Episode 2 - Holiday Park

EPISODE TWO

INT. ROOSEVELT HOTEL. CHRISSIE’S ROOM. NIGHT (1975)

Chrissie and Jimmy sleep together in her hotel room. Chrissie stirs and checks the time on the bedside clock. She closes her eyes, but promptly opens them again.

BEGIN FLASHBACK

EXT. WEST SIDE TENNIS CLUB. CENTER COURT. DAY

It’s the match from earlier that day. We glimpse a frustrated Chrissie, arm cocked, racket ready to fly.

EXT. FORT LAUDERDALE. HOLIDAY PARK. COURTS. DAY (1964)

A racket tumbles into the clay court surface. Chrissie, aged ten, pretty, with colored ribbons in light brown hair, stands over the racket and frowns. Mr. Evert, dressed in all-white, stands beside a shopping cart filled with balls. He resembles a vagrant penguin as he shuffles to the net in the hot Florida sun.

MR. EVERT: Chrissie, come here. Don’t throw your racket like that. It’s bad sportsmanship. But it also lets your opponent see that you’re rattled. Don’t ever let your opponent know what you’re feeling.

She nods resignedly as she retreats to the baseline.

MR. EVERT: Racket back early. Quick little steps. That’s the way.

Another ball. And another.
Chrissie moves from sideline to sideline like a metronome. Kids and coaches fill the adjacent courts, creating a sea of sixties color beneath the canopy of palm trees.

INT. EVERT HOUSE. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT

Mr. Evert sips a whiskey and sits beside Chrissie’s eleven-year-old brother, Drew. Chrissie sits on the floor beside her seven-year-old sister, Jeanne. They both entertain their baby brother, John. One of Chrissie’s trophies takes centre-stage on the mantelpiece of the modestly decorated room.

UNCLE FESTER (on TV): It’s been in the family since Gomez was a little boy.

DREW: Don’t you think Mister Heaney looks like Uncle Fester.

[SOUND OF CHRISSIE LAUGHING]

MR. EVERT: Pat Heaney isn’t bald.

CHRISSIE: When was the last time you saw him? He’s got like three or four hairs that he combs over his whole head.

Mr. Evert brushes a hand over his balding crown.

MR. EVERT: Hair isn’t everything.

JEANNE: That’s lucky for you!

MR. EVERT: Watch it, missy! What did you learn at school this week?

JEANNE: Ah, multiplication.

MR. EVERT: What about you, Chrissie?

CHRISSIE: We’re reading The Secret Garden.

MR. EVERT: Drew?

DREW: The congress and the three branches of government.

MR. EVERT: What are they?

DREW: Legislative, executive and...

MR. EVERT: Judicial.

CHRISSIE: Are we Republicans or Democrats?

MR. EVERT: I don’t want politics to be discussed in this house.

CHRISSIE: Daddy, all the other kids know what their parents are.

Mr. Evert takes a sip of whiskey and mulls it over.

MR. EVERT: Well, I’ve always been a Democrat. A conservative Democrat. And your mom, she’s a Republican.

JEANNE: Is that allowed?

Mrs. Evert enters.

MRS. EVERT: Dinner will be ready in five minutes.

CHRISSIE: Mom, you didn’t vote for President Kennedy?

MRS. EVERT: I told myself not to. But he was Catholic of course. And so nice looking with those beautiful teeth and that gorgeous hair. I just had to vote for him.

JEANNE: And you just said, “Hair isn’t everything.”

[SOUNDS OF THE FAMILY LAUGHING]

MR. EVERT: Anyway, that’s enough talk about politics. I want everyone in the car tomorrow by seven-thirty. I don’t want us looking like a bunch of stragglers again.

JEANNE: How much longer do I have to keep going to mass? It’s so boring!

MR. EVERT: Jeanne.

CHRISSIE: Isn’t it better to be kind and do good things, than go to mass.

MRS. EVERT: Why not do both?

CHRISSIE: Mrs. Rosetti is horrible to everyone in the neighborhood, but just because she goes to mass on Sunday, that makes her a good person?

MR. EVERT: She’s a widow, Chrissie. And she has... issues. It’s not her fault.

MRS. EVERT: Your father is right. As long as you’re under our roof, I’m going to deliver you to mass on Sunday.

