everything. Every shred

of dignity they took. They

stole my childhoodripped it

from right out under me.

Do you blame a child for her

condition? For what adults

make of her? Is that what your

scholarly way has taught you?

You really want to know why I

came here? To save your stinking

life, that's why. First out of

a humane duty and second

Marie is a little choked up and tries to hide it.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(beat)

Look, Im sorry.

He takes Marie in his arms.

A warm smile comes over Vanessa's face as she looks on.

VANESSA

(bare whisper)

Yep, I guess mama missed her chance.

EXT. RUN DOWN SHACK (HARLEM) NIGHT

Located near an abandoned lot, this structure is made

entirely of wood scraps and metal pieces. The floor is

made of sandstone.

A tacked on screen door has been affixed to the frontand a drawstring hangs out that when pulled, rings a

bell from the inside.

Professor Stevens is taken aback by the pure bare

bones living arrangement.

The OLD WOMAN of the house appears from the shadows.

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Her most noticeable feature is the long gray dreadlocks

that flow down the length of her body near the floor.

OLD WOMAN

I been expectin you, come on

in, lessn the evil stop you

in your tracks.

Vanessa looks to Marie, who signals that it is OK to

follow the strange old woman.

Professor Stevens takes Marie by the hand.


Caulfield picks up a PICTURE OF THE PROFESSOR and

SMASHES it with his bare hands.

He clears the photo from the smashed frame and tears it

in half.

INT. RUN DOWN SHACK (HARLEM) NIGHT

The old woman brings out a TRAY WITH THREE CUPS.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

(to Marie)

I dont know about this.

MARIE(to Professor)

Dont be disrespectful, she knows

what shes doing.

VANESSA

What is?

MARIE

(to Vanessa)

Sssh!

The old woman offers the tray and each one takes a cup

with the unrecognizable elixir inside.

OLD WOMAN

This here treatment will keep

you clean of spirit. Drink it up.

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They toss the cups back and swallow with some distaste.

OLD WOMAN

(continuing)

Hmmf, it aint meant to be

tasty, just efficient.

The old woman retrieves the cups and walks away

MUMBLING UNDER HER BREATH.

Professor Stevens turns to Marie.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

All right, lets have it.

Who is this crazy old lady?

MARIE

(whispering)

Watch your mouthshe hears all.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Just explain to me why were

here again. You said it was life

or death.

MARIE

Mama Roots is going to help us

lay some tricks of our own.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Oh yeah, that clears it right up.

VANESSA

I think what auntie means is

the old one is going to appeal

to the spirits to protect us against

his bad magic.

MARIE

Caulfield. How I hate his name.Mama Roots here can get down and

dirty with him.

On cue, the old sorceress returns. In her hand is a

INSERT - LARGE BASIN FILLED WITH WATER

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BACK TO SCENE

OLD WOMAN

Many stories of blood and death

I sho could tellseen plenty.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Just how old are you?

Marie nudges him in the side.

OLD WOMAN

Wellaint nobody been able to

determine and meI lost count.

She begins a THUNDEROUS LAUGH and SLAPS her knee twice.

OLD WOMAN

(continuing)

Some bad mojo around yall.

She takes out a SMALL PIN from her bosom and holds the

basin over Professor Stevens lap while she pricks his

forefinger.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

This is crazy.

OLD WOMAN

It dont help that the male

species here dont believe.

MARIE

Hes a Professor.

OLD WOMAN

Thats his problem.

She takes a hold of Maries finger and pricks it over

the basin. Before she can get to Vanessa, the girl has

already stuck her finger out and closed her eyes.

OLD WOMAN

(continuing)

This girl times-a comin.

What her mother think?

MARIE

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She still refuses.

Vanessa winces slightly as the pin plows into her flesh

and little ringlets of blood drip into the basin.

The old woman finishes and mixes the contents of their

blood in the water.

