New Life in Vietnam (A Screenplay)

Tiya Booker

New Life in Vietnam

FADE IN:

EXT. PASSENGER PLANE. SKY. VIETNAM. DAY.

A passenger plane is traveling through the sky which is filled with white, fluffy clouds. FAITH, age 24, black woman, is seen looking out of one of the windows with an exited smile. She is from Georgia, has very dark skin, and is pretty. The plane lands in Ho Chi Min City.

Faith is descending down the steps of the plane in a sun dress and a flowery hat. When she is on the ground, RICHARD, age 20, who was behind her holds her hand. They have on complementary wedding rings. Richard is from Vermont and is tall, blue-eyed, and has blond hair. 

INT. APARTMENT BUILDING. DISTRICT SEVEN. DAY.

Richard pays an old Vietnamese man the equivalent of 250 dollars in Vietnamese dong for the rent for July. The landlord bows to Richard, but Richard just smiles and laughs awkwardly in return. Faith bows to the landlord and thanks him in Vietnamese.

INT. OUTSIDE THE DOOR OF FAITH AND RICHARD’S FLAT. DAY.

Faith turns the doorknob and Richard helps her push the door open. They both look into the flat without moving. The flat is spacious, white, and clean with big windows. The flat is only furnished with a bed. Light streams from the window.

Faith looks at her husband.

FAITH

Let’s start our new life.

They smile and take their first step through the threshold. 

INT. FAITH AND RICHARD’S FLAT. SIX WEEKS LATER. NIGHT.

Faith opens the door to the flat and slowly enters the furnished flat. She’s gloomy. She plops on the bed. The curtains are closed. Richard turns from his computer that he was using to apply for electrical engineering job positions.

RICHARD

How’d your interview go?

FAITH

Don’t ask. Did you find anything? 

RICHARD

(SARCASTIC)

It turns out knowing Vietnamese is a requirement for most of the electrical engineering jobs here. Reading English alone is hard enough for me. I’m never trusting YouTube for reliable information again. So much for plan B.

FAITH

Don’t worry, Rich. You’ll find something. There’s got to be another position for you since your first job offer fell through.

RICHARD

(STRESSED)

It’s been six weeks. Our savings isn’t going to last forever. We don’t even have enough money for plane tickets back home at this point.

Faith nods somberly. Richard crawls beside Faith on the bed and hugs her in a comforting manner. 

RICHARD

I just can’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to hire you. You’d be a great English teacher. You’re smart and great with kids. Half the teachers here don’t have a bachelor’s degree, but you double majored in English and Asian Studies!

FAITH

(UPSET)

Thanks baby. But I know why I can’t find a job, and you wouldn’t believe it.

FLASH BACK

EXT. STREET. CITY. DAY.

Faith is riding a rented motorbike with a suit on. She is among the usual heavy and chaotic traffic that consists mainly of other motorbikes. She rides to a large, white middle school and parks her motorbike there.

INT. GIANG MIDDLE SCHOOL. DAY.

Faith walks up to the RECEPTIONIST. She is a young Vietnamese woman.

RECEPTIONIST

(IN ENGLISH)

Hello. How may I help you?

FAITH

(In Vietnamese)

Hello, I’m Faith Parks. I have an interview with Mr. Due.

RECEPTIONIST

(SURPRISED)

Oh, you’re Mrs. Parks? I thought Mr. Due was expecting an American, not an African.

FAITH

(IN ENGLISH)

I am American.

INT. MR. DUE’S OFFICE. DAY.

MR. DUE is a middle aged Vietnamese Man with glasses and a declining hairline. He flips through Faith’s papers and resume.

MR. DUE

(IN ENGLISH)

I am very impressed with your skills and background. I see that you graduated from Spelman college, a prestigious school in Georgia. You also completed your Teaching English as a Foreign Language certificate online. You even have experience with kids by working as a councilor at a YMCA.

Faith sits up straight and smiles confidently.

MR. DUE

Seeing that you are qualified, I would be happy to offer you a job at Giang middle school.

    

FAITH

Thank you, so much sir. I can assure you that—

MR. DUE

But unfortunately I cannot.

FAITH

(CONFUSED)

What? Why?