Jeanne pulls a face as Chrissie and Drew exchange bemused looks.

INT. EVERT CAR. DAY

Mr. Evert drives and Mrs. Evert nurses John. Jeanne sits in back with Chrissie, who stares at the floor. There’s a hole by her feet and she watches the road whiz by.

CHRISSIE: Dad, when can we get a new car?

JEANNE: Emily’s family got a new Pontiac.

MR. EVERT: We’ll get a new car when this one stops running.

Mrs. Evert laughs and Chrissie looks disdainful.

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH. DAY

The Evert family sit in a pew listening to the sermon. Drew wears a white robe and sits on the side of the altar. Chrissie catches Drew’s eye and they both smile. Father Kelly addresses the congregation.

FATHER KELLY: He puts his arms around the child and says “Whoever welcomes such a child, welcomes me. And whoever welcomes me, welcomes the one who sent me.” When we serve the most vulnerable, we are serving God. In the presence of the disciples, consumed with their lust for power, Jesus identifies himself with the powerless. When we welcome these children, we welcome God back into our lives.

INT. CATHOLIC CHURCH. DAY (LATER)

Jeanne nurses John in her lap. Chrissie stands in line waiting to receive communion and observes a sour-looking old woman dressed in black. She appears downcast until she spots Pike, a handsome ten-year-old boy. Chrissie approaches Father Kelly who holds up a round wafer.

FATHER KELLY: Body of Christ.

CHRISSIE: Amen.

He places the wafer on her tongue and she swallows it.

EXT. CATHOLIC CHURCH. DAY

Chrissie’s parents chat with fellow parishioners as children play on the lawns. Chrissie stands with Laurie, a pleasant ten-year-old girl, and three other girls.

LAURIE: We’re going to pitch the tent in the backyard. And we’ll have hamburgers and hot dogs.

CHURCH GIRL #1: And we should tell ghost stories.

CHURCH GIRL #2: And toast marshmallows.

CHURCH GIRL #3: I’m going to wear that pink dress I got for Christmas.

CHURCH GIRL #1: We’re supposed to be camping, not going to a ball.

The girls laugh.

LAURIE: Do you have a sleeping bag, Chrissie?

The group pivots to her.

CHRISSIE: I’m not sure. I’ll have to ask my daddy.

INT. EVERT HOUSE. GIRL’S BEDROOM. NIGHT

It’s a lacy pink room filled with stuffed animal toys. Floor to ceiling shelves sag with trophies. “All my Loving” plays on a portable record player. Chrissie sings into a hairbrush. Jeanne plays racket guitar.

CHRISSIE: “And then while I'm away I'll write home every day. And I'll send all my loving to you.”

Mrs. Evert enters.

MRS. EVERT: Into bed now, girls. Good night, Chrissie. Good night, Jeanne.

CHRISSIE/JEANNE: Good night, Mom.

[SOUNDS OF MRS. EVERT EXITING]

CHRISSIE: I think I’m going to lose my mind if I don’t see Paul.

Jeanne holds out her hand and Chrissie clasps it.

JEANNE: Why don’t you just close your eyes and dream. That’s nice too.

CHRISSIE: They’re staying at The Plaza hotel.

JEANNE: That’s in New York. Are you crazy?

CHRISSIE: When you’re in love, it’s normal to do crazy things.

JEANNE: You’re going to get in so much trouble, Christine Marie Evert.

EXT. HOLIDAY PARK. COURTS. DAY

Chrissie and Jeanne rally until Jeanne hits into the net. Another point ends when Jeanne frames a shot and the ball flies over the back fence.

CHRISSIE: You see those strings on your racket? They’re for hitting the ball.

JEANNE: Don’t be so mean. I’m not playing anymore.

Jeanne stomps off. She’s halfway to the pro shop when she stops and turns back around.

JEANNE: You know Chrissie, sometimes you can be a really big asshole!

Jeanne storms off again. Chrissie looks defensive, but after a moment, trails after her.

INT. HOLIDAY PARK. PRO SHOP. LATE AFTERNOON

Tennis and office equipment fight for space against soft drink fridges and confectionery stands. Chrissie and Jeanne sit on the floor doing homework. Mr. Evert huddles over a machine and pulls string through a racket frame like strands of spaghetti. Mrs. Evert enters.