OLD WOMAN

There those men who lead a

double lifethis bad spirit

be one of em. He sees himself

in an educated and enlightened

way from when he used to sail

the seas. In the earthly realm he

be a man of many riches.

(points to Vanessa)

When the girl become reborn, the

spirits bestow great gifts.

Professor Stevens gives Marie a chastising look but she

is too busy enrapt with the old womans soliloquy to

acknowledge him.

The old woman then disappears into the back with the

basin of bloody water.

Vanessa licks the tip of her pricked finger.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

What is she going to do with it?

MARIE

You dont want to know.

VANESSA

I bet I know.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

Okay. Why do I feel like Im theonly one in the clubhouse who

doesnt know the password?


The PHOTO OF THE PROFFESSOR is BLAZING WITH FLAMES and

Caulfield presides over it.

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He recites the RITES OF ELIMINATION.


All is calm and peaceful. Vanessa and the Professor are

curled up asleep on a makeshift couch.

Marie and the old woman are in the middle of brewing

various potions on a hot kettle in the room.

MARIE

(continuing)

So howve you been Mama Roots?

The old woman crinkles her withered face and GRUNTS.

MARIE(continuing)

That good, huh?

OLD WOMAN

Hand me that sachet powder.

Marie reaches for a wooden chalice filled with powders

and passes it to the old woman.

OLD WOMAN

City wanna tear down my old place

here, says I be breakin all kindsof zonin codes and city ordinances by

havin it. Hell, they just mad I aint

needin them for nothin.

MARIE

Whatll you do if they tear it down?

OLD WOMAN

Dont worry about me, you got

your own issues. Mama Roots gonnabe just fine. How bout we talk romance?

MARIE

All right now Mama Roots dont go

planting seeds hoping for something

beautiful to grow. Hes just a friend.

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OLD WOMAN

Girl you cant fool this old conjure woman.

When you was born I saw you, you was the

prettiest thing in the world. I knew one

day mend

be fallin at your footsteps. Your mama

made a lot of mistakes but you the lucky

one to be alive.

MARIE

Except for his blood.

OLD WOMAN

Your man friend know about that?

Or Vanessa?

MARIE

Not exactly. Yem told the Professor

some bull about me being adopted.

She cant face what our mother did.

And how can I tell Vanessa its her kin

shes gotta destroy?

OLD WOMAN

(bottling potion)Old wounds gotta heal sometime.

It aint for you or nobody else

to decide on now what cant be

changed. Nows the time to act

cause the plan was already laid

out before your time. Now, what you

believe in again?

MARIE

I believe in magic.

OLD WOMAN

And old magic believes in you too

honey. Dont you ever forget that.

MARIE

You think hell show up?

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OLD WOMAN

Our spilt blood should protect

us tonight if so. But child,

evil got many ways around the bin.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

rises, possessed.

His eyes roll back in his head and gobs of saliva flow

down the sides of his mouth.

MARIE

Marvin?

He turns beside him and grabs a still sleeping Vanessaby the throat, shaking her fiercely.

MARIE

(continuing)

Let her go!

Marie runs over to try and pull him off the girl but his

presence is too powerful and he BACKHANDS her to the

floor.

OLD WOMAN

He got a spell in him, honey.

Thats what I was talkin bout.

Caulfields workin his magic.

RUN DOWN SHACK/PROFESSOR STEVENS APARTMENT

We INTERCUT between the happenings at the shack in Harlem and

Caulfield orchestrating the spell at Professor Stevens

apartment.


Standing over burnt ashes of what used to be a photo of

the Professor, Caulfield raises his hands to the sky and

THUNDERING & LIGHTENING is heard outside.

CAULFIELD

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. . .Rid me of my enemy,

bring

down on this child thunder and

lightening . . .


Vanessa SCREAMS madly and tries to pry the Professors

hands away from her throat but it is no use.

THE OLD WOMAN

kneels down in front of them and begins to sway her hips

back and forth, her hands move about and she MUBLE VERSES .

