The Olive Branch

THE OLIVE BRANCH by Caryl Anne Vredenburg

Copyright 2000 WGA Registered*

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INT.

A HUT - MORNING

It is morning but the sun has not risen so we can only see a pale light behind the form of a WOMAN who sits with her back against a wall of sticks tied together. Her head is bowed and her hair is hanging over her face so we can only hear that she is crying softly. The room is sparse, but littered with utensils and tools for working the soil. There is a small pit in the center of the room where a fire once burned, with small bones scattered about, picked clean. Light fills the area as the skin that covers the doorway is moved aside and a MALE MOHAVE INDIAN, wearing only animal skins to cover his lower body, enters. He surveys the quarters briefly before turning his attention to the Woman sitting against the wall. He looks to the opposite site of the hut and then back at the Woman. He moves toward her and grabs her arm, jerking her to her feet. The Woman cries in pain but does not look up. The room is becoming lighter as the sun rises and we see her hair is matted and caked with dirt. He turns her around and points to the opposite side of the room. There is another body laying on the ground. It is a YOUNG GIRL with her eyes closed. She looks asleep, but her skin is gray and her hair is much lighter, also caked with dirt. She is dressed in small animal skins and a bark skirt, similar to what the other woman is wearing. A fly lands on her face and crawls across her face. The Young Girl is not breathing. The Male Mohave Indian looks at the Woman he is holding and sees she is refusing to look. MALE MOHAVE (Mohave/Subtitled) She must be burned! I am taking her now!

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The Woman starts whimpering and speaking so lowly that he cannot make out what she is saying. She still does not look at the dead girl. The Male Indian grabs her jaw and forces her to look towards the dead girl. She pulls her face away before we can see it. MALE MOHAVE (Mohave/Subtitled) Aliutman must obey! He sees her eyes close and shoves her away roughly. She hits the ground. He walks towards the dead girl and reaches down towards her. There is a loud shriek behind him and quickly to see her flying at him with digging tool, he reacts instinctively as she hits him in a body tackle that to the ground.

he turns around a pointed and catches her sends them both

Her hair covers her face as she wrestles over him for just a moment before he gets the upper hand and rolls her over. He snarls loudly and pushes her wrists above her head as she screams and rolls her head from side to side, her eyes tightly shut. MALE MOHAVE (Mohave/Subtitled) You should have died with her! The woman stops struggling and turns her face to and her hair falls away from her face. Her eyes very light, and they are flashing from hate. Her is lighter than we could originally tell and she freckles. She has a crude tattoo on her chin and is not an Indian.

him are hair has she

ALIUTMAN (English) I wanted to! CREDIT SEQUENCE: Tin-types and photos of Indians; Indians with white men, then just white men. White men in the Calvary, trappers, hunters, cowboys and settlers. Then a photo

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of a wagon train and families standing in front of a ridge. End with the family in front of the wagon. DISSOLVE TO:

EXT. SUPER:

OPEN RANGE, INDEPENDENCE, MO - DAY INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI, AUGUST 9TH, 1850

There is a clear blue sky over the horizon where a wagon train of fifteen wagons and about fifty people, men, women and children, are headed towards the west and the sunset. The setting sun shows the dust and the toil on the faces of the people in the wagon train as they near their resting spot, just outside of the town. The wagon belonging to the OATMAN family is included and rolls by, located in the middle of the wagon train. OLIVE (V.O.) Though it was not the first day of our journey from Illinois, it was the start of the wagon train to California MRS. OATMAN (28), sits in the front of the wagon with MR. OATMAN (35), and has a BABY BOY in her lap, and is trying to appear courageous OLIVE (V.O.) We were a large and for the most part, happy family who trusted in God and the kindness of strangers. LUCY (16), is sitting at the back of the wagon staring back from where they had come, glancing down occasionally at a tin type with tears brimming. OLIVE (V.O.) My older sister, Lucy, was the most unhappy over father’s decision to go west, because she had only recently fallen in love. A young man who declared his love for her and promised to follow her as soon as the means became available

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LORENZO (15), follows the wagon by horse. OLIVE (V.O.) My brother Lorenzo was apprehensive at first, but found the excitement of the trail hard to resist. Inside the wagon, MARY ANN (7), sits and watches her older brother follow the wagon. OLIVE (V.O.) Mary Ann, cared only that Lorenzo was nearby. To the front of the wagon, ROYSE JR. (5), is sitting, playing with some wooden toys. OLIVE (V.O.) Royse Jr., suffered from a bronchial affliction and found it difficult to get excited about anything. CAROL ANN (3),is sitting straight across from him, playing with a rag doll. OLIVE (V.O.) The youngest of my sisters was Carol Ann, we just called her C.A. Back at the front of the wagon, MR. and MRS. OATMAN sit next to each other, with LYMAN on his mothers lap. OLIVE (V.O.) Lyman being only one and a half, spent most of his time sitting on mother’s lap. Mother was in a delicate way so I suspect there couldn’t have been much room. The other families in wagons behind the OATMAN’S roll by. OLIVE (V.O.) The opinion of most in our wagon train was that the red savages were to be feared and the US Calvary to be admired. Mother and

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Father once told us that there was nothing to worry about regarding our trip to the west cause God protected all of us. I sometimes wondered if that meant he protected the Indians too? OS a horn blows. The wagons stop, just outside the town of Independence Missouri, on an open range of dried grass and dust. The wagons circle and the SETTLERS begin to make camp. CHILDREN are fetching and running in play. Cattle is being driven outside of the rings and a large fire is being put together. The men assemble away from the women after taking care of their chores to read the few maps available for the trip and dinner is started. A NEWPAPER MAN is walking around, spots Mr. Oatman and talks with him. He then asks some of the other families to pose in front of their wagons for a picture. Mr. Oatman notices that OLIVE is not around. MR. OATMAN Olive! OLIVE (13), is standing alone, looking towards the distant town. OLIVE (V.O.) My name is Olive Ann, but I prefer just Olive. Father says I’m barely noticeable and I guess that’s a compliment from father cause he’s intolerable of children who are nuisances. Olive joins the group as the newspaper man sets up, takes a picture of the Oatman’s, sets up again and takes another picture. When he is done he gives one to Mr. Oatman who pays him for it. Mr. Oatman hands the picture to Mrs. Oatman, who pulls a small, carved, wooden box with brass hinges out. She opens the box and it has small family treasures in it. She adds the tin type. EXT.

CAMPFIRE - EVENING

Everyone has eaten and the clean-up has been done. The people are gathered into their family groups. The

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PREACHER, a little man with spectacles and a balding head, steps up onto a rock to address the crowd. PREACHER Let us pray! They bow their heads. Everyone has their heads bowed but Olive who is looking around the campfire for anyone else who might be watching instead of praying.

PREACHER Lord, please watch over us as we make our way to California and help us to help our neighbor when they require our assistance so that they will have the ability to help us in our hour of need as well. And Lord, we ask not for more than that which you can give, but instead offer our faith to you, in Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. CROWD Amen!

INT.

OATMAN WAGON - EVENING

Mr. and Mrs. Oatman are sleeping with Lyman between them. Mr. Oatman is already snoring, and Mrs. Oatman cuddles Lyman while trying to drift off. Lucy and Mary Ann are on the other end of the wagon. Lucy’s eyes are open and she is staring up at the stars. She reaches under the blanket for the tin-type and traces it with her finger. She sighs heavily before closing her eyes.

EXT. WAGON Lorenzo and Royse Jr. are on the same end of the wagon as their parents. ROYSE JR. Lorenzo, how long is it gonna take? When are we supposed to git there? LORENZO

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Now didn’t I say it was gonna take awhile? We’ll git there before long, now stop askin me questions and git to bed! ROYSE JR. But Lorenzo! LORENZO Shush!

INT. WAGON Towards the other end of the wagon, Olive lies alone, staring up at the sky looking for constellations. She turns her head and sees the light from the nearby city.

OLIVE Lucy, do they have schools in California like the ones in Illinois? LUCY I expect they do, but what does it matter? You’re gonna be married just like me. What would you want to go to school for? OLIVE Why, I could help my husband, like if’n he owned a mercantile or a business of some sort. Even if he had his own farm, someone’s got to do the figurin and I could do that and take care of the things inside.

LUCY Ain’t no man out there gonna want a wife smarter than them! Now quit talkin nonsense and go ta sleep. Olive frowns and rolls back towards the city. She closes her eyes tightly.

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EXT.

OATMAN WAGON - MORNING

Mrs. Oatman is getting breakfast together while Mr. Oatman is smoking a pipe and shaving at the front of the wagon. Mrs. Oatman pours a cup of hot liquid and takes it to where her husband stands. MRS. OATMAN Such a beautiful morning! It reminds me of our many blessings. Mr. Oatman stops shaving for a moment and watches her in the mirror.

MR. OATMAN Yes mother, and it is indeed thankful that I am. Mother walks up behind him and wraps her arms around his middle, hugging him close. MRS. OATMAN You are a good man Royse Oatman, for giving your family the chance of a better life in living by the gospel. Father turns to face his wife, his pipe is removed and he looks into her eyes searchingly. MR. OATMAN Tell me mother, you’re not sorry you married this old farmer who wants to follow the Lord and drag his family with him? MRS. OATMAN No Royse. Not now, not ever. Whatever comes up we’ll face it together.

EXT.

THE WAGON TRAIL - DAY

The wagon train slowly heads west. The air is hot, dusty and stagnate. The sky is blue and almost

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cloudless. The WAGON MASTER’S ASSISTANT rides up past the wagons, trying to catch up with the front wagon.

OLIVE (V.O.) We were called many things, Brewsterites, thick-headed, pioneers, settlers, sod farmers and bible thumpers, but we ignored the names and the jokes at our expense, because we knew what would be waitin’ for us at the other end. It was hope, freedom and the room to spread out and build our dreams.

EXT.

WAGON TRAIN CAMPFIRE - EVENING

The wagons are circled, the children are sleeping, and the adults are gathered around the fire. The WAGONMASTER, a big, weathered man, looks over the group. WAGON MASTER Now then, why don’t we all just settle down and get some sleep? MR. LANE, a large, burly man with a beard, suspenders and a worn hat on his head steps forward. MR. LANE Why wait fer tomorrow? We’ve got our minds made up now? PREACHER Now Mr. Lane, can’t we wait until after the Sabbath? It is a great decision you’d be making, why not give it some consideration? Besides, we are much more likely to encounter problems if we don’t stay together! MR. LANE Oh, all right, but I can tell you now, we aren’t changin our minds! This spot is just as good as the

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next one to separate, so it don’t make no never mind! Mr. Lane turns and heads back to his wagon, with his wife following. Mr. Oatman watches with the Preacher as Mr. Lane walks away. MR. THOMPSON, a thin man with a gray beard moves toward the other side of the preacher. MR. THOMPSON Do you think they’re splittin’ off so’s they can go look for gold up in California?

PREACHER (looks up) Lord, I hope not.

EXT. SUPER:

WAGON TRAIN CAMP - DAY ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO

The morning sky is blue and cloudless. The PREACHER dressed in Sunday Service clothes gives his sermon to the large group as they sit on whatever they can find, their heads bowed and their hands clasped together.

PREACHER And if by the will of God our prayers are answered, we will find the strength to finish his bidding and continue on with his plans. Olive hears a noise and looks up towards the outlying brush. OLIVE (V.O.) That morning, God decided to help the good preacher press his point and gave everyone a new reason to stick together and make peace. EXT.

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WAGON CIRCLE - DAY

MR. MUTERE, a short, portly man, is tending livestock. While standing and gazing about him, he hears the sound of wild music coming from a band of INDIANS, dancing and singing in a grove across the river. The Indians are celebrating a victory and nearby, a group of horses and mules bearing the mark of the US Calvary graze. While surveying this scene, Mr. Mutere finds a large WARRIOR holding a gun pointed in his direction. Mr. Mutere springs into a run and heads back across the river. Seeing this movement, the Indian steps towards him and tries to communicate his desire to be friendly. Mr. Mutere however, doesn’t wait around. Soon the Indians are standing on the opposite side of the river watching as the wagon train scrambles in haste to safety and positions of strength. The Indians motion their desire to come over but are given a negative response. Then they motioned towards the cows, wanting to make a trade but the answer was once again no. They give no trouble and move out. Everyone in the camp goes from sheer terror to cautious relief. Olive peeks out from under her family’s wagon, mesmerized. EXT.

WAGON TRAIN - DAY

SUPER: September 9, 1850 Everyone is looking much more worn and tired The women are preparing dinner, the boys are taking care of the live stock and the children are helping or playing, while the men gather to discuss the direction of the following day. OLIVE (V.O.) Slowly, depression and sheer fatigue crept into our camp. Having passed the novelty stage of the trip, we were feeling the pressure of its dark, unwelcome and unanticipated realities. Our next contact with a town of sizable nature was a welcomed

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relief to all because our supplies were as low as our spirits.