MRS. EVERT: We ready, girls?

Chrissie catches her mother’s eye and nods deliberately in her father’s direction.

MRS. EVERT: Jim, Chrissie was wondering if she could sleep at Laurie’s on Friday.

Mr. Evert looks up from his stringing machine.

MRS. EVERT: She’s having a slumber party and there’s five or six girls going.

CHRISSIE: Seven.

MR. EVERT: What about our practice?

MRS. EVERT: We could pick her up first thing.

MR. EVERT: She won’t of had a wink of sleep. What use will that be?

MRS. EVERT: It’s only one night.

MR. EVERT: What about the under twelve national ranking? Top three by the end of the year. I thought that was the goal.

CHRISSIE: What about having fun and being happy? Why can’t that be a goal?

MR. EVERT: Happy how? It’s too vague. You might thank me one day.

[SOUND OF CHRISSIE BURSTING INTO TEARS AND RUNNING OUT]

MRS. EVERT: Chrissie.

JEANNE: Chrissie!

Mrs. Evert and Jeanne glower at Mr. Evert, who shrugs and continues stringing the racket.

EXT. PARK. DUSK

Chrissie, puffy-faced and teary, plods through a park as people walk dogs and parents watch children play.

EXT. REVNICE. FROZEN POND. DAY (WINTER 1965)

Martina tussles with a boy as they fight for the puck on a frozen pond. The boy skates over and gives her a malevolent laugh. It’s all the motivation she needs to pick herself up and skate back into the game.

Martina receives the puck and streaks towards goal. The same boy sweeps into view and blocks her path. They struggle again, but this time it’s her who knocks him down.

ICE-HOCKEY BOY: Watch it, boy!

Martina’s teammates, all boys, try not to laugh.

MARTINA: Don’t be such a girl!

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. BATHROOM. NIGHT

Martina empties a bucket of hot water into the bathtub.

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. BATHROOM. NIGHT (MOMENTS LATER)

She lies in the tub and examines her bruised thigh. She takes time to inspect her body, seemingly looking for other marks and imperfections. Martina pokes at her flat chest and appears disheartened. She cups one of her breasts and tries to mould it into a more curvaceous shape.

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. BEDROOM. DAY

Martina, dressed unflatteringly in heavy clothes and beanie, stares dejectedly into a mirror. Mirek enters.

MIREK: What is it, Martina?

MARTINA: I’m always going to look like a boy.

MIREK: You’re just a late bloomer. I can tell you’re going to be pretty when you grow up.

Somewhat consoled, she gives a half-hearted smile.

EXT. PRAGUE ZOO. DAY

It’s a bleak mid-winter day as Martina and her natural father stare into a caged zoo enclosure. Inside, a snarling hyena paces backwards and forwards.

MARTINA’S FATHER: How is your mother?

MARTINA: Good.

MARTINA’S FATHER: And Mirek? Good.

MARTINA: Good.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Have you seen Babicka lately?

MARTINA: No.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Are you hungry?

She shakes her head as the hyena continues to pace.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Did you ever hear about the schoolgirl and her pet cat? The girl writes a story and says that her cat has given birth to seven kittens, and that they are all communists. However, the next week the girl suddenly writes that the kittens are all capitalists. Her teacher says, “But last week the kittens were all communists.” And the girl says, “Yes, but this week they have opened their eyes.”

Martina, more pleased with her father’s face than the joke, breaks into her winning smile.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Want to see the tigers?

She nods and they walk off together.

EXT. BRDY MOUNTAIN. FOREST. DAY

Mirek stands within the spectacular forest of Brdy Mountain. He uses an axe to chop a snow covered fir tree.

EXT. BAR/CAFE. DAY

Mirek’s motorbike stand parked outside a cafe. The fallen tree safely secured to the luggage rack.

INT. BAR/CAFE. DAY (CONTINUOUS)

A handful of locals chat, snack, drink and smoke. Mirek drinks at the bar as Martina’s Father approaches.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Nice to see you, Mirek.

MIREK: Hello, Miroslav.

Mirek waits for him to speak, until -

MIREK: How’s the restaurant?

MARTINA’S FATHER:I left. They don’t know how to treat people. Anyway, I have a new job. A better job.

Not wanting to pursue it, Mirek just nods.

MARTINA’S FATHER: Still at the factory?

