Uncommon Magic

Synopsis:  Thelonious Chapman and his family suspect that their neighbors, the Santinos are unique from everyone else.  He receives proof of this when he discovers Viviane’s lawn pigs are alive (but require no food).  He eventually falls in love with Vivi.  Theo's parents don't agree with this arrangement at first but they soon see the union is heaven-sent.  

~*~CAST~*~

Thelonious 'Theo' Chapman:

Patrick Bates:

Idelphia Chapman:

Harold Chapman:

Nigel (the dog):

Viviane 'Vivi" Santino:

Matteo 'Teo' Santino:  (Viv's bro)

Lydia Santino: 

Fernando Santino:  

Pocky (the dog):

Scene 1--Something Different

Theo:  (narrating, we see Theo beginning his day like he does, brushing his teeth, combing his hair, getting dressed and having breakfast before getting his lunch from mom and dad and heading to high school)   Nothing really abnormal going on here.   It's just how the Chapmans exist day after day.   Yet, next door, we recently had some newcomers move in.   (Nothing's Common Place starts to play in the background, instrumental) Unusual occurrences were beginning to happen at the Santino's abode.   I can't really explain what I am seeing or why it is even happening, but considering my inquisitive nature I am definitely going to start doing some detective work as soon as I return from school this very day or my name isn't Thelonious Armand Chapman.  

Idelphia:  You're awfully spirited today, Theo !  What's gotten into you ? 

Harold:  That's what I was going to say, Idelphia !  (they chortle together) 

Theo:  Other than being super psyched that I'm going to be learning about my favorite era in history today, I'm going to be checking out the Santinos.

Harold:  (raising an eyebrow)  Whatever for ?  Being a good neighbor ? Your mother and I already gave them a huge welcoming gift basket. 

Idelphia:  Lydia, Fernando, Vivi and Matt are really generous, gregarious people.   And Pocky is the cutest, sweetest little doggie you ever saw.

Theo:  I was out that day.  Pat and I were tearing it up at the skate park, remember ?

Harold:  Yes.  Luckily you didn't break your leg off and only sprained it.

Theo:  (tries not to laugh)  Hey, I wore my protection.  I'm all healed up now. 

Idelphia:  So, why the drive to venture over into our neighbor's backyard ? 

Theo:  I thought I saw something.  You know, something different !

Harold:  Theo, you've been reading far too many fantasy novels.  

(there's a rather loud honk outside) 

Theo:  The bus's waiting for me !  I'd better jet !  (kisses and hugs his mom and dad farewell)

Harold:  Have a marvelous day at school, son.

Theo:  You know I will !  Laters !

(kisses his mom one last time before he exits)

Idelphia:  He's a good kid, Harold.  Pat's a great influence on him.  If it weren't for Pat, Theo'd never want to venture outside of his room or beyond the realm of video games. 

Harold:  I'm still a bit concerned about this fascination he has with the occult though.  It doesn't sit well with me.  

Idelphia:  It's a phase.  Maybe he'll grow out of it. 

(scene fade) 

Scene 2--Inspector Theo Is On the Case !

Pat:  See you over the weekend ! 

Theo:  Yeah, mos def, Pat.   There's a DDR machine at Silvio's Pizzeria that's got my name all over it.

Pat:  Oh, we'll see about that, my bro.   See ya around !

(rides away on his bicycle) 

Theo: (walking into the Santino's back yard, hearing some squealing)  Sounds like...pigs ? 

Vivi:  (laughing)  Dance, mi pequenos !   (playing lively new wave flamenco on her guitar)  

(The ceramic lawn pigs are dancing perfectly in time, swiveling and swaying their hips in rhythm.)

Theo:  Unreal...How is that even possible ?

Vivi:  (seeing Theo from the corner of the lawn) (screams)

Theo:  (screaming as well, and then they stop simultaneously)  I didn't mean to frighten you.  I just heard the music and I was drawn by it.   Then I saw the dancing lawn pigs...

Vivi:  (a bit rattled and frantic)  You can't let anyone else know. 

If mom and dad knew I used magic frivolously.   Ay, carumba.

Mi boca grande.

Theo:  (even more intrigued)  Magic ?   But magic doesn't exist.

Vivi:  You poor delusional soul.   It truly does, you just don't see it. 

Theo:  I'll keep your secret if you promise me something. 

Vivi:  What's that ?  

Theo:  Let me see more magic in the future.  Legitimate magic, though.  

