Max’s Final Scene w/ Hitch
BY Julian DI Nezza
INT. Park bench – morning (sunrise)
The final scene of the episode sees Max sitting at a park bench staring into the flame of the lighter that Hitch gave to him. In effect, Max endures two flashbacks – his first and last encounters with Hitch.
MAX stares deeply into the light of the flame, flicking it on and off where he remembers when and where he was given the lighter.
FLASHBACK – FIRST ENCOUNTER WITH HITCH
INT. SCHOOL YARD (RECESS) – 2 years earlier
Max is having a cigarette behind a wall at the back of the school – he’s ‘secret hideout’ where discovers him.
Hitch walks by an accidently sees Max – Max is startled
HITCH
Oh, sorry! Don’t mind me, I wont say anything
MAX
Thanks I guess…
HITCH
Do you mind if I join ya?
MAX
Yeh why not
MAX is trying to figure out the situation – new kid (Hitch) at school trying to find his way looking bright eyed and positive in his new surroundings.
MAX
I would offer you one but I have seemed to of misplaced by lighter
HITCH
Oh no need, I don’t smoke…but I’ve got this cool lighter that you could use?
HTICH gives MAX the silver 1960’s looking lighter that has the initials J.L in the bottom right corner of it.
The lighter impresses MAX.
MAX
Ah. Sick lighter… what was your name again?
HITCH
My family calls me Hitch. You?
MAX
Max.
HITCH
Pleasure.
They shake hands and smile at one another and the shot than fades back to Max sitting on the park bench – taking us back to the present day.
MAX looks at the lighter and stares at the initial J.L.
MAX has another flashback only this time it was from a week earlier – the last time he saw HITCH.
INT. walking down chapel street (morning), Max bumps into HITCH by pure chance – MAX has rarely seen HITCH at school and briefly catches up with him
MAX
Hitch! Long time no see; what’s been happening mate
HITCH, pleased to see MAX yet seems to be down again.
HITCH
Same old Maxy, just taking it day by day my friend.
MAX
Haven’t seen you around school lately, everything all good?
HITCH
Yeh I guess so… just been dealing with a few things from home, that’s all
HITCH gives MAX a rye smile and than looks to the pavement.
HITCH has just finished a session with INGRID – unaware to MAX.
He changes the subject.
HITCH
Still up to your usual ‘adventures’ Maxy.
MAX
Yeh just finished up a session now, I’m just about to head to a house party now, wanna join me?
HITCH
Nah, maybe another time mate
MAX notices HITCH isn’t his usual self – something he can relate too.
MAX
Is everything alright HITCH?
You seem a bit…
HITCH
Down?
MAX
Possibly.
MAX proceeds to give HITCH a frown.
MAX
You know if you ever…
HITCH
Ill be fine Maxy, just got some things to figure out first – but I should be right.
Take care of yourself mate
MAX gives a fake laugh and smiles at HITCH as he turns and walks the other way
MAX
Hey HITCH (yells out), that lighter you gave me – what does J.L stand for?
HITCH smiles.
HITCH
I have no idea; a kid from my old school gave it to me as a gift.
MAX
Oh Yeh. What did he say?
HITCH
Never got the chance, he died a few days later…
With a somber look, the pair give a rye smile at one another go their separate ways.
BLACK FADE OUT.