The Wagon master steps up on the back of a wagon. WAGON MASTER Now what we got here is a fork. We know that the north trail has some advantages but it may take longer and.. MR. BRINSHALL (interrupts loudly) It MAY take longer, we don’t know for sure but we do know the Southern route has less water and more Indians!

WAGON MASTER Mr. Brinshall be reasonable! I have no information to say it will be any safer, just as I have no information to the contrary, but the decision was made a long time ago to take the Southern route and I see no need to.. MR. BRINSHALL Well that’s just fine, you and your group can take the Southern route. We are having no part of it! WAGON MASTER And who is we? Mr. Brinshall moves away from the crowd and stands alone. MR. BRINSHALL Seven families all in all, startin with mine! The crowd seems to get loud and soon separate voices call out their names to add to the list as they move towards Mr. Brinshall.

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EXT.

WAGON TRAIN - MORNING.

The wagon train splits up and the families part company. Olive is walking behind the Oatman’s wagon. It is the last wagon in the smaller train. She stops and turns around, watching the other group move away. OLIVE (V.O.) How could anyone know what was going to happen? EXT. WAGON TRAIN - DAY What’s left of the wagon train travels over a barren area. They come upon two burnt out wagons with the dead and rotting teams still attached to them. There are skeletons of the people who owned them strewn about, draped by their clothes and covered in dried blood and dirt. There are no belongings strewn about, but plenty of arrows. The faces of the travelers are bleak or horrified. OLIVE (V.O.) At times, just keeping faith was the hardest thing to do. EXT. WAGON TRAIN - MORNING The wagon train is circled and the wind is howling. The dust is blowing and it is very cold. There is no place for a fire and no way to continue at that time. OLIVE (V.O.) Our days turned cold, and a fierce bleak wind set in from the north. INT. OATMAN WAGON The Oatman’s are sitting inside eating various foods while a small candle burns in the center of the wagon. Lorenzo gets anxious and decides to sit out on the bench. Mary Ann plays with a doll, Royse Jr. with his wooden toys, Olive is trying to read and Lucy is humming while brushing her hair and staring at the canvas above her. Mrs. Oatman is trying to feed Lyman

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and Mr. Oatman is studying his own map while smoking his pipe. OLIVE (V.O.) This morning was the first Christmas we could not celebrate with more than prayers and thanks. EXT. THE PIMO VILLAGE - DAY The wagon train is down to three wagons. They roll through town looking at the faces of the Pimo Indians and the whites that are in town. OLIVE (V.O.) Our next stop would be some ninety miles away at a Fort named Yuma. EXT. THE PIMO VILLAGE - EVENING Mr. And Mrs. Oatman sit by the campfire, speaking in hushed voices. The children are lying in their positions in and about the wagon.

ROYSE JR. Lorenzo, can you hear what they’re saying? LORENZO (strains to watch and listen) Not with your gums flappin! Now shush! They both strain their ears to listen. Olive is also straining to see and hear what is going on. MR. OATMAN (Wearied) We can’t stay here. The Wilder’s and Kelley’s want to stay but we have not reached our destination. Nor are there the resources to sustain us should we stay! MRS. OATMAN You must do what you think is right.

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MR. OATMAN I heard today that a Dr. Lecount has traveled from Fort Yuma and is intending to head back. I will speak with him on the morrow and find out what his experiences were in his travels. EXT. PIMOLE VILLAGE, BLACKSMITH’S SHOP - MORNING DR. LECOUNT, an averaged sized man with glasses is watching as his horse is shod. Mr. Oatman enters from the street in a hurried manner looking grim and needy. He takes off his hat upon entering the makeshift building.

MR. OATMAN Dr. Lecount? DR. LECOUNT (turns his attention) Yes?

MR. OATMAN Good sir, my name is Royse Oatman, may I trouble you for some information? DR. LECOUNT How might I be of service to you kind sir? MR. OATMAN My family and I are considering the trail to Fort Yuma tomorrow. Our team travels at a very slow rate and I am most concerned with the natives depravity. DR. LECOUNT I see. Well I can say that we were unencumbered on our progress from the Fort and plan to make the return journey. In fact, if it were not for the fact that I have

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another destination, I would return with you and your family. But since that is not possible, I will make haste and catch up with you on the trail. MR. OATMAN We will greatly appreciate your company good doctor. He shakes hands with the doctor and leaves. EXT. THE LOWER ROAD FROM FORT YUMA - DAY On a hot dusty road, DR. LECOUNT and his GUIDE are riding through a wash with walls on both sides. Dr. Lecount is riding a horse and his guide is riding a burro. Dr. Lecount has his nose in a book, while his guide is nervously watching over his shoulder at the trail from where they came. Behind a bush, in the shade and out of view, is an INDIAN, watching their progress.

EXT. THE TRAIL - DAY Almost the entire Oatman family is trying to get the team to climb a low hill. It is a hot day with no shade. OLIVE (V.O.) For six days our course was due southwest, at a slow and tedious rate. MR. OATMAN Try family! We can do it! Another hard push and the team finally makes it to the top of the hill with the wagon and the family takes a moment to take in the view. They are looking into a valley of rock monuments It is dusk and the stones are the color of blood. EXT. THE OATMAN’S CAMP - MORNING

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Dr. Lecount and his companion arrive at the Oatman camp. They are all happy to see them. As he sits down with Mr. Oatman and the boys, his concern for the Oatman’s shows clearly on his face. Mrs. Oatman stays busy with the girls in the background. Olive is sitting as close as possible, working on darning a sock. DR. LECOUNT Mr. Oatman, it’s so good to see you faring so well!

MR. OATMAN Thank you, as you can see we are not without determination. DR. Yes, right, but think that your however, should from Fort Yuma.

LECOUNT I can’t help to present situation warrant assistance

MR. OATMAN Have they any assistance to offer?

DR. LECOUNT Why of course! In fact, such circumstances warrant that I offer my services as well. I will ride ahead and announce the request personally! That would get them started on their way. MR. OATMAN Dr. Lecount, you don’t know how truly appreciative I would be for any assistance you could offer. DR. LECOUNT Of course my dear man, we must do all that we can to help one another in our times of trial! Tell me, do you know Spanish Mr. Oatman?

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MR. OATMAN Yes, my mother insisted that I learn it. Why? DR. LECOUNT Well that’s great, I wasn’t sure if you were aware, but several of the local Indian tribes speak it, and it may help you to know that you can communicate with them should the necessity arise. Mrs. Oatman holds the baby in her arms and weeps silently on the opposite side of the wagon. The girls look on worriedly. EXT. DR. LECOUNT’S TRAIL - EVENING The doctor and his guide are sleeping when INDIANS appear from the night and steal their horse and mule. EXT. THE OATMAN’S TRAIL - DAY The wagon is immersed in three feet of water (The Gila River) and the animals are straining to pull it through the current. There is an island made of sand and rock in the middle so Mr. Oatman pulls the wagon towards it. Lorenzo follows behind on their horse. MR. OATMAN Lorenzo, we’ll have to stop here to let the team rest. The rest of the family is in the wagon unsure about their location. EXT. THE OATMAN CAMP - EVENING The water has risen and the island is much smaller. There is a full moon and the children are by themselves while their parent’s converse in hushed whispers by the fire. Mr. Oatman looks downstream and sees a campfire. His face is immersed in fear. OLIVE (V.O.) While our parents were trying to keep their fears to themselves, our suspicions of the dangers in our circumstances grew. We talked

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with the artlessness and eagerness of our unrealizing age, of the dangers possibly near us, of the advantage that our situation gave to the savages. LORENZO (to Lucy) I will stay and fight while you get the little ones and run! LUCY First of all, I will not be able to run, the little ones would prove too burdensome. And secondly, what about the river? They have had no lessons in swimming. You will have to help me! OLIVE Well there is one thing; I shall not be taken by these miserable brutes. I will fight as long as I can, and if I see I am about to be taken I will kill myself! Mary Ann is scared and starts to cry. EXT. THE DR.’S TRAIL - MORNING The Dr. is making his way to Fort Yuma on foot alone. The fort can be seen on the horizon. He is hot and weary and continues to look over his shoulder. EXT. THE OATMAN CAMP - MORNING SUPER: March 18, 1851 The wagon full of family members, pulls off the island and back into the river water, headed towards the other side. A small group of Indians watch from the brush as the Oatman’s cross. EXT. THE FORT - DAY Dr. Lecount enters the fort and progresses straight to the captains quarters. He knocks and walks in. The cabin is sparse and CAPTAIN HEINZELMAN is sitting behind a desk, his manner is calm and unperturbed.

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DR. LECOUNT Captain, I respectfully request dialogue with you concerning my messenger who was sent ahead to request assistance for the Oatman’s. Captain Heinzelman looks up. His graying dark hair is combed down straight giving the appearance of formality, his eyes are keen but show confusion at the Dr.’s question. CAPTAIN HEINZELMAN Messenger? What messenger? DR. LECOUNT Why my guide of course?! He was sent ahead and told not to rest but to make it here without delay! CAPTAIN HEINZELMAN My good doctor, get ahold of yourself! What dire circumstances promotes your inability to remain calm? DR. LECOUNT Captain Heinzelman, over a week ago I had the experience of running into a family traveling on their way here from Pimo Village. (He takes another large breath.) They were at a most inhospitable disposition whereas their team was well nigh exhausted for want of thirst and rest and were at the least unable to embark much further. The family known as the Oatman Family was in I daresay much the same circumstance. They are alone and I am afraid, desperate for assistance in the way of supplies and protection from the roaming savages! My guide and I were personally harassed and consequently had our means of transportation stolen at which time I instructed him to embark

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ahead and request assistance for this family! I respectfully demand that assistance be made post haste and a patrol be formed to meet them before certain harm befalls them! CAPTAIN HEINZELMAN May I remind you good Doctor, that there are others here that need just as much assistance and protection? I cannot in all good conscious send out a patrol of men and endanger the security of the fort. DR. LECOUNT My dear Captain, as you can plainly see there are no Indians storming this facility! So in heavens name why don’t you send out some men to help that desperate family? His face becoming red with anger and indignation, Captain Heinzelman steps out around his desk. HEINZELMAN I have no doubt that you believe they are in desperate need. You also if I remember correctly, saw a desperate need for several vaccines, medical supplies and a change of uniform for the men that have cost us in resources that I clearly see no need of! I will not be told how to perform my duties by an overly dramatic Dr. who sees the plaque in every corpse he handles! If the means are available I will dispatch a two man party and no more! I will need a few days to make the inquiry. Dr. Lecount is now frantic with fear for the Oatman’s dangerous predicament. He moves toward Captain Heinzelman and grabs the lapels on his uniform in a beseeching manner.

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DR. LECOUNT But Captain, you will only find their remains in a few days! You must send help now! His anger overflows, Heinzelman grabs the Dr.’s forearms and drags him towards the door.

HEINZELMAN I will send a party in three days and no sooner do you understand?! My post will not be run by you! Dr. Lecount is thrown out onto the dirt but remains standing, shaken by the inhumane act he has just witnessed. DR. LECOUNT You are sending that family to their graves Captain and I will not stand idly by while they are in peril! HEINZELMAN You take one soldier from this post and I will have them and you thrown into the stockade! Is that perfectly clear Dr. LECOUNT?! Dr. Lecount is already walking away and ignoring the Captain’s threat. He heads toward his living quarters. EXT. THE OATMAN WAGON - DAY The wagon is headed up yet another hill when the team stops with a shudder and the two front oxen collapse from fatigue. Mrs. Oatman is sitting next to Lorenzo who has the reigns, the rest of the children are scattered about on the outside, now waiting to see what’s to be done. Mr. Oatman rides to the front of the wagon to see what has caused the stall. When he sees the problem he gets down off the horse, removes his weather-beaten hat and wipes his brow with his forearm. A load groan escapes as he sinks to the ground and looks up at the sky MR. OATMAN

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Mother, mother, in the name of God, I know that something dreadful is about to happen! Mrs. Oatman takes the reigns from her son and tells him to get down from the wagon and go to the front of the team. As he gets down Olive gets out and moves toward her father. Together, Mrs. Oatman and Lorenzo urge the team to stand and once again get moving. Mr. Oatman looks up to see the wagon moving again. OLIVE See father, it’s OK, we can move again. Mr. Oatman looks to see who is speaking to him. Olive looks at him with reassurance and helps him to stand up. He takes her up on the saddle in front of him and they follow the wagon. EXT. THE OATMAN CAMP - DAY The wagon is stopped, the animals have been released from their yokes and graze on the weeds nearby while the family prepares for a solitary dinner. Royse Oatman is sitting on one of many near the wagon looking undernourished, defeated. The rest of the family looks about the long walk and night ahead of

large rocks exhausted and uninspired them.

