BOB and JAINENE are a thirty-something couple. He's driving a trendy sport-utility truck with her in the passenger seat with her eyes close, relaxed, drifting close to sleep. Snow is caked on the windshield where the wipers are unable to reach.
A loud bang followed by severe shaking, their truck crashes. She doesn't even have time to scream.
KATHY, a nurse approximately the same age as Jainene pushes her down a long hallway in a wheel chair. Jainene has a neck-brace, a black eye, an arm in a sling, and her blouse is torn revealing a very plain bra strap.
Your fiancé needs you to be strong.
You may doubt that he can hear you, but tell him that you love him. Tell him how much he means to you.
It'll be hard, but coming to visit even if he's in a coma should help him. Especially then.
While doctors won't comment on that officially... They don't want to give people "false hope," blah, blah, blah,... But in twelve years as a nurse, I've seen a lot.
If you can believe in miracles...
I don't believe in anything right now.
The nurse wheels Jainene into the lobby. Bob's mother, MRS. JENKINS comes to Jainene.
How is he? Have you seen him?
They said he is stable now, but he's still unconscious. We just came down from his room.
They're running more tests now.
Why is this...?
A brief pause.
What's going to happen?
Shhh. Everything's going to be okay.
Everything's going to be okay...
Kathy touches Mrs. Jenkins forearm.
Excuse me... Mrs. Jenkins?
Yes?
You're talking about your son?
Yes.
He's here in the--? He's your--?
He's your--? He was the driver! Oh... my... God!
Jainene and Mrs Jenkins just look at nurse Kathy.
It's me... Kathy. I went to high school with him... Remember?
No reply from Mrs Jenkins.
Umm, I look pretty different--
Interrupting herself and realizing what the mother really needs right now, Kathy places her hand on Mrs Jenkins' arm in a reassuring manner.
I'm sorry. I didn't mean to interrupt. Look, I know the doctors up there.
He's in the best hands.
He really is!
NANCY and EMMA arrive, both around Jainene's age and socio-economic bracket.
Oh, you poor thing!
How are you?
Upon returning home, Jainene and her two friends encounter a neighbor, WILLIAM, who is approximately the same age.
Excuse me. / Pardon us.
Geez! What happened?
Oh. Hi. William, isn't it?
Yes.
Car crash.
Jainene fumbles for her keys, then Emma takes over.
The truck is completely totalled.
And you?
Mostly just bruises.
Are you okay otherwise?
Jainene is unable to get words out.
Bob-- her fiancé-- is in a coma.
I'm so sorry!
This can't be real.
Emma and Nancy get Jainene through the door. William announces his offer just as the door closes.
If you need anything, just--
Jainene enters her apartment and walks by her desk. The answering machine has several messages. Thoroughly perused copies of The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, The Times of London and others are on the desk. Various books on business negotiation and legal mediation grace the bookshelves.
Emma and Nancy help Jainene ease herself into a chair.
After the momentary pain of that subsides, she begins to cry.
At Jainene's cubicle, a much older distinguished gentleman in a dark flannel suit, BIG DAVE, drags a chair over. She still has one arm in a sling and many bandages, bruises.
I want you to know that we're all looking out for you.
Thanks. That means a lot. Especially, coming from the top.
Right now, I want you to rest and recuperate. We still need you here, but some of your projects have been handed off. You'll still participate as an advisor.
Jainene starts shaking her head in disappointment.
I've worked so hard on the Columbia project. It's almost complete. You can't take me off now.
You need your strength, and I need you to be ready for something coming down the pike.
What?
You'll know soon enough.
But for now, it's just between you and I.
Until then?
Don't worry.
But I do. You're giving it to Mike Griffin, aren't you?
That's up to your manager. I really don't know.
Jainene lets out a sigh of disbelief.
Returning from a day at the office, Jainene is still wearing business attire. She drops her keys, as it's difficult maneuvering. William hears the noise and comes out of his apartment.
How do you feel?
Emotionally or physically?
I know of some things that might help-- that will help.
Less pain.
Faster healing.
There are various healing arts practices from cultures around the world.
Jainene is unenthused.
Trust me. I teach cultural anthropology at the university. I'm very familiar with these.
There are classes all over town, and I can recommend a couple of instructors.
Jainene is unimpressed.
It'll save on medical expenses.
Now he has her attention.
The clock reads approximately 6 PM. Jainene enters her apartment and checks phone messages.
We're so sorry to hear about the accident. We just heard. Call us when you're better. Okay...? Oh, this is Jackie.
Meanwhile, Jainene attempts stacking and sorting a pile of several unread newspapers still in their delivery bags, but the pain is too much.
