Descanso
by Sophia Reza
EXT. CALIFORNIA RANCH - EARLY MORNING
INT. LOCKER ROOM
LINA BARRERA sits on a worn bench in the middle of the dusty room, putting on her boots. She's the only one there. It's a quiet moment, the only sounds are the distant shuffling of horses in their stalls.
INT. BARN
Lina moves into the barn where the horses are kept. She leads her horse, MOYOTE (surly, gray Azteca), out of his stall and prepares his saddle. Her movements are precise and swift, even the heft of the leather saddle doesn't weigh her down.
CUT TO:
EXT. PRACTICE GROUNDS
Lina leads Moyote out onto the practice grounds. It's a large, circular arena filled with soft dirt and fenced off by metal gates. The sun glints off the gates, a misty fog disappearing into the stretch of desert hills beyond the ranch.
Lina mounts Moyote's saddle and sets off on a short trot around the perimeter of the arena. She and Moyote go around and around, diligent and focused even with the simplest of exercises.
CUT TO:
ELENA and ROSARIO enter the ranch chatting with their bags slung over their shoulders. The sound of quick hoof beats stop them as they look towards Lina, who has moved on to another exercise.
ROSARIO
Is that Lina?
ELENA
Yeah. That's Moyote.
More charras come in behind them, glancing at Lina practicing. She knows they're watching, but she doesn't stop to greet them. She keeps her head absolutely forward.
ELENA
(to Rosario)
Come on, let's go. I think she likes that we know she's good.
CUT TO:
SRA. BELLA ("bay-ya"), a barrel chested woman with a tight, pursed mouth, runs the charras through their routine. They weave in and out with each other, waiting for her to call out her orders.
SRA. BELLA
Uno! Dos! Tres! Más rápida, vamos!
The charras move into "coladera", four of them circling the others in the center, and then suddenly speeding toward them. Lina races toward her center position, but Rosario falters in her timing, and Lina nearly clips her horse. The routine comes to a screeching halt.
Lina turns Moyote to look at Rosario with fire burning in her eyes.
LINA
What are you doing?!
ROSARIO
I'm sorry, Lina, I couldn't -
LINA
I don't wanna hear your excuses, I could've been thrown off! This charreada's in a week and we don't have time for this shit!
SRA. BELLA
(O.S)
Lina!
The girls turn to see Sra. Bella stomping towards them.
SRA. BELLA
Last I checked, you're not in charge of this team, are you? I'm glad neither of you are hurt, but I don't
want to hear anything about the other girls come out of your mouth until you can fall in with them. LINA
What? You want me to go slower? You're not pushing them enough we need to be faster.
Elena butts in on her horse, eager to put Lina in her place.
ELENA
Just because you ride Moyote too hard doesn't mean we have to kill our horses too.
Lina stares daggers at Elena.
LINA
Moyo can take it. At least I'm not afraid of challenging myself.
ELENA
Challenge?! You almost hit Rosario!
LINA
If she had been on time this wouldn't have happened!
SRA. BELLA
AYE! Shut it, both of you. Lina, I'm in charge of this team, and what I say goes. If I tell you 'fall in', you better damn well do it. Entiendes?
LINA
Sure. But you're making a mistake.
SRA. BELLA
I can live with that. Head in, you need to break.
Lina slides off of Moyote and hits the dirt with a huff, gathering his reigns, she starts toward the barn.
SRA. BELLA
(O.S.)
Maggie! You're subbing for Lina!
Lina furrows her thick brows, but remains rigidly upright as she takes her walk of shame back to the barn.
CUT TO: INT. BARN
LINA
UGH!
Lina kicks at a bucket and sends it clanging across the room.
No one but Moyote is there to see her lose her cool this time. He says nothing.
Lina puts away Moyote's saddle gear and starts brushing him down. The familiar routine dampens her mild rampage. She gently brushes Moyote, cleans out his hooves, and feeds him a snack. While he munches on an apple, she pets his soft nose.
CUT TO: EXT. RANCH HOUSE PORCH
Lina watches the other charras practice from the rustic porch of the ranch house. Her hands are folded under her chin and her knee bounces anxiously.
INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lina opens the door to her modest apartment, flicking on the light with her elbow.
She throws her backpack and keys on the kitchen counter near the door then collapses on her couch. Lina turns on her TV and a cheesy telanovela plays.
Her cell phone starts to ring. The caller ID reads "MOM".
MOM
(angry)
Por qué no estuviste al funeral? No tienes respeto por tu padre y yo?
(Why weren't you at the funeral? Don't you have any respect for your father and me?)
LINA
Mami, tuve que estar al entrenamiento. La charreada está -
(Mom, I had to be at practice. The rodeo is -)
MOM
Eso hombre te hizo quien estás hoy. No te puedo creer...
(That man made you who you are today. I can't believe you...)
LINA
(emotionless)
Lo siento, Mami.
(I'm sorry, Mom.)
Lina's mom hangs up. She stares at her phone, then tosses it to the side and lays down.
She falls asleep to the sound of soap opera characters overacting on the TV.
EXT. CALIFORNIA RANCH - MIDDAY
The team runs their performance in full costume, their skirts draped elegantly on the backs of their horses. The girls sweat less elegantly.
An upbeat song plays from a CD.
SRA. BELLA
Gira, gira, gira! Ándale!
The team shifts into their final movement, turning around and around each other then galloping around the perimeter before coming to a stop all in a row and bowing their heads, the dust curling around the hooves of their horses.
CUT TO: INT. LOCKER ROOM
The girls change out of their costumes, chattering among each other. Lina sits isolated from the group, she dresses in silence.
CUT TO: INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lina is curled up on her couch. The lights aren't on, the TV isn't on, and she doesn't eat a thing.
INT. RANCH HOUSE - DAY
Lina sits across from Sra. Bella at the kitchen table. Lina looks at her, but Bella won't meet her eyes.
SRA. BELLA
Look Lina this wasn't an easy decision.
Lina says nothing. She keeps her eyes on Bella.
SRA. BELLA
Your dad was a great charro and he did a great job training you, it's just... you're not right for this team. You can keep Moyote here until you find another barn for him.
It's quiet for a moment until Lina gets up from her chair. It makes a harsh, scraping noise on the floor.
LINA
Okay.
She turns and heads towards the door.
SRA. BELLA
(sympathetically)
Lina. . Siento mucho tu pérdida
Lina leaves. The screen door slams behind her.
EXT. RANCH
Lina walks towards the parking lot.
The other girls are in costume, waiting for practice to start inside the arena. By the gates, Elena and Rosario watch Lina leaving. Elena
looks slightly pleased.
ELENA
(mocking)
Hey Lina! Where you going? Don't you know we have practice?
Lina keeps walking with her head forward.
ROSARIO
(disapproving)
Elena, come on.
ELENA
What? She doesn't care.
Rosario frowns at her then climbs over the fence and jogs to Lina. Her long skirt shuffles around her ankles.
ROSARIO
Hey, Lina, wait.
Lina stops and turns to look down at Rosario, whose confidence shrinks as she looks down at her feet.
ROSARIO
I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten in your way the other day.
LINA
It's fine.
ROSARIO
I didn't mean to get you kicked out.
Lina's face tenses. She starts walking away, but Rosario follows her.
ROSARIO
I'm sorry about your dad. Have you been doing okay?
LINA
I'm fine.
ROSARIO
Are you sure? If you need anything I can -
LINA
God dammit, I said it's fine, okay?! What do you want from me, huh? I don't care how guilty you feel and I don't want your pity. Just go back to practice, Rosario.
ROSARIO
I-I'm sorry, I -
LINA
And stop saying you're sorry! It's pathetic! Jesus.
Lina stomps away. Rosario watches her leave with tears pricking her eyes. Elena walks up behind her and places a consoling hand on her shoulder.
ELENA
Bitch.
INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - DAY
The apartment is a mess. Alcohol bottles, dirty clothes, and trash on every surface. The blinds are closed, keeping it all in the dark. Lina sits on her couch with her laptop in front of her. She looks online for openings in escaramuza teams. There's one ad that catches her eye.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - DAY
The Cortes ranch is falling apart. Its chipped wooden fences are missing a few boards, vines and tumbleweeds collect around the house and barn, and large piles of debris and supplies dot the grounds, but cacti that stretch into the sky, a lush flower garden, and intricate, metal sculptures add color and a vibrant personality to the downtrodden ranch.
