Rachel Getting Married_2008

EXT. HALFWAY HOUSE PORCH. DAY
    KYM , a darkly beautiful girl in her early 20 's , is smoking furiously on the porch of an URBAN HALFWAY HOUSE . She glances impatiently at her watch and presses her ear to her cell phone . As she exhales , WE HEAR the rumble of thunder . Irritated , she crams her cell phone into her bag . ROSA a halfway house staff nurse is patiently handling WALTER , an irate patient who is screeching .
    WALTER
    I want my fucking Zippo now!
    Walter starts yanking at his hair .
    ROSA
    Walter, that is a behavior.
    WALTER
    ( raking his nails against his forearm . )
    Fuck you!
    ROSA
    And you are making a choice.
    Her cell phone rings .
    ROSA
    ( to Walter . )
    Hold on. Hello?
    WALTER
    God!
    KYM
    Do n't you get it yet, Waldo? She's making a choice not to give you your lighter because you'll torch the Self - Help library again.
    WALTER
    I'm Walter. Kill anybody recently? Run anybody over with a fucking car?
    Kym grinds her cigarette under her heel and blows smoke but gives no signal that she 's heard anything . She yanks her cell phone out of her bag as . A tan Mercedes STATION WAGON pulls up in front of the House .
    ROSA
    ( to Kym . )
    That them?
    KYM
    Yes. Finally.
    Rosa takes two of Kym 's several bags . They are oddly matched . A Coach tote , a fake Prada , a Gristedes bag , and a World Wildlife Fund tote bag .
    WALTER
    You're not letting her get behind the wheel are you? Are you?
    ROSA
    Walter, you are only responsible for yourself.
    ( To Kym . )
    This is all your stuff?
    KYM
    You know you never gave me your cell number.
    ROSA
    ( sotto . )
    It was a mistake. I'm lucky I did n't get fired. We've discussed this.
    ( She offers her hand . )
    Good luck.
    Kym does n't appear to have heard her but she shakes the hand barely . so very , very faintly . Kym 's dad , PAUL BUCHMAN , a tired , prosperous man in his late 50 's steps around the car and trots up the porch steps . He is wearing a big smile and his glasses are foggy . They hug . Kym talks rapidly over his shoulder .
    KYM
    Oh my god. Here you are. I thought you were going to abandon me in rehab. It's 12:30. You guys are half an hour late. I've been standing here with these lunatics. You look so great.
    Paul offers his hand to Rosa .
    PAUL
    Hello. I'm Paul Buchman.
    ROSA
    I'm Rosa. We met last time you came up.
    PAUL
    ( does n't remember . )
    Of course, of course.
    KYM
    Let's go, let's go. Where is everybody?
    CAROL , a handsome woman in her 40 's , waves from the car .
    KYM
    ( loudly . )
    Hey Carol. How are ya?
    CAROL
    Hello Kym.
    KYM
    So where's Rachel? Carol, where's Rachel?
    Kym slides into the back seat as Paul loads the car .
    CAROL
    Getting everything ready at the house.
    PAUL
    There is so much going on at the house I ca n't tell you. You know your sister's doing all of it herself.
    KYM
    ( eyeing the rearview mirror as she arranges her bangs . )
    My sister is bending the environment to her will? Really?
    PAUL
    No wedding planners or anything like that. Just her and Sidney and a lot of their friends. She is so thrilled you're here. Is that everything, sweetheart?
    KYM
    ( distractedly , rifling through her bag . )
    Yah. Can we go?
    CAROL
    Is there anyone you want to say goodbye to?
    KYM
    God no.

EXT./INT. TRANSITIONAL SHOTS. DAY
    The station wagon travels through a constantly changing series of environments as they journey out of New York City on their drive to suburban Connecticut . Right away though , Kym lights up a cigarette and Paul and Carol crank their windows .
    KYM
    So are all these busy young wedding helpers staying at the house? Because after eight months of constantly revolving cell mates and crazy people.
    PAUL
    You were n't in a cell, Kym.
    KYM
    AND groups groups GROUPS.
    PAUL
    And nobody was crazy, nobody was in a rubber room.
    KYM
    I was looking forward to a little privacy for once.
    CAROL
    The only extra person staying at the house is Emma, who's actually been staying in your old room. But she can move, I guess.
    KYM
    Rachel and Emma. Oh, great. How relaxing. The only two people on the planet less capable of delegating than Hannibal! On the eve of a wedding! Nachtmare.
    CAROL
    Nachtmare?
    PAUL
    It's a nightmare so bad it's in German.
    KYM
    Rachel must be totally freaking out. Is she too tense?
    PAUL
    She's a wigwam!
    KYM
    ( right on top of him , rifling through her bag again . )
    . Is she eating? Or are all her latent food issues rearing their heads? Is she hoarding Snickers and Cool Whip under the bed like in high school? She never did put that one to sleep.
    PAUL
    ( genuine . )
    I do n't think that that's a problem for her.
    KYM
    No offense, Dad, but you never thought that was a problem for her. I'm kidding. It'll be great to see her. Foodies are the worst, though. They never get it together. There were six of them on my floor in the hospital and you could never get into the bathroom. They would cry at the chocolate pudding and one of them was a guy. I ca n't wait to see Mom.
    PAUL
    You'll see her and Andrew at the rehearsal dinner tonight.
    KYM
    Can we stop at the 7/11 please? I feel nauseous. I need something to drink.
    CAROL
    I brought you a Diet Coke.
    She offers the can .
    KYM
    I prefer Pepsi from the fountain.

EXT. MINI-MART PARKING LOT. DAY.
    Carol looks at Paul . He is fiddling with the dashboard .

INT. MINI-MART. DAY.
    Kym fills her Big Gulp at the fountain and pays at the counter . The COUNTER GIRL gives her change .
    COUNTER GIRL
    I saw you on COPS.
    Kym appears not to have heard . She pockets her change and leaves .

INT. STATION WAGON. DAY.
    As Paul drives through a bucolic , well - to - do neighborhood featuring a beautiful old church .

EXT. THE BUCHMAN HOUSE. DAY.
    The station wagon pulls into a CIRCULAR DRIVEWAY lined with trees and bushes of beautiful blue hydrangea . There are several late model cars parked in the driveway of the SPRAWLING , SHINGLED HOUSE . Young people crawling everywhere in the midst of WEDDING PREPARATION , wrapping garlands and hanging paper lanterns . A LITTLE GIRL tosses rose petals in the swimming pool . The atmosphere is slightly punch drunk and friendly . Paul unloads Kym 's bags .
    KYM
    I'll do it, Dad.
    She does n't .

INT. BUCHMAN LIVING ROOM. DAY.
    Kym charges into the house where NORMAN SKLEAR and more friends of Rachel are decorating . They stare at her as she runs up the stairs to the second floor . CAMERA RUNS ALL THE WAY UP WITH HER . We hear .
    RACHEL'S VOICE OFF
    Can we raise this hem half an inch?
    EMMA'S VOICE OFF
    Yeah, yeah. Here, let me just.

INT. UPSTAIRS. DAY. CONTINUOUS -
    Kym slams open the master bedroom door and finds her older sister , RACHEL , trying on her wedding dress with the help of her best friend EMMA . Radiant and sexy , Rachel glows like an angel in her creamy white and gold sari . Emma has pins in her mouth and a tape measure around her neck .
    KYM
    Oh my god, you are just mi - nute!
    RACHEL
    Kymmie!
    EMMA
    ( to Kym . )
    You ca n't smoke in here -
    Rachel and Kym squeal and embrace . Rachel is slightly awkward as Emma frantically tries to keep the billowing fabric from combustion .
    KYM
    Ow!
    RACHEL
    I have pins all over me. You look great!
    KYM
    I'm fat. Rehab makes you fat. All the vending machines. Look at you, missy! I'd swear to god you were puking again!
    RACHEL
    Hah!
    EMMA
    Kym!
    KYM
    Emma!
    ( To Rachel . )
    No seriously, you're so tiny it's like you're Asian. Dad wants us to sleep in the same room so you'll be able to watch me while he's asleep and I wo n't sneak out of the house and blow dealers and shoot heroin.
    RACHEL
    Dad did not say `` blow dealers.''
    KYM
    I told him I'd just sleep in Ethan's room.
    Beat .
    RACHEL
    You can always shoot up in the tree house.
    Kym laughs . A little too loud .
    EMMA
    Kym, I'm not remotely surprised you're starting your drama already, however it's Rachel's wedding and this week it's about her.
    KYM
    Emma, you still have your tiny core of rage! What a relief.
    Kym flops on the bed and gazes adoringly at her sister for a moment . Rachel beams back .
    KYM
    So are you an actual shrink yet? Even though you're like twelve years old?
    EMMA
    Psychology. Not psychiatry. You know the difference, right?
    KYM
    You should prescribe something soothing for Emma. Like Vicodin.
    RACHEL
    I will have my PhD. in a year and a half. And psychologists do n't get prescription pads, right Kym?
    KYM
    They do in Guam.
    RACHEL
    Would you please put that out? Emma designed this dress and there's forty - seven yards of it and I'll go up like the Hindenburg.
    Kym takes a last drag even though she 's down to the filter , then flushes the butt down the toilet in the tiny bathroom .
    KYM
    ( over the flushing toilet . )
    Since when are you a designer, Emma?
    EMMA
    A while.
    RACHEL
    She has this great little boutique in Greenwich. She says things like `` you need a fabulous jersey pant.''
    KYM
    That's so great. I think I heard that. Is n't this your fifth incarnation or something? Were n't you an actress? All the N.E.D.'s in the hospital were actresses.
    EMMA
    N.E.D.s?
    RACHEL
    Non - specified Eating Disorder.
    KYM
    they were constantly doing leg lifts under the sheets.
    RACHEL
    Angela Paylin is coming to the wedding.
    KYM
    ( right on top of her . )
    I ate so much cookie dough and did so many whip - its with Angela Paylin.
    RACHEL
    I know. And she confessed to you her secret Elvis Stoyko fantasy. I spied on you.
    KYM
    Oh my god.
    EMMA
    Elvis Stoyko the figure skater?
    RACHEL
    In her fantasy, she was wearing her hair up and very serious, responsible eyeglasses, because she was a world renowned judge at the Winter Olympics for Men's Figure Skating. And Elvis Stoyko was skating in the finals to `` Could It Be Magic'' for the gold medal. And just when Barry Manilow is singing `` Now / Now / Now and hold on fast.'' there's this electric connection between them and he stops in the middle of his triple lutz. axel.
    KYM
    And he skates over to the judges table, all panting and sweaty, with his spangly Neil Diamond shirt open to the chest.
    RACHEL
    There is silence as he stops in front of her, their eyes lock, and he reaches for her hand. and Angela takes it!
    KYM
    To the roar of the crowd and the shock of the Olympic judges! And he pulls her out of her chair, undoes her hair, and they skate as a pair to the rest of the song!
    RACHEL
    And he gets disqualified but he does n't care!
    EMMA
    Where'd she get the skates from?
    They collapse in laughter . Kym studies her ass in the mirror .
    KYM
    I should call her right this second. Is she really coming? Who are all these energetic young people decorating the house?
    EMMA
    She's got everyone she knows pulling elf duty.
    KYM
    ( squinting at her ass . )
    What about me? What am I doing?
    Rachel and Emma exchange a look .
    KYM
    Hello?
    RACHEL
    Well, I think you'll be assisting on floral detail. I want everything all drippy and luxurious and Mom's a little bit tasteful -
    KYM
    - Mom's in charge of flowers?
    RACHEL
    - and I do n't want to upset her.
    EMMA
    ( to Kym . )
    And you're such a diplomat.
    KYM
    I am. I'm like Kofi Annan. In rehab they said I was the maternal hub of my peer group. I was always the referee for softball.
    Rachel snorts .
    KYM
    I was. I was the only one who could convince the methamphetamine freaks that no one was chasing them when they ran around the bases.
    EMMA
    It's softball. Someone was chasing them.
    KYM
    Whatever. They have trust issues in the first place. I'm going downstairs to find Olive and get some unconditional love.
    Kym swans out of the room .
    KYM
    Anyway, I'm doing some lighting. I already got the candles and everything.
    Rachel and Emma share a look .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Forget Mom and me and the fucking flowers.

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. DAY.
    Kym crosses the hall to ETHAN 'S ROOM and opens the door .
    KYM
    Speaking of dawgs, when am I going to meet this fiancee of yours anyway?
    RACHEL VOICE OFF
    He went to get stuff with Kieran. They'll be back.

INT. ETHAN'S ROOM. DAY.
    A little boy 's bedroom . Pale blue . A single bed , a window , some games . Some stuff in boxes . Not a mausoleum . Kym enters Ethan 's room . She stands there looking around . She takes a moment .

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. DAY.
    Kym wandering the upstairs hallway . the winding corridors are a little spooky , despite the openness and light , it feels haunted up here . looking into her old bedroom , seeing Emma 's stuff inside .

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. DAY.   --LOOKING DOWN-
    Paul comes to the bottom of the stairs , yelling up .
    PAUL
    I'm making hot dogs and hungabungas! Who wants what?!
    Rachel and Emma shout back down .
    RACHEL
    It's too hot!
    EMMA
    I do n't eat gluten, Paul!
    PAUL
    What do n't you eat?!
    EMMA
    Gluten!
    PAUL
    Where's Kym?
    Kym appears , down the back stairway , behind Paul , not shouting .
    KYM
    Here.
    RACHEL
    Besides I'm in my dress!
    PAUL
    Ooo! Can I see?!
    Paul starts up the stairs .
    RACHEL/EMMA
    No!
    PAUL
    Okay, okay!
    Paul has stopped half way up the stairs . He turns to Kym , beams at her .
    PAUL
    Kymmie, what can I make you?
    KYM
    Actually there's a meeting I have to make. And I have to pee in a cup. And register as a general biohazard.
    PAUL
    I'll drive you.
    KYM
    ( heading downstairs . )
    Just tell me which car I should take.
    Paul does n't say anything . Carol floats to Paul 's side .
    KYM
    Which car?
    PAUL
    Would you do me a favor, Kymmie?
    KYM
    I have a license.
    PAUL
    You would n't believe my insurance. And I'm not. that comfortable. Could we figure something else out?

