This is where I'm keeping this for now. IDC if you read, but it's not finished.
Storyline:
Kevin Valor has a solid reputation for being a sporty gay guy, which ultimately masks the fact that he is a homosexual. He fits in fine with the straight crowd, who socially accepts him, but - of course - there are some exceptions. There are several bullies at school that call him names, but after soccer teammate Garret Jones tells them off, they don’t bother him again. Garret convinces Kevin to try out for the soccer team. Kevin makes Varsity and is the starting left defender. Besides soccer, there are other issues at hand. Kevin finds success while battling issues with his abusive (physically and emotionally) boyfriend Brett Schulz.
Brett used to be a fullback for the football team. Halfway through the season, a rumor went around that Tanner Thomas would replace him for the homecoming match against Lake Brantley. Brett felt threatened, so he began to take steroids in order to enhance his performance. While the rumor proved to be false, Brett’s performance increased significantly. His triumphs were published in the PawPrint newspaper. Back then, nobody knew about Kevin’s relationship with Brett, so his publicity had no controversy regarding Kevin’s copyeditor position on the PawPrint staff. Even the Orlando Sentinel picked up on Brett’s success. He won “player of the week”. Even Brett’s muscles were getting significantly bigger. All of the success went to Brett’s head. He developed a smartass attitude with Kevin, which sparked arguments. Brett’s temper got worse, but nothing dangerous happened. In a football game versus Pine Ridge called “Battle of the Bone” Brett lost his temper when a referee flagged him for being offsides. An opponent told him to chill out, so Brett tackled him, which caused a huge brawl. When it settled, the coach yelled furiously at Brett, and told him to leave at once. Brett threw down his helmet and said he quit. The coach said, “Good, and do not come back, because you are an absolute disgrace to our football team.” Kevin went down to the parking lot to try to comfort Brett, but Brett angrily shoved him down to the ground, and told him to “fuck off”.
That incident scarred Kevin. Kevin ignored Brett for a week, until Brett came over Kevin’s house. They talked. Brett didn’t understand why Kevin couldn’t look at him in the eyes. Brett grabbed Kevin by the arms and tried to scare him into talking, but it didn’t work. They argued. Kevin was upset not only about the incident, but for the fact that he kept trying to justify his action rather than admitting he was wrong and apologizing…Brett apologized, but was an asshole about it. Kevin broke up with Brett. That’s when Brett shoved him down to the ground again - but Kevin tripped over a recycling bin and hit his head on a brick. Kevin sobbed. Brett, realizing what he had done, tried to comfort him…but Kevin just laid there and sobbed. Finally, Kevin just got up and ran into the house.
They didn’t talk for three days. Brett threatened to kill himself, because he couldn’t live without Kevin. They talked and made up. Brett cried and sincerely apologized. They went out to see the movie Twilight. They got home, messed around, and Kevin stayed the night. Brett said he’d never hurt Kevin ever again. Kevin made him promise he wouldn’t take the steroids…since they were useless…after all he couldn’t play football anymore. Although Brett said he wanted to be a bodybuilder, he still promised to never take them again. The next day, Brett came out of the closet, and everyone knew about their relationship.
For Brett’s birthday, they went to Island of Adventure. They went home, got settled, showered, and messed around. Brett wanted to take Kevin’s virginity, but Kevin said he wasn’t ready. They discussed it…and Kevin agreed to try it, but it hurt…so he said no. But Brett held him down and forced it in there. Kevin sobbed, but Brett kept going. When he was done, Kevin just laid there…in pain. He wanted to run away, but he was scared to walk. Although Brett held Kevin close as they slept…Kevin just wanted to run.
Kevin wasn’t the same ever since. He had been more quiet. He actually ignored Brett even more…and Kevin isolated himself from everyone. He finally told Gretchen about what had happened. He would have told Avery, but he didn’t want to worry her. Kevin broke up with Brett over text message. Brett tried to talk him up, but about a week went by. Finally they talked about everything in person…Brett wasn’t nice this time. He backed Kevin up against the wall and said if he didn’t take him back, that he’d beat the shit out of him. And if he ever left him, he’d kill him. Kevin said no and walked away, doubting that Brett would actually do it, but Brett grabbed his arm, and punched him in the face. Got on top of him, and punched him over and over again until Kevin surrendered. Brett didn’t want Kevin’s parents to see the mess, so he brought him over to his apartment. Kevin began to feel like a prisoner. From the present, this happened two weeks ago.
Kevin told Avery this when they and Gretchen went out for coffee. They decided that there has to be a way to get rid of him.
That Monday, there was soccer try outs. By Wednesday, Kevin found out that he made Varsity. The success made Kevin feel empowered and confident…and he felt as if something that had been taken away from him…had been given back. Friday night, Brett and Kevin went to Brett’s house…as Brett got ready, Kevin snooped around…and found more steroids…right when Brett walked out, Kevin shut the cabinet door. Brett and Kevin went out to dinner. Kevin wanted to pay for it, but Brett insisted he didn’t. Kevin argued with him about it, but Brett smacked him in the face. Brett asks if Kevin’s gonna break up with him…which reveals that was the real reason why Brett was upset about Kevin wanting to pay. But also…Brett had become a total control freak.
Kevin and Brett got into another fight. Kevin’s approach was different when he argued back…he reminisced about when they met and how perfect things were. And how even through hard times, they tried to fix the problem and go through it. This actually softens Brett up. Kevin does this as he looks for the steroids…he finds it behind the sink. Kevin shows that he is aware that Brett hadn’t stopped. Kevin says, “You promised me…you promised me. You promised me! And it’s no wonder you didn’t stop. It’s no wonder you’ve been a total jack ass. It’s no wonder you fucking -” (Kevin grabs the dishes in the cabinet and throws them at Brett, who actually looks terrified) - “hurt me all of the time. You like it when you pushed me down on the ground? Do you feel my love when I lay there helplessly as you do whatever the fuck you want to me, does it give you even more pleasure to know you get pleasure out of my pain? How does it feel to bleed? How does it feel to hurt? Feel my love, Brett! Can you feel it? Do you love it when I throw things at you, and make you feel small? Imagine feeling like this all the time. Imagine you were a foot shorter than me, imagine that you had no muscle, imagine that you were just like me…weak and pathetic and worthless and nothing. Could you imagine what that is like? Could you imagine laying there, saying no no no, and then the guy you love just forces you into hell? I wasn’t ready, Brett. Dammit, I wasn’t ready. (stops throwing the dishes…and gets down on the knees and sobs). I wasn’t fucking ready. Not just for the fuck…but for all of this…I can’t believe this all of this happened. Why does it have to be this way? Why did you end up like this? These fucking steroids…”
Brett is on the other side of the room in the corner, he’s not bleeding, just taken aback. Kevin says, “Go ahead and fight back…but just promise me something…that if you ever lay another hand on me, just fucking kill me. Just fucking kill me! I hate my life because of the way we turned out…god, I don’t even know how to express how I feel, I feel so fucking empty, I feel so lifeless, I feel like my heart is just imploding into nothing, it feels so dense and tight - and I - I know I’m not making sense, but nothing makes sense anymore. (sobs even more - deep heavy sobs). If I feel so dead inside, then why am I alive? I just want to die…please just kill me. And if you let me live, let me live without you, because I am not strong enough for this anymore.”