Lina stands right in the middle of all of it, examining a sculpture. She cocks her head and furrows her brow.
VOICE
(O.S.)
Hello there! Admiring the artwork?
Sra. Cortes (40's, hippieish, artsy) approaches Lina from the house.
SRA. CORTES
You must be Lina! I'm Fernanda Cortes, this is my family's ranch.
Cortes extends her hand, her beaded bracelets clacking together with the motion.
LINA
(politely)
Encantado.
Lina gives her a firm handshake in turn.
SRA. CORTES
Woah-a, quite a grip you've got there!
LINA
Um, thank you
SRA. CORTES
I was so happy to hear from you about joining the team! I'll give you a quick tour before we go in. The girls are all so excited to meet you! Still gripping her hand, Cortes pulls Lina toward the barn.
INT. BARN
Cortes leads Lina through the dusty stalls, horses huffing and shuffling around them.
SRA. CORTES
You can keep your horse here, I think we still have an open stall? We get lots of renters.
LINA
How much do you charge for
SRA. CORTES
Oh no, no, no, all my charras get a free space.
LINA
All of them?
SRA. CORTES
Of course!
CUT TO:
INT. CORTES HOUSE KITCHEN
A rambunctious group of eight girls shout over each other and laugh loudly. Lina and Cortes stand at the entrance to the kitchen watching the display.
LINA
Oh. I've never seen a team with so few members.
SRA. CORTES
The requirement is eight, isn't it?
LINA
Yes, it is.
SRA. CORTES
(relieved)
Oh thank God. Everyone! Girls, listen!
Lina's here!
There's a moment of silence when the charras all look over to see Lina, standing rigidly straight, before they all excitedly rush to meet her, slapping her back and talking over each other. Lina's eyes widen as the noise grows in volume.
CUT TO:
EXT. CORTES HOUSE PORCH - LATE AFTERNOON
Lina sits on the steps leading up to the house. The loud voices coming from the charra party spills out the door as it opens. One of the charras, ANDREA, joins her.
ANDREA
Hi, Lina. I was wondering where you ran off to.
LINA
Um, hi. I had a headache.
Andrea sits down on the step, next to Lina, just far enough away to be polite but close enough to be friendly.
ANDREA
I'm Andrea.
LINA
Yeah, um, I heard you before.
ANDREA
Oh, I thought we were too loud.
LINA
You were.
Andrea laughs mirthfully.
Lina looks at her and smiles a little at the sound, then turns her attention to a large, metal sculpture sticking out of the ground. Andrea notices her observing it.
ANDREA
Those are Cortes'.
LINA
(cheeky)
I never would have guessed.
ANDREA
Last time I asked her about one I was here for about three hours talking about the capitalist implications of a shopping cart.
Lina laughs through her nose.
LINA
Jesus, hope that never happens to me.
ANDREA
Knock-on-wood.
Andrea taps her knuckles against the wooden porch step.
A brief moment of silence passes between them. Andrea knocks her knee against Lina's playfully.
ANDREA
(kindly)
So, do you think you're gonna join the team? I know Sra. Cortes thinks you're already decided.
Lina doesn't say anything for a moment, she furrows her brow and looks straight ahead.
LINA
I don't know. Maybe if I saw how you guys ride I'd be more sure.
ANDREA
Hm. Do you want to?
LINA
Like right now?
ANDREA
Yeah sure! I'll go tell everyone.
LINA
Hey, wait --
Andrea has already ran inside.
CUT TO: EXT. PRACTICE GROUNDS
The practice grounds are actually just planks of wood creating a sort-of circle on the ground. Lina and Cortes watch from the side as the girls get into position.
SRA. CORTES
Aaaaaand. Go!
Cortes begins clapping her hands to a steady beat, but the girls start off tempo.
Lina watches with her arms crossed in front of her.
The charras trot around the circle at completely different speeds, nearly running into each other, and forgetting pieces of their choreography - but they're all laughing. They chide each other, but there's no anger behind it.
Lina's brow furrows. She turns to a smiling Cortes.
LINA
Your team is a mess, Sra. Cortes.
SRA. CORTES
Ha! Yeah but they still love it, y'know?
Lina turns back to watch the team. They fall into their final pose, all in a straight line, and in one synchronized motion tip invisible sombreros with broad grins on all of their faces.
A thought passes across Lina's expression.
LINA
I could help you.
Beat. Cortes turns to her, eyes wide and smiling.
SRA. CORTES
(hopeful)
Really? You'd help coach and still perform?
LINA
Yes. Just let me know what your schedule is.
SRA. CORTES
Ohmigosh, yay Lina!
Cortes gives Lina a crushing hug, shaking her left and right. The charras trot over, cheering and dismounting to hug Lina.
Lina stiffly lets them.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES
EARLY MORNING
Lina stalks down a line of yawning charras. Cortes stands to the side, watching intently with an outrageously large and gaudy coffee cup in hand.
LINA
Good morning, everyone. Better get used to waking up this early because we'll be doing it every day until the first competition. We have a lot of lost time to make up for. I expect you to have your horse saddled and for you to be out here and drilling by 7 exactly. I will show you your practice drills. Any questions?
The charras shake their heads. Lina turns abruptly to face the team head on. She holds her head high, and the charras unknowingly mirror her.
LINA
Good.
Lina looks down the line of charras, looking back at her. Andrea smiles at her.
LINA
La escaramuza is tradition.
MONTAGE
LINA
(V.O.)
La escaramuza is dedication.
Lina gets out of bed early in her dark apartment.
She finds the team at the ranch, ready for her coaching. Lina's face twitches into a smirk. Lina and Cortes sit at the ranch house kitchen table, papers scattered all over. Cortes enthusiastically explains her plan for the routine choreography, waving her hands around and drawing it out on the papers. Lina nods along.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is precision.
Lina blows a whistle and Andrea charges her horse toward a tall, wooden stake in the ground. She turns a sharp circle around it then races back toward the start. The other charras applaud her on their horses, whooping and cheering. Lina claps with them. The charras are in routine formation in the practice rink - but without horses. They jog around each other, linking their arms and spinning around, pretending to be horses. Andrea twirls Lina around. Lina laughs. Now, they run the routine with their horses. They trot in and out between each other, circling the perimeter, their expressions focused. Lina counts the tempo aloud as she rides Moyote.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is beauty.
The charras try on their adelita dresses in the ranch house. The dresses and sombreros are a deep burgundy with gold, floral trimmings that catch the light in the room. The girls twirl around in front of full length mirrors.
The team watches as Lina uses Andrea for an example of the full look. Andrea sits in a chair while Lina applies makeup to her face. Lina's hand tilts Andrea's chin as she lines her eye with a dark pencil. Her hands gently card through Andrea's long, golden brown hair, collecting it into a ponytail, and tying a red bow. The team snickers and Andrea shushes them, embarrassed.
The team practices in full costume on horseback, Lina and Cortes go around and show how to flare the skirt around the horse's back.
Cortes leads the girls in synchronizing the final hat tilt at the end of the routine. Their smiles peak out from under the intricate sombreros.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is teamwork.
The team collects in the ranch house kitchen; eating, laughing, and sharing stories with each other.
Everyone is leaving the ranch, hugging and generally throwing themselves all over each other in excitement. Lina plays back with them, jokingly shoving the affectionate, rowdy girls off of her and scolding them. Andrea comes up and kisses her cheek. Lina laughs and blushes at the whole display.
LINA
(v.o.)
It is glory.
They all stand together awkwardly and watch as Lina's old charra team is applauded by the audience in the surrounding stands and are given a shiny trophy.
From afar, Sra. Bella sees Lina. They make eye contact for a moment.
Lina turns and leaves, her face blank.
Andrea watches her go.
EXT. RANCHO PRACTICE GROUNDS - SUNSET
The team runs their routine. They fall into line just like they practiced. They tip their hats. Lina wears an intense, concentrated look on her face.
Her brow furrows.
LINA
Run it again.
The charras groan quietly.
Cortes gets up from a lawn chair just outside of the practice ring.
SRA. CORTES
(confused)
Wait, Lina, the last few runs went great! Let's take a break.
LINA
No. We weren't quick enough en la . My turn with Andrea wasn't coladera tight enough - we all need to be
closer together on the perimeter.
