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INT. GRANDMA HOME -NIGHT

MC

What are you doing here?

MC

How did you find me?

AARON

Good evening to you too, MC.

GRANDMA

Don't be rude, MC.

GRANDMA

Invite your guest inside. It's Christmas Eve!

+Choice

MC

(What should I do?)

"Invite Aaron in"

{

MC

Sorry, I was smitten.

MC

Come on in.

}

"Avoid inviting Aaron in"

{

MC

He just came to drop something off.

MC

He's about to leave.

}

MOTHER

Who is it, darling?

AARON

Good evening, Mrs. Hamilton, I recon.

MOTHER

Oh, sweet mother! MC was telling the truth, after all!

MOTHER

She is friends with Aaron Davis!

MC

Mother!

GRANDMA

Is that the Canadian boy?

MC

(Can my family be more embarrassing?)

NARRATOR

You believe the situation cannot be more surreal when your father barges into the room with a large pile of firewood and pushes it straight into Aaron's arms.

FATHER

There, now I am not the only man here.

FATHER

I finally have someone to help tend to the fireplace.

NARRATOR

You place your hand over your mouth, looking at Aaron's dumbfounded expression as he struggles to hold all the firewood that your father has carelessly stuffed into his arms.

AARON

Err... sure... I'm glad to help.

AARON

Is the fireplace where the smoke is coming from?

NARRATOR

Your grandma, your mother, and you look at each other in confusion. It takes you a few moments to notice

the terrible smell and thick smoke are coming from the kitchen when all of you shout at the same time: NO!

MOTHER

That's not the fireplace! Those are the cookies!

MC

Mom, you told me you've got that!

GRANDMA

MC, what are you still doing standing there!

FATHER

Three women at home, and Santa is still not going to get his cookies.

NARRATOR

Aaron cannot help a short chuckle at your father's remark. He then goes out to bring more firewood while both your mother and grandma rush into the kitchen.

MC

I'm sorry... It's always hectic with my family.

AARON

MC...

MC

How did you find me anyway?

AARON

MC, where...

MC

It's Chantal, isn't it? She's the one who told you where I am.

AARON

MC, I'm still holding the firewood here! And it's getting pretty heavy.

MC

Oh, my...

INT. GRANDMA HOME FIREPLACE -NIGHT

NARRATOR

You help Aaron place the wood near the fireplace, and together you stir the embers to make the fire burn again.

AARON

Wow, you're good at this. I've never tended to fire before.

MC

Rally? Not even on camping?

AARON

No, I've grown up in a city. I've never been the camping kind of person.

MC

That's fine.

MC

Will you stay for dinner?

AARON

I didn't mean to intrude on your family dinner. I just wanted to see you and wish you a merry Christmas.

+Choice

MC

(How shall I convince him to stay?)

"You'd make me very happy if you stayed"

{

MC

You'd make me very happy if you stayed.

AARON

Well, in that case, I would hate to do anything that would make that smile disappear from this beautiful face.

}

"My father's already put you in charge of the fireplace."

{

MC

Hey, it's too late to bail out.

MC

My father's already put you in charge of the fireplace.

AARON

I suppose I shouldn't betray the trust your father's given me.

MC

You wouldn't dare.

}

NARRATOR

You look at him playfully while the warmth of the fireplace and his deep gaze make your face as red as a candied apple.

NARRATOR

The butterflies in your stomach are doing their happy dance, but you put your best effort to conceal it.

AARON

MC, you make me...

GRANDMA

MC, it's dinner time.

MC

(Grandma and her timing!)

INT. GRANDMA HOME -NIGHT

NARRATOR

The family dinner passes merrily with a lot of laughter and good- natured banter.

NARRATOR

Aaron seems to enjoy the time with your family as much as you enjoy watching him make jokes and charmingly respond to your grandma's nagging remarks.

AARON

What a lovely dinner! Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton, thank you for having me

over.

MOTHER

You are welcome to join us anytime, Aaron.

MOTHER

Is the Christmas Eve tradition any different in Canada?

+Choice

MC

(I'd better suggest some alone time with Aaron before mother becomes too curious.)

"Suggest going for a walk outside."

{

MC

Aaron, would you like to go for a walk outside?

AARON

That sounds like a great idea. The town looks charming when covered in snow.

AARON

But you'll need to put on some warmer clothes, it's freezing outside!

MOTHER

Oh, don't you just love this young man?

FATHER

Humph.

@WALK +1

}

"Suggest drinking hot chocolate at the fireplace."

{

AARON

Aaron, would you care for a hot chocolate by the fireplace?

AARON

That sounds like a great idea. I love hot chocolate.