EXT. VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTER (CHURCH). DAY.
    Kym pedaling up on a bouncy , high tech racing bike that is far too big for her . She bangs herself in the crotch as she dismounts .
    KYM
    Ow!

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER RECEPTION AREA. DAY.
    KYM
    Hello? Hello?
    Kym stops a baby - faced NURSE .
    KYM
    Hi. I'm here to pee in a cup.
    NURSE
    ( over her shoulder . )
    She needs to pee in a cup.
    ( back to Kym . )
    Someone will be right with you.
    KYM
    Okay. I'm trying to get to a meeting.
    NURSE
    The meetings are over in the other building.
    KYM
    I know that.
    NURSE
    Someone will be right with you. Have a seat.
    Several people are waiting in chairs . They look at Kym .

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER BATHROOM. DAY.
    A DIFFERENT NURSE is waiting by the sinks examining her teeth in the mirror . Kym bangs open the door of her stall with her foot . The door swings back and Kym spills her sample all over herself .
    KYM
    Piss!

EXT. COMMUNITY CENTER. DAY.
    As she runs up the OUTSIDE STAIRCASE Kym wipes at her shirt with a wet paper towel . She yanks open the door and a bird poops on her .
    KYM
    Shit!

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM. DAY.
    Narcotics Anonymous Meeting . Chairs , light . An ATTRACTIVE GUY is sharing . Kym slams in , frazzled and late . A few people look at her as she grabs a folding chair from a stack leaning against the wall and the other chairs slide to the floor with a huge clatter .
    KYM
    COCKSUCKER!
    ATTRACTIVE GUY
    Only once. My dealer. I was really broke.
    The room breaks up . Kym struggles to rearrange the fallen chairs . She is pissed .
    ATTRACTIVE GUY
    Let's see. that was Tuesday.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM. LATER.
    PASTOR MEL , a guest speaker , shares details of his struggles inside the `` 12 Step '' Process . Kym , like everyone present , is riveted .

EXT. BUCHMAN HOUSE. DAY.
    Sweaty and fed up with Carol 's bike , Kym cycles into the Buchman driveway . Paul has been watching for her out the kitchen window while doing dishes . He waves and yells to his wife .
    PAUL
    Carol, she's here!
    KYM
    Where did you think I was?
    PAUL
    I made you a sandwich, sweetheart! Meatloaf!
    Kym 's shoulders slump . Watching from an upstairs window , Rachel observes Kym wheel the bike up the driveway and Paul hurrying from the kitchen to meet her , carrying a meat loaf sandwich and a glass of milk . There is an awkward exchange of items . Paul hugs and mushes Kym and kisses her on the forehead . Rachel opens the window , calls down .
    RACHEL
    Kymberly!

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD. DAY.
    Fiancee SIDNEY , sexy , compact , thirties , and best man KIERAN , are stringing lights all over the house and yard . Kieran is on a ladder . He is the same ATTRACTIVE GUY from the meeting . Sidney is completely wrapped , chest to knees , in twinkly white lights and he unspools himself as needed . Rachel arrives with Kym who is holding the aircraft carrier sized meatloaf sandwich that 's oozing lettuce and ketchup and the enormous glass of milk . She holds them both like they 're suspended in formaldehyde . Emma is working on her tan .
    RACHEL
    No. You guys are not getting my design concept. I want every single light to represent a different one night stand during the misspent youth of Kris Kringle before he stopped whoring around and became Santa Claus.
    SIDNEY
    Oh. I thought you said Satan Claus.
    KIERAN
    I thought she said Panty Hose. Or Panda Claws.
    EMMA
    Pandas are endangered.
    RACHEL
    I know. We're having an endangered Panda fleeing for its life for the ice sculpture. Or impaling itself on some bamboo. Kym! This is Sidney Williams, my betrothed. Sidney, meet my sister, Kym.
    KYM
    Oh my god. You're black.
    ( To Rachel . )
    Sorry I called him a dawg.
    RACHEL
    That's fine.
    SIDNEY
    No biggie.
    KYM
    You do n't look like a record producer. You're supposed to have a hapless lackey next to you with an umbrella.
    SIDNEY
    Usually I do, but Mom's out simonizing my car. Funny, you do n't look like Lucifer's Cupbearer.
    KYM
    ( fingering a lock of hair . )
    I got a haircut.
    Kym gives Emma a look . Emma smiles sweetly . Rachel gestures up the ladder .
    RACHEL
    And this is Best Man Kieran.
    Kym looks up the ladder at Kieran .
    KYM
    Hey.
    KIERAN
    Hi there.

INT. BASEMENT. DAY.
    Kym and Kieran , having SEX in the cavernous basement . It runs practically the length of the house and there are nooks and caves everywhere . An ancient sofa , riddled with cigarette burns , some futons , dragged down and thrown haphazardly in corners , Unicorn posters hideously and pornographically defaced , and squat jars of ancient household products -LRB- Oil of Olay , self tanner -RRB- filled with cigarette butts offer proof of years of inhabitation . LATER - Kym lights up .
    KIERAN
    Well, that was so wrong -
    KYM
    Gee, thanks!
    KIERAN
    No, believe me, that was so lovely, LOVELY! But in the program - as you know - and we just heard earlier today in fact -
    KYM
    It is kind of lurid, is n't it? The best man and the maid of honor. furtively slipping off to the coal bin to have it off while the rest of the wedding party labors away at preparations for the big event.
    KIERAN
    I thought. is n't Emma going to be playing that role?
    KYM
    What?
    KIERAN
    `` Maid of Honor''?
    KYM
    Oh.
    KIERAN
    I think I heard that was the plan.

INT. HIGH-END INDIAN CLOTHING BOUTIQUE. DAY.
    A LAVISH BOLLYWOOD SOUNDTRACK PLAYS as Emma wraps Kym in lilac fabric for her sari - esque bridesmaid 's dress . Kym examines herself in the mirrors of the private salon . The girls look like jewels against the lush fabrics , pillows and curtains . Rachel sits at a vanity trying on dangling earrings and shakes her head gently , the gems glimmer and sparkle .
    RACHEL
    Is n't the lilac fabulous? You look like a freesia.
    KYM
    ( to Rachel . )
    I love the grey.
    EMMA
    We're all wearing lilac.
    KYM
    ( heedless , grabbing the grey fabric . )
    Look at this. I love this. It's like a cloud.
    Emma looks at Rachel .
    KYM
    You guys know how I am. I never wear lilac.
    EMMA
    It's good to have a principle.
    Kym ignores her .
    RACHEL
    You wore a lilac sweater with a cat face on it on the cover of Seventeen Magazine when I was at Fat Camp.
    KYM
    Sure, but I got paid for that and I was on horse tranquilizers. So why are n't I the Maid of Honor? Why is Emma the Maid of Honor?
    RACHEL
    Because.
    KYM
    What does that mean?
    RACHEL
    I was n't entirely sure when you were coming or even if you'd make it.
    Kym looks sharply at her .
    RACHEL
    I was n't sure if you'd have time for a fitting.
    KYM
    Bullshit. It's a sari. You take a bolt of cloth and wrap it around you. Jesus Christ I've been home one day and I ca n't get a straight answer out of anybody.
    RACHEL
    What are you talking about?
    KYM
    I'm talking about Dad offering me food every ten seconds.
    RACHEL
    Dad offers Irish Hunger Strikers food every ten seconds.
    KYM
    No. He has to know where I am and what I'm doing all the time because he has never resolved his own trust issues.
    EMMA
    That's odd.
    KYM
    Shut up.
    EMMA
    Blow me.
    RACHEL
    Oh, leave Dad alone.
    KYM
    I'd love to but he wo n't let me. I feel him watching me all the time. And Carol and you guys too.
    EMMA
    I know I have nothing better to think about.
    KYM
    Everybody's looking at me like I'm the visiting sociopath. What are you people waiting for me to do? Burn the house down?
    They both look at her .
    KYM
    That was a mattress fire and it was n't even at home! It was on a sleep over! God! I should just get HAZMAT tattooed on my forehead for you people.
    RACHEL
    Stop! You're like a harpy. Is being my `` Maid of Honor'' this important to you? I did n't think you gave a shit.
    Beat .
    KYM
    How could you fucking say that to me?
    RACHEL
    Jesus. Emma!
    EMMA
    What?
    RACHEL
    Emma, would you be horribly offended and hurt if I asked you to step down as.
    ( exaggerated , practically with quote fingers . )
    . `` Maid of Honor?''
    EMMA
    Yes.
    KYM
    Now Emma's got another reason to hate me. Like she needed one.
    EMMA
    Is it what you want?
    For an instant , conflict and pain flicker over Rachel 's sweet face .
    RACHEL
    Not really.
    EMMA
    Fine. The crown is yours, First Runner Up.
    KYM
    Thank you, Emma. No, thank you.
    EMMA
    It's not about you.
    KYM
    It's about sisterhood.
    EMMA
    Hooray for sisterhood.
    KYM
    Sisterhood conquers all.
    RACHEL
    And bludgeons all and pillages all and leaves all for dead.
    KYM
    ( returning to mirror . )
    So the gray is not an option?

INT. UKRAINIAN MUSEUM. NIGHT.
    THE REHEARSAL DINNER - `` The rehearsal '' component is in full swing amidst elegant dioramas and displays of Ukrainian folk art saints , traditional costumes , a skillion painted eggs , the mounted heads of indigenous Ukrainian animals , and the plaster busts of Ukrainian Popes . The audience of revelers is clustered at one end of the room with drinks and appetizers , while at the other end , various friends take their shot at a brief rehearsal . Old friend Norman Sklear is emceeing the line - up - he is currently at the mike with a funny improv based on really disastrous weddings he has known . Everybody is laughing . Paul , Carol , a few of Paul 's closest record biz friends -LRB- including a CULT LUMINARY or two -RRB- ; MR. AND MRS. WILLIAMS -LRB- Sidney 's mom and dad -RRB- , sister KAYRA , grandmother HERREAST , and cousin JOSEPH GONZALES -LRB- in US Army dress uniform , home on leave from Iraq -RRB- blend easily with the younger crowd . Cousin Joseph is always filming with his own CAMCORDER . QUICK CUTS - other rehearsal moments such as a TEENAGED GUITAR/DRUMS DUO blowing out `` Here Comes The Bride '' ; Gaida 's Arabic wedding song ; UKRAINIAN AL -LRB- the in - house music director -RRB- getting the women to chant `` Rachel '' and the men to chant `` Sidney '' ancient European - stylee ; ZAFER TEE 's exquisitely heartbreaking improvised violin solo ; DORIAN LOVEJOY 's Rachel/Sidney FREESTYLE RAP , etc. delivering to a breathtaking saxophone solo entitled `` Sidney loves Rachel '' by -LRB- the real -RRB- DONALD HARRISON JR. . Harrison 's toast to Paul , his beautiful family , and the memory of many memorable nights of music in the Buchman house while the kids were growing up draws HUGE APPLAUSE , POWERING INTO -

INT. UKRAINIAN MUSEUM DINING HALL. NIGHT.
    THE DINNER - The forty - odd guests are now seated in an adjoining room at LONG TABLES laden with a GORGEOUS INDIAN FEAST . Yellow rice , red curry , vivid green and orange vegetable dishes , pink shrimp . Huge plates of Dosa and Brinjal . Candles flicker in lanterns shaped like lotuses . PHOTOGENICALLY STYLISH YOUNG SERVERS dressed elegantly in black and white hover around the family and friends as everybody makes total pigs of themselves . The INDIAN FEAST contrasts agreeably with the Ukrainian visuals . EVOCATIVE BOLLYWOOD MUSIC PROVIDES THE SOUNDTRACK . Kym , wandering on along the table like a nomad , wedges herself between Sidney and Rachel . Emma grabs an empty wine glass before Kym knocks it over .
    KYM
    I do n't know anybody at what's obviously the loser end of the table. Can I have your Chana Masala?
    Without waiting for a response , Kym dives in with her naan .
    RACHEL
    You've known most of those people since the eighth grade. You always pretend you do n't know people.
    EMMA
    Is it because you owe them money?
    KYM
    Where's Mom? Where's our mother? How could she not be here already? I have n't even seen her since I've been home.
    SIDNEY
    She called a few times. She's `` running a little late but should be here soon.''
    KYM
    ( stuffing naan in her mouth . )
    GOD!
    She tries to catch a piece of Fish Tikka in her mouth and misses .
    EMMA
    Kieran would you like some more Saag Paneer?
    KIERAN
    No thanks. Is there any krill?
    Emma blinks .
    KIERAN
    Just kidding.
    KYM
    I ca n't believe Mom would be late for my release back into the wild.
    EMMA
    And here I was thinking tonight was about Rachel!
    SIDNEY
    Rach, I forgot to tell you, Carol got the helium tanks.
    KYM
    The words `` Carol'' and `` helium'' somehow.
    RACHEL
    Are n't there some rules about helium tanks?
    KYM
    ( snorting . )
    She would n't have any idea what to do with a helium tank.
    SIDNEY
    Only on public property. I think. K?
    KIERAN
    Huge liability.
    KYM
    You're a lawyer?
    KIERAN
    Was. For about five minutes.
    KYM
    Say something legal.
    KIERAN
    Tort.
    KYM
    So what do you do now?
    KIERAN
    I help Sidney out with the business side of his stuff.
    KYM
    Sweet.
    RACHEL
    Here's Mom.
    The girls clamber up . Kym brushes curry off Rachel 's shirt . ABBY , the girl 's mom , and ANDREW , her husband , enter the dining room . Abby is a beautiful , wise woman in her fifties . Elegant , ladylike and graceful . Andrew looks foxy in his Abby - selected Armani , but he has the shoulders and knuckles of a heavyweight . As the girls approach , Abby acknowledges Paul across the room but makes no move to go beyond an exchange of long distance little waves and tight smiles .
    ABBY
    ( to Rachel , embracing . )
    Hello, darling.
    A big hug . She turns to Kym .
    ABBY
    Kym! Did you get my note?
    They embrace . Abby steps back but keeps her hands on Kym 's shoulders .
    ABBY
    You look beautiful.
    KYM
    I'm fat. Rehab makes you fat.
    ABBY
    Nonsense. You girls.
    ANDREW
    Hiya Kym. You look great! Hey Rachel!
    He kisses Kym on the cheek . Rachel gives him a big hug .
    RACHEL
    Mom, where have you been? Is everything okay?
    KYM
    Wow. We were wondering if you got the dates scrambled.
    Abby steps towards her daughters , taking them in .
    ABBY
    Yes, everything is absolutely fine now.
    KYM
    Thank god. What a relief! Now the party can really get started.
    Abby and Rachel look quickly at Kym .
    KYM
    ( lighting a cigarette . )
    So Mom, you look great.
    ABBY
    Darling, can you smoke that in here?
    KYM
    It's a private party, Mom. How's grandma? Still surly and irascible?
    ABBY
    Oh, you know how she is. She sends her love.
    KYM
    Great. Same.
    Kym drags on her cigarette like it 's the last Coca Cola in the desert .
    ABBY
    Honey, you should really put that out. It's not right. You know that.
    KYM
    Fine.