MIREK: We pretend to work and they pretend to pay us.

Martina’s Father smiles and Mirek drinks his beer.

MARTINA’S FATHER: I heard she won in Bratislava.

MIREK: Yes.

MARTINA’S FATHER: You must be very proud.

MIREK: When she wins Wimbledon, then I’ll be proud.

MARTINA’S FATHER: That’s a father’s dream.

MIREK: She has a gift.

MARTINA’S FATHER: She has good genes.

Mirek nods, but Martina’s Father regrets saying it.

MARTINA’S FATHER: She’s a happy child. That’s what’s important.

The two fathers size each other up.

MARTINA’S FATHER: You’re a good man, Mirek.

Mirek’s gaze lingers on Martina’s Father as he exits the cafe and disappears from view.

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. PARENTS BEDROOM. NIGHT

Jana sits in bed reading an Agatha Christie as Mirek changes into his pyjamas. Martina’s Sister sleeps in a cot.

MIREK: I bumped into Miroslav today.

JANA: How was he?

MIREK: The same. He still cares about Martina though. I’m taking her to Prague tomorrow. We’re going to see George Parma.

Jana looks up from her book.

JANA: When did you decide this?

MIREK: She can’t play only half the year and expect to get anywhere.

JANA: Won’t it disrupt her school work?

MIREK: If you don’t want her to go, we won’t go.

She weighs it up.

JANA: No. We owe her this chance.

Mirek gets into bed.

JANA: George Parma said he’d look at her?

MIREK: No. We’re just going.

JANA: What if he won’t play with her?

MIREK: Then we’ll come home.

INT. KLAMOVKA PARK TENNIS CENTER. COURTS. DAY

Martina and Mirek enter a large windowless factory-like building. They watch teenagers dutifully drill on the four courts that comprise the Klamovka Park tennis complex. On the near court, George Parma, thirty, tall and handsome, stands courtside, coaching two older boys.

MIREK: Martina, wait here.

She nods and watches Mirek walk over to George.

GEORGE: Tomáš, you’re still reaching for the ball.

MIREK: Mister Parma, my name is Mirek Navratil.

They shake hands as George continues to study the boys’ strokes.

MIREK: I’ve brought someone I’d like you to look at.

GEORGE: I’m sorry, it’s not possible.

MIREK: We’ve made the journey from Revnice.

GEORGE: There are no courts available.

MIREK: If you could spare five minutes, it would be so much appreciated.

GEORGE: I’m very sorry.

Just as Mirek turns to walk away, George looks across the courts and sees Martina’s shivering and expectant face

peeking out from beneath her beanie. George sighs resignedly, then folds.

GEORGE: Okay. I can give you five minutes.

MIREK: Thank you.

GEORGE: How old is he?

MIREK: He’s nine. And he’s a girl. Martina!

INT. KLAMOVKA PARK TENNIS CENTER. COURTS. DAY. (LATER)

George maneuvers Martina from side to side. Mirek watches intently as she retrieves every shot. The rally ends when George catches the ball.

GEORGE: Show me your serve.

She hits a well-timed serve.

GEORGE: Again.

Another solid serve.

GEORGE: Okay, that’s enough.

Mirek, on tenterhooks, watches them approach. George appraises her. He looks to Mirek and smiles. Mirek beams and Martina smiles back.

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. LIVING AREA. NIGHT

Martina’s parents and grandparents, plus six adult relatives, drink, smoke, snack, and chat in small groups. Martina, her sister, and eight or so children cavort around. Mirek’s fir tree, with presents beneath, decorates a corner. Grandfather takes a swig of whiskey and talks to himself.

GRANDFATHER: Petra Ondrášková’s smile. Ivana Salacová’s legs.

Conversations stop dead, as everyone turns to Grandfather.

GRANDFATHER: Anna Mandlová’s breasts.

Adults try not to laugh and children giggle. Grandmother scowls as Jana storms across the room.

JANA: Dad, you’re drunk. That’s enough.

She wrestles the drink from him.

GRANDFATHER: Eva Švandová’s... Eva Švandová’s...

Martina approaches Grandfather and whispers in his ear.

MARTINA: It was her ass, Grandpa. I remember from last year.

GRANDFATHER: You’re right. And what an ass it was.

Mirek and his cousin observe from a corner.