MR. DUE

Unfortunately, a lot of the parents of the students are ignorant about the diversity in the West. They expect the English teacher to look more Western. You know, Americans with fairer skin.

Faith clenches her cross necklace, as she clenches her teeth.

MR. DUE

If it was up to me and the school board we would love to have you work for us, but the last time we hired a dark-skinned black woman the parents were upset. It has been a distraction to the students in the past. Many students were afraid.

Faith stands up from her seat. Her eyes narrowed.

FAITH

(SARCASTIC)

Thank you for your time.

FAITH (V.O.)

(TO RICHARD)

Then I left. I spent a lot of time blogging at the library after that.

END OF FLASH BACK.

INT. FAITH AND RICHARD’S HOUSE. NIGHT.

Richard hugs his wife closer to him, and kisses her on the lips.

RICHARD

Faith, I’m so sorry that happened.

FAITH

Mmm-hmm.

RICHARD

Listen. You’re beautiful. Don’t ever feel ashamed   about your skin color.

FAITH

I’m not ashamed, just frustrated.

RICHARD

Oh?

FAITH

(HALF JOKING)

I feel even more out of place here than when I visited your parents in your little, country home town. Not to mention it has been forever since we went to church.

RICHARD

(LAUGHS)

I feel more out of place here than when I visited your family in Atlanta.

They chuckle together for a moment. A quiet moment passes between them.

FAITH

Maybe you should’ve stayed at the oil rig. I don’t know if living here to save money while we get on our feet is really going to work out. You know it was my dream come true to live here, but it’s turning into a nightmare.  

RICHARD

Baby, it’ll work out. By the end of the day tomorrow one of us will have a job. I promise.

INT. TRAN’S FLAT. TABLE. DAY.

TRAN lives in the flat beside Richard and Faith’s flat. She is a twenty-three-year old math teacher. She’s become a helpful friend to Richard and Faith. She knows English well, because studied abroad for a year in Australia.

Tran and Faith are having an authentic Vietnamese lunch with a raw egg in the soup.

FAITH

Thank you for inviting me over Tran.

TRAN

No problem. It’s best to eat with a friend when your husband is at work.

FAITH

He’s still looking for a job.

TRAN

Don’t worry, there are many opportunities here. Speaking of jobs, I have good news for you. One of our English teachers at Quan High School quit yesterday, and this morning I put in a good word for you. I can almost guarantee you a job this time. Just apply.

Faith puts down the bowl of noodles that she was eating. She jumps up and hugs Tran.

FAITH

Are you serious? Thank you so much. That’s awesome. Thank God.

TRAN

(LAUGHS)

It was lucky that that other teacher quit.

CONTINUED

There’s a nock on the door.

RICHARD (V.O.)

Hi Tran, how are you?

Tran

Good, how are you?

RICHARD (V.O.)

Great. Is Faith in there?

Faith looks at Tran.

TRAN

(TO FAITH)

You can get the door for Richard.

FAITH

(TO RICHARD)

Yes, I’m coming.

Faith opens the door. As soon as she does. Rich picks her up and swirls her around. Faith laughs, pleasantly surprised.

FAITH

What’s going on? Why are you this excited?

RICHARD

Looks like God answered our prayers. I got a job.

Faith screams with delight.

FAITH

That’s fantastic Rich. I don’t know how this day could get any better. Which electrical engineering company are you working for?

RICHARD

None.

FAITH

Huh?

RICHARD

I got a job as an English teacher at Quan High School.

FAITH

(SIMULTANEOUSLY)

Quan High School?

TRAN

(SIMULANEOUSLY)

Quan High School?

RICHARD

Yes, they hired me on the spot, even though I only have a GED and a certificate for electrical engineering. Can you believe that?

TRAN

Congratulations Richard.

Tran sips her tea and casts a worried glance toward Faith.

RICHARD

Thanks Tran. What do ya think Faith? I know it’s not what we planned, but it’s something.

FAITH

That’s great.

Faith suddenly grabs a nearby trashcan and throws up in it. Richard and Tran crowd her and pat her back until she finishes.

RICHARD

Honey, are you okay?

TRAN

What happened?

FAITH

Sorry. It must’ve been the raw egg.

EXT. OUTSIDE MARKET. ONE WEEK LATER. DAY.