Several YAVAPAI INDIANS slowly and leisurely approach on the road. They are wearing skins and have clubs hanging at their waists. OLIVE Father, there are Indians coming!

MR. OATMAN (looks at his wife) Do not be afraid.

MR. OATMAN (Spanish) Hello friends. How are you this evening?

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The Indians smile hesitantly and the leader steps forward and answers back in Spanish. LEADER (Spanish) We are well. We mean you no harm. We would smoke with you to show this, but we have no smoke. MR. OATMAN (Spanish) I will get the tobacco. Mr. Oatman walks to his wagon where his family his wife and children fearfully huddle on the other side. MR. OATMAN Mother, please get my pipe and tobacco. Lorenzo take Lyman and the rest of you remain calm and sit on the rocks. Mrs. Oatman climbs into the wagon and gets the pipe and tobacco handing them with shaking hands to her husband. MRS. OATMAN Father, please be careful! MR. OATMAN Mother, do not show your fear but instead climb down and busy yourself with the children. Mr. Oatman takes the pipe and tobacco to where the Indians have gathered on the other side of the wagon. He prepares the pipe and they all stare at each other warily.

LEADER (Spanish) My brothers and I have watched your trail for many days. Mr. Oatman takes the fist puff and hands the pipe to the Leader.

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MR. OATMAN (Spanish) I have been waiting for you to say hello for many days now. I am pleased you have chosen to do so. The leader hands the pipe to his BROTHER who has a distinctive paint pattern on his face. He then hands it to the next and he the next until the pipe is done. The leader immediately says something in their dialect and receives nods and grunts from his brothers.

LEADER (Spanish) (watching closely) We would like to share food with you now. MR. OATMAN (Spanish) (shifts uncomfortably) I would be happy to share a meal with you but do not have the food to spare. We have only a small amount to get us through to our next stop. The leader does not like Mr. Oatman’s answer and relays the information to his brothers who grumble in their language. LEADER (Spanish) I want some food for my brothers. We too are hungry! MR. OATMAN (Spanish) We cannot spare any without putting our lives at risk. I am not lying to you but am being honest about our condition. The Indians converse amongst themselves again and their attitudes become angry. All but the leader head towards the wagon and begin a search of the various

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contents. Mr. Oatman becomes fearful and walks toward the wagon. MR. OATMAN I have some bread!(Spanish). Mother please retrieve the bread and divide it in half (English). It is all we can spare at the moment (Spanish). The Indians move to accept the food and divide the bread devouring it in moments. Mr. Oatman repacks his small food supply, trying to conceal his fear from his family. LEADER (Spanish) We are still hungry, we want more food! MR. OATMAN (Spanish) I’ve already given away too much! Mrs. Oatman is still in the wagon arranging the contents; Mary Ann sits upon a stone holding onto the reigns of the first team, while the rest of the children remain standing on the opposite side around Mary Ann. After a few moments their fears are slightly subdued by the Indians lack of motion. The Oatmans prepare to leave. Suddenly a load yell breaks the near silence and with shrill shrieks the Indians flourish their war-clubs. Lorenzo is struck over the head in unison with a similar blow dealt to Mr. Oatman. Mrs. Oatman who is screaming, jumps out of the wagon to grab the smallest child as the other children run towards her. Olive and Mary Ann are immediately seized and pulled to one side. The father is bleeding and moaning. Lorenzo is lying with his face in the dust, the top of his head covered in blood, his ears, nose and mouth bleeding. The mother, with her youngest child clasped in her arms, lies motionless on the ground, her eyes staring ahead in horror. Lucy is screaming in an uncontrollable manner and being held by both her hands behind her back. A blow is delivered to the side of her head. Royse junior is standing over his mother

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until a blow to his head from behind causes him to slump onto the bodies of his mother and baby brother. Mary Ann covers her face, and is sobbing out loud as a huge looking Indian stands over her. C.A. is under the wagon crying, trying to dodge the hands that threatened to grab her. They pull her out. She is quickly silenced with a hand covering her nose and mouth. While watching what is going on, and without realizing it, the Indian suffocates her and then releases her when she finally stops struggling. Olive sees this and faints. FADE OUT FADE IN: EXT. OATMAN CAMP - DAY The grisly scene of the victims and the Indians picking through their belongings and eating the food. Olive is lying on the ground and Mary Ann is standing over her, sobbing. She turns to where her mother lies. MARY ANN Mother, Oh mother! Olive, mother and father are killed with all our brothers and sisters! Olive awakens slowly and hears a low groaning coming from where her mother is laying. She scrambles up to help her but is pushed back down by an Indian waving his club over her head. OLIVE (wild eyed, looking up to the sky) Why haven’t you killed us? Why do we remain alive knowing that our parents and brothers and sisters have been killed by these savages? I want you to kill me too! The Indians say something between themselves and laugh in response. Mary Ann cries louder. Olive’s attention is caught by her younger sister dropping to her knees, sobbing even louder. Olive sits up and takes her sisters hands, working them with her own.

OLIVE

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Shush little sister, I do not mean what I say. Hush, I was just being silly, I’ll never leave you. Mary Ann quiets down to a low moaning. The Indians continue to go through the Oatman’s belongings, breaking open the boxes with stones and clubs, tearing the wagon cover off of its frame, unyoked the teams and detached them from the wagon and pack the little food, with many articles of their plunder, on the horse. Coming to a feather bed, they seize it, tear it open, scattering its contents to the wind, and manifest much wonder and surprise. Turning towards the girls they removed their bonnets and shoes, throwing them towards the pile to be left. After tying up their bundles they instruct Olive and Maryann to walk before them, down the hill, the way they had come. As they leave the wagon, one of the Indians see Mrs. Oatman’s small wooden box and takes it. The air is very still as Olive, following closely behind Mary Ann, listens to her sisters crying as they walk barefoot across the hot, rocky desert. EXT. OATMAN CAMP - EVENING The camp is silent save the wind that whips at the wagon cover. The noise of yipping coyotes and growling wolves can be heard from the other side of the hill Lorenzo Oatman lies still, covered with blood. The wolves are circling and the coyotes whine because they aren’t allowed closer. Lorenzo regains consciousness and looks up to see a gray wolf growling mere inches from his face. He scrambles up in panic, momentarily scaring off the first wolf, looking about him desperately for some form of defense. Knowing that there may be something left up by the wagon he picks ups stones and screams at the animals to get away, throwing the stones in a random manor. Slowly he pushes himself back up the hill to the grisly sight of what had been his family. He proceeds to bury them. He finds a large stick to carry as a weapon and after searching in vain for water and food to take with him, sets off in the night towards Yuma. As he walks past the wagon he notices the tin-type

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they had taken at the beginning of the trip. lying on the ground and picks it up. EXT. INDIAN TRAIL - EVENING The Indians and girls rest in a gorge where a fire is struck and food is prepared. Their meal is consumed heartily without taste for nourishment and when finished they are instructed to sleep. Mary Ann drifts off right away, but Olive remains awake, afraid to shut her eyes.

EXT. MOHAVE DESERT - DAY SUPER:

March 19, 1851

The girls are still being forced to walk. falls down and refuses to get up.

Mary Ann

OLIVE Mary Ann, please get up, you have to keep walking! MARY ANN I can’t, my feet hurt too much! The leader hears them and turns to see they have stopped. Angrily he storms back to where they are. He looks down at Mary Ann’s bloody feet and motions to one of the others to pick her up and carry her. Olive does not understand and throws herself in front of Mary Ann. OLIVE Stay away from her! The Indian grabs Olive, throws her aside like a rag doll and bends to pick up Mary Ann.

EXT. MOHAVE DESERT - DAY The Yavapai Camp is a cluster of low, thatched huts, each having an opening near the ground leading into them, with lots of Mesquite bushes around them. Olive and Mary Ann are hot, dusty, tired and thirsty.

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They are ushered into camp, amid shouts and song, wild dancing, and music by the CAMP INDIANS. The girls are lifted up on top of a pile of brush and cling on to one another in fear. The camp Indians form a circle around them, men women and children of all ages and sizes, some naked, some dressed in blankets, some in skins and some in bark. The camp Indians continue to dance around them only pausing momentarily to spit upon them and jeer or heckle their circumstances while the girls cling to each other and cry. EXT. LORENZO’S SOLITARY TRAIL - DAY Lorenzo is walking, actually weaving, with one hand on the large stick and the other on his forehead as if holding up his head in support. As he wanders he sees TWO INDIANS on horses and stops dead in his tracks. They stare and then gesture their friendliness, but Lorenzo takes off running. They pursue and run him into an area where he can not escape. They pull out a skin of water and offer it to him. He passes out. EXT. THE INDIAN CAMP - EVENING The girls are finally given an area to rest made of bark and their own blankets.

MARY ANN Don’t they intend to feed us Olive? We haven’t been given any food since this morning. Olive pulls her sister close and cradles her. OLIVE Try to get some sleep so you wont have to think about it so much.

EXT. THE WAGON OF MR. & MRS. WILDER – LATE AFTERNOON

The two Indians appear with Lorenzo. MR. WILDER, an average sized man with dark hair and a mustache recognizes them and walks up to them. The Indian holding Lorenzo hands him to Mr. Wilder.

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INT. THE WAGON OF MR. & MRS WILDER- EVENING Lorenzo is laying in a bed at the far end of the wagon while MR. & MRS. WILDER sit nearby. Mrs. Wilder is much younger but also has dark hair. Lorenzo stirs, and Mrs. Wilder jumps up and goes to him. She pulls a rag out and wets it, placing it on his brow. His head is bandaged. Lorenzo writhes back and forth moaning. MRS. WILDER Hush now, everything is all right, you are safe. Lorenzo opens his eyes and tries to focus. LORENZO Mother!? MRS. WILDER No dear, I’m sorry. Mr. Wilder heads towards them. MR. WILDER Is he coming out of it then? MRS. WILDER I think so Lorenzo closes and opens his eyes again trying to adjust them to the light. He struggles to sit up. LORENZO Where are my family? Mrs. Wilder looks toward her husband. MR. WILDER We haven’t seen them since they left for Fort Yuma son. We thought you were with them? Lorenzo looks confused and then a look of horror transforms his face.

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LORENZO Oh God no! Mrs. Wilder starts to cry and pulls him close, rocking and whispering to him that they would take care of him. INT. HUT - MORNING Mary Ann is weeping and Olive is trying to soothe her. Their clothes are now too small, threadbare and falling off them. Olive is holding on to a skirt she has made of skins, similar to what the Yavapai women are wearing. Steam comes out of their mouths as they speak. There is a small fire in the middle of their hut. The wind is blowing outside. OLIVE Mary Ann don’t cry, it was only cloth. We can make do with other material. Look, I can make this modest enough. Mary Ann sobs louder. Olive sets down the garment and puts her arms around Mary Ann. OLIVE I know you are ashamed, I feel shame too, but GOD would want us to not feel bad about what he has given us so lets not cry ok? Mary Ann sniffs loudly but stops her wailing. Her breathing comes in gasps due to how hard she has been crying. MARY ANN I still miss mama and papa and our brothers and sisters. Mary Ann looks at Olive, her face is wet with tears. She starts to cry again and falls into Olive’s arms for comfort. OLIVE I know, but make your peace and it will help your heart. God would want this.

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EXT. THE WILDER’S WAGON The Wilder’s stand arm in arm watching Lorenzo as he leaves. LORENZO I thank you kindly for your help. I wish I could stay and help you out but I hafta find the girls. MR. WILDER We know son. But you watch out, you can’t do it on your own. LORENZO I know sir, but there’s no one here to help so that means I have to go get some. I was thinking I could go with a small group of miners headed to California and look for the girls that way. MRS. OATMAN Well I suppose it’s better than sittin around here wonderin what became of them. Mr. Wilder nods and reaches out to shake Lorenzo’s hand. MR WILDER We’re gonna miss you son, take care. LORENZO I will sir, and I’m gonna miss you both too. Mrs. Wilder is sorry to see him go and covers her face as she watches him walk away. MR WILDER I think instead of crying we best git to prayin for him. INT. OLIVE AND MARY ANN’S HUT - EVENING The wind is blowing and howling. It is raining, and the girls are lying next to each other, with little

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on, trying to stay close and keep warm. The rain is coming into their hut. MARY ANN What month is this? OLIVE I think it’s April. MARY ANN Olive, I can’t remember them. I can’t remember their faces. Why? OLIVE I’m not sure. Maybe it’s cause of what happened to them. I can’t hardly remember either. I wish we had a picture just so we could see them again. MARY ANN Do you think anyone knows we’re alive? OLIVE Of course, they’re just having a hard time finding us, now repeat your letters, you don’t want to forget. MARY ANN A, B, sssC... EXT. A SILVER MINE IN THE DESERT - DAY Lorenzo is standing with a group of men. There is snow on the ground around them. LORENZO You men promised that we could look for them on our time off! The men remain silent but one. MINER Look kid, that was when we were in San Bernardino gettin our supplies. It’s a little different

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now that we’re out here fending for ourselves. Young Lorenzo’s eyes fills with tears.