Hiya. It's Linda. We hope you're doing well considering your wedding was supposed to be in a couple of weeks. How long will you wait for him?
Jainene sits, takes off the sling and begins to massage her shoulder.
Bob, the bastard, he had to put himself in a coma to get out of helping his best friend, didn't he? Sorry, bad joke. Umm... You have a brother, right? Can I get his number?
She peers under the bandage on her shoulder.
Hi! It's Jane! Oh, I heard you're taking the bus to work now since your truck was totalled. You must be so embarrassed. I don't think we should cancel-- umm, postpone-- the shower. It'll cheer you up! Besides, I have such a fabulous gift, and I can't wait to see your face. Anyway. Call me!
She heads into the bathroom to get a better look at her wound.
It's me. We can't meet this week. I know we had planned it for a while, but something came up. I'll give you a call when we get back from the Bahamas.
That was your last message.
Jainene is still bruised, still has one arm in a sling. Another patient, an elderly man, CHARLIE, is waiting, flipping through magazines but reading none. The receptionist, DOROTHY, returns to the front desk.
So. What're you in for?
The man just looks at her.
Any advice for a newcomer?
The man completely ignores her.
Oh, Charlie, be nice!
You must be Jainene!
Yeah.
She approaches the desk.
Oh, never mind him. He's just a bump on a log when he gets into one of his moods like today. He's just upset that his regular therapist is out today.
Don't worry. The doctor is very nice. She's been practicing for about eight years.
Her name is Susan.
Ever had physical therapy before?
No. Never been injured before.
Just a few forms to fill out.
Here are some pamphlets that explain what to expect.
You shouldn't have to wait long.
Oh! I like your ring.
Thanks. Engagement.
So when's the big day?
Whenever he wakes up from his coma...
Oh, I'm so sorry.
You didn't know.
MARK, a Type-A personality several years younger than Jainene stand over her like a parent scolding a child. Several co-workers are around the table.
You didn't know? What the hell kind of answer is that?
No. I said, "I don't know about that," meaning I disagree with you.
But you know I'm right.
Mark. We have a project plan. We stick to the plan. We only consider changing the plan when and if there is new information and that information is deemed worthy of changing the plan.
But this is an exception.
Actually, no. We'll put it on the list for the next phase. To introduce that now would interrupt the schedule. We must be on time and within budget this time to maintain our standing with the publisher.
But..
C'mon, Mark--
Consider this. You're too close to the situation to see the whole picture. Now, that's not to say that you don't appreciate it.
You wear the hat of engineer and the hat of designer. We need you to stay deep in the technology so as to keep everything cohesive.
Just as there are subtleties in what you do, please understand that there are comparable-- but different-- details that go beyond the tangible product. From marketing to distribution to support, all of these are just as important.
So modifying the schedule at this point would disrupt all those other people who ultimately are working towards the same goal as you: building a better product offering.
Mark rolls his eyes and lets out a sigh.
Think of it this way. You and your team build great software, and Marketing does their thing, making you look even better. Your hard work also makes the sales and services people look good when they're out dealing with customers. As they are the public face of our company, they make us all look good.
So let me do my part. Let me help you deliver on time, so you can help them, and they can help you, and we all win.
Mark nods in reluctant agreement.
Mark picks up the office phone to call someone as everyone else is leaving the room.
Hey. It's Mark. How about lunch?
A pause.
Oh, nothing. Just to chat about some ideas for the project.
He glances in the direction of those who left the room. He forms a sinister smile.
The YOGA INSTRUCTOR is a woman much older than Jainene.
Who's practicing yoga for the first time?
Jainene raises her hand.
The QI-GONG INSTRUCTOR appears to be a college graduate student, male, visibly of a heritage other than Chinese.
Anyone new to qi-gong?
Jainene's hand is raised.
The THERAPIST, a strong woman slightly older than Jainene, puts a fresh sheet on the table, then hands Jainene two folded towels.
In yoga, we always start and end with calm.
Real healing comes from the final standing position.
So you've never had a massage before.
The lesson to learn with each position is listening to your body.
The key to each movement is being relaxed and letting your body heal itself.
While on the massage table:
Relax?!?
All the pain and therapy is distracting when at my job, so I'm even more stressed out. I'm in the middle of canceling all my wedding arrangements since my finacé might not wake from his coma within two weeks. And you're telling me to relax?!?
The Therapist looks upon Jainene with compassion.
Jainene and Mrs. Jenkins sit overlooking Bob, still in a coma. Jainene still has some bruises herself, barely noticeable. They're half-watching television to avoid awkward tension.