She continues the swaying of her body and arms and begins

to POUND the ground with her fists. Faster and faster shegoes.

The Professor looks empty-eyed in her direction. His

pupils still invisible.

As the old woman continues her verse she grabs hold of

Professor Stevens arm.

Professor Stevens lets go of Vanessa and lunges for the

old woman.

Marie jumps in front of him and he BACKHANDS her to the

floor again.

He takes the old woman down and lands on top.

OLD WOMAN

(continuing)

Grab that bottle of Goofer dust

on the table and lay it on his

footsteps!

She reaches into her housecoat and sprays an unknownpowder substance in his face.

Professor Stevens backs up slowly into his set of footprints

and the hurt enters his body through his feet when he walks

over the mark. He bounces up and down from the sheer pain of

the intangible, the non-existent pins and needles in his foot.

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MARIE

Foot-track magic . . .

OLD WOMAN

Hot foot. Never failed me yet. Now

mix some of the foot-track

with the dust in the bottle and

go bury it yonder under the doorstep.

EXT./INT. BROWNSTONE MORNING

Marie, Vanessa and Professor Stevensall weary from

last nights peculiar activitiesstagger inside.

PROFESSOR STEVENS

I cant remember a thing. You know

Id never do anything to hurt you orVanessa. I dont understand what could

have happened.

MARIE

Its not your fault. You were under

his spell.

VANESSA

I forgive you Professor.

He grimaces and pats her on the shoulders.

The doors open from the

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT - DAY

Lila comes out to the top of the stairs.

LILA

Well, aint this a sight. You two

kept my Vanessa out all night

without so much as a word.

Professor, seems like its too latefor you. The sirens done lured

you with her treachery.

MARIE

Yem, please, dont be so

melodramatic. I can explain.

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LILA

No need. Marie, I want you

out of my house. And Vanessa,

youre grounded.

VANESSA

(whining)

For how long?

LILA

Until donkeys fly, now get

up here!

INT. DUBOIS APARTMENT LATER

Lila tries to open the door to VANESSAS BEDROOM but

finds that it is locked from the inside.

As soon as she leaves, Vanessa opens the door quietly

and wanders down the hall to the

GUEST ROOM

where Marie is packing her things.

VANESSA

You cant go. Youve got

to make her understand.

You know what has to be done.I need you.

MARIE

(still packing)

Theres nothing I can do.

I best be on my way. I

reckon youll be fine.

Its just my imagination.

VANESSA

Stop it! You know thats nottrue. Isnt it enough that I

have to deal with being

a witchthe fact that a

bunch of people from long ago

decided my destiny. They didnt

count on their revenge backfiring

and leaving me to clean up the mess.

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Now Im being called on to fix

it. I didnt ask to be born into

this clan. Sometimes I wish I

could remove the stupid Dubois

name. The curse.

(calmly now)

I cant do this by myself.

Youre my protector, thats

why you came, even if it means

protecting me from my own mother.

Do your job.

In solace, Marie kisses her on the cheek.

ECHO NOISES FILL VANESSAS HEAD AND SHE BEGINS TO

TREMBLE AND PASSES OUT INTO MARIES ARMS

MARIEYem! Come quick!

Lila comes running.

LILA

My baby! Oh God no! Vanessa!

INT. HOSPITAL DAY

Vanessa is rushed into the

EMERGENCY ROOM

where SEVERAL TECHNICIANS and a CROWD OF NURSES scuffle

about.

Marie takes a hold of Lilas arm and guides her away

from the scene to the

WAITING ROOM

LILA

(continuing)Why Lord, why Vanessa?

MARIE

Yem, you know what day it is?

LILA

(unconcerned)

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Dont bother me with dates Marie,

my little girl

MARIE

(interrupting)

Its Saturday the 12th

. TomorrowsSunday the 13thVanessas birthday

and his.

LILA

Didnt I throw you out?

MARIE

Theres nothing they can do

for her in here and you know

it. Its time.

Lila opens up her hands and plants her face inside.