(awkward silence)
…Brett just calmly asks Kevin to leave. And Kevin does.
They never talked since then.
…Three months go by…
main events...
Kevin meets Ramon at the mall.
Kevin meets Ryan.
Ryan and Kevin get to know each other.
Brett comes back into the picture...threatens Ryan. Ryan is too nice, so he tries to make peace with Brett AND Kevin. Kevin isn't impressed, so he tells Ryan to get lost because he's a "fucking idiot" and either a dumb bitch or a fake bitch.
Ramon and Kevin meet again...they go out on a date. Since Ramon has nothing to do with the high school social circle, Brett doesn't find out about it.
Ryan makes up lies about how Kevin has a crush on Billy, a redneck.
Word gets around to Kevin, and he clears up the rumor, but it isn't enough to stop what's bound to happen.
Word of a plotted fight against Kevin reached Ramielle, she overheard Ryan gossiping about it. Kevin did see Ramielle slap him in the face. Ramielle tells Kevin not to come to school anymore. Ramielle also tells the adminstrators about it, which gets them in trouble...proof was found over a myspace message. The GSA at the school is shut down, since another rumor went around that there would be "gangsters" waiting to beat all of the gays up. There is actually a school assembly that explains the intolerance of bullying, etc. Since then, the rumors stopped.
A month goes by.
Soccer season is over...Kevin feels like he is at the high of his life...despite all of the conflict, he had found happiness and success. He had found Ramon...who seemed to care for him the right way. At the soccer banquette, Kevin gives a speech to his team, thanking them for their support...and for allowing him to be himself, and do what he loved...regardless of cultural difference. He thanks them for inspiring him, and motivating him to do better...and he says he is most grateful for the strengh they had given him.
Another rumor goes around that not Billy, but a bunch of others, were going to find where Kevin lives and burn his house down. Word goes around that Kevin has little brother and sisters, so that it should not happen, but the fear Kevin feels is inevitable.
He faces a choice...tell his parents about it & they move away, which means he'd lose everything he built at home...or perhaps he should risk the life of his family to keep the success he had attained & the world he had worked for...yet living in a constant state of fear.
He decides to kill himself. And he writes letters to every single meaningful person in his life...and lastly, he writes a letter to his enemy...
CHARACTERS
KEVIN VALOR
MRS. VALOR
AVERY GRACE - kevin’s best friend
MRS. WHITMAN
GRETCHEN ZIMMERMAN
ANTHONY CATANEO
GARRET JONES
MADISON “MADDIE” TAYLOR
NIA ALVAREZ
RAMIELLE KIMURA - ryan’s younger sister
TANNER THOMAS - supposedly was going to replace Brett’s fullback position. Tanner has been a longtime friend to Kevin. Despite the quarrel, Tanner and Kevin maintain friendship.
CHAUNCEY JAMES JOHNSON - black football guy
ASHLEIGH CONROY - kevin’s friend, she is an aspiring journalist, very talkative and outspoken, always trying to find solutions to problems. She is on PawPrint with Kevin.
MR. VALOR
BRETT SCHULZ - kevin’s boyfriend
HALLWAY-REDNECK-BULLY #1
HALLWAY-REDNECK-BULLY #2
RYAN KIMURA - rami’s older brother
RAMON RAMIREZ - hispanic mall guy
Act 1 Scene 1
(SETTING: The Valor family household. It is a two-story Dutch Colonial, a style contrary to the southern Floridian suburb in which they live. This scene takes place upstairs. )
(Opening credits begin. Focus is on an ALARM CLOCK. The time goes from 6:29 to 6:30 in the morning and the radio goes off loudly. The song “I Can Transform Ya” by Chris Brown plays - specifically at his part of the song.
KEVIN lethargically climbs out of bed. He is an attractive young man with short brown hair, a Caucasian’s tan, and his boxers reveal a round bottom. In the front of his boxers, his private area protrudes curiously, clearly revealing that not only is he packing - as most would describe it - but reveals why he is sexually desirable to others. His legs are exceptionally large and muscular, suggesting he is athletic. The upper half of his body is sinewy, but more on the skinny side. He does not have a six pack. It is quite obvious that there is a bruise on his left arm. He goes to his closet to pick out his jeans. He also picks out a blue Aeropostale t-shirt, then goes to his drawers to pick out black boxers.
He tiredly walks out of his room, down the hall, and into left doorway of the bathroom. He leaves the door open (so he can hear the music) and places his clothes on the counter. He turns the shower on. He strips off his boxers and jumps into the shower. There is a full view of him naked, shamelessly, indicating that future events that are presented will be realistic with everything. The image of KEVIN naked highlights how an imperfect body is still beautiful. The bruise on his arm is still very apparent as he showers. The camera shows shots of him washing his body in all areas - the idea here is that everything about the body is beautiful. Since it is a movie, the scene shifts to him getting out of the shower.
The song "Don't Wanna Fight" by Qwote plays next. The camera shows what KEVIN looks like in the mirror - from his point of view. After drying himself with a white towel, he applies deodorant. He puts on his boxers and starts dancing to the song. He puts on his jeans, and then his shirt. He's still dancing. He reaches for the gel, but hesitates upon realizing that the bruise is obvious. It is a sick shade of purple and black as if diseased. That’s when he takes the shirt off and runs out of the bathroom. He returns with a long-sleeve shirt. It is striped horizontally in maroon and white. Gray Aeropostale logo goes down the right side of it vertically. The shirt fits tight perfectly. He gels his hair down and spikes it up in the front. He washes his hands and brushes his teeth. After rinsing the toothbrush, he starts singing to the song. And then, he applies Aeropostale Maximum cologne. He looks at himself in the mirror with a satisfied expression. He takes a mobile picture of himself and sends it to Brett Shulz. The camera follows him back to his room, where he grabs his red binder and laced bag. The credits and music stop here.)
Act 1 Scene 2
(SETTING: The Valor family’s staircase and kitchen.)
(KEVIN walks downstairs and into the kitchen. The sound of the front door opening reaches his ears. ENTER MRS. VALOR. She is a woman of average height, overweight, smooth Caucasian skin with subtle pink shades on her cheeks. She wears casual, lemon-paint-stained brown shorts and a plain teal shirt. She lets out a huge sigh and looks to KEVIN when speaking. At the same time, KEVIN is gathering his lunch and placing such items in a Winn-Dixie bag, which will go in his backpack.)
MRS. VALOR: Well, I just got back from taking Katie, Kelly, and Matt to school. I really don't like doing that because it's the morning. I wish they could just ride their bikes, but I can't let them do that. There's too many freaks in this neighborhood. I don't know what I would ever do if I lost my kids. Did you eat breakfast?
KEVIN: What do you think?
MRS. VALOR: You better have ate something. If you want to make Varsity this year, then you have to eat. You're too skinny. Look at yourself. You need to gain more muscle - like Brett.
KEVIN: Okay, first off, Brett is exceptionally humongous. I'm average. I'm okay with average. It's just the way I am. Brett is too - he's too obsessed with - nevermind, nevermind. I'm not him. I can't be him. And I don't want to be. Besides, I get a stomach ache whenever I eat breakfast anyway. Oh and can you give me a ride to school?
