Act 1
FADE IN
Ext. Downtown Hemlock Grove - Day
ANNIE, age thirty, dressed in a business suit with red blouse and black heels, steps out of a parked car. She twirls in a
circle as she admires the festive décor on quaint downtown businesses. The sidewalks are covered in piles of snow, lights
twinkle, and garland is draped on every sign.
Annie grabs her luggage from the trunk and walks down a cobblestone alley.
SHOPKEEPERS greet PEDESTRIANS as they walk past dressed in winter clothes while quiet instrumental Christmas music echoes
through streets.
Annie takes note of a café conspicuously devoid of décor, then walks to bright red door with a wreath and presses the buzzer.
Int. Apartment Hallway - Day
The interior hall door swings open to JENNA, age twenty-six, wearing an oversize sweater with stains on her pants and hair
in a messy bun. She smiles and holds her arms out wide.
ANNIE
Merry Christmas, little sister!
Annie steps into the apartment.
Int. Jenna’s Apartment - Hallway - Day
Annie sets her bags down and hugs Jenna.
JENNA
Merry Christmas!
They pull away from the hug and Annie looks to BABY HENRY who lies on the floor.
ANNIE
And Merry First Christmas, little
Henry!
Annie kneels beside baby Henry.
ANNIE (CONT’D)
Oh, my goodness, he is so cute! Is
there anything better than a baby’s
first Christmas?
JENNA
I’d say three hours of uninterrupted
sleep and strong coffee.
Annie laughs.
JENNA (CONT’D)
I’m not kidding. I’m out of coffee. I
hate to be a pest and I know you just
got here, but can you go grab me some
from the café downstairs? I’m going to
need something strong to get me
through decorating the house today,
and hubby won’t be home until late
tonight.
ANNIE
Oh, of course! That’s why I came here
from Seattle, to help you with
everything baby related. Washing
dishes, changing diapers, and fetching
coffee is all included.
JENNA
You are the best sister ever. Fair
warning, though. The guy who runs the
place is a bit of a grump. Just get
the coffee and leave, okay? I get
weird vibes in there, but the coffee
is amazing.