Lauren Calls The Police
The Call For Help
INT. LAUREN’S HOUSE — DAY
The room is tense and quiet.
Lauren stands near the door, visibly shaken. She looks toward Dan, then quickly reaches for her phone.
Her hands tremble as she dials for help.
LAUREN
Please… I need the police. I’m scared, and I need help.
She takes a slow breath, trying to stay calm.
LAUREN
There’s a man here who is trying to force me to stay with him. He won’t let me leave, and he’s been hurting me.
Lauren glances toward Dan.
Her voice becomes quieter.
LAUREN
Please come quickly.
She ends the call and steps away from the door.
DAN
Who did you just call?
Lauren says nothing. She holds her phone tightly in her hand.
The Police Arrive
Dan looks at Lauren angrily.
DAN
Lauren, I’m talking to you.
Lauren finally looks at him. Her fear is mixed with determination.
LAUREN
I called the police.
Dan freezes.
For a moment, neither of them speaks.
A distant siren can be heard outside.
Lauren hears it too. Her expression changes.
For the first time, she feels that someone is coming to help her.
EXT. LAUREN’S HOUSE — MOMENTS LATER
A police vehicle pulls up outside. Two officers step out and quickly approach the house.
Lauren Tells The Truth
The front door opens. Lauren stands nearby.
The officers immediately notice that she is upset.
OFFICER
Lauren?
LAUREN
Yes.
OFFICER
Are you safe right now?
Lauren looks toward Dan. She hesitates before answering.
LAUREN
I don’t know.
OFFICER
Okay. We’re here to help. Tell us what happened.
Lauren takes a deep breath.
Lauren Speaks Up
INT. LAUREN’S HOUSE — CONTINUOUS
The officers enter and speak with Lauren away from Dan. Lauren wipes away tears and gathers her thoughts.
OFFICER
Can you tell me what happened today?
LAUREN
I told Dan that I don’t want to be with him anymore.
She pauses.
LAUREN
But he doesn’t accept that. He keeps trying to make me stay with him.
The officer listens carefully.
LAUREN
I told him I wanted to leave, but he wouldn’t let me. I felt like I had no choice.
Lauren Makes Her Choice
Her voice shakes.
LAUREN
And he’s been hurting me.
OFFICER
Do you want to stay with Dan?
Lauren immediately shakes her head.
LAUREN
No.
LAUREN
I don’t want to be with him. I just want to be left alone.
A quiet moment follows.
OFFICER
You did the right thing by calling us.
Lauren exhales slowly. Her shoulders begin to relax.
Dan Faces The Officers
EXT. LAUREN’S HOUSE — CONTINUOUS
The second officer speaks with Dan. Dan appears frustrated.
OFFICER 2
Dan, we need you to cooperate with us.
DAN
This is between me and Lauren.
The officer remains calm.
OFFICER 2
She has told us that she does not want to stay with you and that she feels unsafe.
DAN
She’s making this bigger than it is.
Lauren hears him from inside. She looks toward the officers.
Dan Is Taken Away
Lauren’s expression is firm.
LAUREN
I’m not making anything bigger.
She steps closer.
LAUREN
I’m telling you exactly how I feel.
DAN
Lauren, you don’t have to do this.
LAUREN
Yes, I do.
LAUREN
I’ve told you