MRS. VALOR: Why don't you go to the gym with Brett? And why are you wearing long sleeves? It's Florida. It's hot outside even for being the morning. You ought to eat breakfast. And you ought to not wear that long sleeve shirt. Go put on another shirt.
KEVIN: Mom!
MRS. VALOR: Fine, do what you want.
KEVIN: Thank you. Well, can you?
MRS. VALOR: I have to get ready for work, so you're going to have to find a ride or drive yourself.
KEVIN: Okay, thanks for that too. Now I'm going to be late, because I have to get gas. Have a good day, bye.
MRS. VALOR: Well, you should've left earlier or woke up earlier - something!
KEVIN: I didn't know it was so hard to drive me to school, considering we live five minutes away from it. What takes you so long? Make-up? Why do you care about make-up anyway? You've got a husband. You don't need to impress anyone.
MRS. VALOR: I want to look good at work, so that I don't embarrass myself in front of my coworkers and students. Well, I have to go get ready. Just be late for school. They'll get over it.
KEVIN: Good thing Mrs. Whitman doesn't write me up for being late so much.
MRS. VALOR: Have a good day at school.
KEVIN: Thanks, you too.
MRS. VALOR (Walking away.) Thanks.
(KEVIN walks out of the door)
Act 1: Scene 3
(SETTING: The gas station)
(KEVIN returns from the counter to pay for the gas. He begins to pump the gas. That’s when he realizes AVERY is behind him. She is tall, not skinny or chubby - just a strong build. She has hardly any breasts, she has skinny arms, and clearly no buttocks. She has a very pretty face though with a prominent jaw-line. She wears a green and white striped shirt that is long sleeved, and makes her appear slender and graceful despite her imperfect body.)
AVERY: Kevin!
KEVIN: Avery!
(She walks stiffly to KEVIN and gives him a hug. He gives her a half-hug since he is pumping the gas with the other hand. When she speaks, there is tons of animation, and she uses a lot of hand gestures.)
AVERY: Oh mylanta! Kevin! How are you? I’ve missed you.
KEVIN: Avery! I’ve missed you too. And I’ve been doing good.
AVERY: That’s good. So I heard that you were trying out for soccer this year? I thought you said you weren’t?
KEVIN: I don’t know, Ave. I want to try out, but…I just don’t. (sighs dejectedly)
AVERY: Well, I think you should try out. I mean, it’s your senior year.
KEVIN: Yeah, but I’m different, you know?
AVERY: Kevin, you’re gay - what the hell does that have to do with soccer? C’mon! There are so many of the guys who asked me if you were going to try out. They want you to play! And besides, you’re not like most of the gay guys. That’s why they like you.
KEVIN: Yeah, you’re right. I just don’t know if I’m good enough. I want to try out, I really do, but I’m just not sure.
AVERY: You really should. Kevin, you’re good at soccer. I’ve been to your games and I saw you kick ass on JV last season. This season you can make Varsity. Just give it your best shot!
KEVIN: (Hesitates) Okay. Okay, Avery, I will.
AVERY: Stay true to yourself. I know you want to try out more than anything…please just do it. I know you, you’ll regret it if you don’t. Plus, you’re Kevin Valor. Everyone knows you do what you want - anything you want - and that you don’t give a shit about what anyone thinks. What’s going on now? Something’s different. Is everything alright?
KEVIN: Yeah. (smiles)
AVERY: That’s not reassuring at all.
KEVIN: Things are a little rocky with Brett and I. That’s about it.
AVERY: (sighs and frowns) Oh, Kev. That really sucks, because everyone knows how much you two love each other…if they didn’t ban gay marriage here, we’d thought you two would marry.
KEVIN: (laughs) Yeah, I couldn’t marry him.
AVERY: Why not?
KEVIN: He’s just a jackass, that’s all.
AVERY: Are you going to break up with him?
KEVIN: I’m thinking about it.
AVERY: Kevin, it has been so long. Last time I talked to you, as far as I knew, you two were swell! And now? (looks very concerned)You seem so depressed. We really need to hang out - we need to catch up. What are you doing on Friday?
KEVIN: I’ve got no plans.
AVERY: How about we go out for coffee at Boston Gourmet?
KEVIN: Sounds good to me. (smiles)
AVERY: Yes! There’s so much we need to catch up on. I hope everything is okay with you. Oh, wow, we are so late! Oh mylanta! And oh - I don't mean to be a spaz, but I gotta go! Kevin, I love you. See you later! (leaves)
(Kevin just nods his head back and forth, laughing.)
Act 1. Scene 4
(Setting: First period. Yearbook class. The room is surrounded by desks, mounted by computers. On the backside, there is a chalkboard. Facing it, you’ll see Mrs. Whitman’s desk to the left. There are four tables in the middle of the room. Every seat is occupied. People at the computers are working. People at the tables are either writing or talking. Mrs. Whitman, however, is standing near the front. She is average height, and wears jeans and a purple t-shirt. She is overweight, but she is slightly thinning out, since she has lost weight. She wears her brown hair back in a pony tail. She is 40 years old, but has the exuberance of a preppy teenager. She has a rather high pitched voice, but not the annoying kind.)
(ENTER KEVIN)
MRS. WHITMAN: (Speaks loudly to make an announcement) For those of you doing senior ads, please make sure you have it done by Friday. If you don’t have it done, I’m going to kill myself!
KEVIN: (To Mrs. Whitman) You’re going to what?
MRS. WHITMAN: (To Kevin) Well, it’s nice of you to join us - (sarcastically) gees, Kevin!
KEVIN: Yeah, just running late.
MRS. WHITMAN: Like that’s anything new! And I’m not really going to kill myself. I’m just joking! But Mrs. Kit, you know, the lady who is in charge of the deadlines and stuff, well she wants senior ads in by Friday. If the deadline has to be extended, then we have to pay extra, and quite honestly…we don’t have the money for that! (Put her hands on her hips and nods with bulging eyes) This yearbook is expensive!
KEVIN: Oh, wow, well…how much is it?
MRS. WHITMAN: 75,000 dollars!
KEVIN: Dayyyum!
MRS. WHITMAN: I’m sayin’! Oh, and they’re actually suppose to have their senior ads done by Wednesday. Then you can look at them and make sure all of the writing is correct. That way, you can tell them what they need to fix, so that everything should be perfect by Friday, but…you know how stupid teenagers are. They love to procrastinate!
(GRETCHEN is sitting at the nearest computer along the wall. She is a pretty girl. She has curly blonde hair and some freckles. While she speaks well in English, it is easy for one to know that she is from Europe.)
GRETCHEN: (smiles) Excuse me, Miss, but I finished mine just now, so Kev, you can check it.
MRS. WHITMAN: Excuse me, Miss Gretchen Zimmerman, did I say you were allowed to talk to me?
GRETCHEN: (Puts her hands up animatedly) I'm just saying, I'm just saying! (Turns to Kevin) Kevin, can you edit this for me?
KEVIN: Sure...anything for you, my nazi friend. (Kevin walks over to the computer, leans over, and begins reading the ad's writing content on the computer screen.)
MRS. WHITMAN: (walks away while speaking in a taunting voice) Ha - ha! Kevin called Gretchen a nazi.
