Assistant
INT. RESTAURANT - NIGHT
A group of well-dressed people, including HELEN (40s, sophisticated) and CHARLES McKINNEY (40s, successful businessman) are toasting at a business dinner. Charles raises his glass to make an announcement.
CHARLES
The McKinney Construction Company is expanding.
_(Murmurs of congratulations)_
HELEN
Congratulations, honey.
CHARLES
_(Clears throat)_
As most of you know, my wife, Helen, and I have been separated for some time.
_(Helen's smile fades)_
CHARLES (CONT'D)
In order to fully devote myself to this new phase in my professional life, I have decided to file for divorce.
_(Helen's face goes pale)_
FADE TO BLACK.
>INT. BEAUTY SHOP - DAY
MADEEA, a wisecracking beautician, is styling her latest client, JOE, while gossiping with her coworkers.
MADEEA
_(Fixing Joe's hair)_
So, you say you've got a man that's on the down-low?
JOE
Mm-hm.
MADEEA
Well, honey, you need to be careful. Men like that can't be trusted. They'll string you along and then drop you like a hot potato.
JOE
But he says he loves me.
MADEEA
_scoffs_
Men say a lot of things, honey. Don't believe everything you hear.
_(Joe rolls her eyes.)_
MADEEA (CONT'D)
Now, let's talk about a haircut that'll turn heads and keep 'em guessing.
_(As Madea works on Joe's hair, she notices Helen waiting for service.)_
MADEEA
Well, look who it is. Helen, honey! Sit down, girl. Let me fix you up.
HELEN
_(Grateful)_
Thanks, Madea. I need it.
_(Helen sits down, overcome with emotion)_
MADEEA
_(Noticing Helen's distress)_
What's wrong, honey? You look like you've been put through the wringer.
HELEN
_struggling to speak_
C-C-Charles...He filed for divorce.
_(Madea's eyes widen in sympathy)_
CUT TO BLACK.