INT. UKRAINIAN MUSEUM DINING HALL. NIGHT. LATER.
    Kieran is making a toast . Dinner is mostly over . Waiters are discreetly clearing plates , etc. from the table , pouring more drinks .
    KIERAN
    ( something like . )
    I've known Sidney most of my life. He personifies many of life's grandest cliches, even as he breathes fresh life into most of them. He has never, ever `` ceased to amaze me,'' and only in the best of ways. The magnitude of his artistry and his business acumen are matters of public record and delight. He's been a great friend `` through thick and thin,'' and sometimes it's gotten very, very thin - but he `` stood by me'' at all times, so it is my privilege and honor to stand by him on this profound occasion.
    TIME CUT - Emma rises and bangs her glass with her spoon . It shatters .
    RACHEL
    You're paying for that, Emma.
    EMMA
    Of course. I'd like to make a toast to the happy couple because I want to come visit them in Hawaii. Sidney what's the name of that place again?
    SIDNEY
    Humuu - humuu Nukku - nukuu.
    KIERAN
    A - Pu - Aa - Aa.
    Sidney kisses Kieran on the cheek .
    KYM
    ( sharply , to her sister . )
    You're moving to Hawaii?
    RACHEL
    Sidney's recording studio is there.
    Kym , stung , exhales a plume of smoke .
    EMMA
    I've known the bride her entire life. Not biblically, except for that one time we french kissed at Evan Yassky's party in the ninth grade.
    SIDNEY
    Film! I want film!
    Whoops and hollers .
    EMMA
    Commence embarrassing story.
    RACHEL
    That was n't it?
    EMMA
    Rach, do you remember the time I was teaching you to drive in the Wagoneer and you sideswiped that taxi driver and knocked off his side mirror?
    RACHEL
    I have no memory of that whatsoever.
    EMMA
    Do you remember trying to outrun him and leading him on a high speed chase across 96th street?
    RACHEL
    Got ta say no.
    EMMA
    Well I would like to share with everyone that Miss Rachel - before she got her license or even had any idea how to drive - out maneuvered an irate, screaming cab driver across 96th street to the East river, handily avoiding two EMT guys loading an old lady on a gurney, while at the same time, applying Cocofudge Lip Gloss in the rearview mirror.
    Bravos all around .
    EMMA
    Wait, wait. She actually got the number of one of the E.M.T guys and went out with him. Twice.
    KYM
    ( loudly . )
    Was that the guy with the peroxide hair?
    Abby , not looking at her daughter , shushes her .
    EMMA
    Anyway, when the taxi driver finally caught up with us, Rachel talked him down from his Middle Eastern fury in pretend Farsi, and ended up using his radio thing to call his dispatcher and recommend this guy for a commendation.
    RACHEL
    Mahamoud! Such a nice man.
    EMMA
    We were driving so fast! It was one of the more exhilarating moments in my life. sadly. but I knew that Miss Rachel would make it okay. So here's to you, my dear, dear friend. A woman who can drive fast, pick up a paramedic, make up languages and get you home in one piece. Sidney, you are a lucky bastard.
    SIDNEY
    Hear hear.
    RACHEL
    Where? Where?
    Abby smiles broadly at Rachel and blows her a kiss . Kym rises with her glass and takes Emma 's place on stage . She glows in the candlelight .
    KYM
    ( for the crowd . )
    Relax, it's seltzer.
    Low giggles .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Hello. I'm Shiva the destroyer and your harbinger of doom for the evening. I want to thank you all for coming and welcome you even though I have n't seen most of you since my latest stretch in the Big House.
    Scattered low giggles .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    You all look fabulous. During the twenty minutes I was not in the hole for making a shiv out of my toothbrush, I actually did participate in the infamous 12 Step program. 12 Steps. Step - ball - change, step - ball - change. I'm still waiting for the change part.
    Some guests laugh . Sidney grins . Carol , Paul , Rachel , and Abby sit silently . Andrew moves in towards his wife .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    But as they say, relapse is an almost always inevitable component of recovery, God knows I've got high marks in that mode!
    Everyone is staring at Kym .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Anyhoo, as more of you know than are likely to admit, one of the actual steps is about making amends. So I spent a lot of time calling up people who barely remembered me - who barely remembered anything - and apologizing to them for bouncing a check or passing out in the bathtub and flooding their house, or otherwise involving them in sordid activities they were desperately trying to forget. I had to call this one girl who was, I think, fourteen, but I could n't talk to her because her Mom took out a restraining order.
    Kym thinks this is hysterical . Paul does not .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    Anyway, I did a lot of apologizing to people who were practically strangers so I very much want to take this opportunity to not only congratulate my extraordinary sister, the future explorer in matters of the mind, thank you very much, and her adorable, impending husband on the occasion of their unprecedented nuptials. but also to apologize to my extraordinary sister, the future explorer in matters of the mind, for. Everything! And I really mean that, Rachel. I've been a nightmare and you've been a saint. I'm so damned glad I'm here with you and Sidney and his family and ours, and I am so happy for you guys, I really am. So, I am hereby raising my seltzer in celebration of my laudatory sister and herewith making amends. Sidney, you are robbing our dysfunctional family of one of it's most vital ingredients, and it's only member still willing to lend me money.
    ( She pauses for a second . )
    Enjoy Hawaii. La Chaim.
    She lifts her glass and downs it 's contents . There is a smattering of applause .
    KYM
    ( CONT 'D . )
    ( to the group . )
    One down. What's for dessert?
    Kieran stares sympathetically at Kym .

EXT. UKRAINIAN FOLK MUSEUM. NIGHT.
    Guests leaving .

INT. BUCHMAN HOUSE. NIGHT.
    Kym drops into a chair in the dining room as Paul , Carol , Rachel , Sidney , Kieran , and Emma struggle in with several elaborately wrapped wedding gifts and leftovers from the rehearsal dinner , which they pile on the dining room table . Rachel and Sidney are having a quiet , tense exchange .
    KYM
    ( to anyone , examining her split ends . )
    I'm exhausted. Is there any watermelon?
    CAROL
    Let me see.
    RACHEL
    ( To Kym , as if she 's joking . )
    Nice apology.
    KYM
    What?
    RACHEL
    ( again , making a joke out of it . )
    Nice apology.
    KYM
    I was toasting you and I was making amends. It's one of the Steps. It's important.
    RACHEL
    I know what the Steps are.
    Rachel glides to the den and drags out the huge dictionary .
    RACHEL
    I learned them in school, and I've visited you in various facilities, Kym.
    Sidney and Emma share a look . Rachel drops the dictionary on the dining room table .
    KYM
    Oh, god. Dad?
    Kym looks to her father . Carol returns with a tray and a huge watermelon that 's been impaled with an enormous kitchen knife .
    RACHEL
    Amends. Noun. Often followed by ` for'. Offset a disability or frustration by development in another direction.
    Rachel blinks at her sister .
    KYM
    ( exaggerated . )
    Yes?
    RACHEL
    You've never said anything to me, that's remotely apologetic. Yet, all of a sudden, at my wedding dinner, in front of everybody, you decide to grace us all with your development?
    KYM
    Christ. I just got here.
    Carol hands Kym a slice of watermelon .
    CAROL
    Here. Anybody else?
    RACHEL
    `` Hey everybody! And guests! Just in case you might be thinking about something else for five minutes, like, I do n't know, my sister's wedding - they just cut me loose! I'm a loose cannon, is that hysterical? Anyone for some rehab humor? Because I'm really fine with acknowledging my disease. And now watch me be really selfless, and weave a lovely blanket apology to my sister for being a tad out of her loop.''
    Rachel giggles . Sidney and Kieran , staying out of this , exchange a glance .
    KYM
    ( chewing . )
    You're so cynical. Dad, since when has she been this cynical?
    PAUL
    She's making an effort, Rachel.
    RACHEL
    An effort. That's what it was? Because I think she presumes that since everything has always revolved around her disease, everything else is going to revolve around her recovery. That's what I think.
    PAUL
    Rachel. She just got home.
    RACHEL
    Again.
    KYM
    I had no idea you were so angry, doctor.
    RACHEL
    I'm not.
    PAUL
    Kymmie, your sister's got a lot on her plate. She's uptight about.
    RACHEL
    I'm not uptight, Dad.
    PAUL
    She's meeting Sidney's folks for the first time, there's menus, there's all that live music, you're home, there's a thousand things to worry about.
    CAROL
    Absolutely, a wedding will take it right out of you, boy.
    PAUL
    Yeah, it would be so lovely if we could all just.
    KYM
    ( removing seeds . )
    You people need to purge. You people really should go to Nar - Anon or something. I mean it.
    CAROL
    Oh my lord. Kym, we have gone through Nar - Anon, baby. You know that.
    RACHEL
    ( turning her head . )
    You people? You mean the people in this room? Your family?
    KYM
    All of you people living in this little world of judgement and paranoia and mistrust. I can feel it every second. At the slightest sign of ingratitude or absence of atonement it's like the freaking Salem Witch Trials around here. I might as well be.
    PAUL
    ( pouncing . )
    Do n't even start.
    CAROL
    ( standing next to her husband . )
    Nobody can make you feel any way unless you let them, Kym.
    KYM
    Thank you Carol, for your inevitable pearl of wisdom, but you people are my family. You people make me feel like shit a hundred times a day. You try living under Dad's constant monitoring for five minutes and see how you like it.
    PAUL
    What constant monitoring?
    KYM
    `` I'll drive you!'' `` Carol, she's back!'' `` Do n't sleep here, sleep there.'' `` Here. Eat this.'' Dad, you're obsessed.
    RACHEL
    Please. That's hardly news. You may not know this. sure you do. the only way to engage Dad in any meaningful communication is to start the conversation with your name. `` Have you heard from Kym? How's Kym?'' It resuscitates him. It jars him into the moment. Like an alarm.
    PAUL
    That's unfair, Rachel. And completely untrue.
    RACHEL
    And she's even worse! `` Dad, you're never going to believe this, but I lost the car again.'' `` Dad, you're never going to believe this, but that check you sent me never showed up and my landlord hates me.'' `` Dad, can somebody meet me downstairs with cab fare and you're never going to believe this but I need to go to the emergency room and my neighbor's suing me and my checkbook got stolen!''
    KYM
    Gee, Rach, sounds like you have some paternal/sibling issues to work through.
    RACHEL
    Are you kidding? The two of you are like a double helix of crises. In the language of psychology one could say you both suffer from acute boundary issues.
    PAUL
    Rachel! It's nice that you're getting your Ph.D -
    RACHEL
    ( she throws up her hands . )
    - Oh god -
    PAUL
    - but do n't be patronizing. It's ugly. It does n't become you.
    RACHEL
    How come she gets to spout off about paternal issues, but god forbid I should even reference the `` boundary thing,'' even though I actually know what I'm talking about?
    KYM
    ( waving her arms . )
    Hello? By the way? I'm not in crisis. I have n't been in crisis for a year.
    RACHEL
    You just got out of rehab!
    KYM
    Why is this so difficult for you people to understand? It's like you're not happy unless I'm in some kind of desperate situation. You have no idea what to do with me unless I'm desperate. God. Why am I the only one who's willing to say this stuff?
    RACHEL
    Oh, poor you. You're so much more evolved in your suffering. You know what? Your suffering is not the most important thing in the world to everybody! There are billions and billions and billions of people, in nations all over the world, who never even think about you! Other people have lives! We have lives! I have a life! I'm in school. I'm getting married. I'm.
    Rachel just stands there , not saying anything .
    KYM
    What?
    PAUL
    What?!
    Dead silence . Everyone stares at Rachel . Rachel looks at Sidney . Sidney passes the look right back to her .
    RACHEL
    I'm pregnant.
    Beat , then : HUGE WHOOPS AND HOLLERS !
    EVERYBODY
    Congratulations! Oh my god! Etc!
    Paul hugs Rachel and kisses her hair . Sidney and Kieran hug . Emma hugs Rachel and kisses Sidney . Hugging all around . Kym is pissed . Paul grabs Kym and Rachel , and hugs both daughters at once . Rachel and Kym 's faces are mushed right next to each other . Kym is impatient and stiff in the dreaded double mush . Kym breaks from Paul 's vice - like grip .
    KYM
    That is so unfair!
    PAUL
    ( ecstatic . )
    When did you find out?
    SIDNEY
    Roughly about the day before we decided to get married.
    RACHEL
    I can barely believe it myself!
    PAUL
    ( laughing , mushing Rachel 's belly . )
    How long? How much pregnant? Did you tell your mother?
    RACHEL
    We told her at dinner.
    SIDNEY
    She was so happy -
    KYM
    Wait! Stop! You ca n't just drop that tectonic bit of information into a completely separate conversation, Rachel. You ca n't do that!
    RACHEL
    Kym, you're going to have a niece!
    SIDNEY
    Or a nephew!
    KYM
    Oh, god. Of course I'm happy for you. But you ca n't tell me when we're talking like this. It's a total set - up!
    Beat . All the energy drains out of Rachel .
    RACHEL
    I am so fucking exhausted.
    KYM
    Dad, will you tell her I'm happy for her?
    RACHEL
    I just. I need to go to bed. Sidney?
    SIDNEY
    Yeah, okay. Great idea. I'm beat too.
    KYM
    ( to Rachel . )
    You're leaving? In the middle of this conversation?
    RACHEL
    Yes.
    PAUL
    Kymmie, she's pregnant. She's exhausted.
    KYM
    Of course. Fair enough. I'm off to raid the medicine cabinet.
    Kym is gone .
    SIDNEY
    She's not serious?
    Everyone gathers around Rachel .
    CAROL
    Oh, Rachel darling, and Sidney, I could n't be happier.
    SIDNEY
    She was n't serious, was she?
    PAUL
    Do either of you want anything? A sandwich? You must be hungry. There's cold Saagwala and a little Aloo Gobi left over?
    RACHEL
    No thanks, Dad. I really am pretty sleepy.
    PAUL
    You're pretty everything!
    He mushes her face and kisses her cheek . Then he mushes Carol 's face .
    CAROL
    Holy cow. What a day. I think I've aged. I mean it.
    ( To Paul . )
    . -RRB- Would you mind if I went to bed, darling?
    PAUL
    ( kissing her again . )
    Of course not. I'll be up, Carol. I'm just going to load the dishwasher.
    Sidney intones the opening bars to Paul 's heroic `` DISHWASHER THEME '' . Paul raises the Cautionary Finger in Sidney 's direction . Sidney stops with the music .
    CAROL
    Let me help, it'll be quicker.
    Now the Cautionary Finger is levelled at Carol .
    PAUL
    Do n't mess with the King.
    CAROL
    Okay, okay.
    Hands in the air , Carol leaves the room .
    KIERAN
    Wow. That's it for me too, you guys. Good night everybody.
    Kieran lays a manly , buddy hug on Sidney .
    KIERAN
    Congratulations, man.
    SIDNEY
    Thanks, my friend.
    Kieran leaves . Now it 's just Rachel , Paul and Sidney . Paul is beaming like a klieg light .
    RACHEL
    I've never been so tired in my life.
    Paul gives Rachel a kiss on the cheek and mushes her face some more .
    RACHEL
    Dad?
    PAUL
    Yes, sweetheart?
    RACHEL
    I hope it's okay, I told Mom at dinner. About the baby.
    PAUL
    Of course, lamb chop. I'm so happy! I'm going to be a grandpa!
    Sidney mushes Paul and they attempt a hug and laugh and then they really hug .
    RACHEL
    I wish Ethan were here.
    PAUL
    I know, sweetheart. Me too.
    KIERAN'S VOICE OFF
    That went well.