She begins to CRY.

Marie waits for a minute or two before taking her sister

in her arms.

LILA

I cant.

MARIE

(patting her back)

You can . . . we can . . . shell

die here tonight if we dont or

hell kill her tomorrow. Your choice.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM LATER

Dr. Mandrigal consults with Lila and Marie while Vanessa

lies comatose.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

(glumly)

Miss. Dubois, by all scientific

accounts Vanessa is . . .(looking down at the ground)

. . . her heart is barely beating

at an infinitesimal rate . . . she

has lost complete function of all

apparatus . . . internally virtually

everything is shut down. The swollen

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mass of tissue surrounding her frontal

lobe has grown ten inches in diameter

since I checked her laststill

it doesnt register as being a

carcinogen or malignant in any way. A

confounding conundrum. We doctors dontoften do well with those. By all rights

your daughter should be dead.

LILA

Shell stay right here!

MARIE

Doctor , if you could excuse us. My

sister and I need some time alone.

Lila gives her a look.

DOCTOR MANDRIGAL

Sure, sure. I know how hard this

is on you.

He looks back and forth between them.

Immediately when he is gone:

MARIE

Ill go see if I can get

my hands on the closest thing

to a butcher knife. And I

should give Marvin a call and

have him come for us.

When she is gone:

LILA

(at Vanessas bedside)

Precious baby girl, Lordheal my Vanessa.

She looks up to the Heavens and clasps her hands

together.

LILA

(continuing)

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Lord, stop me from this unholy

act, bring Vanessa back to me and

proveem wrong.

She checks to see if there is any change in Vanessas

condition. There is none. She rubs Vanessas forehead

soothingly.

LILA

(continuing)

The sins of the elders visited

upon the young.

She lays her head on Vanessas stomach. Marie enters

with a big SURGICAL KNIFE.

MARIE

Yemget my bag. We need to hurry.

INT. HOSPITAL ROOM NIGHT

Vanessas body is unclothed and on her right hip is the

INSERT - BIRTH MARK

of the warrior child.

CUT TO:

Van Van Incense is burned to clear away enemy tricks

during the rite of passage and to bring about prophetic

dreams.

CUT TO:

Marie sponge bathes Vanessa.

CUT TO:

MAGIC CIRCLE

Vanessas body lies in a semi conscious state on the

hospital floor, enclosed in a charcoal drawn circle.

LILA

So many of our people done sold

their soul to the monster at the

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crossroads. And here you ask me

to give my only child.

MARIE

Put down your religion for a

second and pick up your magic for

a change.

Marie grabs a hold of Lilas hands and they lock

themselves around Vanessa.

Marie speaks in strange TONGUES. Her fingernails dig

deep into Lilas flesh.

CLOSE ON

Blood drips from Lilas palms onto Vanessas bare chest.

A HOLD takes over Lilas body and shes swept into the

signs of spirit trance against her will.

VANESSAS BODY

heaves in the circle.

They enter a supernatural realm and meet the spirits

head on (parallel between this world and the near death

existence).

In this prophetic vision Vanessa connects with the

history of her ancestor who murdered the Caulfield heir

after his daughter was raped and thus brought about the

commencement of the curse.

MARIE

(continuing)

Free her from her former self.

LILA

No! I cant!

MARIE

She must die to be reconstituted.

She must respond to the call.

She picks up the knife and gives it to Lila. Lila tries

to let go of it but it welds itself to her flesh by

the elements.

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ILLUMINATIONS OF VARIOUS CONJURED UP SPIRITS SPRING

FORTH FROM VANESSA

MARIE

(continuing)

Now! Do it now!

The knife in Lilas hand draws near, unconsciously she

plunges it into Vanessas body.

EXT. HOSPITAL NIGHT

Marie and Lila smuggle Vanessas bloody body out wrapped

in a hospital sheet, to a

PARKED CAR

where Professor Stevens looks on in horror.

hoodoo child

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