LORENZO Your promise is as good as your souls, and may GOD have mercy on them! He turns and strides to his mule, climbs up and leaves without turning to look back. EXT. INDIAN CAMP - DAY The girls are working out in a field and hear a loud noise coming from the far end of the camp. Suddenly a group of MOHAVE INDIANS walk into the camp with two horses, some packages and blankets. There is one woman, TOPEKA, (in her early teens), one man OHITIA, in his early twenties, and one older man CEARAKAE. As they pass by the girls, Ohitia stares at Olive and Mary. OLIVE (V.O.) We don’t know how, but the Mohave's had heard of our ownership by the Yavapai, and were present to make a trade for our servitude. The group of Indians go to the tent of the Yavapai Chief and enter. Olive and Mary Ann exchange glances. A male Yavapai comes out of the tent towards the girls and orders them to march to the chief’s tent. The Mohaves come out and inspect the girls. CEARAKAE makes an agreement with the Yavapais and directs the girls to follow them. The girls walk away with the Mohaves. As they leave a young Yavapai comes running towards them carrying something wrapped in fur. He hands it to the closest of the departing party which is Ohitia. He unwraps the fur but the girls can’t see what he is looking at. The

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girls feel embarrassed all over again at their nakedness. Topeka is watching their distress. As they walk, Ohitia shoves Olive because she is slow. He stands over her and sneers. CEARAKAE (in Mohave) Ohitia! Do not disgrace your father in the eyes of others. Topeka walks back and helps Olive up. Ohitia becomes angry at Topeka’s sympathy towards Olive. EXT. MOHAVE VALLEY - DAY SUPER: MAY 1, 1852 The group reaches the top of a mountain and can see a green valley towards the west. They stop for a moment to drink water. OLIVE (V.O.) As we stood above the valley that would become our new home I wondered what sort of a life lay ahead. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY The girls are working in the fields as Ohitia watches them from under a mesquite tree, lazily sharpening a knife. OLIVE (V.O.) We lived in the house of the chief and his family. It was his daughter Topeka, her cousin Ohitia and his younger brothers who arrived in the Yavapai camp that day to trade for us. And though Topeka showed us some sympathy she nonetheless continued to use us as slaves. Ohitia’s contempt for us was quite apparent. I would later learn that his mother was killed by a white man.

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AESPANEO, who is the wife of the chief, and is in her late thirties, with a tattoo on her chin, calls to Ohitia. AESPANEO (In Mohave) Ohitia, bring the girls to the marking place! Ohitia grabs both the girls and does as Aespaneo instructs. Olive struggles vehemently and accidentally strikes the brave. He drops Mary Ann and slaps Olive violently. He shows a desire to strike her again when she glares at him. AESPANEO (In Mohave) Do not touch her again or Espaniole will hear of it! Ohitia turns toward Aespaneo, glaring at her interference and then back at Olive. MARY ANN What do they want Olive? OLIVE I cannot understand but do not be afraid, it’s worse then. The girls are dragged by Ohitia past the chief’s wife into a hut where there is another MALE INDIAN and SEVERAL FEMALE INDIANS who are waiting for them. The girls look and see the cactus thorns and homemade blue ink and realize what they intend to do. Mary Ann starts to cry. MARY ANN Oh Olive, please do not let them do this! Olive turns to her sister, she is trying not to cry. She turns back to the chief’s wife. OLIVE We ask for you to not do this! AESPANEO

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You do not want this because you hope to return to your people, but that will not happen. If you try to escape others will find you and know where you belong. Your Ki-echook will tell them! Olive steps in front of Mary Ann to protect her but she is grabbed from behind. Ohitia grabs Olive and painfully squeezes her arms at her sides. Olive is forced to watch as they hold her sister down and start pricking her face with the needle of cactus. Mary Ann cries out. OLIVE Mary Ann please don’t struggle, it will make it worse. Lie still and try to pray or think about a hymn! Mary Ann continues to struggle until she hears Olive singing a hymn. She then relaxes and closes her eyes, whimpering in pain as her face is crudely tattooed. EXT. MASSACRE SITE - DAY An older Lorenzo stands alone, holding onto the reins of his horse, watching the sand blow across the remnants of his family’s wagon. He turns around and heads to a small but well armed GROUP OF MEN. Some are white and some Indians. LORENZO This is where we start. We’ll bed down overnight her and make an early start of it in the morning when the light is stronger. The Group of Men start to get down from their horses and unpack. Lorenzo moves to his saddlebag and pulls out a wad of cash. LORENZO As we discussed, I’ll pay you one third now, the second third when we find them and the last third when we get them back. EXT. MASSACRE SITE – MORNING

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Lorenzo wakes up with a dark bruise on his forehead. He groans loudly after touching it and tries to remember what happened. He quickly reaches under his saddle and comes up empty handed. LORENZO Shit! He looks around and sees that his horse is still there. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY FOUR BRAVES and Cearakae have just come back from a raid bringing back various food goods and a locked trunk. After a series of attempts to open it, it finally spills open and clothes come out, along with some small personal items. An older Olive, who is working nearby, sees them. Olive is up an running towards the clothes. She’s almost there and Ohitia trips her as she runs by. She is sprawled only momentarily before crawling to the trunk amid many of the Mohaves. Olive snatches some clothing and tries for something else when a large FEMALE MOHAVE (Hepawai) shoves her backwards. They all laugh as Olive lies in the dirt, tightly gripping the clothes. She turns over and tries to stand when she is kicked by Ohitia. He stands over her, his eyes fixed narrowly on her, shows disgust and walks away. Hepawai watches Ohitia walk away and smiles. Olive takes because she the clothes Olive pulls lovingly.

the clothing up to Mary Ann who is crying is happy. Olive helps Mary Ann dress in that are made for a full grown woman. her dress on and feels the fabric

OLIVE (V.O.) The Mohave couldn’t understand our need for privacy, so they laughed. EXT. MOHAVE INDIAN CAMP - DAY Olive and Mary Ann are working in the river water with other INDIAN FEMALES, some slaves some not, but the fields are in horrible condition and the crops are almost non existent. Everyone looks hungry. Hepawai finds a large root and happily carries it over to Ohitia who is lounging nearby. He takes the root,

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grunts at Hepawai and cleans the root with his hand before taking a bite. OLIVE (V.O.) Though almost a year had passed, our conditions had not changed greatly. No attempt was made to control the water, so when the river receded, there was no crops or grain. MARY ANN Why don’t they care about eating? Olive stops her toiling and frowns at Mary Ann. OLIVE They care, just not enough to do anything about it. Mary Ann sighs and stops to rest, she is very thin and looks exhausted. MARY ANN We’re so far off the traveled road that we’ll never be found. OLIVE Don’t you dare talk like that! They will come, but we must be patient and do as we’re told so that when they do find us we’ll still be alive! Mary Ann sighs again and starts to work after Ohitia yells at her to do so. Olive turns and throws him a look of dislike and he turns his attention to her. He watches her with an expression of hatred and arousal. One of the Indian women ask the girls to sing. Olive declines. The Indian woman takes off some beads and hands them to her. MARY ANN Please Olive, it makes me feel better. And besides they’re offering a gift. OLIVE

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Then we will sing, not for the gift, but because is makes you feel better.

Olive hands Mary Ann the beads and she puts them on. They start to sing. EXT. LOS ANGELES, OLVERA STREET FOUNTAIN - DAY Lorenzo Oatman is standing near the fountain speaking with MR. ROWLIT. Lorenzo looks even older, and speaks with a voice full of frustration. Mr. Rowlit is impeccably dressed in a gentleman’s attire. LORENZO I am merely stating that a petition to Governor Johnson would not be in poor judgment! Your information regarding the whereabouts of my beloved sisters is all the proof I need for such an undertaking. MR. ROWLIT He may consider your request but it must be made within the legal parameters. I will draw up the petition and be the first to sign it. Then I must return to Fort Yuma on business. There has been another rumor of sightings by a railroad survey team to which I will investigate. LORENZO Sir, allow me to come with you, I could be of some service! MR. ROWLIT You would be of more service if you remain. I believe your emotions may be a bit too high to prove beneficial with those I must seek assistance from. LORENZO Mr. Rowlit, I cannot simply wait here and hope for word! Is there

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no where else to go, no one else to talk to?! MR. ROWLIT No Mr. Oatman, it would only serve to anger those in power if they felt you were being overly zealous. Let me be your diplomat and I will insure their safe return! Lorenzo pulls out his wallet and starts to retrieve some cash. MR. ROWLIT Please, Mr. Oatman, put your money away. I am not requesting payment. I merely heard the story and wanted to offer my assistance. Lorenzo is momentarily taken back by the offer of kindness. LORENZO Mr. Rowlit, I don’t know what to say. MR. ROWLIT You don’t have to say anything Mr. Oatman, just keep your faith in God. INT. MOHAVE CAMP - EVENING Mary Ann is laying in her bed, sweating, tossing and turning, with Olive tending to her. Their hut is open and a fire burns outside where Topeka and Aespaneo sit and wait. Olive is by her side. OLIVE (V.O.) A large percent of the Mohave tribe was suffering and dying from starvation. Mary Ann was now suffering with the rest of them. MARY ANN Olive, I shall die soon and you will live and get away. Father and mother have made it through their

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sufferings, and are now at rest; I shall soon be with them and our dear brothers and sisters! OLIVE Now hush sweet sister, no angel of death will come for you tonight. MARY ANN Please Olive, send me to Mama and Papa do not make me wait. I know I should not ask this of you, but you are my only hope of ending this suffering. Help me.. Olive looks away from her sister, tears stream down her face, she looks around the room. The hut lights up from a bolt of lightening and seconds later thunder is heard. Mary Ann starts to sing a hymn lowly. OLIVE (V.O.) Mary Ann had already suffered through several days and I was not strong enough to help my only living kin. How I loathed my weakness. The Mohave’s gather outside Olive’s and Mary Ann’s hut. OLIVE (OS) (Screaming) Mary Ann? Mary Ann!!?! The rain starts to come down outside. Olive gets up from where her sister lies dead and goes outside. She sees Topeka and her mother standing a few feet away and cannot say the words to tell them her sister has died. She can only shake her head. She raises her open palms towards the night sky and yells. OLIVE Why!?

Why?!!

Ohitia steps out of his hut and watches Olive. His expression is unfathomable. Olive turns towards Ohitia and then to the crowd in an accusatory manner, yelling.

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OLIVE You had no right to do this! You had no right.. She returns to her sister and lays down next to her, trying to comfort her, sobbing, touching her and trying to feel some sort of response. OLIVE (V.O.) The last of our family dead, and all of them by tortures inflicted by Indian savages. I went to her and tried to find remaining life, but no pulse, no breath was there. I asked myself why now, should I remain without any to care for me? Left unattended to suffer the same cruel neglect and murderous tortures of starvation? I vowed to sing no more. INT. THE CHIEF’S HUT - DAY The CHIEF ESPANIOLE is sitting and listening to Aespaneo while she fixes him something to eat. He is obviously as hungry as everyone else and is greatly anticipating the food being prepared. They are in the middle of a conversation. AESPANEO …I ask for her. Her request will not come. She has too much pride. Too much hate. ESPANIOLE Then how do you know this is what she wants? AESPANEO She has told me it is the way of her people. Aespaneo takes a little longer than necessary preparing the food. Espaniole gets impatient. ESPANIOLE Why is the food taking so long? AESPANEO

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(without looking at him) Because I am busy with worry for Aliutman. She is like a daughter to me, as was her sister. ESPANIOLE She can bury her sister in her place. I do not want her sister’s spirit keeping me awake at night! Now hurry with the food! Aespaneo smiles and places the food in front of him. She then leaves the tent and heads towards Olive’s hut.

EXT. OUTSIDE THE MOHAVE CAMP - DUSK Olive stands over a grave with a crudely assembled cross at the far end. The grave is in the garden where they toiled day after day. The sky is an angry red, the wind is whipping her hair across her face, and her tear stained cheeks are chapped. Her head is bent and she is staring at the ground. Aespaneo and Topeka stand behind her, a few steps back. OLIVE (V.O.) As I stood by the grave, the whole painful past seemed to rush across my mind. Ohitia stands behind Aespaneo and Topeka where he is unnoticed. INT. OLIVE’S HUT -DAY Olive is sitting, legs crossed, staring outside, it is gloomy outside and there is a fire burning not too far away. She is in need of a bath. A blanket that has long since fallen off, sits around her, her stare is unwavering. OLIVE (V.O.) All I could think about was that there was nothing left to live for. Aespaneo steps into the hut holding a small wooden bowl with steam pouring out of the top. She looks down at Olive and sees that Olive is not paying attention.