(Gretchen rolls her eyes and laughs)
Act 1. Scene 5
(SETTING: Gretchen's locker in the hallway.)
(GRETCHEN and KEVIN are walking down the hallway.)
KEVIN: Why can't everyone in yearbook class write like you and do what you do?
GRETCHEN: I'm actually one of the few people who actually give a shit.
KEVIN: It's not just that, but you get your shit done on time and you write good. There weren't any errors.
GRETCHEN: Well, technically, it was the parents who did the writing...not me.
KEVIN: I know, but I'm just saying in general.
(GRETCHEN and KEVIN have arrived at Gretchen's locker. Gretchen opens the lock to gather several books.)
GRETCHEN: I hate having to carry three textbooks all at once.
KEVIN: Why don't you just pick them up in between each class?
GRETCHEN: (Sarcastically) Wow, Kev, that's a fantastic idea! I would have never thought of that. (Rolls her eyes.) But I can't do that because all of my classes are on the other side of the campus.
KEVIN: Your sarcasm gets really annoying sometimes.
GRETCHEN: Your stupid questions get annoying sometimes.
KEVIN: You're a bitch. I hate you.
GRETCHEN: Yes, I am a bitch, but I must disagree...you do love me actually.
KEVIN: Indeed.
GRETCHEN: Don't be a hater. (Closes her locker and notices something behind Kevin)
KEVIN: (Looks at Gretchen strangely) What?
GRETCHEN: Anthony Cataneo is totally checking you out.
KEVIN: Oh, Tony? He always does that.
GRETCHEN: Why don't you go out with him?
KEVIN: Because he's (does the quote-gesture) straight.
GRETCHEN: Are you two friends?
KEVIN: Used to be.
(Gretchen and Kevin begin to walk down the hallway)
GRETCHEN: Well, what happened?
(Kevin looks over at Tony. Tony is six feet tall, tan skin, looks Hispanic of some sort, but has enough lightness in his skin to suggest he's Italian. His eye lashes are long, his lips are lush, he wears a light blue Abercrombie shirt that makes his skin look as pure as a model's tone. He's got dark brown hair that is spiked in the front - exactly like Kevin's. The tightness of Tony's shirt emphasizes his toned arms. With arms folded, he's leaning against his locker. Kevin's eyes meet his, and Tony turns his glance in a different direction.)
KEVIN: (Sighs) Absolutely nothing.
GRETCHEN: When you say nothing, it always means something. What happened?
KEVIN: Nothing happened, really.
GRETCHEN: Something happened.
(Tony's baseball friends join him and they lightly punch each other's fists, laughing.)
KEVIN: (Hesitates) Well, we were friends during sophomore year. He'd randomly ask me to hug him sometimes. He'd play if off like he was joking around - he'd be like Kev, give me a hug and then he'd put his arms out. It was cute, yeah, but I always rejected it though, because back then...I was in the closet. I acted like a homophobe. Anyway, one night...after one of my soccer games...he was up in the press box keeping score for the Varsity game. I was on JV that year, so after JV played, Varsity played. It was cold, so I went up to the press box. I was surprised to see him there. We talked for some time. His friend Conner was with him. Everything was all good, but then Tony asked me if I was bisexual. I was so nervous and I would have told him I was, but Conner was there. I couldn't tell him.
GRETCHEN: Did you ever tell him?
KEVIN: No, but he is the main reason why I came out.
GRETCHEN: What do you mean?
(Kevin and Gretchen go through the double doors. They are now outside, walking along a path that leads to a courtyard. They keep walking straight toward a building on the other side.)
KEVIN: Well, I really liked him. And it hurt me so much to know that I had the chance...and totally blew it since I was in the closet. So about two weeks later, I came out of the closet.
GRETCHEN: Does he know?
KEVIN: He should know by now. It was juicy gossip when I came out.
GRETCHEN: That's true. I remember how excited Ramielle was when she told me. She said she wanted you and Ryan to date.
KEVIN: Who is Ryan?
GRETCHEN: Ramielle Kimura's older brother.
KEVIN: I don't know him.
GRETCHEN: Yes, you do! He's on the Varsity cheerleading team.
KEVIN: What does he look like?
GRETCHEN: He's adorable! He's a mix of Asian and Peruvian. I met his mother once. She has the coolest Peruvian accent. She liked my German accent too. Haha!
KEVIN: Oh, okay, I know who you are talking about. I know the face, but not the name. As for his mother? Never seen that woman, ha...
GRETCHEN: Well, now you know the name. So, anyway, about this Tony guy...
KEVIN: Yeah, he should know about me by now.
GRETCHEN: Has he come out to you?
KEVIN: He has, actually.
GRETCHEN: Oh my god! When?
KEVIN: Last year. We were supposed to go to the movies with Avery, who is actually pretty good friends with Tony. Well, he told me he was bi-curious. And then he said he couldn't go. He didn't tell me why, but he told Avery he didn't have any money. I think he was embarrassed to tell me that. It just shows how much he didn't really know me...I don't care about that kind of stuff.
GRETCHEN: Aw, man, that sucks.
KEVIN: Yeah, there's no point in reminiscing about the past. It doesn't change anything. I've accepted the fact that he won't ever have the balls to come out.
GRETCHEN: He seems like the type that wouldn't, but then I could say the same about you.
KEVIN: He has too much of a macho complex I guess. I don't know. I try not to think about it. Well, hey, I gotta go over there, (points to the left) so I will talk to you later.
GRETCHEN: (Hugs Kevin) Okay, my favorite little Jew, I'll see you around.
(The hugging stops.)
KEVIN: Jew, my ass.
Act 1. Scene 6
(SETTING: Second period class. Psychology. There are posters of brain projects all over the room.)
(KEVIN sits in the middle of the classroom. GARRET JONES, a tall young man with a little mess of brown hair yet a handsome face, sits to his left. AVERY sits to his right. In front of Avery, sits MADISON, who has long blonde hair. It is the same shade as Gretchen’s hair. She has bright green eyes and subtle freckles about an inch under her eyes. She has very white teeth when she smiles and always wears bright pink lipstick and eye-shadow that matches her shirt. Today, she wears a green shirt with green eye shadow. She is rather short and skinny, but has big breasts and a booty. She is one of those girls that look as if she’d have no problem finding a guy. NIA ALVEREZ sits in front of Kevin [and to Maddie’s left]. She is average height, Puerto Rican, and has beautifully long brown hair. Her face is kind of like a fish, because of her big lips, but she is still uniquely fascinating. To Nia’s left (and in front of Garret) sits RAMIELLE KIMURA. She is short and seems to carry more of her mother’s Peruvian characteristics. She appears intelligent because she wears glasses, and when she speaks, her articulation and charisma is impeccable. To Garret’s left, TANNER THOMAS sits. He is about 6’4’’ tall and is the chubby kind of buff guy - anyone around him would know that he is a fullback for the football team.)
(GARRET leans over toward KEVIN, who leans over slightly to listen.)
GARRET: Dude…are you trying out?
KEVIN: Yeah.
GARRET: Thank God! I heard you weren’t.
KEVIN: Yeah I changed my mind.
MADDIE: Good, because you kicked ass last season. And you know I’m going to be coming to your games!