The television is showing an episode of 1980's "TAXI" where Jim is Elain's date at a posh gathering. He is invited to play the piano which he graciously accepts, leaving his date mortified at the inevitable outcome. He fumbles with the ivory trying to play something recognizable like "Mary had a little lamb" yet butchering it horribly. In frustration, he bangs the keys, then without hesitation he begins playing a classical concerto perfectly.
He pauses to say, "I must have had lessons," then proceeds to complete the piece flawlessly, and the laugh track kicks in.
I love that one!
He'll wake out of it soon.
You'll get married and have the family you've always wanted.
He'll wake soon; you're still young enough to have kids. It'll all be fine. You'll see.
Jainene is practicing yoga: a fairly sturdy "sun salutation."
Jainene is practicing qi-gong: a near-perfect "dragon standing between heaven and earth."
Jainene sits in half lotus position, eyes closed, breathing slowly.
We're eavesdropping on Jainene's side of a phone conversation.
But I've done a lot for this company...
I was instrumental in the merger and helped defeat the take-over...
Well, no...
Officially, the credit went to others, but...
Yes, I've missed a lot of work over the past three months. And you know why; I've been recovering from a car accident!
Long pause.
But he hates me for some reason known only to him; you can't...
What, you think I've been reading international newspapers for the past fifteen years just to get their daily weather reports?
Jainene sits at home just staring into space.
After a moment, she closes her eyes and starts to breath deeply.
He's still in a coma but at least physically ok now, bruises all gone.
...and did I mention her name is Dorothy?
She's worked with Susan for five years. They're both really nice.
We'll all get together for a dinner party when you're better.
That might be a good opportunity for me to introduce you to Big Dave. Remember, he owns half the company?
I just found out that he also sits on the Board for VanDemark & Lynch. His brother, Bill, practically runs the place.
When you finally wake up, maybe he can help you get in there?
She checks messages on her answering machine.
You have no messages.
Jainene and William approach from opposite directions.
We really must stop meeting like this.
Okay. How about dinner?
Ah... I'm engaged.
Something less formal, perhaps? Coffee?
Maybe another time.
Students lay on their back in "corpse" position. Only the instructor is upright. Lights are dim.
Breath deeply.
In...
Out. Slowly.
In...
Out...
Continue breathing.
You are relaxed but awake.
Imagine an infinitesimally small point in the center of your mind.
Locate it at the center of your brain if that's easier to picture. As you breath in, imagine that dot expanding.
It expands with each inhalation, diminishes as you exhale.
Jainene arrives for her class.
How long are you able to perform the standing position?
It was the full 20 minutes the first few times, but then I became bored.
The instructor tries to hide a surprised reaction.
Wow. I'm... I'm unable to do it that long.
Jainene is wide eyed.
No children?
Like I said, it's inconclusive. We'll have to see how you heal.
Jainene just stares.
I'd like you to see a psychiatrist.
She sits, petting her cat.
Do you minded being fixed? Unable to have kittens?
The cat just purrs.
Jainene is laying on a fairly traditional looking Fainting Couch.
My whole life, I've wanted to have a family. Always felt a mother's instincts. Been told I have strong intuition and nurturing.
Go on.
She sits up halfway.
I feel like an idiot lying down. May I sit up?
She comes to a seated position.
He's still comatose.
And by the way, I'm feeling much better.
Who would have thought to drink aloe with apple juice to mend bruised organs?
I read--
The visit is interrupted. Coincidentally, it happens to be the same nurse from the ER that fateful day.
Need to check on the IV.
The nurse immediately goes about her business. Jainene almost doesn't recognize her.
Hey. Aren't you...
That night.
That night in the--
In the ER. Yep. That was me.
The nurse never makes eye contact.
I do patient visits now.
Finally, seemingly annoyed, the nurse looks at Jainene.
Look, I gotta do this.
Oh. Certainly.
Jainene leaves.
The nurse slows her activity then pauses, straightens up, turns her head slightly, listening for the front door to close. She stops hiding her smile and looks lovingly at Bob.
The Nurse dims the light now that the two are alone.
I can wait long after she gives up.
I've already waited longer than she's known you for.
Oh, baby, I knew you come back to me.
I just never thought it'd be this way, dum dum.
Jainene checks messages on her answering machine.
You have no messages.
Jainene is practicing yoga: sun salutation.
Jainene is practicing qi-gong: dragon standing between heaven and earth.
Jainene sits in half lotus position, eyes closed, breathing slowly.
While in this position she slips into a visualization.
First we hear with an ethereal quality her instructor's voice, then it's combined with her own and finally hers alone.
...relaxed but awake.
Imagine an infinitesimally small...
...point in the center of your mind.
As you breath in,...
...imagine that dot expanding.