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She sets down next to Olive and spoons some of the hot mush to Olives mouth. Olive just sits. Ohitia walks by and witnesses the scene. He stops and then turns towards the hut, entering the doorway. OHITIA She does not eat? AESPANEO No Ohitia, I cannot make her eat. Ohitia steps forward and picks Olive up by the forearms. He glares into her eyes. OHITIA When you kill yourself we will not bury you Aliutman, you will burn! Olive’s eyes flicker with understanding but she says nothing. OHITIA Do you hear me!? OLIVE I care not. OHITIA Since you no longer care what happens I will ask Chief Espaniole for you! You can keep my hut, and if you don’t I will beat you, that will give you something to care about! Olive turns her head towards Aespaneo in fear. OLIVE I want to be with Mary Ann! I will not leave her! AESPANEO That is only for Espaniole to decide. I cannot decide for him. Ohitia lets go of Olive and walks out of her hut. Olive and Aespaneo watch as he walks away. Hepawai has

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heard what Ohitia yelled because she is standing outside of Olive’s hut. She runs after him.

HEPAWAI Why do you want her? She does not want you? OHITIA And I do not want you so why are you here? Hepawai stops walking and stands staring after him, a crushed expression on her face. She looks back towards Olive’s tent and her expression changes to hatred. EXT. OLIVE’S HUT Olive is working in the garden with her back towards everyone. She hears a commotion behind her and sees Ohitia followed by Aespaneo and Topeka heading towards her. Ohitia reaches her first and grabs her by the hair dragging her away from her hut. She is desperate to pull away. A crowd starts to gather. OHITIA It has been decided! You are to keep my hut! OLIVE Let me go!! I don’t want to! OHITIA It is not for you to decide! AESPANEO Let her go! She is no good to you if she waits for you to sleep! OLIVE I want to talk to Chief Espaniole! I will ask him to let things stay the way they are! OHITIA Chief Espaniole has decided, you have no say!

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Ohitia decides to stop pulling Olive and grabs her and throws her over his shoulder. She struggles harder. He starts walking to his hut. The women follow him, as does the crowd. TOPEKA It’s no use Aliutman, father has already decided. He will not change his mind. AESPANEO Ohitia will not hurt you. He knows you are favored by his chief. OLIVE What have I done? Aespaneo runs in front of Ohitia. When Topeka sees where she is going she runs after her. He stops still. She looks at him with a silent warning.

AESPANEO You will not hurt her. She is given to you but her life is not yours to take. OHITIA It’s not her life I want. INT. OHITIA’S HUT - EVENING Olive is fixing food over A small fire. There is a thunder storm starting outside. Thunder can be heard in the distance looming closer. Olive is sweating. Ohitia is watching Olive. He is also sweating.

OHITIA Why do the whites continue to come? Olive looks up at him. OLIVE To find happiness. Ohitia frowns at her. OHITIA

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They will not find happiness in a place where they are not wanted. They are not real and do not understand land or the animals as we do! Olive looks down, unwilling to show her expression. Ohitia sees this and puts his hand on her forearm. She does not look up. His expression becomes angry and he reaches up to pull her face towards his. OHITIA You do not agree? Olive’s eyes sparkle with hate. OLIVE I thought I could forgive and perhaps forget how my sister died, but I cannot! It is your people who killed her!

OHITIA (releases her) She would not be gone had she never come. A bright flash bounces around the walls of the hut and thunder follows it. Rain starts pounding outside. OHITIA She did not belong here! OLIVE Then why keep us here? You could have taken us back! She could have survived with our people! OHITIA It was not us who brought her here, it was the greed of your people! Olive decides she can stand no more and turns to leave. Ohitia moves around to the other side and catches her arm before she is outside.

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OHITIA Your people came to our land, they must live with our rules! You must live with our rules! You must learn to accept that you now belong here! OLIVE Your rules allow children to die! I don’t belong here, I belong with my people! Olive pulls her arm free and steps out into the wind driven dust. The dust is blowing so hard she cannot see five feet in front of her. She turns in the direction of her garden and starts to run blindly. Ohitia follows her to the grave of her sister. OHITIA Aliutman return now! Olive falls down in the sand next to the remnants of the makeshift cross that sits above Mary Ann. OLIVE No! Ohitia picks her up forcibly from the ground. tries to twist away.

Olive

OHITIA Accept things the way they are. Accept the fact that you will not be returning to your people! OLIVE No! I will never accept it! Ohitia losses his patience and picks her up as she is flailing and throws her over his shoulder. Tightening his grip until she moans loudly. OHITIA Then remain angry, I hate the weak! Ohitia carries her back to his hut. He puts her down and then pulls her towards him. She starts to pull back but is not allowed to do so.

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OHITIA This is your life now Aliutman! OLIVE I will leave! Whenever I can, I will leave! He puts his mouth on hers. She tries to pull away, he keeps her there until she gives up and no longer struggles. INT. LOS ANGELES, OLVERA STREET, HOTEL - DAY Lorenzo is in a hotel room laying on the bed, staring at the ceiling. His condition is poor. His room is littered with maps and papers. A letter is resting in each of his hands. We read: Executive Department Sacramento, California, January 29, 1856 Mr. Lorenzo D. Oatman, Sir, We do not have the means to assist you in your efforts to recover the captive, Miss Olive Oatman. It has been however my good fortune in knowing the expertise of a negotiator to the various tribes of Indians, a Yuma Indian named Francisco who is prepared to help you in the locating of your sisters.. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY Olive is working in the field, picking, when she gets tired and starts to head back to the hut.

OLIVE (V.O.) As I became more accustomed to the thought that maybe Mary Ann was right, and I would never leave the Mohaves, I learned to be a part of their family. I knew however that with some, I would never be accepted.

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Ohitia is watching Olive as she walks towards their hut. Hepawai watches as Olive walks past her and decides to trip Olive. Olive is watching Ohitia and hits the ground hard. Ohitia jumps up to help her. Olive gets up slowly. OLIVE (In Mohave) Are you so stupid that you cannot keep your feet out of the way? They start fighting with determination. Ohitia pulls them apart. OHITIA Why do you trip her? And why do you fight her when you are with child? Olive’s attention is caught. She looks at him in confusion. She thinks he must be talking about Hepawai. OLIVE Why do you say that? OHITIA Because you grow fat only in the stomach and your face has changed. HEPAWAI She is fat because she is lazy! OLIVE I didn’t know.. HEPAWAI She is fat, stupid and lazy! OLIVE I will show you how stupid I am when I let Espaniole know how you are speaking of Topeka with your nasty tongue! Hepawai snarls and walks away. Olive picks up her food. Ohitia tries to help. Olive starts to cry. Ohitia looks around for help to comfort Olive but finds none. INT. OHITIA’S AND OLIVE HUT - NIGHT

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Olive is brushing her hair with her back to Ohitia. He is watching her. He remembers something and gets up to get it from the corner of the hut. Ohitia moves to the bed and sits down next to Olive. He reaches out and lays the fur covered object in her lap. Olive looks at him, wondering what it is and then puts down her brush to open it. It is the tin type of her family. She is shocked at the gift and deeply touched by it. OLIVE Where did you get this? OHITIA The day we traded for you from the Yavapai, they gave it to me. They said they did not want your spirits left with them. OLIVE Thank you. OHITIA It is for you to be happy again. OLIVE It makes me very happy. I have been sad because I had forgotten their faces. OHITIA I hope for our child to ease your sadness. OLIVE Yes the child will make me feel better. Now I will have a family again. Ohitia pulls her towards him and kisses her. Olive smiles. Ohitia looks at her smile and is glad. They show affection for each other. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY

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Olive is standing as she works outside when she stops and stares ahead. Her belly is large. She grunts a little and rubs her belly. She goes back to work. A few minutes later she stops again. She looks around for Topeka. A large gush of water lands at her feet. She cries in alarm. She tries to start walking towards her hut but half way there she is hit with another contraction and stops. She is at her old place. She pulls the blanket from around her shoulders and puts it down on the ground not too far from Mary Ann’s grave. She calls out Topeka’s name. Topeka is at her hut and hears the faint cry. She starts to run towards the field and calls for Aespaneo as she runs. Aespaneo comes out of her hut and goes back in to grab some blankets and a basket. Topeka reaches Olive and sees she is in labor and cannot be moved. TOPEKA You will be OK, grab my hand! Mother is on her way. OLIVE Is this it? TOPEKA (smiles) Yes, I think so. I will have a nephew! OLIVE It hurts! Oh Mama! Aespaneo comes and starts to prepare. Others from the tribe come along with Ohitia, who chases them away. AESPANEO It will come soon. It gave no warning. TOPEKA Did you hear that Olive? That is very good!

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OLIVE (looking tired from the ordeal) I hope so. Ahhhh! Ohitia hears her scream and backs away. After a moment he decides he must know what is happening. He paces behind the women. Aespaneo and Topeka notice. OHITIA Our son is fighting to come out! OLIVE (Breathing very heavy) It hurts! AESPANEO (to Ohitia) If you are not helping you can leave! Ohitia grabs Olive’s hand and rubs her forehead not knowing how else to help. Aespaneo positions Olive’s legs and the blanket. Olive goes through another contraction and the baby’s head comes out. Aespaneo helps Olive deliver the baby. It’s a boy. Ohitia is handed the baby after Aespaneo cuts the cord. He is very happy. OHITIA Our son is strong! He will be a fine son! His name will be Cekae! Olive smiles and closes her eyes.

EXT. MOHAVE DESSERT - DAY Ohitia is walking along the Mohave River with his son. Olive follows, she is pregnant again. They continue to the sound of waterfalls. The child is put down and he runs to the water. OHITIA Be careful little man, the water is cold!

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Olive puts down the bag she has carried and pulls out some food and a skin to sit on. She looks on as Ohitia plays with their son. Suddenly Ohitia stops and whispers in his son’s ear. Olive watches and realizes too late what they were discussing. Ohitia leaves the boy and runs to Olive and picking her up, carries her to the water. She is laughing but telling him no. He carries her to the waterfall and lets the water come down on top of them. The little boy smiles as he watches his mother and father playing in the water. Hepawai walks by and hears the laughter and looks to see who it is. She frowns and walks away. INT. OHITIA’S HUT - EVENING The wind is howling outside. There is a small fire inside. Topeka, Aespaneo and Ohitia are gathered around Olive, she is delivering her second child. The labor is hard. Olive is in severe pain. OLIVE I can’t push any more! OHITIA You can’t stop, the baby is ready! OHITIA If you stop the baby will die! Keep pushing! Olive tries to push very hard. The baby finally comes out and the group is happy. Ohitia looks at Olive who is lying very still.

OHITIA It is a girl. Look Ali, it is your little girl baby. Olive does not respond. OHITIA She does nothing, what is wrong? AESPANEO

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She has had great strain, but she has not finished. She will die if she does not finish. TOPEKA Olive, wake up, you must push more, you must finish! Ohitia tries to shake her awake. It does not work. He then starts to slap her face gently but sees no response and slaps her harder. Olive wakes up and tries to understand what is happening. OHITIA Aliutman cannot leave! She has family now. She must take care of her family! Olive is helped to sit up and she tries to push again. It does not work, the afterbirth is still inside. Aespaneo decides to pull it out. It is painful and a large amount of blood comes out with it. Olive passes out. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY Ohitia is walking toward his hut. He goes inside. Olive is sitting up, holding her baby and smiling. Ohitia returns a smile. OHITIA Topeka has told me you have wakened. It has been ten days. I was afraid you would leave our family. OLIVE I would not leave my family. Not my little baby girl. I want to name her Mary Ann. OHITIA It is not Mohave, but we have come to know it. It is a good name. EXT. DOWN RIVER OF THE MOHAVE CAMP - DAY Olive is picking through the tall, dense reeds at the river's edge, carrying her baby girl on her hip. The river is flowing swiftly not more than three feet from

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her. She is humming softly to herself and pulling plants out of the water with one hand. She tugs one but it will not come free. She sets the little girl down on the sand and then tries to pull the plant with both hands. Suddenly she is hit over the head with a rock from behind and falls onto the sand next to her little girl. Hepawai squats down at the river's edge upon hearing voices. She looks upstream to see TWO WHITE MEN in a small canoe only a few feet away. WHITE MAN 1 For Pete’s sake, keep quiet! We ain’t gonna find no squaw if yous can’t be quiet. WHITE MAN 2 (Holding a rifle) I shoulda never let you talk me into this! We jus saw smoke from somethin that ain’t no cavalry fort! They’re probably jus waiten for us to let our guard down. They’re probably skulkin behind them reeds right now! WHITE MAN 1 Jeezes Pete! Your imagination is getting the best of ya! I told ya, Becker said the females come down here alone all the time! Were jes gonna grab one and then take her down river to sell. It ain’t that hard! Hepawai tries to move into a denser area and makes a noise as she moves back from the water. The little girl starts to whimper. White man 1 turns and see Hepawai. He lunges at her as she tries to flee but he knocks her down and she has the wind knocked out of her. He pulls his knife and puts it at her throat. WHITE MAN 2 You got her! Holy crap, there’s another one on the ground! And a baby!