Tricia, you need to -
SRA. CORTES
We can go over notes while we all have
some dinner, okay?
LINA
(dismissive)
What? No, if we don't do it now, it won't set in.
SRA. CORTES
Lina, come on, you girls look exhausted. You deserve a break.
HUNGRY CHARRA
Yeah, Lina, let's break I'm starving.
ANDREA
Come on, we're all tired.
TIRED CHARRA
I've got work tomorrow, can't we do this next week?
BORED CHARRA
Pleeease, Lina?
LINA
No we don't get to break!
The team goes quiet.
SRA. CORTES
(shocked, concerned)
Wha - ? Why, Lina?
LINA
(exasperated)
What do you mean, 'why'?! We the lost last competition. This has to be good,
don't you all want this to be good?
Jesus
SRA. CORTES
But it is good, Lina!
LINA
No it's not! I want to be ! perfect
SRA. CORTES
Lina...
LINA
Stop saying my name like that!
SRA. CORTES
Like what?
LINA
Like...like you're...
She doesn't finish her sentence. Lina chokes on her anger and falls silent.
She stares at her hands, white-knuckle gripping Moyote's reigns. She quickly swipes at a traitorous tear dripping out of her eye.
Cortes approaches her side and extends a kind hand.
SRA. CORTES
Come on, let's go inside.
Lina looks at her hand with mild contempt. Her mouth quivers into a frown as she accepts it and slides off of Moyote.
Cortes places a consoling hand on Lina's back and walks her to the house. She nods to Andrea, who leads both her horse and Moyote toward the barn, a concerned look on her face.
INT. CORTES HOUSE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Lina and Cortes sit together at the kitchen table. The yellowish kitchen light makes the night outside appear even darker.
Lina's eyes look everywhere but at Sra. Cortes. Her face is red from struggling to keep back tears. Her deep frown and furrowed brow create tense wrinkles in her dark skin.
SRA. CORTES
(calmly)
Breathe, Lina.
She takes a shuddering breath.
LINA
I'm...sorry.
SRA. CORTES
It's okay, honey. You don't need to apologize. Breathe.
Lina takes another ragged breath.
SRA. CORTES
That's it. You're doing good.
Another breath. Her face relaxes a little.
SRA. CORTES
Why do you think you're not good enough, Lina?
Lina hesitates.
LINA
I don't know.
SRA. CORTES
Is it because of your dad?
LINA
No, um, I don't think so. I don't know, um. I just...um...I don't want
to disappoint him. I don't want to disappoint anyone.
SRA. CORTES
Do you think we're disappointed in you, Lina? Do you really think your
dad wouldn't be proud to see who you are right now?
A choked sob escapes Lina.
Cortes reaches behind her to the kitchen island for a box of tissues. She offers them to Lina, who grabs one.
Lina dries her eyes and nose. She grips the tissue with a shaking hand.
SRA. CORTES
You are so hard on yourself, Lina. Even if you weren't such a talented
charra we'd still be proud of you. You know we love having you around.
Lina is quiet as she takes in Cortes' words.
LINA
I have to - to go.
SRA. CORTES
Now, hang on -
Lina gets up.
LINA
I'm sorry, Sra. Cortes. Um, I'll see you tomorrow.
SRA. CORTES
Hey take some food with you. You need to eat. I have plenty of tamales, here, take some.
Cortes briefly places a hand on her shoulder then moves toward the fridge to grab several foil wrapped tamales.
She places the tamales in Lina's hands and pats her arm.
SRA. CORTES
Why don't you take a break tomorrow? The team and I can do some drills.
LINA
I can't do that. Um. Sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.
SRA. CORTES
Okay, Lina.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - NIGHT
Andrea leans against Lina's car with her bag slung over her shoulder and her arms crossed. She hears Lina's footsteps in the gravel approaching her.
Andrea looks up at her.
ANDREA
Are you leaving us, Lina.
LINA
No.
ANDREA
Are you mad we didn't win.
LINA
No - Andrea, look I'm -
ANDREA
Will you drive me home? I missed my bus.
LINA
I...yeah. Yes.
INT. LINA'S CAR
The pair drive in relative silence, save for Andrea's stiff directions to her house.
They arrive, but Andrea just stays seated in the passenger seat holding her bag in her lap.
They're quiet for a moment.
ANDREA
You aren't the only one on this team, you know, we all care about this. Even
before you were here, we all cared. But you want to be perfect for some
reason and it sucks because no one can live up to your standards. None of us.
Not me. Not you.
LINA
(curt)
Maybe you all just need to raise your standards.
Andrea turns in her seat to look at Lina.
ANDREA
(incredulous)
Seriously, Lina? You treat us like we're shit then fall apart when we
lose and still think we need to get on your level?
LINA
I didn't say that.
ANDREA
Are you even aware of the world around you? Have you not even noticed?
LINA
Noticed what? What are you talking about?
Andrea stares at her, slings her bag over her shoulder, and opens the car door.
ANDREA
Nothing. I'll see you tomorrow.
LINA
Wait -
Andrea has already shut the car door and ran inside.
LINA
Shit. Shit!
She smacks the steering wheel. Her eyebrows furrow and with frustrated tears in her eyes, she drives away.
INT. LINA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
In her bedroom, with the blinds shutting out the morning light, Lina hides, curled up under a pile of blankets. Her phone alarm goes off.
Suddenly she lurches in bed and covers her mouth. She runs to her bathroom just in time, spilling her guts out into the toilet.
LINA
Ugh...
She rests her paled face against the bowl, her alarm still ringing in the background.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - NIGHT
Lina runs drills in the practice arena. She takes Moyote around and around.
Hers and Moyote's breaths are visible in the biting, blue cold of the desert night. Cortes comes out of the ranch house with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
SRA. CORTES
Are you doing okay out here, Lina?
Lina pulls Moyote to a stop in front of her.
LINA
Yes. Thank you for letting me come out here, Sra. Cortes.
SRA. CORTES
No problem at all, honey. I'm glad you got some rest today.
LINA
Yeah...
Lina looks away, at nothing. She doesn't resume her exercises.
Cortes steps over the arena planks and walks up to Moyote. She gently pets his gray nose.
SRA. CORTES
Y'know. It's been a while since I've taken a ride up the mountain. Would you like to join me this weekend?
Lina looks back at her.
LINA
Okay.
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - MORNING
Lina and Cortes make their way through a mountain trail on horseback. The morning light coming through the desert trees lining the trail scatters across their faces.
The view of the ranch, the desert, and the city on the horizon, steadily shrinks as they climb the mountain. Wisps of grass sway with the slight breeze and birds sing among the brush.
Lina lets her eyes close.
LINA
My dad used to take me on rides like this when I was a kid. He was kind of
a nature guy when he wasn't performing.
SRA. CORTES
Oh yeah?
LINA
Yeah. He was fascinated with a lot of things. That's just the kind of person he was.
SRA. CORTES
What do you do when you're not performing?
Lina pauses and smiles a little.
LINA
(sheepish)
You know, it feels like I'm getting asked a lot of questions lately that I
don't have an answer to. I guess I don't really do anything else.
SRA. CORTES
Who would want to? You make escaramuza sound like the best thing in the
world. But everyone needs a break
sometimes, right?
Lina's face falls.
LINA
I don't know. I'm scared, um, that I'll like doing nothing too much and
I'll never want to perform escaramuza ever again. And there's
just too much riding on that.
Cortes hums to herself.
The pair reach a clearing, high up on the side of the mountain. The ranch below them is hazy with the morning mist settling and the headlights of cars - just beginning to set out into the city - glow in the distance.
Lina slides off of Moyote and hits the soft sand under her boots.
She steps toward the edge of the clearing. Cortes comes up next to her and hands her half of an apple. They eat together and watch the sun rise over the valley.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - MORNING
Lina loads Moyote into a trailer attached to the back of her car.
CUT TO:
Lina gathers her saddle gear from the barn and begins walking back toward the car, before she notices Andrea, watching her from the ranch house.
The two standoff on opposite ends of the ranch. Andrea steps off the porch and walks - with her arms crossed in front of her - toward Lina, who drops the saddle gear and goes to meet her in the middle. A metal sculpture towers over the pair.
ANDREA
So you are leaving?