AVERY: See, Kevin, I told you people wanted you to try out!
KEVIN: Yeah, I see that. Haha. It’s definitely…reassuring.
TANNER: Yeah, Kevin, you better try out or I’m gonna beat your ass!
KEVIN: Try me. I’ll outrun you. (Smiles)
TANNER: I’d kick your ass any day.
KEVIN: Well, no shit. Take a look at yourself, then take a look at me. At least I’m faster than you though.
TANNER: You can’t be faster than me, because one step that I take is like two or three steps that you take.
KEVIN: Yeah, and I’m still faster than you. Haha.
GARRET: Kevin is pretty fast.
(Ramielle turns around toward Tanner.)
RAMIELLE: Not only that, but Tanner is very slow. My grandma can run faster than him - and she’s dead!
(Garret and Kevin laugh. Tanner pretends to be very angry.)
TANNER: (Leaning toward Ramielle with a mean face.) I’ll take care of you later.
RAMIELLE: (Smiles innocently) You’re cute when you’re angry.
TANNER: (Sits back with his arms folded and speaks confidently.) Psh, I’m always cute.
RAMIELLE: But not when you’re cocky. (Smiles)
NIA: Ouch!
GARRET: Burn!
KEVIN: Dude, how do you put up with that? You can’t tolerate that. She owes you for that one…looks like she’s got her work cut out tonight, huh?
TANNER: Oh, she’s gonna be doing some homework tonight, that’s for sure. (Winks at Ramielle.)
(Ramielle laughs and turns around.)
TEACHER: What are you talking about? Ramielle always does her homework!
TANNER: And you know she does! Ha! Ha!
(Everyone laughs hysterically while the teacher looks extremely confused.)
Act 1. Scene 7
(Setting: The courtyard. This is where the cliques gather. There are the rednecks, the emo-kids, the skaters, the losers, the ghetto, the football team, Puerto Rico, and then there’s the preps, which consists of anyone who has a good amount of money or dresses nice. The latter is Kevin’s clique.)
(KEVIN, AVERY, GRETCHEN, GARRET, MADISON, NIA, RAMIELLE, TANNER, CHAUNCEY JAMES JOHNSON, and ASHLEIGH CONROY crowd around in a big group. CHAUNCEY is as tall as Tanner, but is ripped. He dresses like a white boy does and has a very deep voice. ASHLEIGH is average height, skinny, and has shiny black hair that goes down to her bosoms. She talks in a stereotypical preppy girl voice.)
TANNER: Friday is my birthday, so come to my party!
ASHLEIGH: Um, Tanner, don’t you have a football game or something?
TANNER: Nope. This week is a by-week.
ASHLEIGH: What’s a by-week?
TANNER: It means we weren’t scheduled to have a game this week.
NIA: Don’t you guys have practice?
TANNER: Yeah, but the party doesn’t start until 7PM anyway. Hey, everyone, the party starts at 7PM!
NIA: Your parents don’t care?
TANNER: Nah, my parents are mad cool. They understand it’s my eighteenth birthday. They told me to do whatever I want, but to make sure everyone had a safe ride home.
NIA: Well, that’s cool.
CHAUNCEY: Yo, Tanner, if I get wasted off mah ass, would you let me crash at yo place?
NIA: Aye, Chauncey!
CHAUNCEY: Sup, Nia.
TANNER: Sure, no problem. We have a guest bedroom upstairs, but please…don’t do anything stupid.
CHAUNCEY: Alright, cool. Thanks bra.
GARRET: Yeah, Tanner, if I’m wasted can I sleep on your couch?
TANNER: It’s no problem. You two are like my brothers. Try not to get too wasted though, because if it gets too out of control, then I need help getting everyone out.
RAMIELLE: You’re a big guy, I’m sure if you got angry, then they’d leave.
TANNER: I thought I was cute when I was angry?
RAMIELLE: Oh, good point. Then just smile at them. Creep them out, maybe then they’ll leave…
TANNER: You’re staying the night on Friday.
RAMIELLE: Oh am I?
TANNER: You are. You owe me.
RAMIELLE: I don’t owe you!
TANNER: You sure do, because you’ve been so mean to me!
RAMIELLE: Toughen up, tough guy.
(TANNER scoops RAMIELLE up in his arms and holds her tight. Then he kisses her on the cheek.)
RAMIELLE: Put me down! (laughs)
TANNER: (Puts Ramielle down.) Alright, babe, we gotta go to class. (He leans down and kisses her. RAMIELLE kisses him back.)
(TANNER and RAMIELLE leave for class)
GARRET: Aw, what cute lovebirds.
NIA: They’re mad cute.
GARRET: Funny how you have the biggest guy in the whole school with the smallest girl in the Junior class.
NIA: That is kind of weird, but I like my guys to be taller. It makes me feel more safe and secure.
GARRET: No comment. (Turns around and talks to Chauncey)
NIA: Haha. Kevin, you know what I mean.
KEVIN: What?
NIA: You like your guys to be taller than you?
KEVIN: Well, yeah.
NIA: Are you still with Brett?
KEVIN: Yep…
NIA: Are you the boy or the girl in the relationship?
KEVIN: Ha…well, it’s equal. We’re just two guys in a relationship. There’s no girl and there’s no guy. There’s just the master and the bitch.
NIA: Whoa, so you’re the bitch?
KEVIN: Well, take a look at Brett…it’s expected.
NIA: Well that’s true. I can’t believe he’s gay. He’s so hot…and he was one of the star players on the football team…quite a temper tantrum he threw that one night, huh?
KEVIN: Yeah…
NIA: Were you two going out back then?
KEVIN: Yeah, we had been going out for about six months at that point.
NIA: How long has it been as of now?
KEVIN: Eight months.
(NIA and KEVIN begin walking to class.)
NIA: Are you going to Tanner’s party?
KEVIN: Yeah…I just have to go out with Avery. We’re going out for coffee and to catch up on stuff. Afterwards, we’ll probably go. I have to come up with a good lie though.
NIA: Lie about what?
KEVIN: Well, Brett hates Tanner…
NIA: How come?
KEVIN: When Brett threw his temper tantrum at the game that one night, the coach kicked him off of the team. Tanner replaced Brett, so he’s pissed.
NIA: That’s retarded. It’s his own dumb fault for losing his temper.
KEVIN: Exactly.
NIA: Why are you wearing long sleeves anyway?
KEVIN: I like this shirt.
NIA: He seems like the abusive kind of boyfriend. Does he hit you?
KEVIN: Nia! No! He would never do that!
NIA: Sorry, but he seemed like a madman when he freaked out the night. It was ridiculous. I’m sorry if I’m being nosy, but you’re my friend, and I do think about stuff like this.
KEVIN: It’s understandable. He was just mad that night.
NIA: I did the same thing when I was going out with my ex…
KEVIN: What are you saying?
NIA: I’m not stupid, Kevin. You need to break up with him. About two weeks ago, I saw a bruise on your forehead. Make-up can’t cover that! And plus you were absent the day before. I went through the same exact thing. You can’t seriously tell me that he doesn’t hit you…when he clearly does.
KEVIN: (sounding aggravated.) Niiiaaa! He doesn’t! I fell down the stairs.