AARON

Besides, that fire will not keep going by itself.

MOTHER

What do you say, Paul, hasn't this young man taken his responsibility seriously?

FATHER

Humph.

@WALK +0

EXT. TOWN OF RYE WINTER – NIGHT

AARON

Your family, they are...

MC

So embarrassing, I know! Please, excuse them.

AARON

I meant to say so welcoming and amiable.

MC

Oh...

AARON

But we can choose yours, sure.

NARRATOR

Aaron looks at you, winking

MC

Now you are just teasing me!

AARON

I don't think I have ever had such a warm and cozy Christmas Eve.

AARON

My father was often away on business trips.

AARON

And when we were home together, holidays were something we wanted 'to get over with' as soon as possible and move on with our daily lives.

MC

I'm so sorry... That is really sad.

AARON

Hey, you are freezing!

AARON

Why didn't you put on a pair of gloves?

NARRATOR

As he says this, Aaron takes your hands in his, rubbing them gently. Then he brings them to his mouth, trying to warm them up with his breath.

NARRATOR

As you feel the warmth of his breath on your skin, you start trembling, but this time not because of the cold.

AARON

You are shivering! Come over here!

NARRATOR

He places your hands in the pockets of his coat and embraces you tightly, your faces only inches apart.

NARRATOR

Your heart begins to race as his deep gaze focuses on your mouth.

NARRATOR

He takes your chin in one hand and lifts it up gently as his soft, warm lips land onto yours.

NARRATOR

You feel a powerful surge of electricity flow through your body as you give in to the long and fervent yet gentle and soothing kiss.

}

INT. GRANDMA HOME FIREPLACE -NIGHT

AARON

Your family, they are...

MC

So embarrassing, I know! Please, excuse them.

AARON

I meant to say so welcoming and amiable.

MC

Oh...

AARON

But we can choose yours, sure.

NARRATOR

Aaron looks at you, winking

MC

Now you are just teasing me!

AARON

I don't think I have ever had such a warm and cozy Christmas Eve.

AARON

My father was often away on business trips.

AARON

And when we were home together, holidays were something we wanted 'to get over with' as soon as possible and move on with our daily lives.

MC

I'm so sorry... That is really sad.

AARON

Do you feel hot? Your face is burning!

NARRATOR

As he says this, Aaron places his hands on your face as if trying to feel your body temperature.

NARRATOR

As you feel his cool hands on your skin, you start trembling, but not because of the fever.

NARRATOR

He cups your face in his hands, placing his mouth on your forehead. Your heart begins to race as his mouth starts to slide down your nose.

EXT. NEW YORK APARTMENT BUILDING -NIGHT

NARRATOR

Three months later.

INT. MC ROOM -NIGHT

FATHER

You can't go on a trip with this man, MC!

FATHER

You barely know him!

MC

Dad, we've been dating for three months!

FATHER

What kind of dating is this, you've seen him five times ever since Christmas!

MC

You are not fair! Aaron's used every free minute in his schedule to spend it with me here in New York!

FATHER

I don't feel comfortable letting my daughter go on a trip with a man she barely knows!

MC

How will I get to know him if you don't let me spend time with him!

FATHER

Alright, spend time with him here! You don't have to go all the way to Mexico!

MC

It wouldn't have been a vacation if I had stayed here with you! It would have just been Christmas all over again!

MOTHER

Paul, MC may be right.

MOTHER

Going on a trip together is an excellent way to get to know a person.

FATHER

You are way too supportive of this relationship, Meryl!

FATHER

It seems to me that the idea of your daughter dating a famous pop singer has gotten into your head!

MOTHER

Paul!

FATHER

Alright, MC, go on that trip, but don't you dare come here crying when that hot-headed brat exchanges you for another distraction!

+Choice

MC

(Now this is insulting!)

"Try to calm your father down"

{

MC

Dad... I can see why you are worried, but Aaron is a good man.

MC

I trust him. I want to see how things might work out between us.

MC

And I think traveling to Cancun together is my chance to do that.

FATHER

I understand you, MC. I am just worried.

FATHER

You are young and head over heels! And this boy has been through much more than you could ever imagine.

FATHER

I am afraid you may end up hurt.

MC

I can take care of myself, don't you have faith in me?

FATHER

Oh, I do have faith in YOU! It's that man that I don't trust.

MC

Dad...

@FATHER +1

}

"Get angry with your father"

{

MC

You see me as some man's distraction?!

MC

Is that how much you think I am worth?

MC

You know, I am going to Cancun with Aaron whether you like it or not!

FATHER

You are too young and naïve, MC! You know nothing about life! This man will hurt you!