LINA
I'm not leaving the team. I'm just taking a break. Isn't that what
everyone wants me to do?
Andrea looks hurt and holds her arms tighter.
Lina looks around, guiltily.
ANDREA
How long will you be gone?
LINA
I don't know. A couple weeks.
ANDREA
I could come with you If you want.
LINA
No, um, sorry. I think I need to be alone. Besides the team will need you.
ANDREA
Okay, Lina. Whatever you say.
Lina furrows her brow, then shifts her feet.
LINA
Yeah. Um. I'll see you, Andrea.
Andrea steps toward Lina and pulls her into a hug. Lina lets her, then wraps her arms around Andrea.
ANDREA
See you soon.
Her knuckles lightly tap three times on Lina's shoulder. Knock-on-wood.
The two pull apart.
EXT. THE ROAD HOME
Lina drives north on the highway, Moyote in tow behind her.
The desert curls and curves through the mountainous horizon with the flow of sand and highway asphalt, paved by the low beams of distant cars. The sun falls and stretches the shadows of desert brush along the road.
As Lina drives through the night, the desert slowly morphs into lush, green forests, thick with trees that stripe the morning sun.
She pulls onto a dirt road, and arrives at a house tucked away into the trees.
Her mother comes out of the house to hug her daughter.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - MIDDAY
Lina sits alone next to her father's gravesite. It's still adorned with a colorful collection of flowers and gifts from family, friends, and fans.
The grass beneath her is bright green, almost artificially, and a tall tree provides some shade near her father's headstone.
Lina shifts a small bouquet of flowers from hand to hand.
LINA
I'm taking some time off escaramuza. Don't be upset, Papí. It's just something I need to do, I think.
He doesn't respond.
LINA
There's this girl I met. You would've liked her, she's really passionate. I kinda messed up, though.
Silence, again. Lina huffs a breath of air.
After a moment, Lina places the bouquet in front of the headstone, pats the earth that holds her father, and gets up.
MONTAGE
EXT. FOREST TRAIL - DAY
Lina rides Moyote through a forest trail bordered by mossy rocks and rotting tree stumps. Birdcall echoes overhead. The view of a shimmering, crystal lake peers through the cracks of towering pine trees.
EXT. LAKE
Lina drifts on her back in the lake, watching the sky. The gentle waves lap at her face and spread her black hair into a floating halo.
Behind her, Moyote grazes on soft grass by the bank of the river.
INT. BARRERA BARN
A downpour of rain darkens the trees just outside of the barn door. Lina brushes down Moyote, feeds him, and pets his nose.
She moves to sit on an old tire turned on its side and watches the rain come down.
INT. BARRERA HOME - NIGHT
Lina lays on the couch in her mother's living room. Her eyes trace the room.
On the walls, just barely catching the light of the moon, are framed pictures of her father and Lina. In each photo together, they share the same smile, one that scrunches up their eyes and dimples their cheeks. They hold trophies, medals, bouquets of flowers.
One photo sticks out among the others. A young Lina and her father lay on a picnic blanket, in a field shaded by a tree just out of frame, unaware of the camera.
EXT. BARRERA HOME - EARLY MORNING
Lina's mother hugs her just outside the front door, then kisses her cheek.
MOM
Cuídate, mija.
LINA
Okay, Mamí.
EXT. FINAL COMPETITION - DAY
A mustached ANNOUNCER speaks into a microphone behind a white podium.
ANNOUNCER
Y finalmente, presenta las charras del Rancho de Cortes!
The charras ride out into the circular arena, one by one, headed by Andrea and tailed by Rosario. They wear new costumes, deep green dresses embroidered with flowers in yellow, white, and red. The large mounted speakers surrounding them play an upbeat, Mexican folk song as the team begins their performance.
They spin their horses round and round, they weave in and out with each other, they run the perimeter of the arena in a perfect diagonal line, just inches apart from each other.
ANNOUNCER
Yupa!
The crowd cheers as the charras spin around in pairs. In the very front row of the painted white stands, Lina sits with Cortes and Sra. Bella beneath a decorative banner, watching the performance. On the opposite side of the circular arena, a trio of judges lean over their scoring sheets by a large trophy propped up on a table and surrounded by floral wreaths.
The sound of hoof beats on the sand create a steady, synchronized beat, which only stops once the team has moved into their ending position, all in a row, tipping their hats low over their faces, just enough to see the smiles of eight breathless charras.
Lina and Cortes jump up, applauding and cheering on their team.
CUT TO:
Four different teams of charras huddle together as the Announcer receives a card from a competition judge.
ANNOUNCER
Y el ganador es...el Rancho de Cortes!
The team screams with joy, jumping around and hugging each other. A judge carries the trophy over to the girls. Andrea receives it and hoists it in the air as the charras cheer.
LINA
Yes! Oh my god!
SRA. CORTES
They did it! We did it!
Lina leaps out of her seat and jumps the metal fence separating the stands from the arena. She runs towards the team as they get their picture taken.
Andrea sees Lina coming toward them and quickly shoves the heavy trophy into another charra's arms. She takes off running to Lina, laughing and holding on to the back of her sombrero as they meet in the middle of the arena. Lina lifts her off the ground, spinning her in the air. Andrea's dress twirls around them as they come to a stop.
LINA
You were amazing! I'm so proud of you guys!
They pull apart and Andrea looks up at her.
ANDREA
I missed you. How are you?
LINA
Better.
Lina holds Andrea's face in her hands.
LINA
(sincere)
I'm sorry for how I treated you. You were just trying to help me and I should've listened to you.
Andrea nods.
ANDREA
I should've been more clear. I care about you, Lina.
LINA
(sweetly)
It's okay, I know.
Andrea smiles.
ROSARIO
Hey, Lina!
Lina looks up to see Rosario jogging towards them.
ANDREA
You know each other?
LINA
Yeah, we used to be on a team together.
The couple parts as Rosario comes up to them.
LINA
Thanks for coming through for them. I really appreciate it.
ROSARIO
(cheerful)
No problem, I'm glad I could help.
LINA
I really owe you one, Rosario. For how I acted before.
ROSARIO
I'll hold you to it, Lina.
SRA. CORTES
(O.S.)
Girls!
Cortes waves her clanking, bracelet-adorned arms in the air.
SRA. CORTES
Get over here I want a picture with everyone!
Cortes organizes the charras into a cluster, with the trophy in the middle. Andrea pulls Lina over to the group, who buzz with excitement and welcome Lina into their huddle.
A PHOTOGRAPHER ushers them into position. Some girls kneel in front with their hands on the trophy, Cortes hugs the shoulders of two charras, and Lina loops her arm around Andrea's waist.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonría!
Lina smiles; her eyes scrunch up and her cheeks dimple. Andrea looks up at her and grins at the sight. The photographer snaps a picture.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Bueno, gracias señoritas!
The group pulls out of their poses.
Andrea reaches up and grabs Lina's face to bring to hers in a sudden kiss. Lina returns it and pulls Andrea closer, making her sombrero fall off her head.
The other charras wolf-whistle and cheer. The remaining audience members clap. The photographer takes another picture of the scene.
INT. RANCH HOUSE - NIGHT
The charras all celebrate their victory in Cortes' kitchen with their families and friends. The party gathers around a huge feast spread across the kitchen table with the trophy as a comical centerpiece. Children run around, people eat and drink, babies sit in laps, and music and laughter fill the room.
EXT. CORTES HOUSE PORCH
A bright moon hangs in the dark, blue sky over the mountains. A breeze shudders over flowers and blows through the gaps in metal sculptures.
Lina and Andrea sit close together on the porch step. Andrea's head rests on Lina's shoulder, and Lina's rests on her.
LINA
Thank you.
ANDREA
For what?
Lina reaches for her hand and entwines their fingers between them.
LINA
Knocking some sense into me. Sticking around. Lots of things.
ANDREA
Hey, come on. You don't have only me to thank. Cortes is here for you too.
LINA
(playful)
Yeah but Cortes doesn't want to kiss me.
ANDREA
(laughing)
Gross.
They're quiet for a moment.
ANDREA
I'm proud of you Lina. It takes a lot of guts to change.
Lina smiles shyly, then turns her head to kiss Andrea.
END
INT. LOCKER ROOM
LINA BARRERA sits on a worn bench in the middle of the dusty room, putting on her boots. She's the only one there. It's a quiet moment, the only sounds are the distant shuffling of horses in their stalls.