Vivi:  It'll scare you, though. 

Theo:  I highly doubt it, Miss Santino.

Vivi:  Call me Vivi.   (reaches out her hand to shake his)

Theo:  Vivi.  That's a really lovely name.  (huge, massive grin)  I'm Theo. 

Vivi:  You're the boy next door.   Literally !

Theo:  (Despite himself, he laughs)  Yes, I suppose I am.  You'd better put those pigs back the way they were or others are going to become suspicious.  I don't know how kindly others would take to an enchantress in the burbs !

Vivi:  We've been keeping our talents hidden for thousands of years.

Theo:  Probably better they stayed that way too.  However, I'm sure my parents accept those abilities with open hearts and minds.   I know I certainly do, without one iota of doubt.  (looks at his watch)  Oh, shoot.  My mom and dad will be expecting me, and I have a hungry dog to feed.

Vivi:  Awww !  I bet Pocky would love him.  He's very agreeable. 

Theo:  So is Nigel.  It's all part of him being a Labrador. 

Maybe we could go dog walking someday ?

Vivi:   That would be terrific, Theo.   I'll catch you around then. (with a wave of her hands and an incantation, the pigs are put back in their original spots) 

Theo:  (to himself as he waves goodbye to Vivi) Hopefully infinitely more.  (whistling 'Suddenly' as he walks back home) 

Idelphia:  You're just in time !  I was just beginning to set the table for supper.  

Harold:  We're having our favorite.  (deeply voiced with gusto) Meat loaf !  (rather regally)  Dinner of kings. 

Idelphia:  And rolls, green beans, grapes and finally for dessert; German chocolate cake.

Theo:  What's the occasion ?

Idelphia:  None really, I just love spoiling you two.  

Theo:  It smells delicious.  

Harold:   I'm droolin' my lips off over here, darling ! 

(Nigel begs around the table and there should be ad libs about the dog, just conventional, common chatter that follows logically in such a situation as this.) 

Idelphia:  Did you find anything out about the Santinos ?

Theo:  (remembering his vow to Vivi)  It was just my imagination !

I don't know why I thought they could be wizards.  I let my mind run away with me.  

Harold:  Be happy you are creative even in your age.  It'll keep you from growing old.

Idelphia:  I'd agree with that.   It's not proven on any statistical study, let alone having empirical evidence.   (serving the glamorous repast)  Dinner, she is served ! 

Harold:  Hon, if you keep cooking like this for us, you know we're going to end up gobby fat.  

Idelphia:  I used EVOO, so I doubt that highly. 

Harold: (chortling)  You know I kid, love.  Everything looks fabulous.

Theo:  Everyone dig in ! 

(As the family eats dinner, the scene begins to fade) 

Scene 3--Practical Magic

(On the screen it reads, 'the weekend'. Theo and Patrick are skateboarding in the park while Lemonheads music plays in the background.  All of a sudden Theo misses his chance to land and scrapes up his arm pretty badly.)

Theo:  Ow !  Crap !  

Pat:  Cheesesticks, dude !   That looked painful.

Theo:  Look at my face, man.  I am in pain.  (helps him up, gingerly) 

Pat:  Do you think you'll be up for DDR later at Silvio's despite your injury ?

Theo: (seethes lightly)  I have been through worse, you remember that.  

Pat:  Yeah, you're a tough nut to crack, bro.  (slaps him on the back a little too hard, Theo winces)  Ooof, sorry !  You go ahead, go home and get that seen too.   You might even have sprained it.

Theo:  Doesn't feel like it, thank goodness.   (with zest)  I'm still going to whoop you good when we battle this evening. 

Pat:  Oh, yeah...well, bring it !  

Theo:  Consider it brought, Patrick. 

Pat:  See ya.  

Theo:  (as soon as Pat has left, Theo rushes to Vivi's house and she is alone, dancing to salsa in the kitchen while she makes a huge dinner)  

Viv:  (suddenly startled by him)  Dios mio !  I didn't hear you come in !  If I had a frying pan, I would've smashed your face in with it.

Theo:  (dreamily)  All the more reason to like you, I'd like to think.

(titters a bit girlishly) 

Viv:  (catches sight of his arm) Ay, Chihuahua !  What happened to your arm, Theo ! 

Theo:  When I was out skateboarding with Pat, I face planted and landed crooked on my arm.

Viv:  It's banged up pretty badly...