MC

Don't you worry about me! I can take care of myself!

FATHER

I wish I was wrong, MC! But you will come back on your knees apologizing for speaking to me like that before you know it!

@FATHER +0

}

MC

I think I need some fresh air.

MOTHER

MC, where are you going? It's late!

MOTHER

MC, come back right now!

EXT. NEW YORK APARTMENT BUILDING -NIGHT

NARRATOR

The mixture of anger and sadness overwhelm you as your father's words echo in your head.

MC

(I can make my own judgment! He's not being fair about Aaron!)

EXT. SHABBY STREET -NIGHT

NARRATOR

Disoriented, you keep walking and replaying the conversation in your mind until you realize you've reached a dark neighborhood that is not famous for its safety.

NARRATOR

There are no people in the streets, and the only sounds you can hear are distant vehicles and muffled music from the night bars with a bad reputation.

MC

(Just great! I'd better call a cab; I can't walk back for another hour.)

NARRATOR

As you take out your phone, a hooded individual sneaks behind you.

THIEF

Give me your phone and your money!

THIEF

Now!

NARRATOR

You look at the intimidating,

shabby-dressed apparition before you in disbelief and your pulse quickens as you begin to realize you are helpless.

+Choice

MC

(What should I do?)

"Run away!"

{

MC

Is that the police over there?

MC

Officer, over here! HELP!

NARRATOR

You shout loudly and wave pretending there is a police officer. As the thief looks away, you start running in the opposite direction as fast as you can.

NARRATOR

But as soon as he realizes you've tried to trick him, he catches up with you, and now he is angrier than before.

THIEF

Think you're so smart, ain't you?

THIEF

Now give me your phone and your wallet before I take 'em by myself.

}

"Give him your phone"

{

MC

Here, take it! I hope the lightning strikes you while you're using it!

THIEF

Ha-ha, very funny! Now your wallet too!

}

NARRATOR

Reluctantly, you hand over your possessions, feeling not so sorry about parting with the money as much as with all the photos and memories your phone contains.

NARRATOR

All of a sudden, your eyes widen as you become aware of the tall, hunky individual standing behind the thief.

STRANGER

Impressive! Just impressive!

STRANGER

Now, apologize to the lady and give her back her belongings.

THIEF

Get lost! You're on my turf, birdbrain!

NARRATOR

The muscles on the unknown man's face tense, and without warning, he punches the thief in the head.

THIEF

Well, if you want to play rough...

NARRATOR

The thief pulls out a knife from his pocket, but before he even has a chance to use it, the man knocks the weapon out of his hand.

NARRATOR

He performs a few more spectacular movements with his arms and knees, snatching your things from the thief as he runs off crying for help.

STRANGER

I believe this belongs to you, madam.

MC

Thank you! I owe you big time!

MC

How did you do that?

STRANGER

Oh, you mean the old kung fu trick?

STRANGER

It's just a simple routine I learned a long time ago.

MC

It didn't look so simple from where I was standing!

STRANGER

You are in shock. Let me call you a cab. You should leave this place as soon as possible.

STRANGER

Goodbye, madam.

MC

Wait!

MC

You look familiar. Have we met before?

STRANGER

No, I don't think so.

MC

I can't quite put my finger on it, but I swear I have seen you somewhere.

STRANGER

Nah... I just have that kind of face.

STRANGER

Here's your cab. Take care, madam.

+Choice

MC

(Is he just going to leave as if nothing has happened? What should I do?)

"Ask more questions"

{

MC

May I at least know your name?

STRANGER

It's Ethan.

MC

Are you from around here, Ethan?

ETHAN

Yeah, born New Yorker, but always on the move. Wherever the job takes me.

MC

What did you say you do?

ETHAN

I didn't.

MC

Oh...

ETHAN

Don't let the cab driver wait. They are going to charge you for that.

NARRATOR

His expression has softened, and you can see a hint of a smirk appear at the corner of his lips.

MC

Thank you for saving me, Ethan. I would have had to walk home penniless for an hour.

ETHAN

No problem. Just avoid roaming this neighborhood alone at night in the future.

@ASK +1

}

"Thank him one more time"

{

MC

Thank you, sir. I would have had to walk home penniless for an hour.

STRANGER

No problem. Just avoid roaming this neighborhood alone at night in the future.

@ASK +0

}

MC

Will do.

NARRATOR

With a warm smile on your face, you wave the kind stranger goodbye and drive off in the cab while watching the tall, muscled figure slide behind the corner into one of those disreputable, smoke-filled night bars.

INT. MC ROOM -DAY

+Choice

MC

(Is he just going to leave as if nothing has happened? What should I do?)