INT. BARN
Lina moves into the barn where the horses are kept. She leads her horse, MOYOTE (surly, gray Azteca), out of his stall and prepares his saddle. Her movements are precise and swift, even the heft of the leather saddle doesn't weigh her down.
CUT TO:
EXT. PRACTICE GROUNDS
Lina leads Moyote out onto the practice grounds. It's a large, circular arena filled with soft dirt and fenced off by metal gates. The sun glints off the gates, a misty fog disappearing into the stretch of desert hills beyond the ranch.
Lina mounts Moyote's saddle and sets off on a short trot around the perimeter of the arena. She and Moyote go around and around, diligent and focused even with the simplest of exercises.
CUT TO:
ELENA and ROSARIO enter the ranch chatting with their bags slung over their shoulders. The sound of quick hoof beats stop them as they look towards Lina, who has moved on to another exercise.
ROSARIO
Is that Lina?
ELENA
Yeah. That's Moyote.
More charras come in behind them, glancing at Lina practicing. She knows they're watching, but she doesn't stop to greet them. She keeps her head absolutely forward.
ELENA
(to Rosario)
Come on, let's go. I think she likes that we know she's good.
CUT TO:
SRA. BELLA ("bay-ya"), a barrel chested woman with a tight, pursed mouth, runs the charras through their routine. They weave in and out with each other, waiting for her to call out her orders.
SRA. BELLA
Uno! Dos! Tres! Más rápida, vamos!
The charras move into "coladera", four of them circling the others in the center, and then suddenly speeding toward them. Lina races toward her center position, but Rosario falters in her timing, and Lina nearly clips her horse. The routine comes to a screeching halt.
Lina turns Moyote to look at Rosario with fire burning in her eyes.
LINA
What are you doing?!
ROSARIO
I'm sorry, Lina, I couldn't -
LINA
I don't wanna hear your excuses, I could've been thrown off! This charreada's in a week and we don't have time for this shit!
SRA. BELLA
(O.S)
Lina!
The girls turn to see Sra. Bella stomping towards them.
SRA. BELLA
Last I checked, you're not in charge of this team, are you? I'm glad neither of you are hurt, but I don't
want to hear anything about the other girls come out of your mouth until you can fall in with them. LINA
What? You want me to go slower? You're not pushing them enough we need to be faster.
Elena butts in on her horse, eager to put Lina in her place.
ELENA
Just because you ride Moyote too hard doesn't mean we have to kill our horses too.
Lina stares daggers at Elena.
LINA
Moyo can take it. At least I'm not afraid of challenging myself.
ELENA
Challenge?! You almost hit Rosario!
LINA
If she had been on time this wouldn't have happened!
SRA. BELLA
AYE! Shut it, both of you. Lina, I'm in charge of this team, and what I say goes. If I tell you 'fall in', you better damn well do it. Entiendes?
LINA
Sure. But you're making a mistake.
SRA. BELLA
I can live with that. Head in, you need to break.
Lina slides off of Moyote and hits the dirt with a huff, gathering his reigns, she starts toward the barn.
SRA. BELLA
(O.S.)
Maggie! You're subbing for Lina!
Lina furrows her thick brows, but remains rigidly upright as she takes her walk of shame back to the barn.
CUT TO: INT. BARN
LINA
UGH!
Lina kicks at a bucket and sends it clanging across the room.
No one but Moyote is there to see her lose her cool this time. He says nothing.
Lina puts away Moyote's saddle gear and starts brushing him down. The familiar routine dampens her mild rampage. She gently brushes Moyote, cleans out his hooves, and feeds him a snack. While he munches on an apple, she pets his soft nose.
CUT TO: EXT. RANCH HOUSE PORCH
Lina watches the other charras practice from the rustic porch of the ranch house. Her hands are folded under her chin and her knee bounces anxiously.
INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lina opens the door to her modest apartment, flicking on the light with her elbow.
She throws her backpack and keys on the kitchen counter near the door then collapses on her couch. Lina turns on her TV and a cheesy telanovela plays.
Her cell phone starts to ring. The caller ID reads "MOM".
MOM
(angry)
Por qué no estuviste al funeral? No tienes respeto por tu padre y yo?
(Why weren't you at the funeral? Don't you have any respect for your father and me?)
LINA
Mami, tuve que estar al entrenamiento. La charreada está -
(Mom, I had to be at practice. The rodeo is -)
MOM
Eso hombre te hizo quien estás hoy. No te puedo creer...
(That man made you who you are today. I can't believe you...)
LINA
(emotionless)
Lo siento, Mami.
(I'm sorry, Mom.)
Lina's mom hangs up. She stares at her phone, then tosses it to the side and lays down.
She falls asleep to the sound of soap opera characters overacting on the TV.
EXT. CALIFORNIA RANCH - MIDDAY
The team runs their performance in full costume, their skirts draped elegantly on the backs of their horses. The girls sweat less elegantly.
An upbeat song plays from a CD.
SRA. BELLA
Gira, gira, gira! Ándale!
The team shifts into their final movement, turning around and around each other then galloping around the perimeter before coming to a stop all in a row and bowing their heads, the dust curling around the hooves of their horses.
CUT TO: INT. LOCKER ROOM
The girls change out of their costumes, chattering among each other. Lina sits isolated from the group, she dresses in silence.
CUT TO: INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - NIGHT
Lina is curled up on her couch. The lights aren't on, the TV isn't on, and she doesn't eat a thing.
INT. RANCH HOUSE - DAY
Lina sits across from Sra. Bella at the kitchen table. Lina looks at her, but Bella won't meet her eyes.
SRA. BELLA
Look Lina this wasn't an easy decision.
Lina says nothing. She keeps her eyes on Bella.
SRA. BELLA
Your dad was a great charro and he did a great job training you, it's just... you're not right for this team. You can keep Moyote here until you find another barn for him.
It's quiet for a moment until Lina gets up from her chair. It makes a harsh, scraping noise on the floor.
LINA
Okay.
She turns and heads towards the door.
SRA. BELLA
(sympathetically)
Lina. . Siento mucho tu pérdida
Lina leaves. The screen door slams behind her.
EXT. RANCH
Lina walks towards the parking lot.
The other girls are in costume, waiting for practice to start inside the arena. By the gates, Elena and Rosario watch Lina leaving. Elena
looks slightly pleased.
ELENA
(mocking)
Hey Lina! Where you going? Don't you know we have practice?
Lina keeps walking with her head forward.
ROSARIO
(disapproving)
Elena, come on.
ELENA
What? She doesn't care.
Rosario frowns at her then climbs over the fence and jogs to Lina. Her long skirt shuffles around her ankles.
ROSARIO
Hey, Lina, wait.
Lina stops and turns to look down at Rosario, whose confidence shrinks as she looks down at her feet.
ROSARIO
I just wanted to say I'm sorry. I shouldn't have gotten in your way the other day.
LINA
It's fine.
ROSARIO
I didn't mean to get you kicked out.
Lina's face tenses. She starts walking away, but Rosario follows her.
ROSARIO
I'm sorry about your dad. Have you been doing okay?
LINA
I'm fine.
ROSARIO
Are you sure? If you need anything I can -
LINA
God dammit, I said it's fine, okay?! What do you want from me, huh? I don't care how guilty you feel and I don't want your pity. Just go back to practice, Rosario.
ROSARIO
I-I'm sorry, I -
LINA
And stop saying you're sorry! It's pathetic! Jesus.
Lina stomps away. Rosario watches her leave with tears pricking her eyes. Elena walks up behind her and places a consoling hand on her shoulder.
ELENA
Bitch.
INT. LINA'S APARTMENT - DAY
The apartment is a mess. Alcohol bottles, dirty clothes, and trash on every surface. The blinds are closed, keeping it all in the dark. Lina sits on her couch with her laptop in front of her. She looks online for openings in escaramuza teams. There's one ad that catches her eye.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - DAY
The Cortes ranch is falling apart. Its chipped wooden fences are missing a few boards, vines and tumbleweeds collect around the house and barn, and large piles of debris and supplies dot the grounds, but cacti that stretch into the sky, a lush flower garden, and intricate, metal sculptures add color and a vibrant personality to the downtrodden ranch.