MIREK’S COUSIN: How does she stand him?

MIREK: They’ve been divorced ten years.

MIREK’S COUSIN: What?

MIREK: Neither can afford to move out. Even after divorce the communists still won’t let you be happy.

INT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. LIVING AREA. NIGHT (LATER)

Children open presents and play with their toys. Jana enters carrying a pair of wooden snow skis. Martina receives her skis and looks them up and down. Jana retrieves a present from the tree and hands it to Mirek. Martina watches Jana give Mirek an affectionate kiss. He opens the present - a pair of motorbike goggles. He puts them on and pretends to be a monster. Mirek retrieves a present from under the tree.

MIREK: Merry Christmas, Jana.

Jana unwraps the gift and reveals a pair of earrings.

JANA: Oh, Mirek. They’re beautiful.

She pulls her hair back and puts them on.

GRANDMOTHER: They look lovely on you. That’s a wonderful gift, Mirek.

MIREK: Martina, who is the last present for?

Martina picks up the remaining present and reads the card.

MARTINA: It’s for Grandma, from Grandpa.

GRANDMOTHER:That must be a mistake. He hasn’t bought me anything in years.

Martina hands her Grandmother the present. She removes the wrapping to reveal an exquisite jewelry box.

GRANDFATHER: Merry Christmas, Agnes.

Grandmother bursts into tears. Martina looks to Grandfather who tries not to look smug.

EXT. MARTINA’S HOUSE. STREET. NIGHT

Martina stands on her skis holding a tow rope attached to Mirek’s motorbike. He wears his new goggles and pulls her along the snow covered streets.

EXT. FLORIDA. JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT. COURTS. DAY (1965)

Chrissie appears disinterested and misses an easy shot. Her parents look concerned in the bleachers. The opponent wins another point and celebrate with an overblown fist pump. Chrissie flashes-forward: We see her opponent’s face as they shake hands. Smug, conceited, patronizing, and shit-eating grin, as Drew would say. No, it’s too much to bear!

She gets her game face on and strikes a piercing winner that leaves the girl flummoxed.

INT. FORT LAUDERDALE. EVERT CAR. DAY

Mr. Evert drives with Drew beside him. Chrissie and Jeanne are in back and Chrissie stares at the floor.

CHRISSIE: Dad, this hole is getting bigger.

JEANNE: Yeah, why can't we get a new car?

MR. EVERT: There's nothing wrong with this car.

CHRISSIE: Dad, you can just drop us off here.

MR. EVERT: There's a spot right out front.

Mr. Evert appears amused by Chrissie’s embarrassment.

MR. EVERT: Don't worry so much what people think.

JEANNE: Chrissie, there’s Laurie.

EXT. CINEMA. STREET. DAY

Chrissie exits the car and smiles self-consciously at Laurie.

INT. CINEMA LOBBY. DAY

Chrissie and Laurie queue for tickets behind Drew and Jeanne.

LAURIE: Chrissie, it’s Pike.

Pike chats with a boy by the candy bar.

LAURIE: What do you think of him?

CHRISSIE: He’s nice, I guess.

LAURIE: I think he’s cute.

CHRISSIE: Yeah, he is pretty cute.

INT. CINEMA THEATRE. DAY

Chrissie, Laurie, Jeanne and Drew sit together and share popcorn. Chrissie turns around and notices Pike. He takes a sip of soda and sees her looking at him. Pike smiles warmly and Chrissie smiles back. Jeanne watches as they continue smiling at each other.

EXT. HOLIDAY PARK. COURTS. DAY

Chrissie and Jeanne hit with their unnatural left hand. Their shots are awkward and they giggle and chew gum. Mr. Evert is coaching a few courts down and pings them.

MR. EVERT: Chrissie and Jeanne, if you’re not going to play properly you can go inside and do your homework.

They switch to their right hand and rally normally.

MR. EVERT: Don’t let me catch you goofing-off again.

Jeanne notices Pike playing on the court in front. She takes a gigantic swing and slams the ball over the fence. Chrissie watches Pike scamper to retrieve their ball. They approach the wire fence that separates the courts.

CHRISSIE: You’re hitting great, Pike.

PIKE: Thanks. You’re hitting great too.

CHRISSIE: We’re just mucking around.

PIKE: Yeah, that was a dumb thing to say.