"if FATHER =1"

{

MC

Dad, I'm glad you changed your mind about Aaron.

FATHER

I did not change my mind, MC, but I trust you and know you will be able to make your own judgments.

MC

Thank you, dad.

FATHER

Now keep packing; I will be right back.

}

"if FATHER =0"

{

MC

I can't believe daddy is still angry with me because of the trip with Aaron.

MOTHER

You were rude to him, MC. We've taught you better.

MC

I know, and I'm sorry. I felt provoked.

MOTHER

Don't worry, he'll come round.

}

MOTHER

Oh, come on, hurry up, or you'll miss your flight to Mexico.

CHANTAL

How many swimsuits have you packed?

MC

Enough, I hope.

CHANTAL

Oh, I am so jealous. I've heard Cancun is marvelous in March.

CHANTAL

Take a lot of photos and don't forget to buy me a souvenir!

MC

Will do, Chantal. I will get you the first thing I see when I get there.

CHANTAL

Oh my, I hope it's not a sea urchin.

NARRATOR

You and your mom laugh at Chantal's joke when your father appears at the doorway.

FATHER

Here, MC, this is for you.

MC

Dad, it's a lot of money!

FATHER

I know your boyfriend is rich, but I don't want you to feel obliged to do anything because he is paying for your trip.

+Choice

MC

(Dad means well. What should I do?)

"Refuse the money."

{

MC

I already know that, dad. I'm not a gold-digger.

MC

I appreciate the thought, but I don't need extra money. Remember that I have a job.

FATHER

It's your call, MC. We are your family; we will always be here for you.

NARRATOR

You hug your family and your friend goodbye and leave for the airport.

@FATHER +0

}

"Accept the money."

{

MC

I already know that, dad, but thank you.

MC

I appreciate it.

FATHER

We are your family; we will always be here for you.

NARRATOR

You take the money, hug your family and your friend goodbye, and leave for the airport.

@FATHER +1

}

EXT. SUNNY BEACH -DAY

NARRATOR

It's a bright and sunny day on Playa Maroma, one of Cancun's most beautiful beaches. The stunning beauty of the white, velvety sand and the azure blue water create an atmosphere of a perfect tropical paradise.

NARRATOR

You are lying on a comfy sunbed, reveling in the familiar pleasant smell of the sea mixed with pungent aromas of delicious Mexican food spreading from the beach taverns.

AARON

Come over here to the shade, honey.

AARON

You'll get sunburned.

MC

What's wrong with a little bit of tan?

AARON

Hey, I love the tan. It's the sunstroke I don't like.

NARRATOR

You laugh dismissively before his puppy eyes convince you to join him in the scarce mid-day shade under the thatched umbrella.

MC

I am hungry. Let's get something to eat.

AARON

I admire your appetite! You've had two donuts and an ice cream an hour ago.

MC

It's because of all the swimming.

MC

Come on, on your feet! Chop-chop!

NARRATOR

As you rise, you feel an intense head rush and are about to collapse when Aaron grabs you in his arms.

AARON

I told you spending too much time in the sun is not healthy. Now you've got sunstroke.

MC

I'm fine. It was just a tiny head rush.

MC

Let's go and get our lunch now.

NARRATOR

The two of you head to the restaurant, but after just a few steps, a terrible wave of nausea sweeps over you, and despite your best effort, you can no longer contain your food.

AARON

MC! You're sick!

AARON

We need to see a doctor! Now!

MC

No, we don't! I've spent a bit too much time in the sun, it's not a big deal.

AARON

You almost fainted, and now you vomited everything you've eaten since this morning.

This is not a request!

+Choice

MC

(I know he's worried, but his tone...)

"You can't tell me what to do!"

{

MC Tiểu luận Lãng mạn & Tái sinh 2023

Mind your tone, Aaron!

MC

You can't tell me what to do!

AARON

You're right. I'm so sorry for yelling at you.

AARON

But can we please see a doctor? I'm worried sick about you.

MC

Alright... if it will make you feel better, let's go.

}

"You're right. I should see a doctor."

{

MC

Ugh... I hate it when you are right.

MC

I am not feeling well. Let's go and find a doctor...

}

INT. DOCTOR OFFICE -DAY

DR TORRES

Miss Hamilton, as I've suspected, you have nothing to worry about.

MC

I don't have a sunstroke?

DR TORRES

No, you don't.

MC

That's great news! In your opinion, doctor, why did I have those symptoms then?

DR TORRES

Well, Miss Hamilton, those symptoms are perfectly typical for your condition.

MC

My condition?

DR TORRES

You're pregnant, Miss Hamilton. Congratulations!