Lina stands right in the middle of all of it, examining a sculpture. She cocks her head and furrows her brow.
VOICE
(O.S.)
Hello there! Admiring the artwork?
Sra. Cortes (40's, hippieish, artsy) approaches Lina from the house.
SRA. CORTES
You must be Lina! I'm Fernanda Cortes, this is my family's ranch.
Cortes extends her hand, her beaded bracelets clacking together with the motion.
LINA
(politely)
Encantado.
Lina gives her a firm handshake in turn.
SRA. CORTES
Woah-a, quite a grip you've got there!
LINA
Um, thank you
SRA. CORTES
I was so happy to hear from you about joining the team! I'll give you a quick tour before we go in. The girls are all so excited to meet you! Still gripping her hand, Cortes pulls Lina toward the barn.
INT. BARN
Cortes leads Lina through the dusty stalls, horses huffing and shuffling around them.
SRA. CORTES
You can keep your horse here, I think we still have an open stall? We get lots of renters.
LINA
How much do you charge for
SRA. CORTES
Oh no, no, no, all my charras get a free space.
LINA
All of them?
SRA. CORTES
Of course!
CUT TO:
INT. CORTES HOUSE KITCHEN
A rambunctious group of eight girls shout over each other and laugh loudly. Lina and Cortes stand at the entrance to the kitchen watching the display.
LINA
Oh. I've never seen a team with so few members.
SRA. CORTES
The requirement is eight, isn't it?
LINA
Yes, it is.
SRA. CORTES
(relieved)
Oh thank God. Everyone! Girls, listen!
Lina's here!
There's a moment of silence when the charras all look over to see Lina, standing rigidly straight, before they all excitedly rush to meet her, slapping her back and talking over each other. Lina's eyes widen as the noise grows in volume.
CUT TO:
EXT. CORTES HOUSE PORCH - LATE AFTERNOON
Lina sits on the steps leading up to the house. The loud voices coming from the charra party spills out the door as it opens. One of the charras, ANDREA, joins her.
ANDREA
Hi, Lina. I was wondering where you ran off to.
LINA
Um, hi. I had a headache.
Andrea sits down on the step, next to Lina, just far enough away to be polite but close enough to be friendly.
ANDREA
I'm Andrea.
LINA
Yeah, um, I heard you before.
ANDREA
Oh, I thought we were too loud.
LINA
You were.
Andrea laughs mirthfully.
Lina looks at her and smiles a little at the sound, then turns her attention to a large, metal sculpture sticking out of the ground. Andrea notices her observing it.
ANDREA
Those are Cortes'.
LINA
(cheeky)
I never would have guessed.
ANDREA
Last time I asked her about one I was here for about three hours talking about the capitalist implications of a shopping cart.
Lina laughs through her nose.
LINA
Jesus, hope that never happens to me.
ANDREA
Knock-on-wood.
Andrea taps her knuckles against the wooden porch step.
A brief moment of silence passes between them. Andrea knocks her knee against Lina's playfully.
ANDREA
(kindly)
So, do you think you're gonna join the team? I know Sra. Cortes thinks you're already decided.
Lina doesn't say anything for a moment, she furrows her brow and looks straight ahead.
LINA
I don't know. Maybe if I saw how you guys ride I'd be more sure.
ANDREA
Hm. Do you want to?
LINA
Like right now?
ANDREA
Yeah sure! I'll go tell everyone.
LINA
Hey, wait --
Andrea has already ran inside.
CUT TO: EXT. PRACTICE GROUNDS
The practice grounds are actually just planks of wood creating a sort-of circle on the ground. Lina and Cortes watch from the side as the girls get into position.
SRA. CORTES
Aaaaaand. Go!
Cortes begins clapping her hands to a steady beat, but the girls start off tempo.
Lina watches with her arms crossed in front of her.
The charras trot around the circle at completely different speeds, nearly running into each other, and forgetting pieces of their choreography - but they're all laughing. They chide each other, but there's no anger behind it.
Lina's brow furrows. She turns to a smiling Cortes.
LINA
Your team is a mess, Sra. Cortes.
SRA. CORTES
Ha! Yeah but they still love it, y'know?
Lina turns back to watch the team. They fall into their final pose, all in a straight line, and in one synchronized motion tip invisible sombreros with broad grins on all of their faces.
A thought passes across Lina's expression.
LINA
I could help you.
Beat. Cortes turns to her, eyes wide and smiling.
SRA. CORTES
(hopeful)
Really? You'd help coach and still perform?
LINA
Yes. Just let me know what your schedule is.
SRA. CORTES
Ohmigosh, yay Lina!
Cortes gives Lina a crushing hug, shaking her left and right. The charras trot over, cheering and dismounting to hug Lina.
Lina stiffly lets them.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES
EARLY MORNING
Lina stalks down a line of yawning charras. Cortes stands to the side, watching intently with an outrageously large and gaudy coffee cup in hand.
LINA
Good morning, everyone. Better get used to waking up this early because we'll be doing it every day until the first competition. We have a lot of lost time to make up for. I expect you to have your horse saddled and for you to be out here and drilling by 7 exactly. I will show you your practice drills. Any questions?
The charras shake their heads. Lina turns abruptly to face the team head on. She holds her head high, and the charras unknowingly mirror her.
LINA
Good.
Lina looks down the line of charras, looking back at her. Andrea smiles at her.
LINA
La escaramuza is tradition.
MONTAGE
LINA
(V.O.)
La escaramuza is dedication.
Lina gets out of bed early in her dark apartment.
She finds the team at the ranch, ready for her coaching. Lina's face twitches into a smirk. Lina and Cortes sit at the ranch house kitchen table, papers scattered all over. Cortes enthusiastically explains her plan for the routine choreography, waving her hands around and drawing it out on the papers. Lina nods along.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is precision.
Lina blows a whistle and Andrea charges her horse toward a tall, wooden stake in the ground. She turns a sharp circle around it then races back toward the start. The other charras applaud her on their horses, whooping and cheering. Lina claps with them. The charras are in routine formation in the practice rink - but without horses. They jog around each other, linking their arms and spinning around, pretending to be horses. Andrea twirls Lina around. Lina laughs. Now, they run the routine with their horses. They trot in and out between each other, circling the perimeter, their expressions focused. Lina counts the tempo aloud as she rides Moyote.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is beauty.
The charras try on their adelita dresses in the ranch house. The dresses and sombreros are a deep burgundy with gold, floral trimmings that catch the light in the room. The girls twirl around in front of full length mirrors.
The team watches as Lina uses Andrea for an example of the full look. Andrea sits in a chair while Lina applies makeup to her face. Lina's hand tilts Andrea's chin as she lines her eye with a dark pencil. Her hands gently card through Andrea's long, golden brown hair, collecting it into a ponytail, and tying a red bow. The team snickers and Andrea shushes them, embarrassed.
The team practices in full costume on horseback, Lina and Cortes go around and show how to flare the skirt around the horse's back.
Cortes leads the girls in synchronizing the final hat tilt at the end of the routine. Their smiles peak out from under the intricate sombreros.
LINA
(v.o.)
La escaramuza is teamwork.
The team collects in the ranch house kitchen; eating, laughing, and sharing stories with each other.
Everyone is leaving the ranch, hugging and generally throwing themselves all over each other in excitement. Lina plays back with them, jokingly shoving the affectionate, rowdy girls off of her and scolding them. Andrea comes up and kisses her cheek. Lina laughs and blushes at the whole display.
LINA
(v.o.)
It is glory.
They all stand together awkwardly and watch as Lina's old charra team is applauded by the audience in the surrounding stands and are given a shiny trophy.
From afar, Sra. Bella sees Lina. They make eye contact for a moment.
Lina turns and leaves, her face blank.
Andrea watches her go.
EXT. RANCHO PRACTICE GROUNDS - SUNSET
The team runs their routine. They fall into line just like they practiced. They tip their hats. Lina wears an intense, concentrated look on her face.
Her brow furrows.
LINA
Run it again.
The charras groan quietly.
Cortes gets up from a lawn chair just outside of the practice ring.
SRA. CORTES
(confused)
Wait, Lina, the last few runs went great! Let's take a break.
LINA
No. We weren't quick enough en la . My turn with Andrea wasn't coladera tight enough - we all need to be
closer together on the perimeter.
Tricia, you need to -
SRA. CORTES
We can go over notes while we all have
some dinner, okay?
