Wayne Returns Home and Catches Dan Attacking Lauren
A Cinematic Drama Screenplay
SCENE 1: DAN ARRIVES AT WAYNE’S HOUSE
INT. WAYNE’S HOUSE — LATE AFTERNOON
The house is quiet. Warm sunlight streams through the living room windows. Lauren stands near the sofa, checking her phone, expecting Wayne to return later from Turks and Caicos.
Suddenly, the front door opens. Dan walks inside without an invitation. His eyes immediately settle on Lauren.
Dan? What are you doing here? I wasn’t expecting you.
What’s wrong, Lauren? Can’t I come over and see you?
You should have called before coming here. Wayne isn’t home, and I don’t think this is a good time for you to visit.
You always have an excuse. Every time I want to talk to you, you try to get rid of me.
Lauren puts down her phone and takes a cautious step backward.
I’m not trying to get rid of you. I’m simply asking you to respect my boundaries.
Why are you acting like I’m a stranger?
Because you’re not listening to me!
Dan moves closer despite Lauren’s protests. He grabs her and tries to pull her toward him. Lauren pushes against him, desperately attempting to escape.
Dan! Stop it! Let me go!
I said LET ME GO! I DON’T WANT THIS!
Stop fighting me. Just listen to me for once!
You have no right to touch me! Get away from me!
Lauren struggles to free herself, looking desperately toward the front door. She has no idea that help is only moments away.
SCENE 2: WAYNE RETURNS FROM TURKS AND CAICOS
EXT. WAYNE’S HOUSE — MOMENTS LATER
A car pulls into the driveway. Wayne has finally returned from Turks and Caicos. He steps out carrying his travel bag, excited to see Lauren.
Man, it’s good to be back home! Lauren is going to be surprised when she sees me.
INT. WAYNE’S HOUSE — CONTINUOUS
Wayne unlocks the door and walks inside. Suddenly, he hears Lauren screaming.
WAYNE! HELP ME!
Wayne freezes. He turns toward the living room and sees Dan holding Lauren against her will. She is desperately struggling to escape.
Wayne’s travel bag falls to the floor. The happiness on his face instantly disappears, replaced by shock and uncontrollable anger.
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON HERE?!
Wayne! Please, get him away from me!
DAN?! GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!
Wayne, hold on! This isn’t what you think it is!
THEN WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO THINK?!
There’s nothing to explain, Wayne! I told him to stop, but he wouldn’t let me go!
Wayne sees the fear in Lauren’s eyes. Dan finally loosens his grip, allowing Lauren to pull herself free. She quickly moves behind Wayne.
Are you out of your mind? She told you to stop!
You don’t understand what happened!
I UNDERSTAND EXACTLY WHAT I SAW!
SCENE 3: WAYNE LOSES HIS TEMPER
INT. LIVING ROOM — CONTINUOUS
Wayne steps between Dan and Lauren, refusing to let Dan approach her again.
Listen to me, Wayne. You’re making a big mistake!
The only mistake here was letting you walk through that door!
You can’t just attack me without hearing my side!
MY SIDE? WHAT ABOUT LAUREN’S SIDE?!
Are you okay, Lauren?
I’m okay now. Please, just don’t let him come near me again.
You heard her. Stay away from her!
You think you’re some kind of hero because you walked in at the right time?
No. I think you’re a man who doesn’t understand the meaning of the word NO.
This has nothing to do with you!
You’re in MY HOUSE, grabbing MY WOMAN while she’s begging you to let her go! You made it my business the moment you refused to listen to her!
Dan suddenly attempts to push past Wayne and move toward Lauren again.
DON’T YOU DARE MOVE TOWARD HER!
Dan ignores the warning and steps forward. Wayne charges toward him and forcefully shoves him backward. Dan loses his balance, stumbles over the rug, and crashes onto the living room floor.
What the hell is wrong with you?!
YOU’RE ASKING ME WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME?!
Wayne takes a step forward, then stops himself. His attention remains fixed on Dan.
You walked into my house and tried to force yourself on Lauren! You should be grateful I stopped when I did!
You’re going to regret this!
The only person who’s going to regret anything today is you!
Lauren stands behind Wayne, shaken by what has happened.
Wayne, please. I just want him out of this house.
Don’t worry, Lauren. He isn’t touching you again.
Wayne points toward the front door.
Get up. Walk out of my house, and don’t ever come back.
You can’t talk to me like I’m nobody!
You lost the right to demand respect when you refused to respect her.
Wayne takes out his phone and begins calling the police.
I’m calling the police. You can explain your behavior to them.
Wayne, wait. Don’t make this bigger than it needs to be.
You should have thought about that before you put your hands on her.
Lauren steps farther away from Dan and looks him directly in the eyes.
Don’t come near me again, Dan.
I told you to stop. You chose not to listen. I never gave you permission to touch me.
Dan falls silent. Wayne remains between them, determined to keep Lauren safe.
SCENE 4: THE AFTERMATH
INT. WAYNE’S HOUSE — A FEW MINUTES LATER
The living room falls silent. Wayne finishes speaking on the phone and puts it away. He keeps Dan in sight while Lauren moves toward the sofa.
Wayne turns to Lauren. His anger gives way to concern as he gently places an arm around her shoulders.
Lauren, come here. Are you hurt?
Lauren walks toward him and finally allows herself to cry.
I was so scared, Wayne. I kept telling him to let me go, but he wouldn’t listen.
I’m sorry you had to go through that. You didn’t deserve any of this.
I thought I was alone. When I heard you come through the door, I thought you might not realize what was happening.
I saw enough, Lauren. You don’t have to convince me of anything.
Lauren rests her head against his chest, grateful that he returned when he did.
Thank you for coming home when you did.
Nobody has the right to force you into anything. Not Dan. Not anyone.
Across the room, Dan watches them with resentment. Suddenly, the sound of distant sirens grows louder.
It’s over, Dan. You’re going to answer for what you did.
Dan lowers his eyes, realizing that the situation has gone far beyond a simple argument. Lauren stays close to Wayne as the sirens approach the house.
Wayne tightens his protective embrace around her. He had returned from Turks and Caicos expecting a happy reunion. Instead, he had discovered a terrifying situation inside his own home—and arrived just in time to stop it from getting worse.