NIA: Kevin, I said the same damn thing, and my house isn’t even two-story.
KEVIN: Then that’s just horrible lying on your part.
NIA: Speaking of lying, why do you need to lie about going to Tanner’s party?
KEVIN: Brett will get mad.
NIA: So what if he gets mad? You’re just scared he’s going to hit you. Kevin, you need to get rid of him. And honestly I don’t care if I’m pissing you off right now, because it’s the truth. You need someone to kick you in the ass and tell you what to do with your life. He’s not good for you. Ugh.
KEVIN: Can we just drop this topic?
NIA: (Sighs) Sure. It’s just hard…because I know. I’ve been through the same damn thing.
KEVIN: Drop it?
NIA: You know what? No. I’m not dropping it. I’ve been there and done it, and if you don’t want to listen to me, then it’s whatever - it’s whatever! If you get yourself hurt over and over again, then it’s your own damn fault, because you let it happen.
KEVIN: Wow, Nia, I really don’t want to talk to you right now. This is absurd. (Walks a different way.)
NIA: (Shouting.) We’re in the same damn class, stupid ass, I don’t where the hell you’re going! But if you don’t want to talk to me, then it isn’t my problem! Not anymore. And you know what, I apologize, yeah, I apologize for giving a damn about you!
Act 1. Scene 8
(SETTING: 7th period. PawPrint - class for the school newspaper. The arrangement is the exact same from first period, since it is the same classroom, except there are different people. MRS. WHITMAN is at her desk. ASHLEIGH and KEVIN are sitting at the table nearest to the teacher’s desk.)
KEVIN: (Sighs) Don’t you just love newspaper class…
ASHLEIGH: Kevin, something’s wrong.
KEVIN: (Looks miserable.) What? Nah, I’m just tired.
ASHLEIGH: (Looks suspicious.) If you say so.
KEVIN: (Hesitates.) I have to go out and ask people survey questions. Do you want to come with me?
ASHLEIGH: Sure.
KEVIN: (To MRS. WHITMAN) Hey, Mrs. Whitman.
MRS. WHITMAN: Yes?
ASHLEIGH: We’re going out to ask survey questions.
MRS. WHITMAN: (Shrugs her shoulders.) Alright.
(KEVIN gathers a folder and a paper with question-answers on it, marked by tallies. ASHLEIGH grabs her red notebook. KEVIN and ASHLEIGH walk to the front of the room, and sign the sign-out sheet on the counter.)
MRS. WHITMAN: (Speaking loudly across the room.) But hey, Ashleigh - and you too, Kevin - don’t get yourselves in trouble. If you do get in trouble, then as far as I’m concerned, I don’t know you ‘cause, well, we all know how both of you always misbehave. I’m getting really tired of it.
(KEVIN and ASHLEIGH laugh.)
MRS. WHITMAN: I’m tired of looking at you two. Get out of here! (Smiles and laughs.) You know I’m kidding! See you later!
Act 1. Scene 9
(SETTING: The courtyard.)
ASHLEIGH: So why is Nia mad at you?
KEVIN: She thinks Brett abuses me.
ASHLEIGH: Why on earth would she think that?
KEVIN: Well, he freaked out over a call at one of his football games. He made such a fool of himself that the coach kicked him off of the team. When he freaked out like a maniac, Nia saw…and so from there, she thinks he’s an abusive boyfriend.
ASHLEIGH: Does he abuse you?
KEVIN: Of course not!
ASHLEIGH: (Looks puzzled.) It’s not like Nia to just make random accusations. Are you sure, Kev? If you ever need anyone to talk to, I’m here for you. You know, when I was little, my dad would - well, lets just say I know what abuse is like. It’s a different kind of abuse, but it’s not as unusual as you think - if you need someone to talk to -
KEVIN: He doesn’t hit me!
ASHLEIGH: I never said he hit you.
KEVIN: That’s what Nia said.
ASHLEIGH: Oh… (Still looks puzzled.)
KEVIN: (Sighs.) Well, I still have to ask two more people if I want to get to 100.
ASHLEIGH: (Points over to their left.) You should ask that guy, he’s a cutie!
(ENTER TONY.)
KEVIN: (Realizes the person she’s pointing at is Tony.) Oh, no, I can’t ask him.
ASHLEIGH: Why not?
KEVIN: I can’t.
ASHLEIGH: If you’re too shy, then I’ll ask him! (Grabs the paper from Kevin and pulls out a pen from her pocket) Alright. (To TONY) Hey, you!
TONY: Me?
ASHLEIGH: Yeah, you!
TONY: What’s up? (Notices KEVIN and looks at Ashleigh instantly.)
ASHLEIGH: Can I ask you a survey question?
TONY: (Looks back at KEVIN, who is scratching his head and walking the other way.) Sure. (Looks a bit confused and lets out a deep sigh.)
ASHLEIGH: (Looks puzzled. Hesitates.) You ready?
TONY: Yeah, so what’s the question. (Clearly looks a bit frustrated.)
ASHLEIGH: What do you think is the best way to heal a broken heart?
TONY: (Rolls his eyes.) Wow…
ASHLEIGH: (Looks frustrated and puzzled.) I’m sorry, did you not want to answer this question?
TONY: (Surprised.) Oh, no! It’s cool.
ASHLEIGH: (Gives a dirty look.) Are you sure?
TONY: Positive. (His eyes are looking for KEVIN, who is now out of site.)
ASHLEIGH: (Rolls her eyes.) I don’t know how Kevin does this.
TONY: What about Kevin?
ASHLEIGH: You know Kevin?
TONY: No.
ASHLEIGH: But you know his name.
TONY: We used to be friends back in sophomore year.
ASHLEIGH: Oh.
TONY: Yeah, we don’t talk anymore.
ASHLEIGH: Hmm. Well, I’m sorry about that - or hey - wait - why don’t you talk anymore?
TONY: (Hesitates and looks thoughtful.) Uh, well, you see…
ASHLEIGH: (Looks at him attentively.) Well, what?
TONY: We just didn’t have any classes together. We drifted.
ASHLEIGH: Oh, okay, well that makes sense. Anyway!
TONY: Yeah, sorry about that.
ASHLEIGH: No, it’s fine, nothing to be sorry about. So here is the question. What is the best way to heal a broken heart? (Hesitates.) A. Take a break from all romantic pursuits. The heart needs to heal on its own.
TONY: Hmm.
ASHLEIGH: Or B. The only way the heart can heal is if you fall in love with someone else, perhaps as a replacement or an improvement.
TONY: No, not that one.
ASHLEIGH: Or, lastly, C. The broken heart can only be fixed by the one who broke it. Perhaps a second chance is needed or some kind of ideal closure.
TONY: (Still looking around for Kevin.) Uh, yeah, that one. C. Yeah, C for sure. (Sighs quietly.)
ASHLEIGH: (Looks puzzled.) Interesting choice.
TONY: Why…what did you put?
ASHLEIGH: A.
TONY: That’s the ideal, but the reality is B or C.
ASHLEIGH: That’s an interesting point of view, but I disagree. I think B is clearly a no-no. As for C? There’s no point in going back to someone who broke your heart.
TONY: You probably didn’t love the person in the first place.
ASHLEIGH: Um, I’ve never been in love, honey.