It expands with each inhalation, diminishes as you exhale.
She experiences the "blue pearl." A tiny dot oscillates into a starburst-like phenomenon then back again to where it started. This repeats several times. There is a sense of emerging up through a floor of blue light as if sitting up from a reclined position. There, she sees herself to be maintaining more of a sphere-like shape, wobbling and continuing the flowing expansion to a starburst.
While there, in this ethereal dimension, another entity is encountered. It too is a sphere of light.
Bob? Is that you?
Bob?
Who... Who are you?
Then, the realization that she might be in too deep, she exits the experience by reversing the sensation of passing through the geometric plane of blue light, backwards.
Still sitting in her apartment, she opens her eyes quickly but peacefully.
She continues breathing deeply, just slightly faster than before.
What just happened?
Sitting with her finacé (still comatose)...
It was like a... a strange... daydream.
Yet, there was a sense of place. A beautiful place. Warm.
I felt a sense of love and thought it must be you I met in there.
Jainene, Emma, Nancy and two other friends, LAURIE and BETHANY, are sitting at a cafe drinking coffee and tea. Everyone is watching, listening to Jainene.
So, I thought this other... oh, I don't know, "being?"... this ball of light... I thought it was Bob.
I remember reading an article about how people in comas have communicated with loved ones.
So, you had a dream about your fiancé. Of course. You miss him.
But I was awake. It was more than a dream. It was as real as us sitting here in this cafe.
I dunno. It sounds to me like you joined a cult rather than a yoga class.
Just don't drink anything they might offer, okay?
Everyone laughs.
Returning to her apartment, she sees her neighbor heading out.
Tell me. Are there side effects to this regimen you put me on?
You mean the yoga and qi-gong?
Yes.
He smiles knowingly.
Hmm... Perhaps you uncovered a talent?
Jainene lets out a huff.
For most, it gives clarity of thought, ability to focus--
Ah, no. This is different!
A pause.
I'm... well... seeing things.
Oh, really?
Yes, we should talk... But unfortunately, I'm on my way somewhere.
Maybe reconsider that outing for coffee?
Halfway out the door, looking back:
Just one thing: Jainene, listen to your intuition. It will always guide you, always lead you and ultimately protect you.
Protect me?
From what?
Jainene is walking through a park when a fist fight breaks out on the basket ball court just next to the path she's on. Two boys, 12 and 13, are fighting. The fight comes to her. The POLICE OFFICER in the distance doesn't notice.
Hey! Hey! Hey!
She separates them. They eye each other, vigilant of every subtle move the other makes and counter with decisive motion.
What is it that you feel can only be resolved with punches?
Mind your own business, lady!
You brought the fight to me, now I'm involved.
My ball, my rules.
It's only three point shots on this court.
Did you know this court apparently had rules?
He breaks his stare of the other boy just long enough to glare at her.
Since the other courts are full, can't you make an exception this time and play by different rules?
He keeps glaring at the other boy.
Look. It's quite simple, really.
See that police officer over there?
If he catches you two fighting, he'll kick you both out of the park. And since he comes through here regularly, he might just not let you back in.
So can you find a way to play together? Or will you ruin it for both?
Which will it be?
After a hesitation:
One-on-one?
"Makes it, takes it?"
Yeah. Okay.
The boys return to the court.
Everything you need to know about life can be learned on the playground.
The receptionist, Dorothy, is finishing a phone call.
You've been giving her her "meds," right?
Let's just hope it's not hereditary.
Dorothy notices Jainene enter the room.
Oh, speak of the devil, I gotta go!
Dorothy can barely contain her excitement.
This is going to sound weird, but I must tell you.
Takes a breath.
My sister was asking me about my new friend, you. But I didn't get a chance to tell anyone but my husband about you, and he's such a geek, he never passes on news of any kind unless it's about technology. Anyway... My mother apparently described you in detail to my sister. Not just what you look like but your perspectives on life and everything...
Well, you see, Ma is a little nuts. She sees things and hears things and claims to talk to my deceased grandfather...
She claims I wrote her a letter, but I haven't. A letter about you. And since my sister takes care of her, she would have known if letter arrived.
It's so weird. I thought it was just the strangest story! I just had to tell you!
Jainene heads into her therapy session in a daze.
MONTAGE of Jainene driving through city (anything other than real-time).
Bob? Is that you?
Who... Who are you?
...Ma is a little nuts. She sees things and hears things...
...described you in detail...
...it was just the strangest story! I just had to tell you!
At least now I know who...
Oh, my God!
Hesitation.
It... was... real!
I just might be losing my mind. I don't know.
You're stronger than this!
You told me previously that normally, you're the one who helps others.