LINA
(dismissive)
What? No, if we don't do it now, it won't set in.
SRA. CORTES
Lina, come on, you girls look exhausted. You deserve a break.
HUNGRY CHARRA
Yeah, Lina, let's break I'm starving.
ANDREA
Come on, we're all tired.
TIRED CHARRA
I've got work tomorrow, can't we do this next week?
BORED CHARRA
Pleeease, Lina?
LINA
No we don't get to break!
The team goes quiet.
SRA. CORTES
(shocked, concerned)
Wha - ? Why, Lina?
LINA
(exasperated)
What do you mean, 'why'?! We the lost last competition. This has to be good,
don't you all want this to be good?
Jesus
SRA. CORTES
But it is good, Lina!
LINA
No it's not! I want to be ! perfect
SRA. CORTES
Lina...
LINA
Stop saying my name like that!
SRA. CORTES
Like what?
LINA
Like...like you're...
She doesn't finish her sentence. Lina chokes on her anger and falls silent.
She stares at her hands, white-knuckle gripping Moyote's reigns. She quickly swipes at a traitorous tear dripping out of her eye.
Cortes approaches her side and extends a kind hand.
SRA. CORTES
Come on, let's go inside.
Lina looks at her hand with mild contempt. Her mouth quivers into a frown as she accepts it and slides off of Moyote.
Cortes places a consoling hand on Lina's back and walks her to the house. She nods to Andrea, who leads both her horse and Moyote toward the barn, a concerned look on her face.
INT. CORTES HOUSE KITCHEN - NIGHT
Lina and Cortes sit together at the kitchen table. The yellowish kitchen light makes the night outside appear even darker.
Lina's eyes look everywhere but at Sra. Cortes. Her face is red from struggling to keep back tears. Her deep frown and furrowed brow create tense wrinkles in her dark skin.
SRA. CORTES
(calmly)
Breathe, Lina.
She takes a shuddering breath.
LINA
I'm...sorry.
SRA. CORTES
It's okay, honey. You don't need to apologize. Breathe.
Lina takes another ragged breath.
SRA. CORTES
That's it. You're doing good.
Another breath. Her face relaxes a little.
SRA. CORTES
Why do you think you're not good enough, Lina?
Lina hesitates.
LINA
I don't know.
SRA. CORTES
Is it because of your dad?
LINA
No, um, I don't think so. I don't know, um. I just...um...I don't want
to disappoint him. I don't want to disappoint anyone.
SRA. CORTES
Do you think we're disappointed in you, Lina? Do you really think your
dad wouldn't be proud to see who you are right now?
A choked sob escapes Lina.
Cortes reaches behind her to the kitchen island for a box of tissues. She offers them to Lina, who grabs one.
Lina dries her eyes and nose. She grips the tissue with a shaking hand.
SRA. CORTES
You are so hard on yourself, Lina. Even if you weren't such a talented
charra we'd still be proud of you. You know we love having you around.
Lina is quiet as she takes in Cortes' words.
LINA
I have to - to go.
SRA. CORTES
Now, hang on -
Lina gets up.
LINA
I'm sorry, Sra. Cortes. Um, I'll see you tomorrow.
SRA. CORTES
Hey take some food with you. You need to eat. I have plenty of tamales, here, take some.
Cortes briefly places a hand on her shoulder then moves toward the fridge to grab several foil wrapped tamales.
She places the tamales in Lina's hands and pats her arm.
SRA. CORTES
Why don't you take a break tomorrow? The team and I can do some drills.
LINA
I can't do that. Um. Sorry. I'll see you tomorrow.
SRA. CORTES
Okay, Lina.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - NIGHT
Andrea leans against Lina's car with her bag slung over her shoulder and her arms crossed. She hears Lina's footsteps in the gravel approaching her.
Andrea looks up at her.
ANDREA
Are you leaving us, Lina.
LINA
No.
ANDREA
Are you mad we didn't win.
LINA
No - Andrea, look I'm -
ANDREA
Will you drive me home? I missed my bus.
LINA
I...yeah. Yes.
INT. LINA'S CAR
The pair drive in relative silence, save for Andrea's stiff directions to her house.
They arrive, but Andrea just stays seated in the passenger seat holding her bag in her lap.
They're quiet for a moment.
ANDREA
You aren't the only one on this team, you know, we all care about this. Even
before you were here, we all cared. But you want to be perfect for some
reason and it sucks because no one can live up to your standards. None of us.
Not me. Not you.
LINA
(curt)
Maybe you all just need to raise your standards.
Andrea turns in her seat to look at Lina.
ANDREA
(incredulous)
Seriously, Lina? You treat us like we're shit then fall apart when we
lose and still think we need to get on your level?
LINA
I didn't say that.
ANDREA
Are you even aware of the world around you? Have you not even noticed?
LINA
Noticed what? What are you talking about?
Andrea stares at her, slings her bag over her shoulder, and opens the car door.
ANDREA
Nothing. I'll see you tomorrow.
LINA
Wait -
Andrea has already shut the car door and ran inside.
LINA
Shit. Shit!
She smacks the steering wheel. Her eyebrows furrow and with frustrated tears in her eyes, she drives away.
INT. LINA'S BEDROOM - MORNING
In her bedroom, with the blinds shutting out the morning light, Lina hides, curled up under a pile of blankets. Her phone alarm goes off.
Suddenly she lurches in bed and covers her mouth. She runs to her bathroom just in time, spilling her guts out into the toilet.
LINA
Ugh...
She rests her paled face against the bowl, her alarm still ringing in the background.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - NIGHT
Lina runs drills in the practice arena. She takes Moyote around and around.
Hers and Moyote's breaths are visible in the biting, blue cold of the desert night. Cortes comes out of the ranch house with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders.
SRA. CORTES
Are you doing okay out here, Lina?
Lina pulls Moyote to a stop in front of her.
LINA
Yes. Thank you for letting me come out here, Sra. Cortes.
SRA. CORTES
No problem at all, honey. I'm glad you got some rest today.
LINA
Yeah...
Lina looks away, at nothing. She doesn't resume her exercises.
Cortes steps over the arena planks and walks up to Moyote. She gently pets his gray nose.
SRA. CORTES
Y'know. It's been a while since I've taken a ride up the mountain. Would you like to join me this weekend?
Lina looks back at her.
LINA
Okay.
EXT. MOUNTAIN TRAIL - MORNING
Lina and Cortes make their way through a mountain trail on horseback. The morning light coming through the desert trees lining the trail scatters across their faces.
The view of the ranch, the desert, and the city on the horizon, steadily shrinks as they climb the mountain. Wisps of grass sway with the slight breeze and birds sing among the brush.
Lina lets her eyes close.
LINA
My dad used to take me on rides like this when I was a kid. He was kind of
a nature guy when he wasn't performing.
SRA. CORTES
Oh yeah?
LINA
Yeah. He was fascinated with a lot of things. That's just the kind of person he was.
SRA. CORTES
What do you do when you're not performing?
Lina pauses and smiles a little.
LINA
(sheepish)
You know, it feels like I'm getting asked a lot of questions lately that I
don't have an answer to. I guess I don't really do anything else.
SRA. CORTES
Who would want to? You make escaramuza sound like the best thing in the
world. But everyone needs a break
sometimes, right?
Lina's face falls.
LINA
I don't know. I'm scared, um, that I'll like doing nothing too much and
I'll never want to perform escaramuza ever again. And there's
just too much riding on that.
Cortes hums to herself.
The pair reach a clearing, high up on the side of the mountain. The ranch below them is hazy with the morning mist settling and the headlights of cars - just beginning to set out into the city - glow in the distance.
Lina slides off of Moyote and hits the soft sand under her boots.
She steps toward the edge of the clearing. Cortes comes up next to her and hands her half of an apple. They eat together and watch the sun rise over the valley.
EXT. RANCHO DE CORTES - MORNING
Lina loads Moyote into a trailer attached to the back of her car.
CUT TO:
Lina gathers her saddle gear from the barn and begins walking back toward the car, before she notices Andrea, watching her from the ranch house.
The two standoff on opposite ends of the ranch. Andrea steps off the porch and walks - with her arms crossed in front of her - toward Lina, who drops the saddle gear and goes to meet her in the middle. A metal sculpture towers over the pair.