Faith scrolls around the market with a big bag of fruit that she collected on her arm. She’s looking at many colorful and vibrantly green vegetables. She picks up some tomatoes and places it in the bag on her other arm.

Faith looks at a fresh, French loaf of bread and picks it up.

FAITH

(IN VIETNAMESE)

How much do I owe you?

MARKET LADY

(IN VIETNAMESE)

Seven dollars.

INT. RICH’S CLASSROOM. DAY.

Rich is in front of his classroom stuttering. He’s writing something on the board.

The assistant teacher helps him write something on the board and lecture.

INT. FAITH AND RICH’S LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.

Faith is making dinner. Richard is sitting on a sofa, frowning over the sprawled essays on the living room table that his students wrote.

Richard sighs and slams the paper that he was reading on the table and sits back in the sofa.

Faith stops chopping fresh vegetables. She sits beside Richard, picks up the paper that he slammed down, and begins reading it out loud.

RICHARD

(GENUINE)

Thanks.

FAITH

No problem.  

RICHARD

Can you help me out with the corrections?

FAITH

Yeah.

RICHARD

I’ll help you with dinner.

They swap positions. Faith reads all the papers and makes corrections while Richard finishes making dinner.

INT. VIETNAMESE CAFÉ. DAY.

Tran and Faith eat sandwiches together. Tran is wearing the suit that she wore at her job. Faith dresses causally in shorts and a white blouse.

TRAN

How’s everything with your husband since he took the job?

FAITH

I don’t know. A bit strained. We both aren’t doing what we are called to do.

TRAN

I heard Richard’s having a tough time adjusting to his position at the school.

FAITH

(CONCERNED)

What? Don’t tell me everyone’s talking about him. Did you hear any rumors that he’s going to get fired?

TRAN

No, no, he’s too handsome for that, very social too. Everyone at the school likes him.

 FAITH

Good. It’s hard enough for Rich. He has Dyslexia. That’s why he likes electrical engineering, he’s a hands on type of guy.

CONTINUED

A waiter takes Faith and Tran’s empty plates.

TRAN

(TO WAITER)

Thank you.

Tran leans her elbows on the table.

TRAN

(TO FAITH)

Aren’t you still looking for a job? You’re usually job hunting during the day.

FAITH

I’m taking a break. I’ve been feeling a little off lately.

 TRAN

I’m sorry about that. Are you doing anything for the holiday weekend?

FAITH

I want to, but I don’t have any plans.

TRAN

Why don’t you and Richard come with me to visit my home town? It would give you a break from the city.

FAITH

Sure, and I bet Richard would love the fresh air.

TRAN

Good. I think you will like it there.

INT. LIVING ROOM. NIGHT.

Richard creaks the front door open. The flat is completely dark. Faith is sitting on the sofa with her arms crossed.

FAITH

Where were you?

RICHARD

Faith, what are you still doing up? You usually crash at 10. It’s already 11:30.

FAITH

Couldn’t sleep, because you wouldn’t answer your phone. What were you doing?

RICHARD

Tran didn’t tell you? I told her to let you know.

FAITH

               No.

RICHARD

Some of my friends from the job invited me to go out drinking with them to celebrate the last day of classes before break.

FAITH

Oh really?

RICHARD

(DEFENSIVE)

Yeah.  

FAITH

(YELLS)

And why didn’t you invite me or at least tell me about it? Do you think I really want to sit in the house bored all day, with no one to talk to except for you and Tran?

RICHARD

(YELLS)

I didn’t know about it until I got to the school. I would’ve told you, but my phone died.

Faith turns her back to him, but Richard forcefully turns her back around. Faith is crying. He hugs her.

RICHARD

(SOFTLY)

I didn’t even think that you’d want to come. You don’t drink. I’m sorry. I shoulda invited you.

Faith nods her head and hugs Richard back.

FAITH

It’s okay.

RICHARD

We’re still going with Tran tomorrow morning right?

FAITH

Yeah.

RICHARD

Okay. Let’s go to bed.

EXT. TRAIN STATION. DAY.

There is a big crowd. Tran, Faith, and Richard board a train to southern Vietnam.

INT. Train. Day.

Faith is sleeping on Richard’s shoulder. Richard is looking out the window. Tran is facing him.