INT. BASEMENT. NIGHT.
    Kieran and Kym lie entangled in the basement , sharing a cigarette , disheveled . The floor of this entire section of the basement is now covered with all of the carefully arranged mattresses and futons that were stacked down here before . All of Kym 's mismatched bags have been moved down here too . There 's a little lamp there now as well but it 's not on . Only one of the small , cobwebby windows casts a dappled light onto the scene .
    KYM
    That was such a set - up.
    KIERAN
    She probably did n't realize she was doing it.
    KYM
    Ha! She's such an operator. Now I'm the bad guy again. Or still.
    KIERAN
    They're lucky to have you.
    KYM
    Thank you! Otherwise they'd have to pay attention to their own suspicious lives. Nobody actually wants me to actually change, you know. What would they obsess about? I'm like a blessing.
    KIERAN
    ( laughing . )
    No argument from me.
    KYM
    Dad had an actual `` Blueprint for Rehabilitative Success'' at my last intervention. On graph paper. He goes all out with the response, my dad.
    KIERAN
    Not unlike this great nation in which we live.
    KYM
    Meanwhile an ex - heterosexual ex - boy friend of mine actually rang the door once and tells my mother, `` Kym is sitting in her apartment? With the shades drawn? Doing all this heroin and cocaine? And I think she's going to, like, die?'' And Mom smiles and says `` Thank you'' like he was speaking in Sanskrit.
    KIERAN
    You ca n't actually speak in Sanskrit.
    KYM
    Exactly! I nodded out into the poached salmon at Dad's wedding two years ago and he told Carol he thought it was jet lag.
    KIERAN
    I did that in soup once. It made such a mess.

EXT. BUCHMAN HOUSE. DAY.
    Saturday morning . A giant delivery truck drives slowly up the driveway , delivering the tent for tomorrow 's wedding party .

INT. BASEMENT. DAY.
    Kym leads Kieran through the labyrinthine rooms of the basement giving Kieran a guided tour of the subterranean world of which she was the ruler and where Ethan was her loyal companion - the secret hide - and - seek rooms , the mattress room , the scary little side rooms , etc .

EXT. ABBY'S/ANDREW'S HOUSE. DAY.
    A very stylish , very elegant , very `` modern '' -LRB- in the best sense -RRB- home , lots of grounds , lots of foliage .

INT. ABBY'S/ANDREW'S HOUSE. MASTER BEDROOM. DAY.
    Rachel and Abby are seated on Abby 's bed , looking through some family heirlooms in an old alligator jewel case . Rachel is holding an ornate satin evening purse .
    RACHEL
    Look how exquisite this is. I ca n't borrow this. What do you carry in here? A vital organ? A tiny spleen?
    ABBY
    Is n't it divine? It was grandma's. She sends her love.
    RACHEL
    I love the color. It's oyster.
    ABBY
    You must promise me you'll stay healthy now, Rachel. You'll eat properly and get a lot of rest?
    RACHEL
    Yes, Mom.
    ABBY
    How are things going at the house? How's Sidney?
    RACHEL
    Fine.
    ABBY
    And his friend? What's his name?
    RACHEL
    Kieran.
    ABBY
    He seems to be a big hit. Is your sister behaving herself?
    RACHEL
    I'm not exactly sure what that means.
    ABBY
    Well, she needs a lot of acknowledgement.
    RACHEL
    You think?
    ABBY
    Stop. It ca n't be easy. Everybody knowing her troubles.
    RACHEL
    Mom, she's sold syndication rights to her troubles.
    ABBY
    Stop.
    RACHEL
    Mom, does it bother you at all, Carol doing so much wedding stuff?
    ABBY
    Not at all, darling, I'm thrilled to be providing the flowers. You know how much that means to me. They're going to be exquisite!
    RACHEL
    Yes, I'm sure, and that's so great and so you, but you can do whatever else you want, you know. I'd love it.
    ABBY
    Thank you, my sweetheart. I just know I'd be one of those wedding mothers who goes completely insane about the hors d'oeuvres. Andrew says I should n't be allowed near a shrimp puff.
    RACHEL
    Huh.
    ABBY
    There are so many other people for you to worry about. Your sister's home and everybody's there and the bride always ends up keeping everybody else satisfied.
    RACHEL
    You're right.
    ABBY
    But this is going to be the most beautiful wedding ever. And I hope your sister has a wonderful time too. Anyway I'm going to be a grandmother! Hooray!
    RACHEL
    Hooray!
    ABBY
    I'm so excited. I have always wanted to be a grandmother. Even when I was thirty. Here. This ring was grandma's and she wanted you to have it.
    RACHEL
    Is she dead?
    ABBY
    Rachel.
    RACHEL
    It's beautiful. Thanks, Mom. I hope it's a boy.
    ABBY
    As long as it's healthy. Try the ring on.
    Rachel does .
    ABBY
    You've always had the most beautiful hands.

EXT./INT. SCOTTY'S JAMAICAN RESTAURANT. DAY.
    A neighborhood place , but on the other side of the parkway from the Buchmans ' neighborhood . Friendly , bustling , kids on bikes and skateboards , etc. . Large windows offer a view of a stop sign , Fanny 's Beauty Salon , Soul to Soul Liquor , a barber shop , etc. . The restaurant is fluorescently lit , with a Jamaican flag on the wall and photos of Muhammad Ali , Malcolm X , and Bob Marley . There is a counter at the front where you place your order and pick up your food . There is a Foosball table , and a pinball machine . Kym and Kieran are playing Foosball at the ancient table where someone has painted Jamaican jerseys on all the players . They are both viciously competitive and genuinely irritated with each other .
    KIERAN
    Your hand is on the turf.
    KYM
    What turf?
    KIERAN
    The turf. The table.
    KYM
    So?
    KIERAN
    So we have to do it over now. It was your shot and you get to do it over.
    KYM
    What are you talking about?
    KIERAN
    Do n't tell me you did n't know having one hand on the turf makes the play null.
    KYM
    Null. Maybe we should just play Pinball.
    C/U . The metal balls ricocheting around the interior of the machine .
    KIERAN
    Sometimes playing next to each other is easier than playing together.
    KYM
    Who told you that?
    KIERAN
    My mom. She runs a pre - school.
    They both crack up .
    KYM
    What's Hawaii like?
    KIERAN
    You've never been?
    KYM
    Uh uh.
    KIERAN
    It's beautiful. I've got a nice place. My horse lives there.
    KYM
    Most people say `` my girlfriend lives there'' or `` my wife lives there.''
    KIERAN
    I live there and so does my horse. He's very possessive. We're working through it.
    KYM
    Have you had him a long time?
    KIERAN
    Yes. I may be a degenerate dope fiend but I love my horse. I do n't have a wife or a girlfriend and I've been clean almost seven years. You could just ask, you know. Your sister does n't ask direct questions either. She's incredibly cryptic.
    KYM
    That's a shrink thing, not a genetic thing.

INT. COMMUNITY CENTER MEETING ROOM. DAY.
    Kym is sharing at today 's `` 12 Step '' meeting . Kieran , the others , listen intently .
    KYM
    We were in the park. I was sixteen and I was. I had taken all these Percoset. I was unbelievably high. He had thrown away his shoes - and I was like `` Mom's going to kill me'' because I had no idea where his shoes were - but he was so happy about it. And he had his red socks and he was running around kicking up the leaves. You know in movies where they show a person's high or whatever and the camera careens all around? It was like that. But fun. You know. We were having so much fun. We were leaping around in huge piles of leaves. He buried me. I buried him in a big pile. I was on baby sitting detail. He was pretending he was a train. So he was charging through the leaf pile, making tracks, you know? I was the caboose. And he kept going `` Coal, caboose! Coal caboose!'' So it's time to go and we're driving home and he's in his car seat still demanding coal, and I could n't focus and I drove off the bridge. The car went into the lake. I could n't get him out of his car seat. He drowned.

EXT. BUCHMAN BACK PORCH. DAY.
    Paul , Rachel , Emma , Sidney , and Norman Sklear are sprawled on the porch eating sandwiches and figuring out the seating arrangement for the wedding by manipulating tiny origami chickens , a tiny turtle , Monopoly pieces , spools of thread , etc . each with a small name tag . Paul sees Kieran 's rental pull up , grins , and calls to Carol .
    PAUL
    Carol, they're back!
    Carol emerges with a tray of lemonade as the rental is rolling to a stop . Kieran and Kym are climbing out of the car .
    PAUL
    ( shouting from the porch . )
    Are you hungry? I made a Salad Nicoise. It's got Tuna!
    KIERAN
    ( shouting back . )
    I was just thinking Salad Nicoise!
    RACHEL
    Can we get back to what we were doing, please?
    PAUL
    All right. Where were we? Ah yes. The Rosenzwiegs. Can you please put the Rosenzwiegs somewhere far away from me?
    Paul sits heavily .
    RACHEL
    They're your friends, Dad.
    PAUL
    They're not my friends. I've just known them my entire life.
    SIDNEY
    Just so you know, my mother expects to be carried in by liveried servants to the triumphant swirls of the harp and seated on a solid gold throne forged by nuns.
    RACHEL
    Really? Because right now I have her shoveling kelp in the laundry room. But I have it as a montage.
    Kieran and Kym arrive on the porch . Kym settles herself on a big comfy chaise .
    KYM
    Where are you putting me? In the stockade?
    PAUL
    Kym, stop it. You're at the family table.
    Kym turns her face to the sun , shutting her eyes .
    KYM
    ( heedless . )
    Do n't put me with Michael and Sandy.
    RACHEL
    They're not invited.
    KYM
    Sandy never called me back after I sent her an amends e - mail from Milestones. I hate it when people do n't meet you half way.
    PAUL
    The family table. With us.
    CLOSE ON SEATING PLACEMENT BOARD - Paul moves Kym 's `` marker '' - the MONOPOLY DOG - to the family table . WIDER -
    EMMA
    Oops. That's nine. I thought you were having tables of eight?
    RACHEL
    ( pointedly . )
    I am.
    KYM
    ( to anyone , her eyes still closed . )
    Where are you putting me?
    RACHEL
    I was thinking of putting you with Cookie Puss and the Chicago cousins because they always get really drunk and need wrangling.
    KYM
    Can someone else do it? I was planning on enjoying myself.
    RACHEL
    You're the only one they're afraid of.
    KYM
    Still? God.
    Rachel pushes the MONOPOLY DOG to a different table .
    PAUL
    ( not getting it . )
    We can move Grandma Rose and her companion. That's actually a great idea.
    Kym opens one eye and sees Paul switch markers - the MONOPOLY DOG is back at the FAMILY TABLE . Rachel stares at her father .
    KYM
    That's all I need. Another reason for Grandma Rose to hate me.
    PAUL
    She does n't hate you.
    KYM
    She's still mad about that thing at the Rite Aid.
    PAUL
    Nonsense!
    KYM
    Whatever.
    CLOSE SHOT - Rachel moves the Monopoly Dog to another table . Paul looks at her .
    RACHEL
    Dad, can I show you something in the kitchen?