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WHITE MAN 1 Well git out and take a look we might have two and a brat ta boot! WHITE MAN 2 Hell she looks dead!, This un musta killed her! Look at that baby! It’s got blue eyes! WHITE MAN 1 Don’t worry about it’s eyes, it’s dark enough. Grab it and git in the boat! White man 1 drags Hepawai in the boat. White man 2 grabs the little girl and puts her in the boat and climbs in. He picks up an oar and shoves off from the reeds. They get out to the rivers current and start moving fast. Hepawai sees the land go by and starts to struggle. She bites his hand and starts to scream, he screams, but then grabs her hair and pulls her head back and cuts her throat. WHITE MAN 2 Mary Jesus! Why’d ya hafta go do that! WHITE MAN 1 She bit me! WHITE MAN 2 She’s bleedin all over! Throw her out! White man 1 dumps her body out of the boat. They continue on with just the little girl. INT. OHITIA’S HUT - EVENING Ohitia is sitting with Olive as she finally rouses herself out of a deep sleep. Her eyes open and she sees Ohitia. He has great concern on his face. OLIVE What happened? Where is Mary Ann? Ohitia doesn’t know how to answer. OLIVE

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(Looks around anxiously.) Where is Mary Ann? OHITIA (His eyes fill with tears) She is gone. We could not find her. OLIVE What? Ohitia reaches to Olive and holds her. OHITIA We found you by the river and we found Hepawai, but she was dead. Mary Ann was gone. OLIVE (She gets frantic) Gone? How? I have to find her! Olive struggles to get up but her head throbs so badly she passes out again INT. OHITIA’S HUT - EVENING Olive watches Ohitia and their little boy sleep while lying on her side. The little boy has his leg draped over his father’s stomach. She closes her eyes and rolls onto her back, staring at the ceiling. A tear rolls down her cheek. Ohitia wakes and turns toward her. OHITIA Ali, I will leave in the morning and take Cekae to look for Mary Ann. We will look for her among the whites. We will not return until I know what has happened to Mary Ann. EXT. ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER – EVENING There is a bad storm. Ohitia is trying to protect Cekae who is scared but only whimpers. Through the storm Ohitia hears something unusual. He realizes too late that is is a flash flood from the rain. He picks up Cekae and starts to run to higher ground. The wall

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of water knocks him down and carries them both into the river. EXT. COLORADO RIVER – EVENING Ohitia is fighting to keep from being pulled under while holding onto to Cekae. Finally the water pushes him towards the shore. He checks Cekae and then climbes up onto some large rocks. He finds some shelter and sits with Cekae in hid lap. They watch the rain swollen river. EXT. MOHAVE DESERT – DAY Ohitia and Cekae are foraging for food when a GROUP OF YAVAPAI on horses come upon them. The Yavapai are all young and very dark.. The Yavapai LEADER moves closer towards them. Ohitia stands in front of Cekae. OHITIA (in Spanish) We are looking for my daughter. I believe she was taken by the whites. LEADER (in Yavapai) We have seen no whites. OHITIA (in Spanish) I don’t understand the Yavapai tongue. Do you speak Spanish? Another Yavapai INDIAN moves closer to the leader. INDIAN (in Yavapai) They will be useful at camp.

LEADER (in spanish) We found her and she is in our camp. Ohitia is surprised, then happy.

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OHITIA I will come! LEADER It is two days walk. OHITIA We will come.

EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY Olive is working outside the door of the Chief’s hut. The weather isn’t much better. Cearakae walks up to Olive holding some items. He is very upset. CEARAKAE Ohitia’s and Cekae’s things have come home without them! Olive inspects them frantically. She starts to cry. The items belonged to Ohitia and Cekae. OLIVE Nooo! She gets up and starts to walk towards the garden but falls down after only two steps. Cearakae moves to help her. Aespaneo and Topeka show up and follows Cearakae as he carries her to Ohitia’s hut. INT. OHITIA’S HUT – DAY Olive is lying in bed staring at the ceiling. A bright light appears from the doorway as Topeka enters. Olive continues to stare and Topeka sits next to her. TOPEKA When is Ali coming out? Olive does not respond. Topeka gets upset. She starts to cry. TOPEKA You had Mary Ann and I had no sister until you shared her with me. You had Ohitia. I have no man to love. You had babies to love

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and I had none till you shared them with me. Topeka looks for a response and sees none. TOPEKA Now they are all gone. If you go I will have no Ali. Please stay with us. A tear rolls down Olives cheek and she turns away from Topeka. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - DAY Olive is working outside the door of the Chief’s hut. A MOHAVE BOY runs up to Olive. MOHAVE BOY There is Yumas coming! They speak your name Aliutman! They are coming for you! The Mohave Boy indicates the direction they are coming from. Espaniole comes out from his hut to hear the news and soon another CROWD develops. Chief Espaniole then starts to head towards the council hut. THREE YUMA INDIANS enter the camp. They are watched suspiciously. The crowd is sullen and say “Degee, degee, ontoa, ontoa”, “I don’t care for the captive”; and others are angry and advise him to leave. One YUMA INDIAN, FRANCISCO enters the council hut. He does not see Olive, but she watches as he enters the hut. INT. MOHAVE TRIBE COUNCIL - DAY The Mohave Council, Chief Espaniole, and Francisco are arguing, Francisco is waving an envelope at them. ESPANIOLE I am tired. We will talk tomorrow.

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Francisco heads out of the council, across the camp and across the river with his two Yuma companions. Olive peeks out from the hut, between the sticks and watches as they leave. EXT. MOHAVE DESERT - EVENING The Yumas are sitting around a fire. Francisco gets up, agitated. He turns away and then back towards his companions. FRANCISCO (In Spanish) We do not want to be between the whites and the Mohave’s. But unless we bring back the whites I fear we will! The two companions nod. EXT. MOHAVE CAMP - MORNING Francisco enters the camp, once again carrying the letter he had brought earlier. As he heads towards the Chief’s hut he looks around for any sign of white women. Olive is watching Francisco, digging roots with Topeka. Francisco enters the council hut and surveys the Chief and the MOHAVE COUNCIL. FRANCISCO I bring an offer of trade from the whites for the white women. They offer a horse, some blankets and beads. ESPANIOLE There is only one white woman. FRANCISCO I was told there were two. ESPANIOLE One has died. FRANCISCO They will trade for one.

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ESPANIOLE The same trade?

FRANCISCO Yes. ESPANIOLE That is a good trade but I think she will not go. FRANCISCO She must tell me that or the whites will still come. ESPANIOLE (to a councilman) Bring her here. INT. OLIVE’S HUT Topeka and Aespaneo sit with Olive. OLIVE I want to stay but the whites will come and get me now. TOPEKA Ali could hide. OLIVE They could come and look for me. TOPEKA I will not let them find you! AESPANEO It is not for you both to say. Espaniole will decided what is to be done. He will know what is best. The councilman calls (OS) from outside. Olive turns to Topeka. OLIVE I must go. TOPEKA

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You are my sister Ali. They stand and Olive hugs Topeka who is not familiar with the gesture. She looks confused and then is happy. Olive steps out of the hut. INT. MOHAVE TRIBAL COUNCIL - DAY The council and Francisco go quiet as Olive is brought in. Her eyes give away nothing as she looks at Francisco. She looks around the room at the faces. She looks at the hut and it’s contents. She feels the pressure of having to make a major decision. She can no longer wait to speak and turns to Francisco. OLIVE I am the one you seek. They have told me to tell you I do not want to leave, but I can not. The council remains quiet. Francisco is surprised by her appearance. He turns to Espaniole and the Council. FRANCISCO I am not here to steal but to trade. This slave for your tribe, a horse, some blankets and beads. That is the offer they have made! You must make the decision soon! The Council starts to discuss the statement among themselves. Olive is not paying attention to anything but the letter Francisco is holding. OLIVE May I see the letter? Francisco hands it to her and she carefully opens the envelope and pulls out the letter. We read:

To whomsoever may receive this, Francisco, a Yuma Indian, bearer of this letter, goes to the Mohave Nation to obtain a white woman there, named Olivia Oatman. It is desirable she should come to this

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post or send her reasons why she does not wish to come. Martin Burke, Lieutenant Colonel, Commanding. Headquarters, Fort Yuma, California, 27th, January 1856. The council sees Olive reading the note. She looks up and stares at nothing in particular. (OS) We hear Espaniole demanding to know the contents of the letter. DISSOLVE TO: Olive’s life in Illinois. DISSOLVE TO: Olive standing in the middle of the council. She is startled at the yelling going on around her. Olive looks toward Francisco. OLIVE It is from the commander at Fort Yuma. He wants me taken there or he will send many men with guns. Francisco looks at Olive and tries to cover his surprise. FRANCISCO They have said that war with the Mohave’s is not wanted, but if the woman is not returned it will happen! Upon this the council erupts once more. Francisco remains calm and determined. He looks sideways at Olive. OLIVE (V.O.) I was tired of having to face the harshness of Indian life and made the decision to go home. Espaniole motions for Olive to be removed. The arguments of the council continue. INT. OLIVES HUT- DAY

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Olive is once again working out in the field when Topeka runs out to her. She is crying. CUT TO: Olive and Topeka walk to the council chambers where they meet Francisco and Chief Espaniole. ESPANIOLE We have decided that we do not want war with the whites. You will be sent back with the Yuma and my daughter. FRANCISCO You are a very wise chief and you will have the horse, blankets and beads upon her delivery. Olive is stunned. Topeka leads her back out of the council hut. TOPEKA I will miss you as the sister I did not have and the one you have lost. Olive moves her attention to the garden where her sister lies. She leaves Topeka and walks to her garden, to Mary Ann’s grave. She starts to cry. EXT. FORT YUMA – DAY Olive and the rest of the group come around a small hill within site of the Fort. As they move towards it a guard on duty stops pacing the catwalk to stare at the women. Olive looks up and realizes what he is looking at and stops. OLIVE I cannot go in there. FRANCISCO Why? OLIVE (Touching her chin)

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I cannot go in like this! I am ashamed! Please help me! FRANCISCO (To one of his cousins) Go first and request the help of Mrs. Phillips. She will understand and know what to do!

EXT. MONTE CA. (MONTEREY?) - DAY Lorenzo is working hard on a fallen tree. He is skinning it. He stops to wipe the sweat from his brow and looks around at the beauty he sees. He hears a noise and turns to see a horse galloping towards him. It comes up, stops and MR. LOW, Lorenzo’s boss jumps down and hands Lorenzo a newspaper. He reads one article. LORENZO Can it possibly be true Mr. Low? MR. LOW It has been verified that she is there! He remembers something and takes off his hat. MR. LOW I’m afraid Mary Ann was consumed by hunger Mr. Oatman. Lorenzo winces as if in pain. LORENZO Olive was alone? Mr. Low puts his hat back on and then gets up on his horse. He pulls Lorenzo up onto his horse and they ride away. INT. FORT YUMA, OFFICERS QUARTERS - MORNING Olive is sleeping in a bed, but is tossing in her sleep. She wakes up screaming and calling for Topeka. MRS. SARAH BOWMAN PHILLIPS (a well endowed woman with

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blond hair and a dark mole on her upper lip) comes running in and tries to calm her. MRS. PHILLIPS Hush now, you just lay back down. It’s gonna be alright, your safe. Mrs. Phillips rocks her back to sleep and then gets up and returns to the other room. CAPTAIN BURKE, a dark hair man with a beard and mustache, in his late fifties, is sitting at her table and she joins him. MRS. PHILLIPS Do you think she understood that her brother is on his way here? CAPTAIN BURKE I greatly doubt whether her faculties have allowed her a clear understanding. MRS. PHILLIPS I can’t even for a moment think about what that poor girl has been through. CAPTAIN BURKE Nor what she will have to endure for the rest of her life. EXT. FORT YUMA - DAY Olive and Topeka are conversing alone. Topeka is packed and ready to leave. OLIVE It is good we have a chance to say good-bye. My heart feels sad for the land that will separate us. TOPEKA I will not forget what you have told us and make you proud of my promise. You will always be my sister and I will think of you that way when I follow my promise. OLIVE

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It is good that way. Please say good-bye to your mother and father as I did not have that time. Francisco walks up and tells Topeka it is time to leave. They all start to walk towards the horses. Coming towards them on horseback is Lorenzo and Mr. Low. Lorenzo pulls up and stares at Olive, who does not immediately recognize him. LORENZO Olivia? Olive says nothing and backs away as if she is seeing a ghost. LORENZO Olivia it’s me, Lorenzo. Please don’t be afraid. Still she is unable to speak. Her eyes fill with tears. OLIVE Brother? They both take a step forward and then they are hugging. LORENZO Oh God girl, I almost gave up hoping. OLIVE (sobbing) Mary Ann is dead. I couldn’t help her. LORENZO It’s alright, I know you tried. He caresses her chin, her cheek and her hair lovingly. A GROUP OF SOLDIERS AND FAMILIES have gathered. They have been affected emotionally. Topeka wipes her tears and turns away. Francisco shifts uncomfortably. FRANCISCO