But you have to help yourself this time by finding your inner strength.
Her finacé is still comatose. This is the middle of her soliloquy.
I'm too afraid to tell my shrink about that daydream-- or whatever that was!
Then, there are all these issues about me being in denial about intending to give up my career after you and I marry.
I think I need drugs just to get through therapy!
She cries.
Jainene is on the table. The therapist, SUSAN, is checking the range of motion for her neck.
Come on, now. You need to relax.
I'm sorry. I just can't.
This is unlike you. We better stop.
Everyone has an off-day.
You were doing so well...
This is more than just today, believe me!
Both sitting in chairs now.
I'm concerned that this might be post-traumatic shock.
You're seeing a psychiatrist, right?
Jainene nods yes.
Please discuss this with her.
I don't understand why she has been blowing me off like this.
Well... Emma was kinda freaked out by your dream-that's-not-really-a-dream thing.
A pause.
And that's why Jenny wants nothing to do with you any more.
At least now I know why she hasn't returned my calls.
I mean, can you really blame either of them?
Jainene looks up with lost puppy eyes.
You have to admit that it's a little weird. Right?
Look. It's one thing to daydream... or to have strange dreams at night... but you keep insisting that it was none of those, and then you keep going on and on about it...
But it was--
Drop it. Just let it go!
You're starting to sound like one of those weird artists from the gallery walk.
And to be honest, I'm a little freaked out too. But I know this is just a phase or something you're going through, right? You've been traumatized, after all. You have a lot to deal with.
But you need to come back to reality.
Jainene lets out a puff of air.
Reality? What's that?
I'm serious!
Are you still refusing to fill the prescription from your shrink?
Jainene nods an acknowledgement.
Look, it's just like how a diabetic needs to take insulin, only for your brain.
I dunno... I just doesn't feel right. For me.
Now you're definitely sounding like one of those artists from "first thursdays."
Both laugh.
Jainene is talking to co-workers, JOHN and MARIE.
This is what they mean by Program Managers having all the responsibility with no authority.
It's so frustrating. They don't let me do my job. They don't listen to me-- or don't hear me!
Everyone knows you're right, at least those of us in the trenches.
We'll never meet the schedule now that they caved into Mark's whims. I can't believe--
He and your v.p. have not only worked together previously but are also personal friends.
No way!
Oh, yes. Not many people know that.
Explains a lot.
So what will happen when they miss the deadline?
I'll probably get fired... and Mark will gloat... and Mike will get my job which he's been after for a long time.
Jainene is sitting inside her car.
She screams.
Sitting on sofa with cat:
I just might be losing my mind.
No. Actually, it's more like I'm losing all sense of what's real...
Maybe I'll allow myself to be weird.
She lets out a huff.
Like I have much say in the matter.
No more pretending to be normal-- whatever "normal" means.
So maybe that's not so bad.
Jainene knocks on William's door...
Hey. How about that coffee?
There's much more to yoga and qi-gong than just exercise.
Oh, sure, now you tell me! Now that I've tripped over it already.
Why? What'd you experience?
Where to begin?
She takes a deep breath.
It started as a tiny dot. It wobbled, kind of like jello. It grew all these spines, these points, like spires on a gothic cathedral... then back again to where it started.
It repeated, again and again.
Then I had this sense of coming up through a floor, a floor of blue light as if sitting up from a reclined position. There, I saw myself...
This is weird.
Talking about seeing yourself... yet seeing normally, through your eyes... yet seeing out in all directions...
All at the same time.
Yeah...
Please, keep going.
So I was this oscillating blob that turns into a starburst then back again.
Yet it was so graceful. And beautiful. And oh so peaceful.
While there, in this ethereal dimension, another... umm, "entity" comes. Encountered? It too is a sphere of light.
She gestures with her hands: like holding a volleyball that expands to a large beachball then back again, repeating and repeating. She's at a momentary loss for words.
Then, I realized that I might be in too deep!
Intuition...!
I thought, "Time to go back." Just that simple thought.
Home. No--Where I live. It felt like home, where I was. A home. Like being in my grandparents' house as a very young child.
You know?
Comfortable.
Yes.
A pause.
That was your intuition telling you it was okay-- at least that far.
You were saying, you felt it was time to leave. So what happened next?
I felt myself falling backwards. "Falling" is almost not serving justice to the experience.
It's like the most graceful diver entering the water... ever so subtle... breaking through the water. But this wasn't water. It was more like a plane-- a geometric plane-- of blue light.
I found myself almost surprised to still be sitting in my apartment as I opened my eyes. Still, it was peaceful, never scary.
I continued breathing deeply, just slightly faster than before.
And you've never practiced meditation before?