INT. KITCHEN. DAY.
    Paul and Rachel alone .
    PAUL
    ( sotto . )
    Rachel, what is this behavior?
    RACHEL
    ( same . )
    I would just like to have a day please.
    PAUL
    Have all the days you want. Nobody is taking your day.
    RACHEL
    Then why are you defending her?
    PAUL
    Defending her from what? Darling, look, no one's defending any body.
    RACHEL
    Why are you protecting her?
    PAUL
    I do n't want her to feel like we do n't want her.
    RACHEL
    Sometimes I do n't want her. It's my fucking wedding, do n't you get it? I want my table to be perfect.
    Paul kisses her on the forehead .
    PAUL
    Stop it. She's your sister.
    They look at each other . The screen door swings open as Emma , Carol , Sidney , Kieran , and Norman Sklear carry the lunch plates to the kitchen . Kym follows , carrying the salt shaker .
    PAUL
    Okay. Dishes? I'm going to load the dishwasher.
    SIDNEY
    Paul! Paul, listen, I've been thinking about it. I did some preliminary sketches, I'd love to show them to you.
    KIERAN
    ( to Carol . )
    He's not kidding.
    SIDNEY
    And I think if you move the salad bowls to the upper tier you can get about 10 % more stuff in the dishwasher.
    CAROL
    Hee hee hee.
    Paul gives him a look . Sidney starts humming PAUL 'S DISHWASHER THEME .
    PAUL
    Sidney, you're a nice young man. You make a lot of money and the world is your oyster. But you do n't know shit about loading a dishwasher.
    SIDNEY
    Sir, with all due respect, the mantle has passed.
    Paul takes a moment to size Sidney up then spins on his heel to the dishwasher . TIME CUT - Sidney has his sleeves up and starts to load .
    KYM
    What's the time limit?
    CAROL
    Two minutes.
    SIDNEY
    Are you comfortable with that, sir? I could spot you thirty seconds.
    PAUL
    You young people should all go fuck yourselves.
    KYM
    Dad!
    CAROL
    Ha!
    SIDNEY
    You see Paul, I think your problem lies in lid placement. Inverting the lids and stacking them in the upper level is really for amateurs. It's passe.
    PAUL
    Rachel, you're out of the will.
    SIDNEY
    Observe.
    With a flourish , Sidney presents a beautifully stacked dishwasher . Paul pats his shoulder somberly .
    PAUL
    Clean out this machine please, boy. So I can break out the whup - ass.
    Screaming all around . Kym jumps up and down with her arms on Rachel 's shoulders . Rachel glances at her sister , laughing .
    SIDNEY/KIERAN
    ( delightedly . )
    He's breakin' out the whup ass!
    A SWEET MONTAGE . Paul is loading the dishwasher like a champ . Carol and Emma are smiling and giggling . Kieran has his eye on the clock . Sidney trash talks from the sidelines .
    SIDNEY
    You know one of the early signs of senile dementia is an obsessive need to organize.
    PAUL
    Rachel, go fetch me my dart gun.
    SIDNEY
    I find it touching but ultimately sad when the warriors of yesteryear are reluctant to lay down their plastic containers from Zabar's and retire gracefully.
    PAUL
    Kieran, how's my time?
    KIERAN
    You have twenty - five seconds.
    PAUL
    I need more dishes. You amateur!
    SIDNEY
    What? No way!
    PAUL
    Somebody give me some dishes!
    Kym yanks open a cupboard and passes a handful of dishes to Paul . He begins to load them . CLOSE ON PAUL He has a bowl in his hands . We see the bowl is a plastic child 's bowl with Engines and Cabooses all over it . Paul turns the bowl around in his hands like a steering wheel . It dawns on Kym that she 's handed her father Ethan 's bowl . She is stricken . Paul looks to Carol . He seems bewildered . The kitchen falls silent and Carol takes Ethan 's bowl and places it in the sink , out of sight . She leads Paul gently out of the kitchen . CLOSE ON KYM - CLOSE ON RACHEL - She turns and leaves the kitchen . Sidney follows her . Emma and Norman Sklear step out onto the porch . Kieran takes the Ethan bowl from the sink and puts it quietly back in the cupboard and shuts the door . Kym does n't know what to do .

EXT. BUCHMAN NEIGHBORHOOD. DAY.
    The station wagon heading away from the Buchman house .

INT. STATION WAGON. DAY.
    Rachel is driving , Kym is in the passenger seat . The radio is on and neither says anything . Kym cranks down the window , tries to light a cigarette .
    KYM
    Mom is handling the flowers?
    RACHEL
    Well, she's growing them and choosing them - but they are being delivered by her people.
    KYM
    Got it. Wow. Nurturing and growing things from the soil. Textbook, right?
    RACHEL
    Kym. Can we talk about the candles for a minute? Because -
    KYM
    Yeah, exactly! Candles and rice paper - all lit up during the ceremony. It's a way of honoring Ethan, Ethan's. spirit, you know? It will look really nice too, mainly. Millions of little candles all over the place, and one huge rice paper candle - representing Ethan - glowing near the couple. That would be you and Sidney.
    RACHEL
    Oh my god, no. Do n't. Just do n't. That would kill Dad. And Mom. And me. And everybody. Please, Kym, please please please do n't do that.
    KYM
    Geez. It was an IDEA. Lighten up, okay? They do that in Japan or India or someplace, okay?
    RACHEL
    Just drop it, sweetie, okay? Please?
    KYM
    Oh my god - fine! Done! It was nothing, okay. It was just an idea. Just a stupid idea. I was joking, you jerk! Lighten up, Rachel. This is your big weekend. Everything's fine.

EXT. DOWNTOWN STAMFORD. DAY.
    Establishing this busy Connecticut city as the station wagon drives behind a fancy hair salon on the main drag .

INT. BEAUTY SALON. DAY.
    Kym and Rachel have foils in their hair , situated a few chairs apart . Rachel is intently working on a crossword puzzle .
    KYM
    Are you getting a manicure?
    Rachel silently waggles her fingers . Kym glances back at her magazine to discover one of the stylists standing close by , gazing at her face . Kym does a little double - take .
    STYLIST
    You do n't remember me, do you?
    Kym looks sharply at the stylist , noting his sincere face , the warmth of his eyes .
    KYM
    Nooooo.
    STYLIST
    Rick James' limousine.
    KYM
    Oh. My. God.
    STYLIST
    Yeah.
    Rachel , nearby , grimaces .
    KYM
    I meant to come back. I swear. I even had. Oh god, what was it?
    STYLIST
    Peanut M&M's and Carbona cleaning fluid.
    KYM
    God is punishing me.
    STYLIST
    No, he's blessing me. It's cool : I talked him down.
    KYM
    ( uncomfortable . )
    So, how are ya?
    STYLIST
    I'm okay. You remember we were in the hospital together, right?
    KYM
    We were. at Milestones?
    STYLIST
    No. I did n't go to Milestones. I did n't have the coverage. We were on the same floor at Loeb House. That was before you went to Milestones.
    KYM
    Where did you go after that?
    STYLIST
    My parents' house. Unemployment. It's all about the coverage, right?
    He stares deeply , movingly , into Kym 's eyes . Awkward .
    STYLIST
    ( CONT 'D . )
    I ca n't believe I'm seeing you again.
    KYM
    ( more uncomfortable . )
    I know. It's so weird.
    STYLIST
    Listen. Do you remember that exercise where we all had to write down experiences and pass them anonymously to another person?
    KYM
    `` The Human Mirror : Seeing With a Fresh Perspective'' Like Secret Santas of despair.
    STYLIST
    I got yours.
    Kym gives him a quizzical look .
    STYLIST
    You drew poodles in the margins. I know it's supposed to be anonymous and everything, but you were so brave. The way your uncle abused you and your sister, and how it led to your sister's anorexia, and how you stayed up nights when she was down to fifty pounds holding a mirror to her face to make sure she was breathing. I'll never forget reading that, I swear to God.
    Rachel 's stylist is removing her foils while Rachel chokes on her Diet Pepsi and it comes out her nose . Kym looks nervous .
    RACHEL'S STYLIST
    ( to Rachel . )
    Do you want a tissue?
    Rachel looks horrified , holding her hand over her nose .
    STYLIST
    ( To Kym . )
    I found it so profoundly inspirational that you could be there for her during your own incredible ordeal. I thank God that you came in here today. I never thought I'd ever have the chance to thank you. It was your strength that gave me the courage to confront my own abuse and help me turn my life around.
    Rachel slams down her magazine and leaves the salon . Kym runs after her . Both girls have foils in their hair .

EXT. REAR PARKING LOT/BEAUTY SALON. DAY.
    Rachel is being trailed by her sister through the parking lot .
    KYM
    Would you stop?
    Rachel does n't stop . She is searching for her keys in the fading daylight . Kym catches up , takes Rachel 's arm .
    RACHEL
    Do n't touch me.
    KYM
    Do n't you think his perspective might be a little skewed?
    RACHEL
    I never had anorexia. You sure as hell did n't watch over me while I was sleeping and WE DO N'T HAVE A GODDAMNED PEDOPHILE UNCLE! -
    KYM
    ( interrupting . )
    - That we know of! -
    RACHEL
    - THAT MADE OUR CHILDHOOD A LIVING HELL AND EXPLAINS AWAY ALL OF YOUR SHIT IN ONE FELL SWOOP! Did you tell them that Dad forced us into a life of prostitution while you were at it?
    KYM
    Ew!
    ( she stops and tries to remember . )
    Wait.
    Rachel yanks open the car door , jumps in .
    KYM
    I was n't hurting anybody. No one got hurt, Rach.
    Rachel slams the car door shut .
    RACHEL
    I'm hurt!
    Rachel drives off with a screech , leaving her sister standing there .

INT. BUCHMAN HOUSE. DEN. DAY.
    Rachel , yanking the foils out of her hair , perches on the sofa next to Carol and Paul . She is furious .
    RACHEL
    I hate her.
    PAUL
    You do n't hate her.
    RACHEL
    Do n't tell me what I do n't hate. I hate, hate the lies. She lied in rehab.
    PAUL
    What do you mean she lied?
    RACHEL
    She lied to the people who were working with her. Who were trying to help her. She lies to everybody.
    PAUL
    ( not getting it . )
    Where is she now?
    RACHEL
    Where am I now, Dad?
    KYM'S VOICE OFF
    Rachel! Rachel?
    PAUL
    Thank god. In here.
    Kym comes stomping in . Her foils are still intact .
    KYM
    Thanks for abandoning me. I had to take a taxi!
    RACHEL
    ( disbelieving . )
    Are you kidding me?
    KYM
    Why would anything I said or did n't say at the hospital hurt you? It was n't about you!
    RACHEL
    Why not? Why was n't it about me?
    PAUL
    Rachel.
    RACHEL
    Dad, stop.
    ( to Kym . )
    Why not? I was hopeful. I was on your side. I still am. Do you have any idea what that means? Do you have any idea how lonely it was with everybody gone into your terrible world? There was nothing left. Everybody was just empty. You think they remembered I was alive or needed anything during your. life? And after all that loneliness and Mom and Dad blaming each other and worrying and death and divorce and that stupid hopefulness and Dad not even being able to listen to music, you were in the hospital, lying about us! Instead of telling the truth about yourself!
    KYM
    God, Rachel.
    PAUL
    Wait a minute. Wait a minute. What's this all about?
    RACHEL
    Apparently she has a whole history of sexual molestation.
    CAROL
    What?
    PAUL
    Kym, what is your sister saying? Did you say you were sexually molested?
    KYM
    Oh Jesus Christ. Not by you! It was a long time ago!
    PAUL
    Were you?
    KYM
    No!
    PAUL
    Why in god's name would you say something like that?
    KYM
    It was anonymous! It seemed like a good idea at the time.
    The three on the couch are stunned for a moment .
    RACHEL
    Dad, look at me. I'm right here. I'm telling you that after Ethan died I wanted her to get better or just die.
    PAUL
    And look! She is better!
    KYM
    Nice, Rachel. Thank you.
    RACHEL
    ( to Paul . )
    . And Dad, she was lying and she did n't give a shit about the rest of us. Recovery ca n't work if you lie. She knows that. I was worthless to her. We all meant nothing to her.
    KYM
    You're not worthless. You're my sister. I love you guys. I need you guys, but you do n't get to sit around for the rest of my life deciding what I'm supposed to be like. You were n't there. You were n't inside my head when I was fucked up and your certainly not there now. You have n't got a clue what I feel.
    RACHEL
    Kym, you took Ethan for granted. You were high for his life. You were not present for his life. You were high. He was like a pet to you. You drove him off the bridge. And now he's dead.
    PAUL
    It was an accident.
    KYM
    Yes! I was stoned out of my mind! Jesus Christ, who do I have to be now? Mother Theresa? Did I use up all the love I'm allowed for this lifetime because I killed our little brother?
    PAUL
    No, it was an accident!
    KYM
    I'm sorry! I'm sorry, okay? I'm sorry!
    Paul bursts out weeping .
    PAUL
    It was an accident.
    Kym , her hair still in foils , rushes out of the house . Carol turns to Rachel . Rachel bolts upstairs . Carol turns to Paul . Paul waves her away . Carol is bawling too .