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(in Spanish to Topeka) It is time to leave. LORENZO I’m sorry, are you Francisco? Francisco nods affirmatively. LORENZO How can I thank you for what you have done? FRANCISCO I did it to keep peace, but you are welcome. LORENZO Please wait. I’d like to give you both something. He turns back to his horse and digs through his saddle bags. He pulls out two jars of preserves, a buck knife and some beads. He walks back and hands one jar and the knife to Francisco. LORENZO I wish it were more. FRANCISCO It was more than was expected. Lorenzo turns to Topeka and hands her the other jar and the beads. LORENZO Thank you, more than I can say. Topeka smiles at him and then turns to Olive. TOPEKA (in Mohave) Aliutman has nice brother. Francisco and Topeka turn to begin the walk home. Olive is still holding onto Lorenzo, crying. FADE OUT FADE IN

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EXT. SAN FRANCISCO BAY - DAY SUPER:

SAN FRANCISCO – NINE MONTHS LATER

Lorenzo and Olive are disembarking from an ocean liner. Olive is completely covered in black. Lorenzo holds his sisters hand. Everyone stares at the young woman covered in a dark veil who walks proudly to a nearby Hackney. The carriage door opens and a young man(HARVEY) steps out. LORENZO Olive, this is cousin Harvey whom I spoke to you about earlier. Lorenzo lifts Olive’s hand and delicately places it in Harvey’s open hand. He leans forward and kisses the glove lightly. HARVEY May I assist you into the carriage? Olive looks towards Lorenzo for assurance. LORENZO (Smiles) Darling, it’s all right, he is merely showing us he has manners. Lorenzo, Olive and their cousin HARVEY get into the carriage. The trio are silent. Harvey looks at Olive. It is tense. Olive turns to look out the window to watch all the traffic and tall buildings. HARVEY I’ve told the Hotel Manager what he can expect and have informed him that under no circumstances does anyone get in to see Miss Olive. LORENZO I appreciate your help cousin, and please do not make our presence known to anyone. I’m afraid by the small amount of attention we have seen so far, it would become a circus.

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EXT., SAN FRANCISCO, THE FRONT OF THE OLD HOTEL - DAY Harvey escorts them into their hotel. Olives sees everyone staring at her. They go up to their rooms and Lorenzo and Olive leave Harvey in their sitting parlor. Lorenzo re-enters, and his cousin Harvey stands. HARVEY What are you going to do now? LORENZO As you are aware my finances will not allow us to move up in standing but will definitely aid in moving us down should I not have the opportunity to increase my purse. The blasted part is my fear of leaving dear Olivia alone, even for a day! HARVEY Maybe some form of occupation could be obtained that would allow you to be near her. LORENZO What do you mean? HARVEY She will need of course an executor of her affairs, primarily her publication into the history books.. LORENZO Are you talking about sensationalizing her trauma? HARVEY My dear Lorenzo, of course not! I am merely stating that her experience should be made part of our history and to do that her story must be published. And who better to pay than one of the largest publishing houses this side of the Missouri River?

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LORENZO And pray dear cousin whom might that be? HARVEY Coleman, Huff and Portland. Their headquarters are in New York but they have a large office right here in San Francisco. If you like I could make the call? LORENZO I want this handled as discreetly as possible you understand? She cannot stand large amounts of curiosity. HARVEY I understand completely. INT. LORENZO’S HOTEL ROOM - DAY The REVEREND ROYAL B. STRATTON is waiting in the sitting room for Lorenzo. Lorenzo enters from Olive’s suite, and quietly shuts the door. LORENZO Reverend Stratton, I’m so pleased to meet you, thank you for meeting me here. STRATTON I understand Sir, and I have been apprised of the details. But I first must ask, have you given any thought to the standing of her morality through all this? LORENZO Sir, I am unclear as to your point. Could you please rephrase your question? STRATTON Was she in fact molested by those savages? LORENZO

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Good God sir! I will not entertain any questions of that nature regarding the virtue of my young and innocent sister! STRATTON I am extremely sorry for that Mr. Oatman, but what I am trying to get at is that everyone will undoubtedly be asking themselves that same question. Why not state for the record that her virtue went untouched and clear the path of any further questions? Lorenzo takes his time thinking about this. STRATTON If you cannot do so I’m afraid that my employer will not wish to publish this story. There is also the matter of how your answer will affect her future. LORENZO What are you trying to say? STRATTON I do not mean to be indelicate but no man will want a bride with that sort of past, unless he can be assured of some measure of modesty. Lorenzo is extremely agitated. LORENZO I am of course in agreement. But, I have not been able to ascertain exactly what Olivia has endured. STRATTON Quite right. When will you be able to verify her innocence? LORENZO I will speak to her immediately. STRATTON

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She has inexplicably been drawn into a historic event that will not, and should not be forgotten. Coleman, Huff and Portland will not however be connected with a woman whose morals are questioned. A faint crying is emanating from the room where Olive rests. Lorenzo excuses himself and goes to her. LORENZO Olivia, what is wrong? Olive looks up to see who is speaking. Her face shows pain and uncertainty. She doesn’t know what to say and remains quiet. She wears no veil in private. LORENZO Olivia you are safe, please do not fret! Tell me what I can do, I am your brother, I will help you. I will understand! She searches his eyes. OLIVE (she looks down) I am afraid of disappointing you.. LORENZO Of what? Oh my darling, how could you possibly disappoint me? It is I who should be worried about disappointing you. My efforts took so much time! He gets up and walks from the bed to the small fireplace. Lorenzo is finding difficulty speaking, his throat is constricting. He turns to face his sister, tears are once again in his eyes. LORENZO I am haunted every evening when I close my eyes by that damnable day. I was helpless as a babe and of no use to you or Mary Ann.

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Olive stands from the bed and walks toward him. They embrace. OLIVE I had a family with a Mohave brave named Ohitia. We were not married. I was made his slave at first but I came to love him and bear his children. They are gone now.. LORENZO Darling, tell me and unburden your heart, but when we are finished you must not repeat this to anyone. Do you understand? OLIVE Yes. INT. HOTEL LOBBY - DAY The Reverend Stratton is sitting across a settee from Olive and her brother. A clock is heard. Olive is wearing her black dress and veil. STRATTON Miss Oatman, may I begin with my sincere admiration for your determination in surviving despite those retched savages. OLIVE If it were not for the help of the Mohaves I would not be here Reverend Stratton. STRATTON Yes, but they did kill your family which is how you came to be with them. OLIVE The tribe that killed my family were not Mohave Reverend Stratton. STRATTON (Confused) Then who killed your family Miss Oatman?

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OLIVE They were Indians, we just don’t know which tribe. Mary Ann and I were traded to the Mohave after our capture. STRATTON Miss Oatman, were you ever molested by the Indians? OLIVE I am sorry but I don’t understand your words. Lorenzo looks at Olive. LORENZO What Reverend Stratton is trying to say Olive is were you ever touched in a personal manner by the Indians? OLIVE Yes. STRATTON In what manner? OLIVE They marked my face. STRATTON For what purpose? OLIVE To humiliate me and to keep me from wanting to return to my people. STRATTON I see. No other molestation took place? OLIVE No, sir. STRATTON

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Well then, lets get started making plans for Olive’s reintroduction to polite society shall we?

INT. THE HOME OF REVERAND STRATTON - EVENING The table is very long, the GUESTS are affluent and well dressed, Olive is the honoree. She wears ivory with a lace adorned veil. Her host and her brother are also dressed in formal dinner attire. In the corner a string quartet plays music. At the other end of the table JOHN FAIRCHILD sits and watches. He is tall and ruggedly handsome. The guests talk amongst themselves.

MISS CORTLAND (a heavy made-up and powdered young black-haired female) How ever did you manage to survive those horrendous savages Miss Oatman? STRATTON Why Miss Cortland, are you telling me you haven’t read the book? Everyone laughs. STRATTON We wouldn’t want to ruin the plot for you so I’ll just say they were no match for Miss Oatman’s shrewd survival skills. MRS. FARNSDALE, a matron with silver hair and a heavy frame leans toward her dinner companion, MR. SCOTT, an elderly man. MRS. FARNSDALE I heard she had to live among them for ten years, it’s amazing she can even remember how to talk.

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MR. SCOTT I heard that when they found her she could only speak Apache. MISS AUSTIN a young woman at the other end of the table speaks to MISS BLACKWELL, a middle-aged woman. MISS AUSTIN I heard she became angry in public at her poor brother and removed her veil. Why it must have been simply hideous! MISS CARLISE, in her early twenties speaks behind her gloved hand to MR. FAIRCHILD, a thirty-something man sitting at the farthest end of the table. MISS CARLISLE I would have stayed rather than endure the humiliation of having the whole world know you were living with those heathens. Olive leans toward her brother and whispers to him. OLIVE Will we be able to leave soon Lorenzo? Lorenzo, half intoxicated, eyes Miss Cortland who sits across the table from him. LORENZO So soon? I was just starting to have a pleasant evening. OLIVE (Stands up) I will adjourn to the verandah for some fresh air. Reverend Stratton is concerned. STRATTON Don’t you think you should accompany your sister Mr. Oatman? LORENZO She just wants some fresh air, she’ll be fine.

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The chair at the opposite end of the table is empty as well. EXT. THE VERANDAH AT STRATTON’S HOME - EVENING Olive is standing up against the wall, in the shadows. She looks down and sees a pond with swans in it. She leans out over the balcony and closes her eyes and sighs deeply. JOHN FAIRCHILD (OS) There is no comparison. Olive turns to see who is speaking. OLIVE That I’m afraid, would depend on what you are comparing sir. JOHN FAIRCHILD Your beauty and that of the swan. OLIVE I am no swan sir. In fact I am rather plain. Truth be said, you have been misled by a piece of lace. She starts to walk past him. He reaches out. She is surprised. OLIVE Please, let go of me. JOHN FAIRCHILD I do not mean to frighten you but merely to keep you from flying away. OLIVE Sir, I have no intention of flying, when merely walking will suffice. He releases her but blocks her exit. towards the balcony. JOHN FAIRCHILD

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She turns back

What were you remembering Miss Oatman? Olive grips the balcony as he steps up close behind her. JOHN FAIRCHILD If my questions are direct, I fear my experiences with the Indians have aided in contributing to that. OLIVE (To herself and him) I was considering the differences. Here the warm evening is oppressing with its moisture and thick fragrances. I came to appreciate the dry, clean smell of the desert. It wrapped you but did not smother you. JOHN FAIRCHILD It is hard to ignore the beauty of the desert despite varying circumstances. Olive stiffens and steps away towards the door. OLIVE It is the circumstances sir, that make one appreciate the beauty. Good evening. FAIRCHILD turns and reaches the door before her. She looks up at him. JOHN FAIRCHILD Touché. She is wise and beautiful! Until next time? OLIVE (anxious to be gone) If that should come to pass. He laughs. She leaves. INT. METROPOLITAN HOTEL - MONTHS LATER

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Olive is walking with her brother, John Fairchild and Reverend Stratton through the foyer when she stops dead in her tracks. It is CEARAKAE and his son OHITIA. They see her and walk with their GROUP towards her. Her legs become weak. She is in shock. Ohitia’s face is filled with contempt. OLIVE Cearakae, Ohitia! OHITIA (Proudly) It is Chief Cearakae. OLIVE (to Ohitia) But how? When? LORENZO Olivia, aren’t you going to introduce us? OLIVE Chief Cearakae, Ohitia, this is my brother Lorenzo, Mr. John Fairchild and Reverend Stratton. OHITIA Your brother is dead. OLIVE I thought he was dead. He lived. But what of Chief Espaniole? CEARAKAE There was a bad happening with my brother. He died in a war against the Cochopas. OLIVE And Aespaneo and Topeka? LORENZO Olive! Must we speak with them?! Especially here?! Ohitia turns his glare to Lorenzo. OLIVE

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Lorenzo! I would like to speak with Ohitia and Chief Cearakae to ease my concern over Topeka and her mother’s welfare! OHITIA They are well without their white friend!

Ohitia! you from whites. hate, so yours?