No. Not until you recommended I take up yoga and everything.
What do you think it means?
How would you interpret it?
It's a series of paradoxes and contradictions.
Much like life itself!
Oh, you're a lot of help.
This one is beyond my knowledge. I've never been that deep. But I have an idea of where where to look for information.
There are a few topics to explore. There is a big difference between concentration, meditation and contemplation. Buddhism and higher forms of yoga offer training, technique and explanation of how to keep yourself safe.
Safe? Umm, what do you mean by "safe?"
Would you want someone driving a car without having been taught? How about a surgeon?
Go on.
There's a book called "The Philosophy & Practice of Yoga" from the late 1970's and Chris Humphries' "Concentration & Meditation" re-released in '89.
They might give names to some of what you experienced.
From there, you'll have several directions to search.
With William's meme planted, Jainene sets out on her quest. She approaches the library on a mission. (Run William's concluding dialog from prior scene over sequence.)
Jainene hunts by picking through the stacks.
Dialing-up from home, she surfs the net...
Various books lay open around Jainene as she sits in the half lotus position.
In the park, she can be found reading...
At an internet cafe, she downloads documents...
She frequents many bookstores, browsing the window, then entering...
Jainene meets with William.
Okay. I know what it's called. It's the "blue pearl."
Ah, the "blue pearl" experience... I've read about that but have yet to experience it myself!
Generally it takes the student years of dedicated meditation and practice to attain.
As some see it-- and I see this as a gross misunderstanding of the practice-- what you experienced is their ultimate goal. It's why westerners practice buddhism, for example. Some of them, anyway.
Surfing the cosmic plane...
But Buddhism is more than just that, right? It's a religion.
Right. But for many westerners, they adopt it as a lifestyle. They switch from, say, growing up Catholic to becoming Buddhist.
What they're actually doing is just substituting one religion for another. One set of practices for another.
Just as people from other cultures are drawn to Christianity for its beautiful metaphors, westerners are drawn to Buddhism due to its access to realities beyond the tangible.
Yet I wasn't pursuing any of that.
So how is it that I fell into it? I never practiced. It just happened.
Perhaps from years of practice in a past life, maybe?
Past life?
Or lives, plural.
I don't know about that.
Who's to say one way or the other?
This much I know: the more I let go of trying to maintain the status quo definition of reality and let what seems to be chaos into my life, the more things make sense.
So how do you function?
That's why I suggested you listen to your intuition. Let it be your guide. But your guide, not anyone else's!
What do you mean?
What's appropriate for you may be different than for someone else.
Be true to yourself.
Reality for you seems to be much more than the tangible world.
After a brief pause, it sinks in, and she let's out a puff of air:
Huh.
The next day, she prepares for meditation. As she sits in the half lotus position, the calm tranquility is shattered as she has a realization. She gets up with a frantic start.
Jainene still wears the same clothes from earlier. She's crying.
It's been half a year.
Why won't you wake up?
Your fears are deeper than just from the accident.
Are you finding yourself dwelling on Bob being in coma?
Yes.
And the problems at the office? Fearing the worst?
Yes.
Afraid you know the outcome?
Yes.
Jainene overhears bits of conversations around her.
An older man, a retired APPLE FARMER stands near an pile of his family's produce, talking to a MOTHER and her TEN YEAR OLD SON.
Apple trees can live quite long, yet they're only productive for certain number of years, depending on which variety. We generally rotate in new saplings every eight to ten years for this kind.
After so many cycles, take out the old roots or the new trees will get tangled and choke.
The old ones are generally chopped and sold as firewood for smokers and slow cookers.
TWO WOMEN are talking together.
There's a difference between dwelling on the past and learning from it.
Learn the lessons from the past, but get rid of the emotional baggage.
Dwelling, on the other hand, would be constantly re-telling your stories. Even if you're telling them to new people, it's the repetition on your part that becomes dwelling.
A FATHER espouses wisdom to his TEENAGE SON.
A scholarship is a gift and an opportunity. It'll mean you don't have to work through college. It'll allow you to focus on your goals.
You're strong. Go out in the world and make your mark!
Use college as your proving grounds, to get some experience and to play with your ideas.
Jainene pauses for a moment, taking it all in. She recounts what she just heard.
Take out the old roots or the new trees will get tangled in them and choke.
Learn the lessons from the past, but get rid of the emotional baggage.
You're strong. Go out in the world and make your mark!
Her moment of pause gets interrupted when her cell phone rings.
He's awake?
Mrs. Jenkins and nurse Kathy are around Bob. Kathy is sitting rather comfortably on side of Bob's bed chatting as he looks enthralled at her. Jainene doesn't notice their interaction, possibly due to the tears in her eyes, when she storms in a few seconds later.