EXT. 7/11 PARKING LOT. DUSK.
    A STATE TROOPER , sitting in his patrol car , looks up from his coffee as Paul 's Mercedes station wagon screeches into a nearby parking space . The cop watches Kym get out of the car and stalk into the 7/11 .

INT. ABBY'S/ANDREW'S HOUSE. MASTER BATHROOM. NIGHT.
    Steam rises from the surface of Abby 's high - tech and sumptuous bathtub , as she quickly turns the water off and speaks into her cell phone .
    ABBY
    Hello?

INT. BUCHMAN HOUSE. PAUL'S STUDY. NIGHT. CONTINUOUS.
    He is alone and the door is shut
    PAUL
    Hello Abby. It's Paul.
    INTERCUT the conversation :
    ABBY
    Hello Paul.
    PAUL
    Is Kym with you?
    ABBY
    No. Why? Did she go somewhere?
    PAUL
    She left the house about an hour ago.
    ABBY
    To a meeting?
    PAUL
    She and Rachel had an argument.
    ABBY
    Oh, dear. The night before her wedding? What was it about?
    PAUL
    Look, Abby, it does n't matter. She left the house. She took the car.
    ABBY
    What was the argument about?
    PAUL
    I do n't know. They were both getting their hair done.
    ABBY
    You do n't know? Well what were they saying?
    PAUL
    For god's sake Abby! I'm trying to figure out where she went before I call the police!
    ABBY
    Well, last time you called the police looking for her she was upstairs, asleep in the guest room.
    PAUL
    She was n't asleep, she was unconscious! And I'm glad I called the police because it took twenty minutes to wake her up and at least something was being done!
    ABBY
    Paul, I'm trying to help.
    PAUL
    You're trying to dismiss everything!
    ABBY
    She's not a criminal!
    PAUL
    You're disregarding everything I'm saying, and this failure to listen, failure to understand what is right in front of you is exactly why you will never be able.
    ABBY
    Paul!
    PAUL
    To help her!
    ABBY
    Maybe that's not what she needs all the time.
    PAUL
    ( incredulous . )
    What?
    ABBY
    ( stammering . )
    I mean. I mean maybe she needs us -
    PAUL
    - Maybe she needs someone to be watchful and present and in her life!
    ABBY
    - To trust her -
    PAUL
    She could hurt herself! She could be lying dead in a ditch somewhere!
    ABBY
    All right! All right! Stop it!
    Beat . Paul tries to pull himself together . Abby is trembling .
    PAUL
    If you hear anything, can I count on you to please call me?
    ABBY
    ( incredulous . )
    Can you count on me?
    Abby puts her hand to her mouth . INTERCUT with Paul waiting , then :
    ABBY
    Yes Paul, you can count on me to call if I hear anything.
    Now Abby waits : then
    PAUL
    Okay, then.
    ABBY
    Goodbye.
    PAUL
    Goodbye.
    She hangs up . He hangs up .

INT. BUCHMAN DINING ROOM. NIGHT.
    The room is piled high with boxes overflowing with tulle and flowers and glassware . Carol , Sidney , Rachel , Kieran and Emma are seated around the cheerless dining room table , picking at the dinner in front of them . even Emma appears to have given up . She is drinking a lot of wine . Paul returns to the table .
    PAUL
    Abby has n't heard from her.
    Rachel stabs her dessert with her fork . Her head is on Sidney 's shoulder , she looks pale and exhausted .
    CAROL
    She must feel awful.
    KIERAN
    ( gently . )
    Excuse me, but when you're trying to get better there's a lot of pressure in rehabs. when someone is n't ready to take responsibility they create something, like an Uncle Stan, to take responsibility until they're ready.
    PAUL
    ( hollow . )
    Well, she's always been creative.
    CAROL
    I just wish we knew where she was.
    SIDNEY
    Paul, Would you like me to go out and look for her?
    Rachel takes Sidney 's hand .
    CAROL
    You're getting married tomorrow. A hundred people will be here.
    KIERAN
    I'll go. I'm. I'll go. Any idea where she might have gone?
    Everybody looks at Kieran . No one responds . The phone rings . Carol goes to get it . Everybody waits .
    CAROL
    It's the caterer.
    Emma gives Rachel 's arm a squeeze .
    EMMA
    I'll take it.

EXT/INT. SCOTTY'S. NIGHT.
    Kieran , looking drawn under the fluorescent lights , stands inside the Jamaican restaurant staring out at the night . THROUGH THE WINDOW a beat up WHITE HONDA tears ass right through the stop sign and screeches on up the road . Kieran flinches .

INT. ABBY'S/ANDREW'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
    Abby is in her kitchen preparing tea , dressed in loose - fitting yoga - style PJs , hair still wet from her bath . A door opens behind her and Kym emerges from the bathroom rubbing her hands over her face .
    KYM
    Ahhh.
    ABBY
    You should call your father.
    The air seems to go out of Kym for a moment .
    KYM
    In a minute. I need a glass of water.
    ABBY
    I've made some tea.
    Abby picks up the tray , leading the way from the kitchen into the living room . Trailing behind her , Kym looks around her mother 's unfamiliar house - the spaciousness and stark modernity of Andrew 's house stand in marked contrast to the rampant folksy - ness of the Buchman house . Abby places the tea service on a low table in front of a sprawling sofa in the stone - walled living room .
    ABBY
    Here darling. Sit down. You look upset.
    Kym sits , pours and sips . Abby remains standing and tightens the belt of her bathrobe .
    KYM
    When will Andrew be back?
    ABBY
    Not too late. He's at a dinner.
    Beat .
    ABBY
    I spoke to grandma today. She sends her love. Is everything all right with the wedding?
    KYM
    Yes.
    ABBY
    Good.
    KYM
    Dad was loading the dishwasher.
    ABBY
    Mmm hmmm.
    KYM
    And I handed him Ethan's bowl with the trains on it by accident.
    Kym begins to weep . Abby remains still . Kym 's weeping becomes louder and louder . She is having trouble breathing . Just as Abby reaches out to touch her .
    KYM
    Why did you leave me in charge of him?
    Abby stops .
    KYM
    You knew. All of you knew. People told you. I was a junkie. I was a crazy drug addict. I stole from you. I lied to your face. I weighed six pounds and my hair was falling out. I spent every dinner in the bathroom.
    ABBY
    You were sick.
    KYM
    You know what I was. It's not like there were n't any clues. I stayed in my room for days. I passed out all the time. Where were you, Mom! What were you thinking? Why did you leave me? Why did you leave me in charge of him?
    Abby closes her fists and beats Kym with all her strength .
    ABBY
    You were n't supposed to kill him! You were n't supposed to kill him!
    Kym curls up protectively and Abby suddenly stops .
    KYM
    Mom?
    Abby swings at Kym again and connects . Kym punches Abby right back - twice - now she is on her feet . Both women stop , terrified , and look at each other . Kym moves toward her mother .
    KYM
    Mom?
    ABBY
    Get away!
    Kym stops . Keeping her back to the door she backs out of her mother 's house .

EXT. ABBY'S/ANDREW'S HOUSE. NIGHT.
    Kym falls down the front steps . Her nose is bleeding and her eye starts to swell . Where are the car keys ? Here they are . Where is the door handle ? Here it is . She drives off .

EXT. SECLUDED ROAD. NIGHT.
    Kym driving the station wagon too fast .

INT. STATION WAGON. NIGHT.
    - KYM 'S P.O.V. : THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD - Headlights . Windshield wipers . It 's not raining . A curve in the road , squealing around it . The road forks twenty yards ahead , woods in between . Left or right ? Kym drives straight ahead , careening off the road , smashing down a couple of saplings , losing speed , right fender smashing into a big rock - AIRBAGS blast up into Kym 's face - airbag deflates , Kym 's head falls forward , bangs against the steering wheel . A tiny moan . That 's it .

EXT. WIDE SHOT. FORK IN THE ROAD. NIGHT.
    The station wagon has come to a halt far off the road , concealed by undergrowth and trees in the foreground . There is no movement in the car . A Volvo station wagon drives by , continuing on its way .

INT. BUCHMAN HOUSE FAMILY ROOM. NIGHT.
    Paul , Kieran , and Sidney are seated around the family room . Paul and Sidney are drinking red wine , Kieran something else . An empty bottle is in front of them and Sidney is uncorking a fresh one .
    PAUL
    I never thought I'd have two little girls. Two little girls running around with their tummies sticking out in their diapers. They used to bite me on the nose, the two of them. I'd hold both of them in the pool and they'd take turns biting my nose. Ethan never did that. He preferred pinkies. Or knuckles.
    Sidney and Kieran chuckle appreciatively . Paul joins the laughter , pours some more wine .

INT. MASTER BEDROOM. NIGHT.
    Rachel and Emma are curled up in the middle of the bed , spoon - style , with clothes still on . Emma is behind Rachel , lost to the world , gently snoring . Rachel 's eyes are wide open . Carol swings the door cautiously open and peers inside . Rachel and Carol look at each other for a long time . Carol withdraws , closing the door behind her .

EXT. FORK IN THE ROAD. DAWN.
    The station wagon seen just as before . A couple of joggers lope by on the road .

EXT/INT. STATION WAGON. MORNING.
    Kym jolts awake as a STAMFORD POLICEMAN raps on her closed window . She is a mess . A black eye . A split , bloody lip . A gash across her forehead . The cop is simultaneously gesturing for her to roll her window down and speaking into his radio . Kym tries to start the car . No luck . The cop bangs on the window . Kym leans her head against the steering wheel . The horn starts blowing . The joggers , a couple of early dogwalkers , and a couple of kids on bikes are gathered by the roadside , whispering and watching .

EXT. STATION WAGON. DAY.
    NOW - The cop is studying Kym 's license and registration . NOW - An AMBULANCE has arrived . Red lights flashing . The crowd of onlookers has swelled considerably . NOW - The cop gives a clearly upset Kym a Breathalyzer test as PARAMEDICS wrap a pressure cuff around her arm - she exhales into the Breathalyzer tube , her eyes darting between the cop , the cracked windshield of the car and the gawking crowd up on the road . TIME CUT - The paramedic holds Kym firmly by the chin and peers deeply into her right eye . The other paramedic blots at Kym 's swollen lip with a gauze and hands her an ice pack . TIME CUT - The cop gives Kym her license and hands her an official looking form , which she stuffs in her shoulder bag .

EXT. THE BUCHMAN HOUSE. DAY.
    A truck towing the beat - up station wagon comes to a halt in the street in front of the Buchman house . Kym steps down from the passenger seat , ignoring whatever the driver just said in parting . The house is festooned with peonies and lights and WORKERS hurrying about . Everything looks absolutely beautiful . CATERERS are running from their vans into the house with armloads of food , drinks , etc. . Abby 's flowers are being unloaded from another van . Decorative chandeliers are being carried inside . VALETS are setting up their car - parking operation -LRB- a decorated picnic table -RRB- at the foot of the driveway . Kym squares her shoulders and begins her long walk up to the Buchman house , back into the chaos . A CUTE VALET passes Kym on the lawn , carrying two paper cups of coffee , dressed in an Indian military tunic . He takes in Kym 's disheveled and bruised appearance .
    VALET
    Um. Hi.
    KYM
    I'm the Maid of Honor.
    VALET
    Cool.
    Kym continues her walk toward the house .
    VALET
    Hey, I know you. I used to work at the dog grooming place.
    Kym keeps walking , ignoring him .
    VALET
    Hey, you holding?
    Paul and Carol , beautifully dressed , appear on the front porch and hurry towards Kym .
    PAUL
    Kymmie?
    CAROL
    Oh my lord.
    PAUL
    Are you all right?
    They meet at the circular driveway .
    KYM
    I hit Mom.
    PAUL
    Oh my god is she.
    KYM
    Not with the car.
    Beat .
    PAUL
    We need to get you to a hospital.
    KYM
    I have to get dressed.
    PAUL
    Look at you! You need to get to a hospital!
    KYM
    Dad! I'm fine.
    He tries to touch her . She stops his hand . Paul backs off .
    PAUL
    You ca n't just vanish. You ca n't just leave. You have to call. You always have to call.
    Paul looks helplessly at his wife .
    CAROL
    Why do n't you go find your sister? She did n't sleep last night waiting for you.
    Kym runs onto the porch as a group of GOFERS carry more of Abby 's flowers through the front door . Emma is on the front porch filling balloons with helium , assisted by the kids from next door . Emma inhales from a balloon as she sees Kym .
    EMMA
    ( in a helium voice . )
    Oh. My. God.

INT. BUCHMAN FOYER. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
    Kieran is in the living room on his cell phone when he spots Kym . Behind him we see Norman Sklear , Matt and Innbo removing the last of the living room furniture to the rear patio .
    KIERAN
    Holy shit.
    ( into the phone . )
    She just showed up. Yes. Thank you.
    ( to Kym . )
    Do you need a doctor?
    KYM
    You sent out the cavalry?
    KIERAN
    For your dad. Mostly for your dad.
    KYM
    I have to get ready. I have to get dressed.
    KIERAN
    Okay. I'm so glad to see you.
    KYM 'S P.O.V. - charging up the stairs .