CHRISSIE: I say dumb things all the time.

PIKE: I don’t believe that.

CHRISSIE: It’s true. Just ask Jeanne.

Pike looks to Jeanne who makes kissing faces. Pike blushes and tries to think of something to say. Chrissie smiles patiently, until -

CHRISSIE: Pike, can I have the ball back?

PIKE: Oh, yeah.

Jeanne smirks at Chrissie, who ignores her.

INT. EVERT HOUSE. GIRL’S BEDROOM. DAY

A hand searches through a clothes rack lined with tennis dresses and stops on a white dress with yellow trim.

MRS. EVERT: This one, I think.

Mrs. Evert hands the dress to Chrissie.

MRS. EVERT: Make sure to wear the frilly yellow bloomers.

Chrissie nods and Mrs. Evert begins a new search. She removes a white dress with pink trim.

MRS. EVERT: And Jeanne, the --

JEANNE: The pink bloomers. I know, Mom. We’re not babies!

MRS. EVERT: Well, there’s no need to be rude.

Jeanne rolls her eyes as her mother exits and Chrissie tries not to laugh.

EXT. FLORIDA. JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT. COURTS. DAY

Chrissie, all at sea, watches her shot slump into the net. Her opponent rubs some salt in with a celebratory leap. Chrissie’s cheeks are flushed as they shake hands.

INT. EVERT CAR. DAY

Mr. Evert drives and Mrs. Evert nurses John. Chrissie sits in back with Drew and Jeanne, who cradle trophies. Chrissie stares despondently out the car window. Jeanne watches her father tap his fingers on the steering wheel.

JEANNE: Can we change the station?

MRS. EVERT: Jeanne.

JEANNE: What’s a gigolo?

MR. EVERT: Jeanne!

JEANNE: Drew’s trophy is bigger than mine. That’s not fair. Why is Drew’s trophy bigger, Mom?

MR. EVERT: I think they’ve always made the boys’ trophies bigger.

Mr. Evert watches Chrissie in his rear-view mirror.

MR. EVERT: You okay, Chrissie?

CHRISSIE: Yep.

MRS. EVERT: What sort of parents call their daughter Plums?

DREW: The other sister is called Peaches.

JEANNE: Plums and Peaches Bartkowicz. Ugh.

MRS. EVERT: Jeanne.

Mr. Evert sees Chrissie still looking forlorn.

MR. EVERT: There’s no shame in losing. Not if you tried your best.

Chrissie’s eyes remain fixed on the passing scenery.

EXT. FORT LAUDERDALE. HOLIDAY PARK. COURTS. DAY

Mr. Evert feeds Chrissie balls from the shopping cart. Moves right. Forehand. Moves left. Backhand. Balls hit lines and bring up chalk. Another ball and the cart is empty.

MR. EVERT: That’s it for today.

CHRISSIE: I want to keep going.

MR. EVERT: No, that’s enough. You’ve got homework to do.

Chrissie reluctantly begins gathering the balls.

EXT. FLORIDA. JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT. COURTS. DAY

Chrissie stands waiting for her opponent. On the adjacent court, an eleven-year-old boy, also waits. Chrissie’s parents spectate from the bleachers. Chrissie observes Jimmy Connors, small and slight, with short crew cut hair, and his mother Gloria, walk onto the boy’s court.

GLORIA: I’m going to warm Jimmy up. There must be a wall somewhere you can hit on.

The bewildered boy trudges off. Jimmy and Gloria are preparing to play when Jimmy sniffles. Gloria holds a handkerchief in front of him.

GLORIA: Blow your nose, Jimmy.

They warm-up with a slow paced rally.

GLORIA: Keep those feet going. Nice quick little steps. That’s my little tiger.

EXT. JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT. COURTS. DAY (LATER)

Jimmy, despite his stature, bludgeons the ball with every stroke. Chrissie waits on the baseline to return serve. She glimpses Jimmy hit a flashy winner. He shoots her a look, but she deliberately turns away.

Never outdone, Chrissie produces her own stylish winner. She gives Jimmy a sideways look and is met with a smirk.