CHIEF CEARAKAE Your heart is what keeps making peace with the Aliutman shows you no why must you show her

LORENZO Because she left! Ohitia takes a menacing step towards him but turns toward Olive and pulls the veil off her face. OHITIA She is no better here than she was with my people! Her clothes and her hut do not make her better than she was. But it was good that she left! We did not need her! LORENZO Then why did you keep her?! OHITIA She was wanted by Chief Espaniole’s wife. She was not wanted by the others of my tribe! Olive is hurt by Ohitia’s rebuke and it shows in her voice. OLIVE Chief Cearakae please tell me of Aespaneo and Topeka. CHIEF CEARAKAE Aespaneo is well and speaks of Aliutman with fondness. Topeka has remained alone and wonders

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when you will tire of your white friends and return to her. OHITIA She does not have a man to keep her. She would not care about you if she did! LORENZO Now that is just about enough insults from you! OLIVE Chief Cearakae please tell Topeka and Aespaneo that I have family I want to be with, but I will think of them often as part of my family. OHITIA You are not family to my people! You would not have left if it were so! CHIEF CEARAKAE Your tongue wags without fear, hold it before we meet with a bad happening! Come we go to our hut. LORENZO (As they walk away) They’re staying here?! Olive puts her veil back on. EXT. METROPOLITAN HOTEL - EVENING Ohitia is on the ledge outside of Olive’s room. The window is open and Ohitia enters. Olive is sitting at a desk, writing. She hears a rustling and turns. Before she can make a sound he covers her mouth. OHITIA Do not scream, I will not hurt you OLIVE I know.

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They embrace and kiss passionately. OLIVE How are you here? What of Cekae? OHITIA Your son is fine and strong. He misses his mother. OLIVE They said you were dead. OHITIA Only when I had found you left! OLIVE I would have stayed if you were still alive! OHITIA You did not wait long enough to find out! OLIVE I couldn’t wait any longer. I couldn’t stand it without you..

There is a knock on her door. They both freeze.

LORENZO (OS) Darling, Olivia, is everything OK? I thought I heard voices. I need to speak with you. Can you come out to the parlor? Olive motions to Ohitia to remain quiet. LORENZO Olive are you coming? OLIVE It’s all right Lorenzo, I’m fine! I’ll be right there! Olive retrieves her dressing gown with the veil and motions to Ohitia to remain as she goes into the sitting parlor.

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OLIVE Everything is fine Lorenzo, what do you want to talk to me about? LORENZO Mr. Fairchild has asked for an engagement announcement and I agreed. OLIVE What do you mean you agreed? LORENZO As the only living male in the family he had to get my permission. OLIVE But I hardly know Mr. Fairchild! LORENZO You seemed disposed towards him earlier. OLIVE I was only being cordial. He is a nice man, but I just don’t know him. There is a light knock on the opposite parlor door and John Fairchild enters. Olive looks at Lorenzo. LORENZO He asked if he could propose the engagement this evening while we were at the lounge and I told him if he felt that strongly he should ask right away. OLIVE Mr. Fairchild, It’s such a kind offer, but I’m still trying to sort out my situation. FAIRCHILD Why of course Miss Olive, it wasn’t very gracious of us springing this on you like this

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but I was very happy when your brother indicated his positive feelings towards the proposal. We’ll let you get some sleep now. Just think about it and we’ll discuss it in the morning. OLIVE Thank you Mr. Fairchild. Olive turns and goes back into her room. Ohitia is sitting in the corner with a scowl on his face. OLIVE Please don’t say anything till they’re gone. I’ll explain, just wait. Ohitia embraces her, looks at her face and removes her veil. Then he kisses her. We hear Lorenzo and Mr. Fairchild leave the parlor. OLIVE (Whispering) I don’t want to marry him, I want to go with you! OHITIA We must leave tonight! I must go tell father we are leaving. I will come for you before the morning. OLIVE Yes. They kiss and he leaves through the window. EXT. METROPOLITAN HOTEL – EVENING Lorenzo is standing on his balcony, smiling to himself as he smokes a cigarette when he sees Ohitia coming out of Olives hotel room window. He is shocked as watches which room Ohitia returns to. INT. HALLWAY IN THE ASTORIA – EVENING There is a group of men walking down the hallway, proceeded by a flustered concierge who is searching for a key. He is directed to a room and obligingly

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opens the door. They draw their weapons and go into the room where Ohitia and his father are standing. LORENZO She will not be a slave to the race that killed our family! (to the man next to him)Gag them and bag them!

The men standing behind the Indians strike them from behind and they crumple forward. INT. ROCHESTER THEATER OF PERFORMING ARTS - MONTHS LATER Olive is preparing before her lecture. She is very sad. OLIVE (V.O.) Several months had gone by since that night in the hotel and once the hurt left that I would never know what became of Ohitia, only the dull ache of loneliness and the pain of loss remained.

There is a knock on the door. Before she has a chance to answer, her brother calls out. LORENZO It is your brother, can I come in? OLIVE Yes Lorenzo, please do so! Lorenzo enters and shuts the door behind him. He looks towards the large bouquet of white roses. LORENZO Mr. Fairchild again? OLIVE (Smiling) Yes He walks towards her and places his hands on her shoulders before kissing her head.

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LORENZO How are you feeling my sweet sister? OLIVE Nervous, but otherwise not troublesome. LORENZO Darling, you seem downhearted, what could be troubling you? Is it this, your first lecture? Where is your veil? She looks at him through the reflection of the vanity mirror. OLIVE I have decided not to wear it. LORENZO (Shocked) Olivia! You can’t be serious, don’t you think it may cause some distress for the young ladies in the audience? OLIVE Isn’t that why they’re really here? To see what an Indian’s slave looks like? LORENZO Now you know that isn’t true! They heard about how you were brave enough to escape and they want to hear about your courage! OLIVE It doesn’t take courage to do what I did. Do you think that the book is the only reason why I wanted to lecture Lorenzo? LORENZO Isn’t it? OLIVE

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No Lorenzo, the book is the least of my concerns. LORENZO Then what is it my Darling? OLIVE It’s the war between the whites and Indians. It’s losing two families in one lifetime. I listen and am afraid. I know I will never see the Mohave again, but I fear for their existence. I don’t want them to perish with indifference on my part. They kept me alive! I will sensationalize Reverend Stratton’s version of my story if it will get people to come and listen, and when they are listening, I will include my feelings on the subject! LORENZO You can’t change everyone’s feelings Olive. OLIVE But I can one room at a time, without hiding. Lorenzo is surprised by her statement. LORENZO But how will you tell them? Who will care or listen? OLIVE I’m not sure, but I’m hoping someone in the audience will be from the Bureau of Indian Affairs or maybe even a captain in the Calvary who might not be so quick to take an Indian life. There’s a knock on her door. Through the door someone bids her to take her place on stage.

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Olive gets up and walks past her brother to the stage. We follow her as she walks on. The room is full. Olive is sits on an ornate chair without armrests, facing a GROUP of about one hundred and fifty OLIVE I’m sure many of you are familiar with my account. What I am sure you are not aware of is my recent encounter with the New Mohave Chief and his son. Last week, I learned that a delegation of Mohaves, accompanied by Captain Moss, had arrived in New York City, having come to negotiate with this Government for certain measures relating to the tribe. Among the number was the chief. I received an interview with him and found it was not the same Chief that reigned when I was among them, but his brother Cearakae. It was a singular coincidence that after the lapse of eight years the Mohave Chief and the former captive should again meet; not among the mountain solitude of the Pacific slope, but in the metropolis of the highest civilization, not in the wigwam, but in the beautifully adorned reception room at the Metropolitan Hotel. There are those who would dismiss all Indians as savages and feel no loss upon their extinction, but they are a group driven by superstition first, suspicion second and hate lastly. There are those who will kill without remorse or questions but there are also those who do not willingly chose to take lives. Let us remember this in our assessment of

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them and our judgment on their future. In the back row, JOHN FAIRCHILD sits quietly, watching and listening. The crowd, realizing she is momentarily finished, stands up and applauds. The screen fades to black. INT. OLIVES HOME - DAY Olive is wearing a veil again, only this time it is a wedding veil. She contemplates herself in the mirror. The halls are decorated profusely with flowers and ribbons. Downstairs in the vestibule is John Fairchild, speaking to his young, MALE ASSISTANT. JOHN FAIRCHILD Have the arrangements been made for our travels? ASSISTANT Yes Mr. Fairchild. JOHN FAIRCHILD And the other arrangements? ASSISTANT The publisher has been contacted and the purchase has been made. All subsequent copies of the book will be sent to your warehouse in Texas. He turns to face a mirror and straightens his tie. JOHN FAIRCHILD Very good. XT. DESERT DAY There is a coach heavily guarded by Cavalry, traveling at a slow pace. The wagon passes an Indian Reservation closed in by fence and guarded by soldiers. Olive looks out the window of the coach. Inside we see John Fairchild’s face peer out as well. OLIVE (V.O.)

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On the way to my new life, I looked for Ohitia in the crowds of Indians we passed. I never learned if he had found Mary Ann. I suppose it was just as well I didn’t know. EXT. FAIRCHILD HOME, - DAY SUPER:

SHERMAN TEXAS, FEBRUARY 18, 1873

Olive is sitting on the patio doing some embroidery work. She looks out over the property and sees their carriage coming up the road and smiles. The carriage comes up to the front and John Fairchild gets out. Instead of going to Olive he motions to someone in the carriage. FAIRCHILD Olivia, Darling, come here and see who’s come home! Olive gets up slowly and puts down her work. She watches as Fairchild reaches into the carriage and beings out a baby bassinet FAIRCHILD I hope you don’t mind, but the folks at the adoption agency said I had to give her a name before I left. So I called her Mary Elizabeth, Mary after your Mother and sister, and Elizabeth after my mother. OLIVE (crying) Oh John! How old is she? Where did you get her?! She’s beautiful! Why didn’t you tell me? FAIRCHILD Whoa! I can’t answer them questions all at once, so I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you getting your hopes up. Let’s go inside and I’ll tell you all about the rest.

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EXT. FAIRCHILD HOME, SHERMAN TEXAS - DAY Olive is sitting on the patio doing some embroidery work. A young girl of about thirteen swings on a wooden swing. Fairchild is working on some equipment. He looks up and sees a figure on the horizon. Fairchild looks to see if Olive can see him. Putting down his hand tool he walks towards the figure. EXT. FAIRCHILD FARM – DAY It is Ohitia. He is dressed in white mans clothes and has been traveling far. Fairchild knows who it is and stops five feet away.

OHITIA I’ve come for the woman. FAIRCHILD I knew it would only be a matter of time. OHITIA I will go to her now. Ohitia moves forward but Fairchild moves to block him. FAIRCHILD You will hurt her if you do so. OHITIA How would I hurt her. She loves me and I still love her. FAIRCHILD She has a new family now. She has a little girl that needs her almost as much as her mother needs her. Do you understand what I am trying to say? OHITIA She was my woman. FAIRCHILD

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I know. But she no longer belongs to you. Can’t you let her be happy now? OHITIA She could be happy with me. FAIRCHILD How? By leaving her family now? Hasn’t she had to give up enough? She can’t have any more children. Mamie is the last child she will be able to call her own! Doesn’t she deserve to see her grow up? OHITIA Then I will tell her goodbye. FAIRCHILD But don’t you see if you do it will just tear her up all over again? She loved you. Now she loves me. Don’t take that away from her. OHITIA (angry and then resigned) She would never love you the way she loved me. It is for her I leave. INT. FAIRCHILD HOME – MORNING SUPER:

MARCH 21, 1903

John Fairchild wakes up before dawn. He looks at clock, 4:30 am and turns to see Olive’s back. He out of bed softly so as not to disturb Olive and to the dressing mirror. He turns on a small lamp sees a picture of Mamie on her wedding day.

the gets goes and

He picks up his watch and his trousers and puts them on over his long johns. He leaves the room. The sun rises and comes into the room directly onto the bed where Olive is lying. OLIVE (V.O.)

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I would never find out about Lorenzo’s plot against Ohitia and I or that Ohitia had never stopped loving me. In my dreams I visited with Ohitia and the rest of my Family. Last night was no exception, the only difference was this morning I didn’t wake up. EXT. SOMEWHERE ON A GRASSY PLAIN – DAY A younger Olive is standing in the middle of a grassy plain. She looks around and can hear voices but does not see anyone. She looks to a large tree that sits to the left on top of a hill and goes to the tree. When she gets there she looks down and sees a beautiful scene of huts sitting next to houses and a river and dark green grass with mountains on each side. As she walks past the huts and the houses she sees the faces of those she has loved stepping out from inside. She continues to walk through the area, passing her mother and father, sisters and brothers, and then Espaniole, Aespaneo, Topeka, and comes to a little blue-eyed girl sitting playing with an Indian doll. She looks up and recognizes her mother and smiles. She gets up and takes her mother’s hand and pulls her to the sound of running water. They move through bushes and come out at a waterfall were Ohitia is sits with his back facing them. He has his knees pulled up and is rocking back and forth slowly. He hears the rustling of leaves and looks back to see Olive, standing with Mary Ann. They move towards each other and he Olive and picks her up. The little girl giggles. He takes her to the waterfall and kisses her while the water falls on them both. THE END.

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