INT. MASTER BEDROOM. DAY. CONTINUOUS.
    Also known as the bridal chamber . Kym yanks the door open and Rachel jumps a mile .
    RACHEL
    Aaaah! Fuck!
    She is dressed in her Sari and huge gold earrings and looks beautiful , despite a lack of sleep . Seeing her bashed up sister framed in the doorway , Rachel fights tears . She loses .
    KYM
    I hit Mom.
    RACHEL
    With the car?
    KYM
    No. No.
    RACHEL
    You hit Mom? You hit our mother?
    Kym looks completely desperate . She nods . Rachel 's face contorts with rage as she steps forward and slams the bedroom door in Kym 's face . Kym winces . Beat .
    KYM
    Okay.
    Rachel yanks the door open again .

INT. MASTER BATHROOM. DAY.
    Rachel has run a bath for her sister . She has removed her sari but not her earrings . Kym is in the bath . Her body is bruised and purple . Rachel dabs gently at Kym 's face with a washcloth while Kym scrubs at her nails with a brush . She glides the soapy washcloth over Kym 's back . She notices the word ethan inscribed within the design of the rose and thorns image tattooed on Kym 's left shoulder . Rachel rinses shampoo and leaves and dirt out of her sister 's hair while Kym brushes her teeth . Rachel dabs makeup on Kym 's chin as Kym 's hands tremble with the mascara .
    RACHEL
    I got it.

INT. MASTER BEDROOM. DAY.
    Back in her wedding Sari , Rachel wraps Kym in her bridesmaid 's gown and puts some Lilies of the Valley in her hair .
    RACHEL
    Can you do this?
    Kym nods .
    RACHEL
    Okay.

EXT./INT. BUCHMAN BACK TERRACE/LIVING ROOM. DAY.
    THE CEREMONY - Guests , some standing , some in white chairs . The living room is festooned with wall to wall flowers . A canopy of cherry blossoms leads from the living room terrace to the opened living room doors . Sidney , looking stunning in a dove grey Nehru suit and a lavender pocket square , waits at the altar with groomsmen Kieran , Norman Sklear , and Cousin Joseph -LRB- now wearing full dress U.S. Army uniform -RRB- . and officiating JUDGE CASTLE . SFX : LIVE MUSIC - `` Here Comes The Bride '' on distant electric guitar and drums plus foreground violin and gently chanted `` Rachel 's '' and `` Sidney 's '' by the assembled friends . Emma 's smiling face fills the frame as the ceremony begins . Bridesmaids Emma , Kayra Williams , Victoria , and - THE MAID OF HONOR ! - Kym in her dress with her striped hair , split lip and black eye , trying to find her game face . The wedding guests are slack - jawed . Mrs. Williams -LRB- Sidney 's mom -RRB- looks like she 's passing a stone . Abby stands quietly with Andrew in the first row . She looks composed and lovely and has the tiniest hint of a bruise on her chin . The procession reaches the altar and the wedding party turns to face Rachel and Paul . Paul is beaming , walking his beautiful daughter from the side of the house and across the terrace to the living room . She glows in her white and gold Sari . They reach the altar of blossoms . Rachel kisses her dad 's cheek and he hugs her . Things are set up so that Rachel and Sidney stand just inside the living room , facing the beautiful backyard . Kym reaches for Rachel 's bouquet but Rachel has handed it to Emma by reflex . Kym tries to cover her gesture . Rachel and Sidney join hands .
    JUDGE CASTLE
    We're here on this beautiful day.
    Somebody 's baby starts to cry .
    JUDGE CASTLE
    Exactly.
    Everybody cracks up , especially Kym . She laughs a beat longer than anybody else .
    KYM
    ( mumbling . )
    Excuse me.

EXT./INT. BUCHMAN BACK TERRACE/LIVING ROOM. DAY.
    Rachel and Sidney are saying their vows .
    SIDNEY
    I always just wanted to hear music, and when I met you I heard you. You are the most beautiful thing I've ever heard. Thanks for marrying me.
    Rachel is crying . Sidney takes his pocket square and carefully dries her tears . Abby is drying her own eyes . Rachel makes her own declaration to Sidney . Norman Sklear hands Sidney an acoustic guitar and Sidney strums it and plucks a delicate melody .
    SIDNEY
    For you.
    ( to Rachel 's stomach . )
    And you. ahem.
    ( sings . )
    `` She used to work in a diner Never saw a woman look finer I used to order just to watch her float across the floor She grew up in a small town Never put her roots down Daddy always kept movin', so she did too. You know it ai n't easy You got to hold on She was an unknown legend in her time Now she's dressin' two kids Lookin' for a magic kiss She gets the far - away look in her eyes. Somewhere on a desert highway She rides a Harley - Davidson Her long blonde hair flyin' in the wind She's been runnin' half her life The chrome and steel she rides Collidin' with the very air she breathes The air she breathes. The air she breathes.
    The guests join in on the last chorus , with spontaneous ad - lib instrumentation from some of the musician friends . The song ends with a huge eruption of laughter and applause .
    JUDGE CASTLE
    On that note, and with the power vested in me by the state of Connecticut and Neil Young, I now pronounce you husband and wife.
    Big Kiss ! Lots of screaming and laughing . Huge applause . Carol and Mr. Williams throw pink and white confetti hearts . Kym applauds wildly and is crying her eyes out . Paul weeps openly . Carol breathes a sigh of relief .

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD. LATER.
    POST - CEREMONY LUNCH - the whole Wedding Party Inner Circle , everybody , is enjoying barbecue , oysters , Vegetarian Supreme , beers , wine , various other chill - juices and snackettes - on the back terrace , around the swimming pool and spread out at picnic tables and blankets across the expansive back lawn . The exotic reception party tent stands proudly and invitingly down the slope . THE MUSICIAN FRIENDS are playing their version of `` Rachel Loves Sidney . '' Some guests have removed as many layers of clothing as weather permits . Some - including Sidney and Rachel - have even changed into Bermudas and sweatshirts for the moment . Rachel and Sidney are serving second helpings to their friends . Abby and Andrew are at a table eating and chatting with the Chicago Cousins , the Rosenzweigs , and Cookie Puss . Kym is tying a LITTLE BOY 'S balloon to his wrist . She looks over at her mother . Abby is deep in conversation with Andrew . She tucks a stray hair behind his ear .

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD. DAY.
    `` CUTTING THE CAKE '' - A MULTI - TIERED WEDDING CAKE , WEDGEWOOD BLUE , IN THE SHAPE OF AN ELEPHANT , WITH TWO TINY PLASTIC ASTRONAUTS SITTING ON TOP . Rachel and Sidney are cutting the cake .
    SIDNEY
    Is this mocha? Or chocolate?
    He samples the frosting .
    MRS. WILLIAMS
    Baby Boy, let them take the picture.
    SIDNEY
    Okay, Mom.
    RACHEL
    Yeah, Baby Boy.
    Rachel licks the frosting off Sidney 's finger then gives his mom a big wholesome smile . Mrs. Williams shakes her head but she 's okay with this .
    RACHEL
    Can we all do this together?
    Reshuffling as Sidney , his parents , Kayra , and Rachel , Paul , Carol and Kym each place a hand on the silver cake knife .
    RACHEL
    Mom.
    With nowhere else to stand , Abby lays her fingers lightly on Kym 's wrist . Emma 's AUNT JOYCE , a cool professional photog , SNAPS THE PICTURE .
    SIDNEY
    Dear God, bless this family and let them always invite us for dinner because my new wife ca n't boil water or fry an egg. La Chaim.
    EVERYONE
    La Chaim.
    Rachel suddenly stands on a chair and bangs on a glass with a spoon .
    RACHEL
    Friends and family, family and friends! I have an announcement to make! I'm the bride and I'm knocked up!
    Surprised whooping and hollering .
    RACHEL
    I'm exercising my bridely, knocked up prerogatives and demand that everybody starts dancing. And this means you too, Mom!
    Abby smiles . SFX : The Deejay spins an infectious platter -LRB- TBD -RRB- .
    RACHEL
    Oh yay! Dad c'mon. C'mon Dad! This is my favorite song!
    PAUL
    Ooo. Look at me, I'm dancing.
    She drags Paul to the temporary poolside patio dance floor . Paul is a fantastic dancer ! Sidney drags his dad to the dance floor . He 's dramatic and weird ! Abby smiles politely at Kym and goes to sit down with Andrew . Kieran spirits Kym to the patio , where they join the dancers .

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD/OUTSIDE THE TENT. DUSK.
    THE RECEIVING LINE - All members of both families are lined up outside the entrance to the tent to greet the INNER CIRCLE GANG and the LUCKY FEW OUTSIDERS who have been invited to this evening 's gala wedding reception party . It is twilight . Everybody is spruced and rested . Rachel and Sidney have changed into awesome party outfits . Inside the tent , yet another group of musician friends are currently laying down an evocative , hypnotic and extremely cool , jazzy `` world music '' groove as the same attractive and immaculate young servers -LRB- from the rehearsal dinner -RRB- circulate with trays of delicious appetizers , wine , seltzer , etc. . Kym is still wearing her sari . She stands next to her mother . They are doing their wedding party duties . Neither woman is looking at the other .
    BOB THE NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR
    ( to Abby indicating Kym . )
    And how is our little wayward girl?
    KYM
    Fine.
    ( Beat . )
    I had an accident.
    ABBY
    And, how are you, Bob?
    BOB
    God, never better - Isaac opened his practice!
    QUICK CUTS OF KYM
    NICE FAMILY FRIEND
    We're all so glad you made it! I should n't be telling you this, but there was actually a pool! Is that hysterical?
    DISTINGUISHED NEIGHBOR
    ( eyeing Kym 's injuries with a twinkle . )
    If you're in need of any legal services.
    AWKWARD YOUNG GUEST
    I do n't know if you remember this but you owe me $ 750.
    HIP YOUNG GUEST
    Are you holding?
    INTERESTING YOUNG WOMAN
    Kym? Do you remember me?
    KYM
    Sorry. I'm not sure.
    INTERESTING YOUNG WOMAN
    Kym! Angela Paylin!
    Angela sports an intense tattooed image on the inside of her right forearm . Her face features a unique piercing . Kym hugs her . Their reunion makes her cry . Angela is nice .

INT. EXOTIC WEDDING TENT (EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD). NIGHT.
    The tent is fairly packed now with about 60 - SOME ODD PEOPLE . Everybody is getting along fine . With a single dramatic gesture , Norman Sklear silences the band . Upon Norman 's instructions , the drummer works his cymbals in such a way that the party - goers realize that something big is about to happen . Norman Sklear now gestures for complete silence and he gets it . Rachel and Emma grin madly at each other . SFX : LIVE BRAZILIAN PERCUSSION SLOWLY BUILDING , GROWING LOUDER approaching the tent entrance from the moonlit backyard . ALL EYES ON THE ENTRANCE - the swimming pool lights shimmering outside as - - FOUR SEXY BRAZILIAN DRUMMERS AND FOUR GORGEOUS BRAZILIAN CARNIVAL GIRLS COMPLETE WITH HEADDRESSES AND FEATHERS DANCE INTO THE MIDDLE OF THE CROWD ! The musicians blow whistles and bang on drums . The cafe - au - lait beauties gyrate and pull guests out of their chairs . Rachel leaps from her chair into Sidney 's arms and he gives her a huge , sexy kiss as he rubs her tummy . Wedding guests scream with delight and rush to the floor . The drummers become more impassioned with every beat . They travel allover the dance floor , a trail of guests behind them . Sweat is dripping , the girls are glistening wet , the guests are pulled into a massive pulsing heartbeat on the dance floor . Emma , Kayra and Victoria are dancing together screaming until Cousin Joseph , Matt and another male friend muscle their way in . Little kids swing each other around in circles . Rachel and Sidney are practically doing it on the dance floor . A Brazilian beauty shimmies over to them , her headdress bobbing , her smile enormous . Sidney immediately puts his head on her bosom . After a beat Rachel does too , laughing . SFX : POUNDING BRAZILIAN DRUMS Carol stands quietly besides Paul and takes his hand and whispers to him . Though not dancing , they are clearly enjoying the carnival . Paul gives a little shimmy . Abby and Andrew are huddled together at a table , talking intensely . It 's like they are blind to the spectacle . Kieran offers his hand to Kym . She leaps up , spilling her flowers . Kieran pulls her to the middle of the crowd . They circle each other . They come together almost violently and dance like there 's no tomorrow . Kym 's head is thrown back . Shoulders heaving , Kieran swings her around by the waist . SFX : DRUMMERS DRIVING THE PARTY FASTER AND FASTER . Emma shimmies wildly with her partner , her hair a mess . Mr. and Mrs. Williams clapping wildly and doing the limbo/hustle/drunken parent dance . Guests stomping and cheering . The brown , glittering dancers are shaking thisclose to the drummers who have their shirts off . A dancer rocks with an older gentleman who gulps oxygen from a tank . Rachel and Sidney are bathed in sweat , kissing . Sidney is gulping champagne . Kieran and Kym have their foreheads together and their eyes closed , chests heaving . DRUMS CRESCENDO Carol and Paul watching , laughing . Andrew whispering in Abby 's ear . She just stares off . Kieran and Kym glued together . Rachel tossing her hair wildly , Sidney behind her . Everyone laughing , laughing , dancing . DRUMS STOP ! HUGE WHOOPS AND HOLLERS !