EXT. JUNIOR TENNIS TOURNAMENT. COURTS. DAY (LATER)

Chrissie observes Mr. Evert and Gloria laughing together in the bleachers. Totally distracted, she frames a ball and it misses by a mile. She looks into the crowd again: I can’t believe that witch is coming on to dad. She’s about to chuck her racket when she sees Gloria leaving. Chrissie smacks a clean winner and heaves a sigh of relief.

INT. EVERT CAR. DAY

Mr. Evert drives with Mrs. Evert beside him. Chrissie and Jimmy, both with trophies, sit in back with Gloria. Jimmy notices the hole in the floor.

JIMMY (whispers): What a piece of junk.

Gloria elbows him in the ribs.

MRS. EVERT: Jim told me that you two dated in high school.

GLORIA: We practiced at the same club in Chicago.

MR. EVERT: I remember I lost my wallet and couldn’t pay for the court and you lent me some money.

GLORIA: I’m surprised I had any.

MR. EVERT: None of us had much. But we’d always help each other out.

GLORIA: And back then people really knew how to enjoy themselves. We had some fun times, didn’t we, Jim?

Jimmy grins, but Chrissie looks like she’s smelled a fart.

MR. EVERT: Jimmy, your mom was one of the best players in the whole state.

GLORIA: Your dad was a top player too, Chrissie. But what impressed me most was how clever he was. The athletic guys were never into books, but your dad read poetry.

Mrs. Evert appears skeptical.

MR. EVERT: “If you can dream - and not make dreams your master. If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim. If you can meet with triumph and disaster - and treat those two impostors just the same.”

CHRISSIE: What’s it mean, Daddy?

MR. EVERT: Well, I think it means that for most of us, success and failure are usually quite fleeting. So, try not to get too hung up about either of them. Work hard, try your best, and hang in there when things get tough.

Gloria sees that Chrissie isn’t convinced.

GLORIA: But winning always feels a whole lot better than losing, doesn’t it, Chrissie?

EXT. FORT LAUDERDALE. HOLIDAY PARK. COURTS. AFTERNOON

Chrissie and Pike rally until she makes an unusual mistake. Another error from Chrissie and they approach the net.

CHRISSIE: Well played.

PIKE: Thanks.

EXT. PARK. DUSK

Chrissie and Pike walk breezily through the park as the sun sets.

PIKE: What about when he shot the guy with the speargun and said, ”I think he got the point.” 

CHRISSIE: Have you ever thought what you’ll do when you leave school?

PIKE: Dad says I can work with him at the drugstore.

CHRISSIE: Do you think you’ll like it?

PIKE: I guess so.

CHRISSIE: Do you ever dream about being famous? Wonder what it’s like?

PIKE: Not really. But a few months ago Raquel Welch came into the store. Dad said she was really nice and friendly. But then mom started getting jealous. So, he stopped talking about it.

CHRISSIE: What did she want?

PIKE: For my dad to stop talking about Raquel Welch.

CHRISSIE: No. What did Raquel Welch want at the drugstore?

PIKE: Oh, aspirin and tanning lotion.

Chrissie appears to concur with the choice of items.

PIKE: Hey, maybe you’ll win Wimbledon one day. Then you’d definitely be famous.

CHRISSIE: I had a dream about it. But don’t tell anyone.

PIKE: Why not?

CHRISSIE: They’ll say I’ve got a big head.

PIKE: Imagine if you do. Wow.

CHRISSIE: Yeah.

PIKE: I’ll be able to tell everyone I beat a Wimbledon champion. You were playing properly today, weren’t you?

CHRISSIE: Of course.

PIKE: Because there were times when I wasn’t sure if you were trying.

CHRISSIE: Why would I do that?

PIKE: Can you make money if you’re really good?

CHRISSIE: I don’t think so. My dad says that money just ruins things anyway.

They continue through the park.

PIKE: Hey, have you seen Cat Ballou?

CHRISSIE: What’s that?

PIKE: Oh, it’s this cool new western. Or, musical comedy. I’m not sure.

CHRISSIE: Is that the one with Jane Fonda?

PIKE: Yeah, I think that’s her name.

CHRISSIE: She’s so pretty, isn’t she?

PIKE: Yeah, she’s pretty. But, you’re pretty too.

CHRISSIE: Thanks.

PIKE: So, do you want to watch it? I could meet you there.

CHRISSIE: Sure.

They smile at one another as the sun dips below the horizon.

END EPISODE TWO