RICHARD

(TO TRAN)

The countryside is beautiful.

TRAN

Yes, it is.

RICHARD

It kind of reminds me of where I’m from.

TRAN

Do you miss it?

RICHARD

Yes, Faith does too. But leaving our homes is the only way that we could be together. Neither one of our parents approved.

TRAN

That must’ve been hard leaving your work and family.

RICHARD

I’d already left my family to work on the oil rigs in Georgia. It was good pay. But after Faith and I met, we couldn't be apart for two weeks at a time while I worked. Faith was also worried that it was too dangerous after a man died in a fire at my oil rig.

TRAN

Oh I see. You both are a good couple. I’m glad you came to Vietnam.

Richard looks at Faith.

RICHARD

I think so too.

INT. TRAN’S FAMILY’S HOME. DAY.

Tran’s family consist of her mother, MRS. NGUYEN, father, MR. NGUYEN, two school-aged sisters, and a young boy. Tran’s grandfather also lives with her family.

Tran’s family is happy to see Tran and her friends.

MRS. NGUYEN

(IN VIETNAMESE)

I’m so glad you’re back Tran, and thank God you are finally bringing home some friends. We were starting to think that you were never going to be social.

TRAN

(IN VIETNAMESE)

Good to see you too, Mom.

Mrs. Nguyen bows to Richard and hugs Faith.

Faith and Richard don’t seem too uncomfortable.

MR. NGUYEN

(IN ENGLISH)

Welcome guests.

FAITH AND RICHARD

Thank you. 

Faith and Richard bow to the elders of the family.

The rest of Tran’s family greets them warmly and offers them Vietnamese food to eat.

INT. GUEST ROOM. DAY.

Tran, Faith, and Richard sleep in the same room because of the lack of extra space. They sleep on traditional mats on the floor.

Tran gets up and brings a tray with breakfast on it.

TRAN

Hey, get up. Breakfast is ready.

FAITH

What time is it?

TRAN

Faith, I want to tell you something important.

FAITH

What is it?

TRAN

It’s about me and my family. Don’t tell anyone back in Ho Chi Min. 

FAITH

Okay.

TRAN

We’re Christians.

FAITH

I had a feeling you were. I saw a bible on your counter one day. I am too, but why didn’t you tell me before?

TRAN

Because it’s taboo. It’s less taboo in this town, but the government makes up for it by arresting our Pastors and teachers and shutting down our “unregistered” churches.

FAITH

Really? I had no idea.

TRAN

My family wants you two to come to our house church. But it’s unregistered.

RICHARD

We’d love to.

Richard smirks lifting up his head. He was clandestinely listening to their conversation the whole time. Faith turns around and playfully smacks him on his shoulder.

FAITH

(SMILES)

I’ve been wanting to go to church.

INT. HOUSE CHURCH. DAY.

Tran’s family and friends are siting on foldable chairs. There are about a hundred people present. The church looks like a nice-sized house. It is an American-style evangelical church. Faith is Baptist.

They sing American Christian songs in Vietnamese, as well as songs that are unfamiliar to Faith.

Tran and Faith help translate what the pastor is saying to Richard.

CONTINUED. AFTER THE SERVICE ENDS.

Tran grabs Faith’s hand.

TRAN

I want you to meet the PASTOR. He is also the principle of the town’s elementary school.

Faith follows Tran to the front of the house.

TRAN

Pastor, this is Faith, an American teacher looking for a job.

FAITH

(EMBARRESED)

Hi Pastor. Wonderful preaching.

PASTOR

Thank you. You know, we’re looking for an English teacher for the elementary school here.

FAITH

Oh, I didn’t know.

PASTOR

We’d be glad to have you if you’re looking to stay in town. I will say that the pay isn’t ideal to support two people however.

FAITH

Oh, wow. Thank you, I wasn’t expecting that. Um. But, what happened to your last English teacher?

PASTOR

He was a native Vietnamese man, but knew English well. He was arrested for converting Animists and Buddhists to Christianity.

Faith looks back at her husband socializing with a middle-aged Vietnamese woman.

FAITH

I’ll have to discuss it with Richard to say for sure. But even if Richard and I can only see each other once every other weekend for a while, I want to take the job.

END OF ACT 1