Page 2 of Holly Jolly July

FADE IN

Ext. Downtown Hemlock Grove - Day

ANNIE, age thirty, dressed in a business suit with red blouse and black heels, steps out of a parked car. She twirls in a

circle as she admires the festive décor on quaint downtown businesses. The sidewalks are covered in piles of snow, lights

twinkle, and garland is draped on every sign.

Annie grabs her luggage from the trunk and walks down a cobblestone alley.

SHOPKEEPERS greet PEDESTRIANS as they walk past dressed in winter clothes while quiet instrumental Christmas music echoes

through streets.

Annie takes note of a café conspicuously devoid of décor, then walks to bright red door with a wreath and presses the buzzer.

Int. Apartment Hallway - Day

The interior hall door swings open to JENNA, age twenty-six, wearing an oversize sweater with stains on her pants and hair

in a messy bun. She smiles and holds her arms out wide.

ANNIE

Merry Christmas, little sister!

Annie steps into the apartment.

Int. Jenna’s Apartment - Hallway - Day

Annie sets her bags down and hugs Jenna.

JENNA

Merry Christmas!

They pull away from the hug and Annie looks to BABY HENRY who lies on the floor.

ANNIE

And Merry First Christmas, little

Henry!

Annie kneels beside baby Henry.

ANNIE (CONT’D)

Oh, my goodness, he is so cute! Is

there anything better than a baby’s

first Christmas?

JENNA

I’d say three hours of uninterrupted

sleep and strong coffee.

Annie laughs.

JENNA (CONT’D)

I’m not kidding. I’m out of coffee. I

hate to be a pest and I know you just

got here, but can you go grab me some

from the café downstairs? I’m going to

need something strong to get me

through decorating the house today,

and hubby won’t be home until late

tonight.

ANNIE

Oh, of course! That’s why I came here

from Seattle, to help you with

everything baby related. Washing

dishes, changing diapers, and fetching

coffee is all included.

JENNA

You are the best sister ever. Fair

warning, though. The guy who runs the

place is a bit of a grump. Just get

the coffee and leave, okay? I get

weird vibes in there, but the coffee

is amazing.