TONY: Ha, then how is your opinion valid? You don’t know what you’re talking about. (Laughs with a charming smile.)
ASHLEIGH: (Looks indignant.) Well, excuse me! I do know what I’m talking about! Psh, wow, well, screw you, asshole! (Gives him the middle finger and walks away.)
TONY: (Taken aback.) Well, excuse me. I was just joking.
ASHLEIGH: (Still flicking him off.) Whatever, asshole!
TONY: (Mutters with his hands on his hips.) I can’t stand bitches…
Act 1. Scene 10
(SETTING: The hallway that leads to Mrs. Whitman’s room. They are walking.)
ASHLEIGH: I’ve never been so insulted ever in my journalism career!
KEVIN: Ashleigh, it’s really not that big of a deal. And stop…you’re still in school. It’s not a career yet.
ASHLEIGH: It might as well be! We write so many god damn stories for every issue, it’s like work, it’s not like class.
KEVIN: Class means work! It’s just the way it is. And we can’t help that we’re short staffed…we just have to deal with it.
ASHLEIGH: (Bitterly.) I don’t know what I’m talking about? Fuck him!
KEVIN: He probably didn’t mean it like that.
ASHLEIGH: Who are you to say when you ditched me there!
KEVIN: Ugh. You’re such a drama queen.
ASHLEIGH: Drama queen!
KEVIN: You are totally overreacting!
ASHLEIGH: Ugh! Excuse -
(KEVIN stops ASHLEIGH.)
KEVIN: Ashleigh! Shut the fuck up for ten seconds, will you? Okay, lets pretend that Tony really is a total asshole and totally had every intention in the world of degrading you. Yeah, so you want to not only be a journalist when you grow up, but you want to be editor in chief? Well, guess what, Ashleigh, you’re going to have to deal with bitches. There are going to be days when you ask a person on the street a question…and they totally ignore you! It happens. You just have to stop being a bitch about it, and just fucking deal with it. You want to interview the president of the United States? Do you think he will want to be interviewed by you, knowing that you cussed out Miley Cyrus or something? Come on, Ashleigh, wake up and smell the coffee! Shit happens, you can’t take it personally - it’s just part of the job! (Hesitates) And Tony is a great guy! I know he didn’t mean it like that, so stop making it out to be something that it isn’t.
(ASHLEIGH looks utterly speechless, backing away, and running off three seconds later.)
KEVIN: Ashleigh…
(ASHLEIGH runs out of the double doors. KEVIN rolls his eyes and turns around and literally walks into TONY.)
KEVIN: Whoa, I’m sorry!
TONY: It’s cool, it’s cool.
KEVIN: Hey - uh - did you hear all of that.
TONY: (Nods and smiles.) Uh, yeah.
KEVIN: Sorry about that…I heard about what happened…and…I know you didn’t mean it like that.
TONY: Well, I kind of did. She was rude…rolling her eyes, getting an attitude with me, and looking at me like I’m an idiot. I can’t stand girls - err - bitches.
KEVIN: Ashleigh is a good person at heart, but…she definitely has her moments.
TONY: I don’t like her. She’s a bitch, plain and simple.
KEVIN: So where are you off to?
TONY: Skipping. (Looks rather embarrassed.)
KEVIN: How come?
TONY: I hate art class.
KEVIN: (Laughs.) I’m taking that class right now - well, I’m taking Drawing class. It’s easy. It’s impossible to get less than a B if you do a neat job…even if you’re not the most creative person in the world.
TONY: See, the thing is, I’m just terrible at art. (Smiles.)
KEVIN: Well, you’re good at baseball…how’s that going?
TONY: Pretty good. We’re dead even at five wins and five losses.
KEVIN: Do you guys think you’ll pull out a winning record? Actually, can I just write all of this down for an interview? You’ll be in the newspaper.
TONY: Yeah, I’d much rather be interviewed by you…rather than that dumb bitch. Oh, my bad, I know she’s your friend and all.
KEVIN: Ha, but as you observed, she’s pissed at me right now.
TONY: I think you made her cry.
KEVIN: Oh well. The truth hurts.
TONY: (Punches Kevin in the arm.) You’re a little pink aren’t you?
KEVIN: Ouch! (Recovers while grabbing his arm with notebook and pen still in hand.) Little?
TONY: Yeah, little. And I didn’t even punch you that hard. (Laughs)
KEVIN: I know, I just have a bruise there - but hey I can pull down my pants right now and prove you wrong.
TONY: I don’t think that’s school appropriate. Ha! But what happened to your arm?
KEVIN: (Sighs and smiles.) Nothing. So, tell me, Anthony Cataneo, what is your position?
TONY: Pitcher.
KEVIN: (Writes.) Indeed. (Smirks.)
TONY: (Laughs.) Dude, you’re sick.
KEVIN: Insane in the membrane! Do you think you guys will have a winning record?
TONY: Well, we already played the two toughest teams twice.
KEVIN: (Writes.) Alliteration king, I bow to you.
TONY: You like getting down on your knees, bitch.
KEVIN: Haha. Tony, where have you been all of my life. It’s been too long…I’ve missed your pervertedness.
TONY: Yeah, it has been a while.
KEVIN: You are quite the poet too, you know.
TONY: Aye, I’m not bad at English! I’m in honors and I have a B.
KEVIN: That’s good. Alright, so continue about baseball, por favor…
TONY: Oh, right. Well, we played Deland and Spruce Creek. Deland beat us 6-4 and then 5-4. Spruce Creek beat us 7-2 and then 10-3. Those were our toughest games.
KEVIN: (Writes.) So the teams you are playing are going to be easier than Deland and Spruce Creek?
TONY: Yes sir…all of the other teams are easy. The only reason Pine Ridge beat us was because I had to go to Italy for a week…my grandfather’s funeral. I don’t mean that as if I’m the only man on the team, but my absence left the team without a pitcher.
KEVIN: (Writes.) Oh, man, I’m sorry about your loss.
TONY: (Shrugs.) I didn’t really know the guy to tell you the truth. My mother was heartbroken though, but it was her father, so yeah…
KEVIN: I understand. So it is fair to assume that since you are back, Varsity has their pitcher back, and everyone should expect there to be wins?
TONY: Yeah, that’s right.
KEVIN: Can you put that into your words?
TONY: Sure. Since I’m back, the Varsity has their pitcher. And since the rest of the teams we play aren’t hard to beat, everyone should expect us to win the rest of our games and come out with a winning record. (Hesitates.) We should at least place third in the district, so that will qualify us for competing in the District Cup tournament if we do succeed, and we will.
KEVIN: (Writes rather sloppily.) Okay, honestly, I get the idea of what you’re saying. I won’t remember your exact words, but the same message will be conveyed in the writing.
TONY: Cool, well, thanks for interviewing me. (Punches KEVIN’S arm.)
KEVIN: Awe! That hurts, man, not cool.
TONY: Oh, my bad. Haha. And you play soccer! I’ve seen you play, you’re a tough guy. Is that how you hurt yourself?
KEVIN: Yeah.
TONY: Are you trying out?
KEVIN: Yeah, for sure!
TONY: Cool. Oh, and are you gonna go to Tanner’s birthday party on Friday?
KEVIN: You bet.