Pocky: (nuzzling his hand and licking it)

Viv:  He wants to heal your arm, but I can do it myself.  This time, I can legitimately use my powers.  

Theo:  Seems safe enough.   You did make me a promise.

Viv:  (bubbly) And I always keep my word.   

(Returns with a book in her hand)  

Viv:  As you vowed before, you do solemnly swear that what you see, hear and feel will not leave this house ?  

Theo:  Cross my heart, hope to fry, eat ala mode apple pie.   (beams)

With cheese !

Viv:  (chuckles lightly)  Alright.   (they pinky swear)

(starts reciting incantation in Latin and an instrumental version of 'I Like It Like That' plays in the background as he is levitated and his arm heals rapidly)

Viv:  Y voila !

Theo:  Impressive, if I do say so myself.  (pats his own arm) It's as good as new, or better !  Thank you so much !   

Viv:  I need no thanks.  Your smile is payment enough.   Remember, you still owe me a stroll with Pocky.  

Theo:  How could I forget ?  I wouldn't miss it for the world.

(scene shift)

Scene 4--Keeper of Secrets

(The screen reads 'At the Arcade'.  Theo and Pat meet each other and race each other inside, where they begin playing DDR to one of their favorite songs, 'Hummingbird') 

Theo: Aw, yeah !  Who's bad ?  I'm bad ! 

Pat:  You're throwing off my groove, dude.  

Theo:  (Both of them finish with a flourish, but it's clear that Theo won this particular round)  Whew...I worked up a sweat.

Pat:  Same here.   I didn't think you could dance like that after you banged up your arm so bad.  Wait...Your arm ! (gasping)

Theo:  (innocently, and acting oblivious even though he knows his healed arm is noticeable)  What about it ?  

Pat:  What do you mean, what, doofus ?   Your arm is friggin' healed !  

Theo:  (blithely)  Imagine that !   What a coinkidink ! 

Pat:  Stop playing dumb !   You are definitely hiding something from me, and I want to know what it is.

Theo:  Pat, I can't tell you anything.  I swore I'd keep my lips sealed.

Pat:  (raises eyebrow)   Now I gotta know.

Theo:  (exhales sharply)  I'll reveal this tidbit only if you double cross your heart...

Pat:  Fine !  Just tell me already.  The suspense is killing me.

Theo:  My next door neighbor, Vivi Santino healed me using magic.

Pat: (snaps his finger and almost a bit too loudly, which causes some people to gawk at them)  I knew it !   She's like Harry Potter, Wisteria Algood, or Samantha from Bewitched. 

Theo:  (trying not to snicker)  Bewitched ?  I didn't know you watched reruns of TVLand. 

Pat:  You do too, and you also watch Wizards Vs. Aliens, so don't go criticizing my choices in entertainment.  But enough chitchat.  I double cross my heart and hope to die.

Theo:  Splendid.   Shake on it.

(They do their own special 'shake'.  Scene fade.) 

Scene 6--Parents In the Know

(Theo wakes up whistling 'Green Eyed Lady'.) 

Harold:  Someone's awfully happy today.

Theo:  You betcha, pop.   Anything interesting in the paper ?

Harold:  Oh, you know, the usual melancholy, doom and gloom.

Idelphia:  Pish-tosh dear.   There are some stories of goodness in there too.   You just need to know how to ferret them out. 

Harold:  Why so energetic and peppy today, son ?

Theo:  Ah, it's really nothing.   You wouldn't be interested. 

Idelphia:  Jellybean, you know anything in your life is of great value to us.

Theo: (narrating)  The inevitable was about to happen, I just had to brace for it.  (stammers slightly but is bold in his convictions)  I'm going out for my first date with Viviane Santino.

Harold:   Vivi's a dear, sweet young lady.

Idelphia:  Mazel tov, boychick !  You couldn't have made a better decision.

Theo:  (in his mind)  Did my parents just get switched with pods ?  Where are my real parents ?   What alternate universe are they being held prisoner in ?  

Harold:  (pats him on the back)   You enjoy yourself.  Just remember to be home at a reasonable hour.

Idelphia:  Try to make a good impression on her folks.  You never know, we might become in-laws someday ! 

Harold: (lovingly but chiding as well)  Idelphia. Don't frighten the dear lad.  