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD. NIGHT.
    The exotic tent looks beautiful out there in the sprawling backyard , reflections of the POOL LIGHTS shimmering off its sides . The whole backyard is enchanted - with magically deployed twinkle lights , Japanese lanterns and other special lighting effects adding to the aura . `` Rachel Loves Sidney '' is being played in a mellow , super - romantic trumpet solo mode now by Christian Scott . An assorted bunch of guests have relocated to the poolside patio in their finery . The oxygen guy and his matronly wife are seated on a transplanted living room couch , talking intently to a be - feathered headdressed Dancer . Norman Sklear and Emma are sharing a stylish , quietly triumphant slow dance , whispering punctuated by gusts of laughter . Angela Paylin is out there too . Little kids are running around the lawn and a few are playing with OLIVE the Dog . Kym kneels at the far corner of the swimming pool , unnoticed by anyone . A wooden serving tray floats on the surface of the water , supporting a candle wrapped in rice paper . A couple of smaller candles surround the slightly larger one . Kym lights the candles , extinguishes the match , gently slides the illuminated tray out towards the center of the pool , watches . Kym rises and walks towards the house , looking for something .
    NEIGHBORHOOD GIRL
    ( to Kym . )
    I can do a handstand!
    She executes a truly terrible handstand .
    KYM
    That sucked.
    The girl throws a rebellious dance move in Kym 's direction .
    KYM
    Ouch.
    The girl laughs and runs off .

EXT./INT. BUCHMAN LIVING ROOM -- CONTINUOUS.
    Kym crosses the back terrace and enters the living room through the flower bedecked canopy . where she finds Rachel and Sidney slow dancing alone and dreamy in the center of the darkened room , the walls still covered with the ceremonial flowers . A single candle flickers nearby . The dancers are oblivious to Kym 's presence .
    KYM
    ( to Rachel . )
    Hi. Where's Mom?
    Rachel has her head on Sidney 's shoulder , her eyes closed .
    RACHEL
    Taking a break.
    KYM
    How can you take a break from your own daughter's wedding?
    RACHEL
    Mom does n't actually participate in things.
    KYM
    And anyway, she has n't even done anything all day.
    RACHEL
    I was thinking about getting her a cat. Cats are really annoying. At some point you have to deal with them, right? Or they starve to death and piss on your sheets.
    KYM
    It's so nice here.
    Suddenly Kieran sweeps into the room .
    KIERAN
    You can run but you ca n't hide!
    Kym shrieks as Kieran grabs her and plants a wet one on her , dipping her to the floor . They careen into Sidney and Rachel . Sidney grabs Rachel and starts molesting her .
    RACHEL
    ( totally into it . )
    Stop! Stop you fiend!
    Rachel and Sidney fall to the floor writhing , sounding way too amorous . Then :
    ABBY'S VOICE OFF
    Hello?
    KYM
    Hello?
    RACHEL
    Hello?
    The ceiling light flicks on overhead and Abby enters the living room . Blinking against the light , Rachel struggles to her feet smoothing her dress .
    RACHEL
    Mom!
    ABBY
    Here you are.
    SIDNEY
    ( from the floor . )
    Hello Abby. You're lovely. And I'm not looking up your skirt.
    Kieran is busting a gut not to laugh .
    ABBY
    I've been looking for you all over the place.
    ANDREW'S VOICE OFF
    Abby? Where are you?
    ABBY
    I'm in here.
    Andrew pops his head in .
    ANDREW
    They're bringing the car around.
    ABBY
    All right.
    RACHEL
    You're leaving?
    ABBY
    Darling, I'm exhausted. I had such a marvelous time. Those dancers were so beautiful. But weddings are really for young people. I thought we'd just sneak off and not make a big scene.
    RACHEL
    You could make a little scene.
    ABBY
    And here I am making it. Andrew and I are going to Washington in the morning.
    KYM
    Why are you going to Washington?
    ABBY
    It's the mother of all fund raisers at American. I thought I mentioned it. We're going to stay on about a week - there are lots of meetings. I thought since you two are going away soon.
    ( to Kym . )
    . and I'm sure you do n't want any grown ups around checking up on you. Will you still be here when I get back?
    Kym does n't say anything .
    RACHEL
    What about our post - nuptial wedding gossip reconnaissance, Mom?
    ABBY
    Well, can you come by early?
    RACHEL
    Um.
    ABBY
    Of course you do n't want to do that. It's your wedding night. You do n't want to get up early. I have to get Andrew organized. He's hopeless. And we'll be back in a bit. It was such a lovely wedding, darling.
    She bends in for a kiss .
    RACHEL
    Wait! I want my mother and my sister!
    ABBY
    Rachel.
    Rachel wraps one arm around Kym 's neck and the other round her mother and hugs them both to her . She has her eyes open . They have their eyes open . They are stiff as boards . Rachel stops hugging and looks from one to the other . Her mom and sister look at her and each other . Beat .
    ABBY
    Will you call me every day about?
    She pats Rachel 's tummy .
    RACHEL
    Yes. Of course.
    ABBY
    All right, then.
    SIDNEY
    Goodbye Abby.
    ABBY
    Good bye, Son - in - law.
    Kym and Rachel watch their mother leave the room .
    SIDNEY
    ( horrified . )
    I saw your mother's underwear.
    Kym sees Abby and Andrew crossing the front porch through the window .
    KYM
    I ca n't find my cigarettes.
    Kym moves quickly from the room .

INT. BUCHMAN FOYER. NIGHT.
    Kym is heading for the front door , when Paul breaks away from a group of guests having coffee in the dining room and nabs her , pulling her into a conversation with a WEDDING GUEST .
    PAUL
    Kymmie. Speak of the devil. You remember Susanna Galeano.
    KYM
    ( she does n't . )
    Hi.
    SUSANNA
    Hi Kym.
    Kym is looking out the dining room window between Paul and Susanna - she spots Abby and Andrew walking down the driveway towards the VALETS at the street .
    PAUL
    Susanna has a public relations firm and she just lost one of her assistants.
    SUSANNA
    Weddings. They're an epidemic. Your father gave me my start about a hundred years ago.
    PAUL
    No, no. Hardly. Well.
    SUSANNA
    We could definitely use an extra body right about now. Have you ever thought about Public Relations?
    KYM
    The public is kind of afraid of me.
    Susanna and Paul laugh .
    PAUL
    The firm is opening an office right here in town, just in time for the holidays. You could stay right here.
    SUSANNA
    Have you ever thought about P.R. Kym?
    PAUL
    Logistically it's just a dream. You could stay in your old room. I could chauffeur you around. You would n't have to worry about rent.
    KYM
    Have you already talked to Carol about me staying here?
    PAUL
    Of course. She's fine about it. You could stay in your old room.
    SUSANNA
    Why do n't you give me a call on Monday, okay?
    She hands Kym a business card and kisses Paul on the cheek .
    SUSANNA
    Goodbye Paul. It was just beautiful. Bye Kym.
    She leaves .
    PAUL
    Suzy's first rate. P.R. can be fascinating.
    KYM
    You always said it was stupid.
    PAUL
    I meant stupid. Do you want me to hold that for you? You've got no pockets.
    KYM
    I've got it. Thanks, Dad. I'll be right back.

EXT. FRONT PORCH. NIGHT.
    At the edge of the porch Kym sees Abby standing in the moonlight at the front of the driveway with Andrew , waiting for their car . Kym pauses . Abby turns her head slightly in Kym 's direction . Kym , in the half dark , watches her mother . Abby does not move a muscle . Kym steps off the porch . The valet pulls up in the car , jumps out . Abby fixes her gaze on Andrew as he opens the door for her . They drive off . CLOSE ON KYM

EXT. BUCHMAN BACKYARD. MORNING.
    The Absolute End of a Wedding . The place is a gorgeous mess of wedding detritus . The tent looks so lonely . A weary caterer packs away his trays . Kieran is talking and smoking with Sidney at the end of the lawn .

INT. ETHAN'S ROOM. DAY.
    A freshly scrubbed Kym , in her own clothes , takes a moment in Ethan 's room . She collects a few snapshots of her sister and brother and stuffs them in her shoulder bag .

INT. UPSTAIRS HALLWAY. DAY.
    As Kym approaches the stairs , Emma staggers into the hallway , bleary - eyed . She is in her underwear , heading for the bathroom . She stops at the sight of Kym . They stare at each other . Emma gives a tiny wave . Kym responds , heads down the stairs .

INT. BUCHMAN STAIRWAY. DAY.
    Kym slipping quietly downstairs . She moves to collect her weird mish - mash of bags waiting by the door . Kieran is there .
    KYM
    Oof. You scared me.
    KIERAN
    Making a break for it?
    KYM
    Yeah. I have to go. I was coming to find you.
    KIERAN
    You do n't have to slip away without making any noise, you know? I like noise.
    KYM
    I was coming to find you. My ride's outside.
    KIERAN
    Okay. If you need anything.
    KYM
    If I need to post bond?
    Kieran hands Kym a folded piece of paper .
    KIERAN
    No. If you ever need anything.
    KYM
    Thank you, Kieran.
    KIERAN
    Maybe you'll come visit me in Hawaii?
    KYM
    That would be nice.
    He smiles , kisses her , tenderly . She hugs him fiercely .
    KYM
    I have to go. Bye.

EXT. FRONT PORCH. DAY.
    Kym looks back in through the window , sees her father awake , in his robe , tired , gamely tidying .
    KYM
    ( unbelievably softly and tenderly . )
    Dad.
    Carol comes up behind Paul , envelopes him in a gentle bear hug .

EXT. BUCHMAN DRIVEWAY. DAY.
    A ` 98 maroon CAMRY is idling in the circular driveway out front , exhaust vaporizing against the chilly morning air . A cute two - year - old girl is visible in a carseat and Rosa , the staff nurse from Kym 's halfway house , is at the wheel . The car radio plays quietly as Kym opens the passenger door , wiggling her finger at the little girl . Like a ghost , Rachel appears on the porch . Kym jumps a little . The sisters lock eyes . Kym looks pained . Paul is still moving around in there . She wants to go . Rachel floats down the porch stairs and joins her sister at the car . She takes in Rosa who meets Rachel 's look with a nod .
    ROSA
    Hi.
    RACHEL
    Hi.
    KYM
    ( whispering . )
    Will you tell Dad?
    Rachel nods . Kym is crying .
    KYM
    I love your baby!
    RACHEL
    Me too.
    Rachel hugs her sister fiercely . Kym gets into the passenger seat but leaves the car door open . Rachel smiles her huge , luminous smile . Kym shuts the car door and rolls down the window .
    KYM
    ( quietly . )
    Bye!
    Rachel mouths `` Bye '' and gives a little wave . The car pulls out of the driveway , Carol watching it go from the dining room window . THE END

Summary: Kym Buchman is temporarily discharged from drug rehab for a few days so that she can attend her older sister Rachel's wedding to Sidney Williams. Kym's history of drug abuse and alcohol-infused antics have more or less rendered her the black sheep of the family, and caused rifts between herself and others. Upon arriving to her paternal home, full of several close friends and family members bustling about and planning activities for the momentous occasion, Kym experiences several challenges reintegrating into the household. For instance, Kym's father, Paul, shows intense concern for her well-being, which Kym interprets as mistrust. Kym also resents Rachel's choice in designating her best friend as maid of honor, relegating her sister to possible bridesmaid due to doubt over whether Kym would have the faculty to make an appearance at all. Rachel, in turn, resents the attention her sister's drug addiction is drawing away from her wedding, which is exacerbated by Kym's behavior at the rehearsal dinner, when she, amid toasts from friends and family, forces an opportunity to offer a strangely blanket apology for her past actions, as part of her twelve-step program. Underlying the family's broader dynamic is a tragedy that occurred several years earlier, which Kym retells at a Narcotics Anonymous meeting. As a teenager, Kym was responsible for the death of her younger brother, Ethan, who was left under her supervision one day; driving home from a nearby park, an intoxicated Kym had lost control of the car, careening off a bridge and into a lake, where her brother drowned. The memory of his death is ensconced in several activities and conversations, throughout the days immediately preceding the wedding. The day before the wedding, as Rachel, Kym, and the other bridesmaids are preparing their hair at a salon, Kym is approached by a man whom she met at rehab years ago. He proclaims himself several months sober, and adamantly thanks her for instilling courage within him, through her story of strength - a story which he's unaware is fully fabricated, to evade accepting responsibility for her own addiction. His genuine graciousness is superseded when Rachel overhears this exchange, and storms out of the hair salon, angered that Kym would lie about having been molested by an uncle or tending to an anorexic sister. The tension between the sisters flares later that night at Paul's house, as Rachel suggests that Kym's rehab has been a complete hoax, revealing to the rest of the family that Kym falsified her story to medical professionals and other addicts in ways that implicated them as well. Rachel also claims that she has never forgiven Kym for their brother's death, to which Kym acknowledges that any amount of progress she makes may never make her worthy of forgiveness. In desperation, she leaves in her father's car and drives to their mother's (Abby's) home, hoping to find solace. This backfires, with empathetic understanding being replaced by a prevailing tone of mutual accusation over responsibility for Ethan's death, culminating in a physical altercation between the two. Heavily distraught over Abby's denial over her own role in Ethan's death, Kym leaves and drives the car off the road in an attempted suicide, crashing into a boulder. She survives and spends the night sleeping in the crashed car, while the rest of the family grow more concerned over her whereabouts. The next morning (the day of the wedding), the police wake up Kym and conduct a field sobriety test on her, which she passes. She gets a ride home with the tow truck driver, and makes her way to Rachel's room as Rachel prepares for the wedding. Seeing Kym's bruised face prompts Rachel's previous anger to vanish. Rachel tenderly bathes and dresses her sister, in the process unveiling a tattoo on Kym's shoulder with Ethan's name permanently imprinted onto her skin, as an eternal reminder of his life and death, and a marker of guilt. Amid a festive Indian theme, Rachel and her fiancé, Sidney, are wed. Kym is the maid of honor, and is overcome with emotion as the couple exchange their vows. She tries to enjoy herself throughout the wedding reception, but continues to feel alienated, and plagued by her dispute with Abby, who's also present. Ultimately, Abby leaves the reception early, despite Rachel's effort to bring the two together, and the discord between Kym and Abby is left unresolved. The next morning, Kym returns to rehab. As she's leaving, Rachel runs out of the house to hug her.