ANDREA
So you are leaving?
LINA
I'm not leaving the team. I'm just taking a break. Isn't that what
everyone wants me to do?
Andrea looks hurt and holds her arms tighter.
Lina looks around, guiltily.
ANDREA
How long will you be gone?
LINA
I don't know. A couple weeks.
ANDREA
I could come with you If you want.
LINA
No, um, sorry. I think I need to be alone. Besides the team will need you.
ANDREA
Okay, Lina. Whatever you say.
Lina furrows her brow, then shifts her feet.
LINA
Yeah. Um. I'll see you, Andrea.
Andrea steps toward Lina and pulls her into a hug. Lina lets her, then wraps her arms around Andrea.
ANDREA
See you soon.
Her knuckles lightly tap three times on Lina's shoulder. Knock-on-wood.
The two pull apart.
EXT. THE ROAD HOME
Lina drives north on the highway, Moyote in tow behind her.
The desert curls and curves through the mountainous horizon with the flow of sand and highway asphalt, paved by the low beams of distant cars. The sun falls and stretches the shadows of desert brush along the road.
As Lina drives through the night, the desert slowly morphs into lush, green forests, thick with trees that stripe the morning sun.
She pulls onto a dirt road, and arrives at a house tucked away into the trees.
Her mother comes out of the house to hug her daughter.
EXT. GRAVEYARD - MIDDAY
Lina sits alone next to her father's gravesite. It's still adorned with a colorful collection of flowers and gifts from family, friends, and fans.
The grass beneath her is bright green, almost artificially, and a tall tree provides some shade near her father's headstone.
Lina shifts a small bouquet of flowers from hand to hand.
LINA
I'm taking some time off escaramuza. Don't be upset, Papí. It's just something I need to do, I think.
He doesn't respond.
LINA
There's this girl I met. You would've liked her, she's really passionate. I kinda messed up, though.
Silence, again. Lina huffs a breath of air.
After a moment, Lina places the bouquet in front of the headstone, pats the earth that holds her father, and gets up.
MONTAGE
EXT. FOREST TRAIL - DAY
Lina rides Moyote through a forest trail bordered by mossy rocks and rotting tree stumps. Birdcall echoes overhead. The view of a shimmering, crystal lake peers through the cracks of towering pine trees.
EXT. LAKE
Lina drifts on her back in the lake, watching the sky. The gentle waves lap at her face and spread her black hair into a floating halo.
Behind her, Moyote grazes on soft grass by the bank of the river.
INT. BARRERA BARN
A downpour of rain darkens the trees just outside of the barn door. Lina brushes down Moyote, feeds him, and pets his nose.
She moves to sit on an old tire turned on its side and watches the rain come down.
INT. BARRERA HOME - NIGHT
Lina lays on the couch in her mother's living room. Her eyes trace the room.
On the walls, just barely catching the light of the moon, are framed pictures of her father and Lina. In each photo together, they share the same smile, one that scrunches up their eyes and dimples their cheeks. They hold trophies, medals, bouquets of flowers.
One photo sticks out among the others. A young Lina and her father lay on a picnic blanket, in a field shaded by a tree just out of frame, unaware of the camera.
EXT. BARRERA HOME - EARLY MORNING
Lina's mother hugs her just outside the front door, then kisses her cheek.
MOM
Cuídate, mija.
LINA
Okay, Mamí.
EXT. FINAL COMPETITION - DAY
A mustached ANNOUNCER speaks into a microphone behind a white podium.
ANNOUNCER
Y finalmente, presenta las charras del Rancho de Cortes!
The charras ride out into the circular arena, one by one, headed by Andrea and tailed by Rosario. They wear new costumes, deep green dresses embroidered with flowers in yellow, white, and red. The large mounted speakers surrounding them play an upbeat, Mexican folk song as the team begins their performance.
They spin their horses round and round, they weave in and out with each other, they run the perimeter of the arena in a perfect diagonal line, just inches apart from each other.
ANNOUNCER
Yupa!
The crowd cheers as the charras spin around in pairs. In the very front row of the painted white stands, Lina sits with Cortes and Sra. Bella beneath a decorative banner, watching the performance. On the opposite side of the circular arena, a trio of judges lean over their scoring sheets by a large trophy propped up on a table and surrounded by floral wreaths.
The sound of hoof beats on the sand create a steady, synchronized beat, which only stops once the team has moved into their ending position, all in a row, tipping their hats low over their faces, just enough to see the smiles of eight breathless charras.
Lina and Cortes jump up, applauding and cheering on their team.
CUT TO:
Four different teams of charras huddle together as the Announcer receives a card from a competition judge.
ANNOUNCER
Y el ganador es...el Rancho de Cortes!
The team screams with joy, jumping around and hugging each other. A judge carries the trophy over to the girls. Andrea receives it and hoists it in the air as the charras cheer.
LINA
Yes! Oh my god!
SRA. CORTES
They did it! We did it!
Lina leaps out of her seat and jumps the metal fence separating the stands from the arena. She runs towards the team as they get their picture taken.
Andrea sees Lina coming toward them and quickly shoves the heavy trophy into another charra's arms. She takes off running to Lina, laughing and holding on to the back of her sombrero as they meet in the middle of the arena. Lina lifts her off the ground, spinning her in the air. Andrea's dress twirls around them as they come to a stop.
LINA
You were amazing! I'm so proud of you guys!
They pull apart and Andrea looks up at her.
ANDREA
I missed you. How are you?
LINA
Better.
Lina holds Andrea's face in her hands.
LINA
(sincere)
I'm sorry for how I treated you. You were just trying to help me and I should've listened to you.
Andrea nods.
ANDREA
I should've been more clear. I care about you, Lina.
LINA
(sweetly)
It's okay, I know.
Andrea smiles.
ROSARIO
Hey, Lina!
Lina looks up to see Rosario jogging towards them.
ANDREA
You know each other?
LINA
Yeah, we used to be on a team together.
The couple parts as Rosario comes up to them.
LINA
Thanks for coming through for them. I really appreciate it.
ROSARIO
(cheerful)
No problem, I'm glad I could help.
LINA
I really owe you one, Rosario. For how I acted before.
ROSARIO
I'll hold you to it, Lina.
SRA. CORTES
(O.S.)
Girls!
Cortes waves her clanking, bracelet-adorned arms in the air.
SRA. CORTES
Get over here I want a picture with everyone!
Cortes organizes the charras into a cluster, with the trophy in the middle. Andrea pulls Lina over to the group, who buzz with excitement and welcome Lina into their huddle.
A PHOTOGRAPHER ushers them into position. Some girls kneel in front with their hands on the trophy, Cortes hugs the shoulders of two charras, and Lina loops her arm around Andrea's waist.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Sonría!
Lina smiles; her eyes scrunch up and her cheeks dimple. Andrea looks up at her and grins at the sight. The photographer snaps a picture.
PHOTOGRAPHER
Bueno, gracias señoritas!
The group pulls out of their poses.
Andrea reaches up and grabs Lina's face to bring to hers in a sudden kiss. Lina returns it and pulls Andrea closer, making her sombrero fall off her head.
The other charras wolf-whistle and cheer. The remaining audience members clap. The photographer takes another picture of the scene.
INT. RANCH HOUSE - NIGHT
The charras all celebrate their victory in Cortes' kitchen with their families and friends. The party gathers around a huge feast spread across the kitchen table with the trophy as a comical centerpiece. Children run around, people eat and drink, babies sit in laps, and music and laughter fill the room.
EXT. CORTES HOUSE PORCH
A bright moon hangs in the dark, blue sky over the mountains. A breeze shudders over flowers and blows through the gaps in metal sculptures.
Lina and Andrea sit close together on the porch step. Andrea's head rests on Lina's shoulder, and Lina's rests on her.
LINA
Thank you.
ANDREA
For what?
Lina reaches for her hand and entwines their fingers between them.
LINA
Knocking some sense into me. Sticking around. Lots of things.
ANDREA
Hey, come on. You don't have only me to thank. Cortes is here for you too.
LINA
(playful)
Yeah but Cortes doesn't want to kiss me.
ANDREA
(laughing)
Gross.
They're quiet for a moment.
ANDREA
I'm proud of you Lina. It takes a lot of guts to change.
Lina smiles shyly, then turns her head to kiss Andrea.
END