...so then, I bought a house on the East Side where Trinka can run free in the backyard.
Jainene enters, arriving for a joyous visit with her newly awakened finacé.
She really loves--
Jainene!
Oh, sweetie. You're awake!
Jainene makes a big fuss over her fiancé's restored consciousness.
We have our Bobby back.
He has to go for a full examination.
Some tests need to be done, but everything seems to be okay.
He's the same Bobby we all love.
Excuse me?
"Bobby?" You only let your mother call you that.
Jainene.
Remember how you said that people in our past helped make us who we are today?
Bob!?!
Oh, my dear--
Well,... this is Kathy.
I told you about her. I've known her since high school.
He looks upon Kathy.
All those years ago...
Such a big misunderstanding over something so stupid.
Well, it's all cleared up now.
What are you saying?
Jainene...
We're gettin' married. Right away!
Jainene sinks into a chair.
Everyone else starts speaking simultaneously. We hear through Jainene's perception. All their words blend together, nothing really intelligible.
You and I could never agree on certain things.
My mother used to say, "Everything happens for the best."
Like, you want home schooling but I'd want the kids to go where I went. And Kathy wants the same.
I didn't mean for you to get hurt.
But I've always loved you,...
...before you two even met.
There's someone out there for you, Jainene, I'm sure of it.
She knocks on William's door. After a moment, he opens the door.
The past is killing me.
My finacé's marrying someone else.
He's awake?
I'm bouncing between different kinds of therapy.
I'm broke from all the medical bills.
And most of my old friends want nothing to do with me any more.
My life is a mess!
I think I'm going crazy.
And if I tell anyone about this "blue pearl" thing, they think I'm crazy and what nothing more to do with me!
You brought me into this meditation thing in the first place. What do you have to say about all this now?
He brings her inside.
Reshape your personal myths.
She glares at him.
No, seriously. Change the myths you live by.
The fact that the "blue pearl" came so easily to you means yours is not an ordinary destiny.
Oh, please!
Okay. If one day you picked up a violin and after a few screeching notes, suddenly starting playing like a virtuoso...
You have a natural talent. A gift. I don't know what!
A pause.
Jainene, become what you are.
Follow your bliss to find your path.
A pause.
People are often chasing the wrong things in life these days.
The SUV, the big house, the big career...
Look how I live. It's a simple life, yet comfortable.
Well, thanks.
She gets up to leave.
Leaving...?
You just insulted my lifestyle and belittled my experiences.
That may have been your old life, but you're so different now.
Jainene is at the door.
Yes. Different. How could you understand?
You're a professor.
You're sheltered on your campus, your little academic world, safe from a real career.
Safe from reality.
If there was to be any romantic potential between these two, it's probably just been shattered.
Jainene sits upright with a stern look.
Okay. My opinions.
You've mistaken society's dictates of a woman's place as your own beliefs and denied leadership qualities by interpreting it as wanting children.
Clearly, you'd be happier as a career woman.
We see Jainene packing personal items from her desk but hear her mental replay of the boss's words.
I don't want to hear about "politics" going on behind your back.
She looks up and notices in the distance Mark standing, talking to others.
We're all team players here.
She shakes her head no, and goes back to packing.
You were the Program Manager. It was your job to make sure the team met its deadlines.
I'm sorry, but we're letting you go.
Big Dave will just have to find someone else for his special project.
Jainene sits at home just staring into space.
After a moment, she closes her eyes and starts to breath deeply.
She knocks on her neighbor's door.
I must apologize for the other night.
Absolved!
There is silence for a moment as they look at one another.
William smiles warmly.
At least you know where you're going in life.
William's smile turns into a silly grin.
Even if it isn't the so-called reality of the business world. Where does ambition lead, anyway? It sure--
Go out with me. Not just dinner.
Jainene looks at him with quiet interest.
I want to show you more of my life.
I'd like that.
At a gathering on campus, they're attending a lecture for the Anthropology department.
I'd like to conclude this evening with the following thought.
Any philosophy taken to heart becomes a religion to that person.
Thank you, and good night!
William waves to WILBUR, a rather sage-looking man.
I'd like you to meet a good friend.
He's very wise, very intuitive.
Wilbur looks deep into Jainene's eyes despite the distance as they cross the floor towards him.
He comes across as an odd fellow, but he's harmless. Mostly.
Jainene chuckles at the comment, just as Wilbur approaches.
And you must be Jainene.
How are you two kids doing this evening?
Jainene smiles.
Fine. Fine.
Wilbur continues looking deep into Jainene's eyes.
You are very powerful yet... you disallow yourself.