Idelphia: (kisses his cheek) 

Theo:  (hugs his parents goodbye for the time being)

(Scene change) 

Theo: (narrating)  When I arrived to the Santino's home, they were having a backyard barbeque.   The music was exceptionally contagious and before I knew it, I was dancing with Vivi's dad. 

Fernando:  Hey, muchacho !   Bienviedo a su casa !  

Theo:   Muchas gracias.    Wait...You're not upset that I'm dating your daughter ? 

Fernando:   No !  Why should we be ?

Teo:  Besides, I know one day you're gonna be my big brother.  And when that day comes, it's gonna be awesome. 

Theo:  (blushing a little)  Good to know, and aren't we projecting a wee too much into the future ?

Lydia:  (hugging him close)  Why not ?   It's obvious you and our little Vivi are perfect for each other. 

Fernando:  Besides, we've never seen anyone that Pocky actually abides !

(Pocky comes up to him to lick his hand a bit and Theo pats him on the head) 

Theo:  He and Nigel get along spectacularly.   And comically enough, Nigel typically doesn't like other dogs around him or even in the same territory.   

Lydia:   So, where are you both off to today ? 

Vivi:   We're heading out to the skate park but we're riding bicycles instead.   Later we're going to nab dinner at the local Chinese restaurant. 

Theo:  I brought flowers, too...but since you both hugged me half to death they may be a little...erm...wilted. 

Teo:  Smooth move, bro.   Muy muy suave !

Vivi:   I don't mind if they're a bit bent.   They'll perk up in a vase.

No problem !   (takes the flowers from Theo, kisses his cheek and places them on a vase on the picnic table in the middle of the lawn)

Thank you so much, they're gorgeous.

Theo:  Not half as gorgeous as you are.

Fernando:  This muchacho of yours is definitely a silver tongue. 

Theo:  Mr. Santino, you flatter me.

Fernando:   Call me Nando, son.    Someday, you'll call me dad !  (pats him on the back hard)

Lydia:  You two come back home safely, ok ?  You know we love you,chiquitita. 

Vivi:  Mama !  (embarrassed)  Te amo tambien. 

Theo:  (narrating)  We left without any problem and the date was positively heavenly.    But Vivi let her magic ability escape her slightly.  

(While they're riding back home late at night, Vivi and Theo's bikes begin to levitate and a Latin version of 'Bewitched' plays in the background.) 

Vivi:  (not noticing the bikes levitating, kisses Theo, passionately)

I feel as if we are riding on nothing but air.

Theo:  (nearly freaking out)  Vivi, it's because we are !   Anyway you can get us back down ?

(Quietly and inconspicuously, Idelphia sees Vivi and Theo levitating on their bicycles and motions Harold to the window, who, after seeing this unusual activity, nearly faints.)  

Vivi:   Ay !   Of course...(laughs)  Sorry about that.  I got carried away.  Sometimes when I am not thinking my magic will take on a life of its own.  It's never deleterious or malicious.   But it's always capricious in its way.   (Waves her hand ever so slightly)  No harm done, see ?

('Every Little Thing She Does is Magic' instrumental plays in the background as they touch down.) 

Theo:  You know how to take this fellow's breath away.  Every single time, without fail.   Somehow I simply forget how to breathe.

Vivi:  (leans in to kiss him again)  I'm always glad to return your breath to you.  (giggling)  Thank you for the superb time.  I can't wait to see you again, mi amor. 

Theo:  Yo tambien, mi pequeno flor. 

Vivi:  (riding away after waving goodbye to him) 

Theo:  (narrating)  And suddenly, my world came crashing to what I felt would be a bitter and devastating end. 

Harold: (pulling him into the house)  Thelonious !   We need to have a chat !

Theo:  What now, dad ?  

Idelphia:  It's about Viviane.  

Harold:   Yes, about...her.   We know you love her immensely.

Idelphia:  And it's probably true both of you are inseparable.  Just like magnets. 

Theo:  Yes, that's true.  I think we're soul mates.  

Harold:  Displace any of that from your youthful mind. 

Idelphia:  Surely there are other fish in the sea, peanut.

Harold:   Not for me, mom !   (becoming defiant)

Idelphia:   We forbid you to see her again.

Harold:  We can't have you associating with...those kind of people.

Theo:  (ire starting to build)  You said it yourself that she was a wonderful girl and her family was very congenial.   You both liked her from the moment you met her !   What changed ?  

Harold:  Theo, they're freaks.

Theo:   They're not freaks.   They're wizards.   There's a difference. 