TONY: Awesome, so I’ll see you there.
KEVIN: Alright, see you then.
(TONY puts out his hand for brotherly handshake, KEVIN joins him. They clasp hands and pull together, patting each other on the back, but it seems more like a hug - a clear, mutual attempt to feel one another.)
KEVIN: See ya…
(KEVIN pulls away first and starts walking back to class.)
TONY: (Begins walking the other way.) Later.
(Both smile as they walk away.)
~
~
~
~
Act 2. Scene 1
(ASHLEIGH and GRETCHEN are walking to the student-parking lot.)
GRETCHEN: Was your day as dull as mine?
ASHLEIGH: Very dull, but seventh period was interesting!
GRETCHEN: Please, do tell.
ASHLEIGH: Kevin and I were walking around the school - we were doing interviews. I told him to ask this guy, whose name was Tony.
GRETCHEN: Tony?
ASHLEIGH: Yes.
GRETCHEN: Tony Cataneo?
ASHLEIGH: You know him too?
GRETCHEN: Not really, but I’ve heard about him.
ASHLEIGH: Hmm. Well, he’s a real asshole, I’ll tell you that much.
GRETCHEN: Oh…that sucks.
ASHLEIGH: Well, Kevin was too chicken to talk to the guy, so I talked to him…a real smartass. Anyway, he kept looking around for Kevin. I said something about Kevin and he was all interested. It was very weird. Don’t you think that’s weird? Kevin was afraid to talk to him, but Tony was clearly fascinated. Hmm…I wonder if they had a thing. What do you think?
GRETCHEN: (Seems caught off guard, but regains composure.) I don’t think so. Tony is definitely straight.
ASHLEIGH: Really, you think so?
GRETCHEN: Mhm. So anyway, I guess I better head to my car.
(ENTER AVERY.)
ASHLEIGH: I think you know something, but you’re not telling me.
GRETCHEN: (Walking away.) I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, honestly.
AVERY: What are you two talking about?
GRETCHEN: (Farther away than before.) Hey, Ave! I have to go, so I will see you tomorrow.
AVERY: (Yelling across the lot with a big smile.) Oh, okay! Hey, I will see you tomorrow then! Bye! (Turns to ASHLEIGH, who looks annoyed.) Hey, Ash, what’s wrong?
ASHLEIGH: (Sulks.) Ugh, nothing!
AVERY: Well don’t get an attitude with me! Just tell me what’s wrong.
(AVERY and ASHLEIGH start walking to Ashleigh’s car.)
ASHLEIGH: Like ugh, seventh period, this asshole named Tony was a total jackass.
AVERY: Really? What did this Tony guy say?
ASHLEIGH: We were talking about heartbreak - it had to do with Kevin’s interview question - and he told me I had no idea what I was talking about. Like oh my god, I’ve never been so insulted in my journalism career.
AVERY: (Sincerely concerned.) Oh Ash, don’t worry about it. There’s always going to be a jerk here and there. Just don’t let it bother you! You’re an amazing person.
ASHLEIGH: (Clearly not satisfied with her response.) Well, that was just really rude, so whatever, he can go jack off for all I care.
AVERY: Ashleigh, stop it. Come on now…just shake it off.
ASHLEIGH: Shake it off? (Looks indignant.)
AVERY: Okay, um, it looks like you’re having a really bad day, so maybe you should just be left alone until you cool down? I don’t mean it in a mean way, but you are very heated and…maybe you just need time to chill? (Looks worried.)
ASHLEIGH: No, no, no! Everything is fine! I am just mad, that’s all. So anyway, I asked Gretchen about that Tony guy, because he clearly likes Kevin. (Opens up the backseat and puts her bag there.) I think they had a thing together. Kevin didn’t want to talk to him though…isn’t that a bit strange? (Gets in the driver’s seat)
AVERY: (Gets in the passenger’s seat.) What are you saying?
ASHLEIGH: That Tony kid obviously likes Kevin. (Starts the car.)
AVERY: Oh, really? I thought they didn’t talk anymore!
ASHLEIGH: (Pulls out of the park space and drives.) Hmm, so you do know about it, huh?
AVERY: (Realizing she just fucked up.) Know about what?
ASHLEIGH: Kevin and Tony?
AVERY: What about them?
ASHLEIGH: Don’t play stupid.
AVERY: Ashleigh, what are you talking about?
ASHLEIGH: Kevin and Tony like each other!
AVERY: So?
ASHLEIGH: So? So you know about it!
AVERY: They don’t like each other!
ASHLEIGH: How do you know?
AVERY: I’m Kevin’s best friend!
ASHLEIGH: Did he like Tony?
AVERY: I don’t know.
ASHLEIGH: That’s fucking bullshit.
AVERY: (Taken aback.) You know what, can you please just stop the car?
ASHLEIGH: Why?
AVERY: You are acting like a maniac.
ASHLEIGH: What do you mean? I’m not a maniac!
AVERY: I don’t appreciate the way you’re talking to me! You’re just being rude.
ASHLEIGH: Wow, Avery, I thought you were my friend. It’s pretty fucked up how you know I’ve had such a shitty day and then you’re going to call me a maniac and rude?
AVERY: What the fuck is wrong with you?
ASHLEIGH: (Slams on the brakes. The car behind them honks their horn and swerves into the left lane.) What do you mean what the fuck is wrong with me?
AVERY: You know what, no, I’m getting out. I can’t deal with this. You’re acting like a child. And if I find out you said a god damn word about Tony and Kevin, I swear on my life, I will break your jaw and rip off your tongue - yeah, you bet there won’t be any way for you to ever talk shit about people ever again.
ASHLEIGH: Talk shit?
AVERY: Yeah, you’re a total drama queen!
ASHLEIGH: That’s the second time I heard that today!
AVERY: It’s true, and I’m over it. So why don’t you go get your little tiara, yeah, you gotta go do that, so why don’t we call it a day? Shall we? (Steps out and slams the door shut.)
ASHLEIGH: (Rolls down the window.) Take it back!
AVERY: (Was walking away, but stops and returns to the door, talking in the window.) Let me make one thing perfectly clear to you. You are meddling in the wrong business. Kevin’s business is his business and not yours. You talk way too much, that’s why nobody tells you anything.
ASHLEIGH: Maybe I wouldn’t meddle if people would just straight up tell me!
AVERY: No, because you always have to tell someone, because you’ve got nothing better to talk about. (Walks away, but turns back around.) Oh and one more thing, it really pisses me off how you think you can manipulate me into saying stuff to you. That is low and I have no tolerance for that. Fuck that! You knew I knew something, and you know it wasn’t my place to tell you, and still you - you - but you know what, I was stupid enough to fall for it, so you know what, I’ll tell you this, I don’t want to be friends, because you’re a stupid fake bitch, and I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole school knows about Kevin and Tony by next week.
ASHLEIGH: So they do have a thing?
AVERY: Oh my - ugh - Ashleigh! You’re so fucking stupid! (Hits her fist on the trunk.) And thank you for the ride, but I would rather walk to my house for an hour rather than to spend another minute with you - yelling, manipulating, and talking shit about shit you don’t even…know shit about!
(AVERY LEAVES. ASHLEIGH sits back in her seat, shell-shocked, and begins to cry.)
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