Why?
The world may not be ready, but you must still show them.
You know what you have to do.
Practice more in the silence, and you'll discover the voice that has always been there for you.
Show them what?
He starts walking away, waving his hand, repeating:
You know what you have to do.
After pondering his words for a moment:
Ya know,... normally, I would have dismissed him as an arrogant-- as arrogant and pretentious. But I actually think I understand.
She releases the biggest smile we've ever seen on her.
Jainene was viewing a job board on her computer but keeps looking out the window instead. Aware she's making no progress, she gently closes the program on her computer and turns off her computer.
I understand. I get it. Everything's clicked.
Now, I just have to do it.
That's the hard part.
But I know you can do it.
You know, I really want to thank you for leading me into all this.
All this meditation stuff?
Yeah.
You know...
A long pause is taken up by the lighting of a tall, robust candle.
There are still more forms of meditation.
And spirituality.
With that, he turns off the lamp, leaving just the candle to light the room.
He leans in to kiss her.
He holds her hand and arm gently, then proceeds with kissing her hand. Moving to the wrist, he pushes her sleeve back as he kisses further along her arm. When the sleeve won't go any further, he moves to her neck. Cradling the back of her head, he kisses all around her face, neck, and head. She kisses him, and he opens her blouse revealing lingerie fancier than just everyday wear, so he knows she's quietly been expecting his advances this evening.
He caresses her stomach and as he opens her blouse more, the stroking continues to the curve of her waist.
Having been laying back, she leans up and takes his shirt off, leaving him completely stripped above the waist. She begins to kiss him on the chest.
They wipe their hands across each other's bodies with their eyes flickering from torso to eyes and back again.
He leans her back to a reclining position and kisses her stomach. He opens her jeans and gently pulls them off, leaving her in just bra and panties. As he approaches her again, he starts at the top of the foot and starts with kisses while alternating his hands as support for her hovering leg. He holds his cheek against her belly for a moment, kisses it, then rises to kiss her on the lips again.
They kiss for a lingering moment.
She pushes him back until her one arm is straight. Then, she opens his pants, and wiggles them down, leaving him in just his boxers.
They lean against each other, both on their sides, flowing from gazing into each others eyes to passionately kissing with eyes closed.
He pulls her to the carpeted area in front of the sofa.
As they roll around-- he on top, she on top, and back again-- the formerly large candle illuminating the room burns out.
The next day at home, she prepares for meditation.
She re-enters the experience that freaked her out before: the "blue pearl."
The tiny dot oscillates into a starburst-like phenomenon then back again to where it started. This repeats several times but fewer than before. Again, there is a sense of emerging up through a floor of blue light like how a scuba diver dropping backwards off the motor boat but in reverse. Once there, the now familiar sphere-like shape wobbles and continues the flowing expansion to a starburst and back again.
Everything is the same as before with one obvious exception-- this time, she's alone in there.
Returning to her body, it's calming. She emerges energized.
We hear the sage's words from before:
The world may not be ready, but you must still show them.
You know what you have to do.
As she opens her eyes:
Yes. Yes, I do.
I'm sorry things turned out this way. They had replaced you before I returned from my trip.
So, how is the job search going?
I'd like to ask a favor of you.
Of course. Do you need a recommendation? I have nothing but good things to say about you.
As a friend....
A hesitation, then quickly:
I'm sorta changing directions.
Stepping into management, eh?
Not exactly...
I want to work as an international mediator.
And I'm asking for your assistance to get me there.
That's a tough job. For anyone.
Yes. But it's something I feel is right for me.
I've always been on top of what's going on in the world and want to participate. To contribute. To--
You know, my father worked for the UN...
You're kidding?
Wow.
I just felt, somehow, that you were the right person to ask.
Funny. I always saw this strength in you.
I'm glad you finally see it in yourself now.
She smiles. They embrace.
An older, heavyset Bob sits with his TWO TEENAGE DAUGHTERS (17 and 13) at the breakfast table. He reads the sports page, the older daughter reads the international section.
Dad, who was the woman you would've married all those years ago if it weren't for the crash?
That would be Jainene!
Yeah...
Jainene Pearl.
Thought so. She's credited with negotiating the peace agreement for the new Republic!
Yeah?
Nicknamed the "Mother of Peace" she, with the assistance of husband William and oldest daughter Nichole, made for a team unique in this reporter's long life. Unlike the other mediators who came before, both sides respected what she had to say because they knew she always brought out a common sense of community between differing sides.
An older Jainene with William and their DAUGHTER (approximately eighteen years old) sitting by her side explains something, gesturing from one side of the table to the other. Everyone is listening intently to her every word.