People like this exist to help us understand the unseen world and make more sense of it.   Without them we would be deaf, blind and dumb...

Idelphia:  If you step one foot on the Santino property again, you're no longer our son.

Theo:  (nearly pleading)  Both of you, please.   Just listen would you ?  I'm going to let you meet her.  

Harold:  (almost seething)  Fine.  If that is what you feel will settle our dispute and change our minds. 

Theo:  Just give Vivi a chance.  I'm certain you're going to adore her. 

Idelphia:  (a bit reticent but accepting)  If she makes you so elated, we'll do our best to accommodate her. 

Theo:  (narrating)  It was still a racist response and I could tell both of them were holding back their spite and venom, but somehow everything I prayed would be alright in the end.  

(scene shift)  

Scene 7--Getting to Know You

('Wrapped Around Your Finger' instrumental as Theo escorts Vivi to his house.) 

Vivi:  I'm really anxious about this.   I can't stop my hands from shaking. 

Theo:  (holds her hands)  We'll be brave together, Viv.  

Vivi:  You're a real gem, Theo.   (kisses his cheek gently) 

Theo:   Well then, after you, my beauty.   (opens the door) 

Nigel:  (jumping all over her and licking her)

Vivi:  Nige !  It's good to see you too, buddy !   Awww, such a sweetie ! 

Harold:  (trying to be polite and tolerant and having trouble keeping himself civil)   Welcome to our humble abode, Viviane. 

Idelphia:  Make yourself at home.  We're about to have dinner.  I hope you like taco salad.  

Vivi:  Actually, I adore it.  It smells heavenly, Idelphia.  

Harold:  (trying not to laugh, quietly to himself)  Taco salad...Phtttppphhh.    Totally not PC.  

Idelphia:  (kicks his shin under the table, through gritted teeth) Harold !  Behave. 

Harold:  (winces a little and lightly whimpers)  So, how did you come to meet my son, Viviane ?

Vivi:  (blushing and looking down at her shoes bashfully for a moment)  It was on a random walk.   I know it sounds clichéd, but it was definitely love at first sight.

Theo:   We've been dating for at least a month now, maybe longer.

Vivi:  9 months to be precise. 

Theo:   Vivi's better with dates than I am. 

Idelphia:   (whispering)  She's not horrible at all !  

Harold:  (back at her, very vehemently)  She is an evil witch of the occult...She's cast some sort of enchantment on my son to bend him to her every wicked will...

Idelphia:  Could you two wait just a tick ? (Takes Harold aside from the table to chat with him in another room)

Vivi:  As you like to say...'Oh, snap'. 

Theo:  Couldn't have depicted it better myself, gatita.  

Idelphia:  Our son loves this young lady.   She and he are perfect for each other.   Can't you see that ?  Or are you blind to the obvious ?

Harold:  (trying to maintain manliness but failing)  I'm not.  Just...stubborn.  I don't want to lose our boy.  

Idelphia:  He's not going to be our baby forever, Harold.  We have to let him grow up.  

Harold:  Then, let me be the one to give the blessing.  I...am sorry I have been such a...

Idelphia:  An ass ?

Harold:  I was going to say a jerk, but 'ass' just about sums it up, darling. 

Idelphia:  (approaches him and hugs him, then pats him on the back) 

Harold:  Your mother and I just had a little tet a tet.   I'm...sorry for the way I acted.   I was in the wrong.   I was being overprotective of my only son.

Theo:  Dad, it's fine.  You know I still love you. 

Vivi:  I knew that's what you were doing.   It's ok !   Theo is a gentleman, and he and I are immensely happy.

Theo:  (narrating)  It was from that time on that everything changed and Vivi and I grew closer.   I thought that maybe that would alter my friendship with Pat, but it didn't.  Fairly soon, he was dating and we would all paint the town red as dynamic duos. 

None of us knows where the future but what we have at the present.  Love, friendship, family, and faith.  These are the only constants that truly matter in life.   We simply seize the moments, savor them, and live our lives daily with gusto.   It doesn't get any better than that.  

(A clip show is shown near the end and fireworks going off as Pat, his girlfriend, Matilda, and the Santino family savor another backyard barbeque dancing and singing and simply enjoying life.  'Smooth' plays in the background.) 

('A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That (Game of Love)' plays during the credits, followed by 'Brujo' and ending with 'Magic' from Xanadu.  Dedications and blooper reel for true blue, dedicated fans.)